There’s nothing better than wandering through a neighbourhood full of festive lights and decorations on a crisp December evening. But recreating that magic outside your own home can feel a little daunting. No one wants to be balancing on a ladder only to discover they don’t have enough lights or the right fixtures to finish the job. Fortunately, here at Christow, we’re experts in outdoor Christmas décor – so read on to discover seven simple ways to decorate outside your home this Christmas.
Before You Hang a Single Light, Make a Plan
Take a good look at the outside of your home and think about the spaces you have to work with. Is there a porch crying out for a garland, a balcony that would sparkle with some colourful string lights, or perhaps a pathway that could use some illumination to guide guests to your door?
Next, take a rough measurement of any areas where you’ll be hanging or laying lights. It doesn’t need to be exact, and most smartphones have built-in measuring apps that can quickly give you the distance between two points.
Finally, consider how your decorations will be powered and secured safely. Items with power cables will need to be plugged into an IP66 weatherproof socket or an indoor socket. Outdoor-safe, battery-powered products can be placed almost anywhere, giving you plenty of flexibility. Make sure any fixtures you use can support the weight of your decorations, and always secure items at multiple points to help them withstand high winds.
Once your plan is in place, it’s time to start picking out your festive pieces and get creative!
Light Up Your Home’s Best Features with String Lights
A great starting point for any outdoor display is string lights. Use them to highlight your home’s architectural features: frame your porch, run them along the roof guttering, or wrap them around a balcony railing. This instantly helps your home stand out and adds a welcoming glow.
All our string lights are suitable for outdoor use (as long as they’re plugged into an IP66-rated or indoor socket) and include a handy built-in timer. We recommend setting them to turn on around 4pm and off six hours later at 10pm – perfect for saving energy and keeping the neighbours happy.
Guide the Way with Decorative Path Lights
If you have a driveway or a path leading to your front door, decorative path lights are a wonderful way to guide guests to your home. Simply choose your favourite style and push them into soft ground using the provided stakes. For longer driveways, we recommend buying multiple packs to light the full route. No pathway? No problem – these lights also look fantastic in flower beds or window boxes.
Create a Warm Welcome with Garlands and Wreaths
Wreaths and garlands are a timeless classic that instantly bring festive charm to your front door. Drape a garland around your doorframe or porch pillars and add a matching wreath to the centre of your door. You can weave battery-powered lights into your foliage or opt for a pre-lit design for an extra touch of sparkle.
Add a Touch of Magic with Pre-Lit Trees
Continuing the natural theme, pre-lit trees are a stylish way to add a touch of greenery and glow to your outdoor décor. Our 90cm pre-lit trees, or smaller 60cm mini trees, look beautiful placed either side of your door, paired with a wreath and garland. Alternatively, try one of our twig or micro-LED trees in your garden to create a unique festive focal point.
Make a Statement with Rope Lights and Silhouettes
For something a little different, our freestanding reindeer lights are a fun and eye-catching addition to any winter garden. They’re easy to assemble and secure with the included ground stakes.
Our rope light collection also includes festive silhouettes—perfect for attaching to an exterior wall. Available in a range of colours and shapes, they’re an effortless way to turn the front of your home into a beacon of Christmas cheer.
Don’t Forget the Windows
A window light, such as a curtain light, hanging micro-LED decoration, or candle bridge, looks beautiful from both inside and out. You can attach them using screw-in hooks or self-adhesive picture hooks on the inside of your windows. This is perfect for apartments without access to exterior walls.
With a little planning and the right decorations, you can transform the outside of your home into a warm, inviting winter wonderland that spreads festive cheer to everyone who passes by.
