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Christmas Garden Ideas for a Jolly Outdoor Space

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One of the highlights of the Christmas holiday is every corner of the home dresses up for this festivity. The halls are decked, trees are perfectly trimmed, and the fire pits are glowing bright – the neighbourhood has never been this jolly.

And your garden should be no exception! Turn the atmosphere of your outdoor magical and lively, and light it with enthusiasm.

With our Christmas garden decoration ideas, Santa would definitely stop first in your house! Check them out and get inspired to give your backyard a major Christmas curb appeal.

Let’s dive into our naughty or nice, I  mean, stylish and fun outdoor holiday decorating list!

1. Light up the trees

This time of the year is the perfect excuse to do some major makeover to your trees. For one, adding Christmas lights and making them the centre of attraction of your garden during this festive celebration.

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View of Christmas trees in the garden
Image Credit: Geograph UK

2. Log cabin holiday retreat

Log cabins can be used in a lot of different ways, and a holiday retreat is definitely one of them! Introduce the Christmassy spirit to your cabin and make it a place that offers comfort, warmth, and relaxation.

Christmas-themed log cabin nook
Image Credit: Pexels

3. Container garden wonderland

Don’t settle for the drab greys and browns of fall and winter. Instead, create a Christmas-themed container garden. Use evergreen sprigs, colourful twigs, and dried perennials to achieve that winter wonderland vibe.

Christmas wreath hanging on a door
Image Credit: Pexels

4. Make your own Christmas pedestal

If you have an extra and unused birdbath, why not transform it into a wintertime focal point? Take inspiration from this DIY pedestal.

Add evergreen bows and a massive red ornament to make your once-forlorn birdbath come to life again.

5. Combine ice structures with lights

Clear ice and lights always make a perfect and magical combination. With shortened winter days, garden lighting can make a difference, illuminating your garden.

Have a look at this twig structure ice crystallised by lights.

Clear ice snowball reflecting the Christmas light
Image Credit: Pixnio

6. Winter wonderland fire pit experience

Save your family get-together around the fire pit after a snowy day. Make sure the paths aren’t slippery so you and your family can go to the yard pit safely. Add chairs with enough blankets; cups of cocoa drink and a bunch of marshmallows for s’mores!

Burning bonfire in winter forest in twilight
Image Credit: Pexels

7. Wreaths on the lamp posts

Lamp posts make a great addition to gardens and as extra features for your Christmas wonderland. Tie Christmas wreaths and red ribbons on them to ensure they’re well-dressed for the season.

Close-up, lantern in front of the door with Christmas wreath
Image Credit: Flickr, Marco Verch Professional Photographer

8. Grace your patio

This patio indeed gets a full holiday decorating treatment! The outdoor fireplace has trees with whimsical Spanish moss on and a large wreath.

Just by looking at it, it gives you the feeling of the way to the world of Narnia.

A person playing a decorated piano with garlands and Christmas lights
Image Credit: Pexels

9. DIY wood pallet trees

Get creative and make use of your old pallets that have been stockpiled in your shed. This do-it-yourself Christmas tree project is relatively easy to make. Decorate it with marquee lights to make them look great all season long!

10. Hang some birdseed ornament

Birdseed ornaments are a great decoration that doubles as a practical addition to the garden. They sure look pretty, and pretty enough for goldfinches to fly around your yard, as well.

Bird seed ornaments
Image Credit: Flickr, Heather Katsoulis

11. Display the garlands on the fences

Garlands work well to spruce up your garden gates and fences. Let long lengths of garlands drape slightly between the fence and posts. Add ribbons or other flashes of colour to coordinate with your Christmas garden concept.

Wooden fence decorated with garlands and red Christmas ornaments
Image Credit: Flickr, Tracy Hunter

12. Garden pathway with starlight stakes

Pathways should also comply with your Christmas garden dress code. Adding starlight stakes, a.k.a. bright balls of lights will do the trick!

They provide a pop of colours and are perfect for height placement.

