Looking for outdoor christmas lights ideas that go beyond a strand along the roof? Think glowing candy canes, little potted trees and a porch full of hanging lights.
There’s plenty to choose from here, whether you like classic white lights or a little red and green.
You can keep it simple or go all out. A few pictures show indoor decorations or unlit accents to adapt.
Use outdoor-rated lights and decorations for anything you place outside.
Christmas lighting ideas worth saving
glowing rooflines and little trees
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous white-light display. I love the bright roof peaks and the little cone-shaped trees lined up across the snowy yard.
If you want to try a smaller version, pair a lighted roof edge with a cluster of glowing trees beside your front steps.
a simple trunk wrap
Don’t want to decorate every branch? No problem! This close-up shows a green light cord winding around a tree trunk, with space between each turn.
The bulbs aren’t lit here, but you can see the wrapping pattern clearly. Keep your own wrap loose enough that it doesn’t constrict the trunk.
sparkling garden borders
How pretty is this? Little golden-white lights cover the low greenery beside the lawn, while the taller trees stay mostly dark.
Try following the shape of your planting beds instead of decorating the whole yard. I’d leave the lawn clear, just like this.
red ornaments overhead
I am obsessed with these oversized red ornaments. The greenery above them and the glowing hanging lanterns make this porch so festive.
There’s plenty happening below too, with red chair cushions and decorated wreaths. For a smaller porch, try one hanging ornament arrangement rather than filling the entire ceiling.
Read also: 20 Fall Window Decor Ideas With Leaves, Pumpkins and Pretty Lights
one bright window star
If you are looking for one decoration that stands out, this bright five-point star is for you. It’s being positioned at an open window, with its points glowing against the dark view outside.
For your own version, choose a star made for its intended location and hang it securely where it can be seen through the glass.
red and green path lights
The alternating red and green lights are so cute in this snowy border. Even the posts glow, with patches of color showing on the snow around their bases.
Try the same alternating colors along one side of your walkway. Keep the lights and cords outside the walking area.
golden icicles and snowflakes
If you are looking for an all-out display, then this one is for you. Golden lights hang in dense rows from the roof edges, with glowing snowflakes and round decorations above the front door.
I especially love that decorated entry arch. You could borrow just that part if a whole-house display feels like too much.
a glowing reindeer accent
How adorable is this lighted reindeer? The tall antlers and little collar are my favorite details.
It stands beside a fireplace with lighted greenery along the mantel.
To borrow the look for your porch, choose a reindeer specifically rated for outdoor use.
a canopy of patio lights
This patio may just be one of my favorites here. I love the rows of bulbs overhead and the red plaid pillows below.
The decorated tree in the corner makes it feel especially Christmassy.
If you already have patio string lights, try adding red bows and greenery around the windows to bring the holiday look together.
one oversized lighted wreath
Don’t want to add bows or colorful ornaments? No problem there!
This oversized wreath has just greenery and golden-white lights against the pale double doors.
Read also: 19+ Stunning Natural Christmas Decorations That Cost Nothing
I’d keep this one simple. The little lights tucked throughout the branches are pretty enough on their own.
cascading lights on porch columns
I love these little strands falling from the greenery above the columns. They look so pretty beside the white posts and deep red bows.
Try shorter hanging strands near the tops of your columns if you want this look. The lighted greenery along the railing is another lovely detail to borrow.
red accents in the branches
This is another tree-lighting idea, but it’s a little different from the simple trunk wrap. White lights wind around the trunk and spread into the branches, with red lights scattered through the crown.
The loose swags along the back fence are worth saving too. They give you another option if you’d rather skip the taller branches.
a giant candy cane border
The candy cane fans are going to love this! Oversized red-and-white canes stand beside the pavement, with smaller lights dotted along the ground.
Try a short row beside your front path if you want that same playful look. I’d keep the nearby shrubs in white lights so the stripes get all the attention.
hanging snowflakes and gold stars
How cute are these hanging snowflakes? The white shapes and gold stars stretch across the porch, while a little lighted tree sits beside the door.
Read also: 20 Christmas Cookie Decorating Ideas With Snowflakes, Trees and Cute Details
The porch lantern adds a lovely glow above the entry. Pair hanging decorations with a lighted potted tree if you want to follow this combination.
a lighted garden arch
Don’t want to add traditional Christmas figures? This leafy arch is a lovely alternative.
Small lights follow the uprights and the greenery overhead.
For a Christmas touch, try adding a red bow near the top without covering all those pretty leaves.
a curtain of little lights
I am obsessed with this little porch full of lights. Long vertical strands hang around the seating area, with more lights overhead and across the greenery on the railing.
The pale trees and red pillows are so cute together. Try a single curtain of lights along one side if you want a less filled-in version.
red and white present towers
These present towers are adorable, especially the mix of stripes, dots and diamond patterns. The matching stacks frame the dark front door.
The presents aren’t visibly lit, but they’re a cute accent to borrow. Pair outdoor-suitable present decorations with a lighted doorway garland for your own Christmas display.
fence lights and lanterns
If you are looking for something understated, this one is for you. A strand of round bulbs dips between the fence posts above a lighted shrub and a pair of lanterns.
Try adding a red bow to the shrub’s pot for a small Christmas touch. You don’t have to decorate the entire fence.
large outlined stars
These overlapping stars have such a pretty shape. Tiny white lights follow the dark outlines, with larger and smaller stars mixed together inside this garage.
I’d keep that mix of sizes for a porch version. Choose outdoor-rated stars and secure them at different heights, with cords kept clear of the walkway.
little trees in matching pots
Last but definitely not least, we have these lovely potted trees. I love the sparse branches with just a scattering of lights.
The matching ribbed pots look so good side by side.
Pair a taller tree with a shorter one to try this arrangement. You don’t need ornaments or a topper to follow this simple look.
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Frida