Holiday

Goodbye Giant Skeleton, Hello 15-Foot Rudolph: The Best Outdoor Christmas Decorations to Shop Now

written by KATHY SISSON

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outdoor christmas decorations inflatable rudolph"
outdoor christmas decorations inflatable rudolph
Source: @jlgarvin
Source: @jlgarvin

I grew up in a neighborhood that went crazy with Christmas lights. It was the destination for holiday cheer. People slowly drove through the streets and cul de sacs to take in the various scenes. We even got to vote for the house with the best outdoor Christmas decorations. One year, the winning home spelled out “Bah Humbug” in the windows with green lights. The neighborhood’s outdoor Christmas decor brought so much joy to me as a kid that I try to replicate it for my children (even if I don’t live in the crazy Christmas town anymore). 

Inside our home, I’m a little more Joanna Gaines with tasteful holiday decor. But outside, I channel my inner Clark Griswold from Christmas Vacation. You might see me on a ladder this time of year trimming the peaks on our roof with lights and setting up our North Pole-inspired display. As such, I’ve been diligently shopping for the next lighted outdoor Christmas decor item to add to our scene. I’ve checked out Christmas decorations at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, and more to collect the best outdoor holiday decor you’ll want to add to your cart now—before it sells out (i.e., Target warm white twinkle lights, IYKYK). Keep scrolling for the latest in outdoor Christmas decor trends—from new inflatables to timeless holiday yard decorations. Here are the best outdoor Christmas decorations for 2024. 

Oversized Christmas Decor

The Home Depot Giant Skeleton paved the way for extra-large outdoor Christmas decorations. And when I say large, I mean giant two-story Santas and 15-foot reindeer. It will be “go big” at home for many families in 2024!

outdoor christmas decor giant rudolph
Target
15′ Rudolph Reindeer Inflatable
Shop now
Hammacher Schlemmer
16′ Frosty the Snowman Lightshow
Shop now
giant santa inflatable christmas decoration
Home Depot
20′ Santa
Shop now
large inflatable christmas decorations
Wayfair
13′ Inflatable Climbing Santa

two Santa skin tones available

Shop now
large inflatable polar bear
Hammacher Schlemmer
16′ Inflatable Polar Bears Lightshow
Shop now
oversized christmas decorations pottery barn ornaments
Pottery Barn
30″ Oversized Ornaments
Shop now

Nostalgic Holiday Decor

Nostalgia has been back for a while, with ’90s holiday trends influencing fashion picks, movie remakes, and more. This year, we’re seeing a new holiday trend that goes back even further: vintage-inspired plastic blow molds. From candles to candy canes and elves to nutcrackers, this Christmas decor trend is a fun throwback to our parents’ (and grandparents’) holiday decor!

vintage christmas tree blow mold
Lowe’s
3.5′ LED Christmas Tree Blow Mold
Shop now
elf blow mold decor
Lowe’s
Elf 2′ Blow Mold

already trending

Shop now
vintage soldier christmas decor
Macy’s
Retro Blow Mold Toy Soldier
Shop now
snowman christmas blow mold
Blain’s Farm & Fleet
2′ Snowman Blow Mold
Shop now
candy cane blow mold
Ace Hardware
40″ Candy Cane Blow Mold
Shop now
gingerbread blow mold
Walmart
Gingerbread 2′ Blow Mold
Shop now

Christmas Movie-Inspired Decor

Kitschy Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer decor was a trending search in recent years. In 2024, I predict other favorite holiday movies like Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch, Elf, and Home Alone will inspire creative outdoor displays if the new products released this year are any indication. Families can choose their favorite film to highlight and build upon year after year. Or can include a homage to multiple films for an outdoor holiday movie display extravaganza.

rudolph the red-nosed reindeer outdoor christmas decoration
Pottery Barn
32″ Light Up Wooden Santa and Rudolph
Shop now
charlie brown christmas outdoor decoration
Walmart
32″ Charlie Brown Lighted Outdoor Christmas Decoration
Shop now
grinch outdoor christmas decor
Lowe’s
45″ Animated Grinch and Max
Shop now
elf decor
Target
6′ Buddy the Elf Inflatable
Shop now

Colorful Christmas Decor

No more sad beige Christmas decorations. Colorful Christmas decorations continue to be back in a big way. So don’t be afraid to grab a colorful wreath or the colored Christmas lights this year.

animated penguin outdoor christmas decorations
Hammacher Schlemmer
Animated Tobogganing Penguins

These playful penguins animate side-to-side so it looks like they’re really moving down a sledding hill.