13. Christmas lights on arbour

Welcome your family and guests with a well-lit and glimmering arbour. Hanging Christmas lights can create a glittering scene and a bright motif that will draw attention to your yard.

14. Red and green simple patio setup

This patio incorporates the colours of Christmas in a seamless, simple way. The decor combines merry hues using Christmas-themed cushions and blankets, small ornaments, and fairy lights.

A small fire pit is also placed in the centre for warmth and cosiness.

Large nutcracker patio displays
Image Credit: Pxhere

15. Summer staple upgrades

Who says you can’t have two wreaths? And don’t store away your Adirondack chair this winter, instead throw a plaid blanket over it.

16. The natural beauty of ice wreaths

Speaking of wreaths, how about making one made of actual ice? Offering a natural-looking and wintery decor, this is such a unique piece to have in your garden.

This ice wreath suspends cranberries, apple slices, and a few evergreen needles in the air.

17. Outdoor hay bale Christmas tree

Who would’ve thought that hay bales can be used as decorations? Pile them up to form a tree structure and use colourful lights and galvanised stars as decors. Or simply decorate however you like!

18. Display a sled

Antiques never fail to add charm in garden spaces, regardless the season is. If you have an old sled lying around, lean it against the wall next to your patio or outbuilding’s door this holiday.

It would look magnificent if you could add some pile of snow around it and a few more Christmas decorations.

19. Wrap your columns

Columns often look ordinary and homeowners never bother adding decorations on them. But this holiday season, it’s time to break that habit; wrap them up with garlands and lights to blend into your winter wonderland getup.

Shiny golden baubles and garland hanging on Christmas tree
Image Credit: Pexels

20. Go for natural materials

Simple, festive, and homely come to mind when describing this front porch. The highlight of this natural Christmas concept is the moss- and lichen-covered twigs wreath that hangs on the seaweed coloured door.

21. Christmas table setup

If the weather outside isn’t frightful, invite your loved ones to dine in the garden and have the best Christmassy alfresco experience. Decorate the dining table with warm elements and enjoy a cosy fireside dinner complete with scarves and hot cocoa!

Brown acorn near clear long stem wine glass
Image Credit: Pexels

22. Oversized garden ornaments

Christmas balls usually come in small sizes, mainly as tree decorations. Until someone decided to make the size 100 times bigger, and voila! Giant ornaments began to occupy many garden spaces – and this is a sign for you to join the bandwagon.

A large snowman beside a Christmas tree
Image Credit: Pexels

23. Faux snowballs

Whether it’s snowing in your region or not, experience a white Christmas with this adorable craft, a.k.a. faux snowballs. Put them in a basket – and who knows? Santa might be your first customer!

A person wearing knitted gloves holding a snow
Image Credit: Pexels

24. Hot cocoa bar

Treat your family, guests, and even your neighbourhood with some hot cup of cocoa. Place the cocoa bar in your open garden space or on your front porch.

Serve the hot drinks to the folks and have a simple and warm festive celebration.

White ceramic mug with hot cocoa
Image Credit: Pexels

25. Al fresco dining in greenhouse

Greenhouses make an ideal sanctuary for the plants, but it also can be a space for outdoor entertainment. Just like this converted greenhouse into an alfresco dining area for the holiday.

The evergreens, lights and candles complete the look of the space. What a perfect place to have dinner with your loved ones on Christmas eve, indeed!

Person pouring wine on glass
Image Credit: Pexels

26. Christmas balls topiary

Large ornaments and a wooden dowel make for this creative and gorgeous topiary. For the bottom part, prepare small Christmas balls and a round foam ball.

Add a few pine pieces for natural charm, as well as lighting for a decorative touch.

27. Santa’s mailbox

Of course, how can we forget about Santa this holiday season? Make gift-giving more fun with a “Letters to Santa” mailbox. 

Let your kids write and send their Christmas wishes, and give Mr. Claus a hand to receive what they’ve asked for. Best to put it in the backyard near a garden room or in the front garden near the entrance.

