50 Best Outdoor Christmas Decoration Ideas

In this life-affirming front door display, luxe home company Serena & Lily bypassed pine wreaths and garlands in favor of all things magnolia instead. The leaves’ brown-orange underbellies contrast remarkably well with their glossy green fronts—creating a scene that’s elevated yet homey.

In this outdoor bar scene, courtesy of Serena & Lily, a pine cone wreath takes center stage—with the rattan elements underneath playing supporting roles. If you live in a warm climate (jealous), consider hosting a well-oiled holiday get-together outdoors—wreath and bow included.

Your windows deserve a little Christmas-related attention, so what better way to grant them that than with some festive window swags? The one seen lining this particular window goes hand in hand with the wreaths, nearby conifer, and similarly hued front door. We appreciate a color-coordinated moment!

Surprising flashes of red in a space work to boost its overall appeal, or so the viral unexpected red theory states. Tune into this folk wisdom in a minimalist way, by adding tiny red bows to the greenery standing on your front porch. Better yet if your window frames are red too!

When decorator Cyndy Aldred prepares for the holidays, she likes to surround her stoop with small evergreens in large natural baskets, bringing in texture and a forest feel. “When I create Christmas garlands and wreaths, I always start with a strong base of faux greenery, and then I work in organic elements like magnolia branches, large sugar pine cones, pine branches, and bundles of juniper berries,” she says. By mixing together the faux and the real, Christmas decor will last longer and look fresher.

You don’t have to ditch alfresco dining come wintertime—just make sure you have a fire going and plenty of warm blankets. Interior designer Kara Williams also suggests including lots of warm light and old-timey elements for ambience. “I love to add vintage touches like old sleds, buckets with Christmas trees in them, and vintage signs,” she says. Adding all of that to cart, ASAP!

If your home has double doors, this is the perfect opportunity to double up on wreaths: exactly what designer Young Huh did in this inspiring visual. She also created a festive atmosphere through draped garlands and evergreen-filled planters galore.

Oversize decorations take Christmas to a new level. These bulbs beautifully fill up the space and give a dramatic pop of color. In the back, the nutcrackers are ready to welcome all your friends and family.

Wreaths, garlands, trees, bulbs, lights—this house, as featured in a Pottery Barn catalog, has it all! Follow suit and keep things classic, with a red-and-green color palette and garlands wrapped around your porch columns.

Nothing screams Christmas like reindeers. Treat your entryway to an enchanted forest vibe by decorating the doorsteps with these beautiful critters from Ballard Designs.

If you think it’s time to pack up the patio furniture, think again. With the right touches (aided by a firepit or heat lamps, of course) your outdoor lounge can become your own après ski paradise. Seasonal decorator Kara Williams loves to add hints of red in the pillows, blankets, and decor to make it look even more festive. “I chose a Christmas plaid theme here, which I love,” she tells us. Williams also set up a hot cocoa bar to keep guests warm (bonus points if it’s spiked!).

Create your very own winter wonderland—snow optional!—akin to this stunning tableau by Emily Henderson. The mix of lush garland, a pint-sized tree, and a bunch of leafy greens is idyllic without being ever going overboard.

Turn your front door into a cool ski chalet, just like Emily Henderson did here. The abstract wreath, geometric lanterns, and sleek wooden ski set give this front porch a truly modern touch. The best part? Since this arrangement isn’t over-the-top Christmas, you can leave it up all winter long.

“Making Christmas look a little different is something I strive for,” says paint and color expert Annie Sloan, who also founded Chalk Paint. “Mixing the traditional with the unusual makes you take a second look.” We’re surely taking second (and third!) looks at her bright yellow front door, decked out for the holidays. Move over, red and green—there’s a new cool kid on the block.

“A table set with a sheepskin on every chair and a thick plaid wool throw on the back of every seat, plus plenty of garlands and candlelight, can make even the coldest December day feel warm and bright,” designer Allison Babcock shares. Essentially, make sure your guests are well taken care of during your outdoor Christmas fete… to the point of not wanting to leave. Ever.

The holidays don’t happen every day, so why not pile on the accessories (in a classy way)? Chicago-based designer Joy Williams packed on the festive fripperies with poinsettia plants and gilded trees. Rounding out the look are ribbons and ornaments on the topiaries.