Shop now
colorful christmas lights
Lowe’s
Multi-Color LED C6 Christmas Lights

Grab these vintage-looking colorful lights for a nostalgic display.

Shop now
colorful christmas decor outdoor
Target
Snowboarding Snowman

This guy gives new meaning to cool Christmas decorations. At 28-inches high, he’ll also fit in most yards.

Shop now
colorful christmas decor
Lowe’s
5.5-ft Lighted Santa and Moose on Ladder

Prop near a tree in your yard so it looks like Santa and his reindeer are trimming the tree with lights and ornament.

Shop now

Animated Musical Christmas Displays

Many of us might remember the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas house that went viral over a decade ago. At the time, it was a novelty. Now, synchronizing Christmas lights to music is more accessible for families who don’t mind the neighborhood stopping outside your house for a holiday light show.

smart christmas lights
Home Depot
16.5′ LED Smart Christmas Tree Decor
Shop now
christmas lights
Home Depot
LED Smart Icicle Lights
Shop now

Top Holiday Inflatables for 2024

If a 20-foot Santa is a little too intense for your holiday tastes, check out these other cute inflatables predicted to be popular this year—from well-loved characters to classic winter scenes.

outdoor christmas disney inflatable
Wayfair
Disney Sleigh Inflatable
Shop now
outdoor christmas disney inflatable
Wayfair
Olaf and Sven ‘Frozen’ Inflatable
Shop now
inflatable rudolph
Wayfair
8′ Inflatable Misfit Toys

Build out your Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer display with the Island of Misfit Toys

Shop now
inflatable rudolph clarice
Target
3′ Clarice Inflatable

Of course not everyone has a giant yard, so this sweet inflatable is only 3-feet high. Matching Rudolph also available.

Shop now
bluey christmas inflatable
Costco
‘Bluey’ Holiday 6′ Inflatables

Delight fans of everyone’s favorite furry family, the Heelers.

Shop now
new target christmas inflatable cow
Target
3.5′ Highlander Cow in Hat and Scarf

A new release for 2024!

Shop now
christmas inflatable snowman
Home Depot
9′ Inflatable Snowman With Penguins

highly-rated

Shop now
christmas inflatable reindeer
Amazon
10′ Reindeer in Christmas Sweater
Shop now

Classic Lighted Christmas Decorations

If you’re less into trends and more into timeless decor that will never go out of style, picks like these classic Christmas outdoor yard decorations have been adorning homes for years.

santa outdoor christmas decorations
Home Depot
Santa Sleigh With Reindeer
Shop now
reindeer christmas decor
Target
Rattan Lighted Reindeer Family
Shop now
lighted nutcracker holiday decor
Lowe’s
6′ White and Gold Nutcracker

For aesthetic-loving families, this pretty nutcracker stands at 6-feet tall and will easily complement any other holiday decor.

Shop now
new pottery barn christmas outdoor decorations
Pottery Barn
Lit Rattan Gingerbread Houses

New for 2024, grab one or a set of lit rattan gingerbread houses for a cute kid-friendly holiday display.

Shop now
lighted outdoor angel decoration
Target
Angel With Horn

New this year and already highly-rated.

Shop now
lighted nativity
Wayfair
6′ Lighted Nativity Scene
Shop now

Best Outdoor Christmas Lights for 2024

With the rise in popularity and benefits of LED lights, many families have phased out incandescent lights. Unlike those old-school Christmas lights, LEDs are cool to the touch, you can string multiple strands together without worry, and they use less energy—which means a lower electric bill. Here are some of the best Christmas lights to consider this year.

Target twinkle christmas lights
Target
Warm White Twinkling Lights

These lights went viral last year for their pretty and subtle twinkle, so grab them early!

Shop now
christmas lights
Target
Globe Christmas Lights

I’ve found the best way to buy LED lights for a larger display is to grab a spool—plus it makes for easy storage after the holidays.