Christmas themed Santa mailbox
Image Credit: WikiMedia Commons

28. Christmassy outdoor fireplace

A simple decoration piece like garlands is enough to bring a touch to the festive season. This outdoor fireplace makes an excellent example.

It’s decked with a garland with a bowl of red fruits near it for a colour pop.

29. Don’t forget your garage

When looking for garage or carport design ideas, you don’t want yours to be out of the theme for Christmas. Hanging garlands with a wreath and a few ornaments will do the trick. 

Or put a wreath on your car if it’s parked in front of your home.

30. Bring the present outside

We’re not talking about the actual presents here, but faux ones as decorative pieces. Presents under an indoor tree are overrated, so this year let your patio or porch get in on the action.

Use old shoe boxes or chocolate tin cans as alternatives and wrap them to look like real presents!

Christmas presents on the floor with lantern candle
Image Credit: Pix4free

31. Twinkling stars in paths

When talking about Christmas lighting ideas, stars are one of the favourites. Symbolising the star of Bethlehem, installing a few in your path will bring the nativity feel.

After all, nothing tops a well-lit lawn with telltale twinkling stars this season.

32. Opt for a faux snowman display

The best thing about faux snowman displays is they don’t melt, making them a perfect addition to your Christmas garden setup. Paired with an artificial tree, both are perfect if you want to keep them on display longer.

4 LED snowman front yard display
Image Credit: Flickr, cobalt123

33. Poinsettia as a floral focal point

Poinsettias are known for their red and green foliage, a favourite Christmas floral. With star-shaped leaf bracts, they also have become known as ‘Christmas stars’.

Put a display on your patio, in vases for your dining table set up, or anywhere in your garden to create a focal point.

Christmas themed garden pathway lined with bright Poinsettia
Image Credit: Flickr, Choo Yut Shing

34. Shed exterior makeover

Your garden building shouldn’t be overlooked this Christmas, especially the exterior. Let it glow, hang a festive wreath, break out the big red ribbon, and transform it into a holiday retreat!

Whether it’s a shed or a log cabin, our Christmas exterior and interior ideas come in handy.

Shed turned into a Christmas coffee corner
Image Credit: Flickr, Choo Yut Shing

35. Simple yet Christmassy landscaping

You don’t need to go all out with Christmas decorations to make your garden look on point. With clean, simple landscaping, it’ll look dressed up. Grow a variety of Poinsettia in your flower beds, for instance, just like this one!

Simple front yard landscape with Poinsettia
Image Credit: Pxhere

36. Make use of the cones

Giant pine cones are common yet magical Christmas decor pieces. They look great wherever you put them, such as in wreaths, garlands, or as standalone decors. Plain candles standing beside them will look marvellous.

Christmas wreath with large pine cones
Image Credit: Public Domain Pictures

37. A pop of candy canes

Candy cane pathway markers lights will add up to your holiday yard vibe. The bright red colour and the warm glow they produce are sure to pop against the crisp white snow. Ideal for both front and back gardens.

Christmas LED display with candy canes
Image Credit: Flickr, Wonderlane

38. Christmas tree farm truck

Something fun and different that no one else in your neighbourhood has tried before! Here, we present to you this clever DIY: a life-size version of a classic red pickup truck and Christmas tree.

The colourful lights on the trees complete the look and are indeed a showstopper.

Mini Christmas tree farm truck
Image Credit: Pxhere

39. Repurposed holiday pillowcase

With little stitching, flannel shirts (especially in red patterns) make a perfect cosy festive pillow cover. A perfect addition to outdoor sofas, porch hammocks, and garden benches.

This project is an easy thing to do while infusing your outdoor space with the Christmas spirit.

40. Spruce up the railings

This straightforward styling technique can give your space a Christmas lift up in no time. Simply wrap garlands, ribbons and lights around your railings – and the result is lovely. If you want to include more decor, consider bells.

