Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

5 outdoor Christmas decorations that will make your house stand out

These outdoor holiday decorations will be the talk of the neighborhood

christmas front door and porch decorations
2mmedia / Adobe Stock

The holidays are almost here, and that means it’s time to Ho-Ho-Ho your way into some serious outdoor Christmas decorations. If you’re a die-hard Christmas enthusiast, it’s been a long year waiting for the festive season, and you don’t have to hold back anymore. Now is the time to treat yourself by finding some new holiday decor for the outside of your home that makes it really stand out from the crowd.

house exterior with christmas lights display
Fotomicar / Shutterstock

Our favorite festive outdoor Christmas decorations

Many festive designers concentrate their efforts on decorating the inside of the house, which makes sense given it’s a season of hosting friends and family for holiday events. That being said, the exterior of your home can benefit from more than just a string of lights. To take your outdoors to the next level, check out some of our favorite yard decorations for this season!

Recommended Videos

1. Outdoor topiaries

We’re obsessed with these colorful outdoor topiaries from Grandin Road. They make such a statement and work perfectly in a corner by themselves or as a pair book ending your front door.

We recommend investing in these pieces because:

  • The whimsical color and design remind us of a holiday storefront
  • They are handpainted and weatherproof
  • You can weigh down two of the sections with sand so it doesn’t tip or move
  • The pieces make a statement standing alone, but can also add color when set inside large topiaries

2. Santa’s sleigh

Spread joy this Christmas by giving passersby the classic image of Santa in his sleigh. This understated silhouette option from Pottery Barn sells for $199, and it’s a quick and easy way to add a little whimsy to your design.

  • The metal yard is durable enough to survive the harsh conditions of the season
  • The piece is easy to install with enclosed yard stakes
  • It’s lead and latex-free, making it family and animal safe

3. Yard deer

Don’t worry, these aren’t the plastic yard deer you’re used to seeing in classic family holiday movies. We love the antique look of these Montresor Deer from Ballard Designs. They range in price from $229 to $359 depending on which size you choose.

  • The vintage, weathered finish looks elegant and sophisticated
  • There are three styles to choose from, including fawn, sitting, and standing
  • Tie a red or plaid ribbon around their necks for added effect
  • The pieces are lightweight and easily moveable

4. Christmas bubble light

Hammacher Schlemmer is paying homage to the original Christmas light that has adorned many a family Christmas tree — the bubble light. This four-foot, $150 version is meant for the outdoors and is sure to be the talk of the neighborhood.

  • Anything nostalgic is a holiday season win
  • The light is complete with 115 twinkling red, green, and white LED lights
  • It has two metal stakes for easy installation

5. Oversized gingerbread men

Another amazing Grandin Road find, this set of three oversized gingerbread men is an adorable addition to your porch or other covered outdoor structure. The classic and well-known cookie-cutter design will melt hearts and bring about the nostalgic memory of the classic gingerbread cookie. These elegant and timeless pieces come in either a classic silver color or a lovely copper tone that compliments a rustic Christmas decor for your outdoor space.

  • A classic, chic design for the elegant outdoor space
  • The feet are flat so they are sturdy when placed
  • Includes fabric bows and faux greenery to place around necks

All these options are easy to install and bring the joy of the season to any home’s outdoor space. Be sure to adhere to safety practices for outdoor Christmas decorating and, to protect your investment and your design, ensure every pieces is properly secured so they don’t break or blow away in the blustery winter weather.

Julie Scagell
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
10 incredible backyard privacy ideas that don’t require a lot of work
Get some peaceful outdoor time without breaking the bank
Backyard patio with pavers, plants, and furniture

As spring turns into summer, you're probably excited to start using your perfectly designed outdoor space. Part of enjoying the backyard is being able to enjoy some privacy as we eat, entertain, work, and lounge. If you're like many who have close neighbors or live in joined housing, you may be looking for new ways to add privacy elements to your outdoor space. The good news is that there are tons of backyard privacy ideas you can implement with relative ease — and they don't cost an arm and a leg. Not only that, but they can also enhance your backyard design with additional pops of color, texture, and interest.

Here are 10 simple ideas to give you some inspiration before your next backyard event!
Backyard privacy ideas for larger spaces

Read more
9 stellar front porch design ideas that will give you major house envy
These Instagram-worthy front porch ideas can help you boost your curb appeal
Porch swing with pillows on it and small table in front

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner, and that means changing up your front porch to welcome in the seasons. There are so many fun and unique ways to decorate your front porch, and it's a way to immediately transform the look of your home. It also helps welcome guests into your home and gives them a sense of your own personal style. If you're looking for some inspiration, look no further than Instagram to give you some fresh new front porch ideas.

Some styles work better than others, depending on how much space you have, but we picked nine that we think will kick-start your imagination.
What are the different types of porches?

Read more
Read this before you install an outdoor kitchen
These ideas will help inspire your next home improvement project
Small outdoor kitchen on a patio

It's springtime and time to remodel. One of the most popular remodels is the addition of an outdoor kitchen. If you’re among those considering upgrading your backyard space, it’s essential to first do your homework and research specifics such as the cost of your kitchen, the amount of space needed, and any electric or plumbing considerations. While it may sound like a big undertaking, constructing your outdoor kitchen is easier than you might think. With these few tips, you'll create a space that's sure to be the talk of the whole neighborhood.
Choosing the right setup

When it comes to outdoor kitchens, choosing the correct setup is crucial. Whether you want a grill and prep station, a wet bar and wood-fired pizza oven, or a full-out kitchen with refrigerators and stoves, it’s essential to pick a type that works for you. The decision comes down to three main choices: moveable, prefabricated, or custom.
Moveable
A moveable setup is perfect if you don’t have a ton of space or don’t want to invest a lot of money in this project. To begin, all you need is a portable gas or charcoal grill and a rolling cart with shelves. These compact additions are easy to maneuver and store, plus, you can take both with you if you move. Basically, you can't go wrong with portable prep tables, and they can double as side tables when you're not cooking.
Prefab
The prefab option is the typical all-in-one setup, including a 5-foot island with a tile counter, drop-in gas grill, and cupboard doors to hide the propane tank. From there, you can usually customize your design by adding additional pieces such as a fridge, oven, sink, wine cooler, and more.
Custom
Whether you make it a DIY project or hire professionals, custom outdoor kitchens offer the most flexibility but definitely cost the most. The possibilities are pretty much limitless, with many upgraded setups, including smart appliances, extra storage, extensive lighting, and additional counter space. Custom designs also allow you to match the outdoor kitchen with the interior of the home or patio decor for a more cohesive design.
Choosing the style

Read more