Shop now
christmas outdoor projector
Amazon
Snow Projection Lights

When there’s no guarantee you’ll get a white Christmas, you can fake the look with this snow projection light set.

Shop now
LED Christmas lights
Home Depot
Smart Color-Changing Lights

Adjustable whether your kids want colored or you want white lights. These are more of an investment but can create a stunning display.

Shop now

Best Christmas Wreaths and Garlands for Outdoors

Many garlands and wreaths have details that won’t withstand the wind, snow, and cold in the winter. You’ll want to look for options that specifically say outdoor or indoor/outdoor use. Additionally, if you have a covered front porch to decorate for Christmas, you can also look for covered outdoor options. Here are some of our favorites—from investment wreaths and garlands to budget-friendly picks.

lighted christmas garland
Grandin Road
9′ Holiday Glow Garland

battery-powered

Shop now
garland
Lowe’s
9′ Outdoor Frasier Fur LED Garland

battery-powered

Shop now
outdoor holiday garland
Target
9′ Pre-Lit Garland

battery-powered

Shop now
outdoor christmas garland
Target
6′ Pre-Lit Garland

Battery-powered for  covered outdoor use.

Shop now
outdoor christmas wreath
Frontgate
Holiday Cordless Wreath

This investment wreath is a timeless pick you’ll use year after year. Available in 26-inch or 36-inch sizes.

Shop now
outdoor christmas wreath
Grandin Road
Madison Fraser Cordless Wreath

Another timeless Christmas wreath, this fraser fur evergreen wreath is available in 24-inch or 28-inch sizes.

Shop now
outdoor christmas wreath
Target
Pre-Lit 20″ Wreath

This budget-friendly minimalist wreath is perfect if you’re planning on hanging multiple wreaths uncovered on windows or other outdoor displays that wouldn’t be as protected as a front porch.

Shop now
outdoor christmas wreath
Home Depot
Pre-Lit 48″ Oversized Wreath

Looking to decorate a larger spot? This pre-lit 48-inch wreath has 100 LED lights and is cord powered.

Shop now

DIY Outdoor Christmas Decor

If you love the challenge of making your own outdoor Christmas decorations, here are a few ideas to spark your creativity for DIY outdoor holiday decor:

  • Thrift an antique sled or toboggan and pile it with greenery or faux gifts.
  • Seek out antique skis or ice skates and add some greenery and ribbon for a one-of-a-kind winter-inspired front door display.
  • Grab an unfinished birdhouse from your local craft store and paint it to look like a gingerbread house.
  • Gather discarded greens from your local Christmas tree seller and turn your outdoor planters into a DIY holiday display.
  • Add Christmas lights, holiday accents, and a cute Christmas doormat to your kid’s playhouse for festive winter outdoor fun.
outdoor christmas light ideas
Source: @alainakaz

Tips for Setting Up Outdoor Christmas Decorations

As a seasoned Christmas outdoor decorator, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

  • Choose a Theme: The best holiday themes are ones you can build upon year after year. That way you’re only adding one to two new elements each season versus blowing your holiday budget in one year. Some ideas could be: Welcome to the North Pole, Winter Wonderland, Holiday Movie Scenes, or Classic Christmas.
  • Note the Light Colors: If combining Christmas lights with Christmas lighted displays, you’ll want to note whether they’re LED vs. incandescent and warm whites vs. cool lights. Your outdoor holiday decor will look more cohesive if your lights match.
  • Use a Timer: Save yourself the trouble and time of turning on and off the lights with a sensor or self-timer for your lights like this Home Depot set or this Amazon plug.
  • Store Outdoor Holiday Decor With Care: After the holidays are over, it’s (sadly) time to store items until next year. You’ll want to store outdoor holiday decorations carefully so they’ll stay in good shape and you’ll be able to use them year after year. Grab a wreath box or garland storage and carefully disassemble and store any larger elements.

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Kathy Sisson the everymom
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor

A mom of two, Kathy is passionately committed to sharing the honest, helpful—and often humorous—stories of motherhood, as she navigates her own everyday adventures of work, marriage, and parenting. She honed her creative and strategic skills at advertising agencies in Detroit and Chicago, before pivoting from marketing to editorial. Now instead of telling brand stories, she’s sharing her own, with articles published across popular parenting sites—including hundreds of stories on The Everymom.