Porch railing with Christmas garlands
Image Credit: Flickr, Caribb

41. Stick to one theme

Full of reds – nothing quite beats the classic Christmas theme and colour. Here, a festive patio is filled with greenery decorated with lights and ornaments.

The pots are covered with red chequered fabrics as well as a humble piece on the wreath. Recreate this look if you wish to stick to the good ol’ days kind-of setup.

42. Flaunt a wagon

Use a vintage-looking wagon to hold mini trees. Perfect as a display on patios and porches, it also makes a great alternative to a farm truck one. This adds a farmhouse vibe to your holiday display, as well.

Red Christmas wagon with a dog
Image Credit: Flickr, Richard Probst – Shot in a Frame

43. Consider a fruit wreath

Nothing is so ‘garden wreath’ than this fruit wreath. If you have some ready-to-harvest fruit trees, consider incorporating a variety of slices for your wreath.

Citrus ones look amazing when paired with cones and vanilla sticks, but you may opt for green and red apples, too. Or it’s up to you!

Large fruit wreath
Image Credit: Flickr, Tony Alter

44. A tropical perspective

A perfect makeshift for a standard Christmas tree, a palm tree also works wonders. This is especially ideal if you have a tropical garden scheme. Wrap around string lights on the trunk and add a few ornaments on the leaves – and voila!

45. Details on the window

This is something you’d want to try for your garden room’s window. Simple pieces that add so much seasonal touch to the room. To extend the vibe all the way outdoors, don’t hang curtains and let the hanging decorations show off.

A window with a small wreath
Image Credit: Flickr, Tony Alter

46. A large nutcracker soldier

Nutcrackers are a classic yet practical element of traditional Christmas decorations. One will never fail to make your outdoor space look a lot like Christmas. Put one on your decked patio, in front of your log cabin or at the gate entrance.

Giant blue nutcracker solder
Image Credit: Flickr, Karen Roe

47. The Grinch wreath

Grinch is one of the best all-time characters in Christmas movies. For a touch of Grinchmas to your patio backdoor or shed door, it needs a Grinch wreath to welcome your guests. Use a green deco mesh wreath for an easier DIY approach.

48. Here comes Olaf

Do you want to build a snowman? Of course, how could we forget about Frozen’s Olaf? An inflatable Olaf display is sure to bring holiday cheer to your neighbourhood. A must-have decor piece to spruce up your front and back gardens.

Olaf Christmas tree ornament
Image Credit: Flickr, m01229

49. Upcycle tire ornaments

If you have an old tire or two lying around in your garage, don’t get rid of them. Instead, turn them into fantastic outdoor Christmas decorations for all to see!

Paint the entire tire pumpkin red and add white ribbons on both sides to make it look like a big candy. Display it on your front porch or back patio, or attach it to the side of your house.

50. LED angel display

A white and gold angel powered by LED lights makes an excellent outdoor Christmas decor idea. Not only that, but it also adds a spiritual touch and a bit of modern charm thanks to its crystal structure.

Round-up

Outdoor Christmas decorations are key in creating a jolly ambience during the holiday season. And there’s nothing better than getting your own garden festive and beautiful this December!

We hope our Garden Design Ideas will help you decorate your outdoor space and have wonderful displays. Most importantly, to lift spirits and make warm memories during the cold days and nights.

FAQs

A simple way to do it is to fill your garden with majestic lighting. Wrap Christmas lights around your trees, grapevines, or hedges.

 

Stair railings, patios and porches are also perfect spots for string lights. Scatter them around your grass or planters to add a warm glow amidst the snowy season.

The most festive flower of the holiday season is the scarlet-blooming Poinsettia. It's a beautiful evergreen that can thrive indoors or outdoors.

Experts claim that plants absorb chlorophyll most when exposed to red and blue lighting. Blue light encourages bushy growth. Red light, in contrast, urges blooming.

Foliage such as Conifer, Spruce, Holly, Pine, Mistletoe and Ilex, to name a few.