As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, it’s time to start decorating our homes to get into the Christmas spirit.
One of the best ways to spread holiday cheer is with festive outdoor Christmas lights.
Twinkling lights outside your home not only makes it look magical, but also helps brighten your neighborhood.
So get ready to sparkle and shine!
Let’s deck those halls and light up your home with Christmas joy.
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Icicle Lights
First up on our list are icicle lights, which are one of the most popular and classic outdoor Christmas decorations.
As the name suggests, icicle lights are designed to look like dangling icicles hanging from your roof and windows.
These lights add a gorgeous wintery glow to your home.
Here are some tips for using icicle lights:
– Opt for white icicle lights to give a clean, elegant look.
You can also find them in multicolor but white will look the most like real icicles.
– Outline your entire roofline with icicle lights for a huge impact.
This includes lining the gutters, edges, and overhangs.
– You can also drape icicle lights down columns, railings, trees, and bushes.
Look for flexible “pipe-cleaner” style lights that bend easily.
– For a warm ambient glow, choose soft white lights.
If you want an icy blue color, go for cool white.
– Make sure the lights are rated for outdoor use and have bulbs spaced close together to fully achieve the icicle effect.
– Secure lights carefully with clips or hooks, not nails, to avoid damage to your roof.
Run extension cords safely.
Use icicle lights generously to create a magical frosty wonderland right on your own home!
People will think you hired a professional decorator when they see your picture-perfect icicle lights display.
White Twinkle Lights
Another classic option is white twinkle lights.
These basic string lights emit a lovely warm white glow that immediately says Christmas.
While icicle lights create a wintery scene, twinkle lights give off nostalgic holiday vibes.
For gorgeous results with twinkle lights:
– Outline windows, doors, porches, and other architectural features.
This highlights and frames your home’s existing elements.
– Wrap trees, wreaths, garlands, bushes, and stair railings.
Enveloping decorations in lights makes them shine.
– Create swags along your roofline, gutters, or overhangs.
Drape back and forth for movement.
– Make pathways sparkle by lining walkways and driveways.
Run lights along the ground, steps, or low bushes leading up to your home.
– Look for wide angle conical bulbs that shine brighter.
Mini lights can look cluttered outside.
– Buy enough long strands to cover large areas without gaps.
Extend short strands with connectors.
– Use clips, hooks, or zip ties to safely secure lights, not staples or nails.
Hide cords behind bushes.
– Set lights to blink slowly for added twinkle.
Just be sure not to trigger seizures.
Twinkle lights exude cozy Christmas vibes everywhere they’re placed.
Drape your home in these classic lights inside and out!
Colorful Christmas Lights
White lights are a fail-safe choice, but don’t be afraid to incorporate colored Christmas lights too for a lively, festive flair.
Vibrant red, green, blue, and multicolor lights add striking pops of Christmas color.
They look fantastic illuminating trees, wreaths, garland, and other décor.
Here’s how to effectively use colorful Christmas lights:
– Chooseведитеhovieclass routines such as making spirals, wrapping tree trunks, dangling vertically, or crisscrossing.
This showcases the colors.
– Mix coordinating colors like red and green or blue and silver for a sophisticated look.
Avoid clashing colors.
– Pair warmer white lights with cool color lights, like red and bluish white.
The contrast makes both pop.
– Set lights to steadily glow or slowly fade in and out.
Avoid chaotic blinking or flashing.
– Incorporate ribbon, ornaments, and bows in the same colors as the lights for a cohesive palette.
– Place colored spotlights in trees to create a stunning color-changing feature.
Use gels over white spotlights.
– Edge pathways, gardens, railings, and architectural features with colored lights.
Keep the main house white.
– Use color sparingly as accents against neutral white lights.
Too many colors look chaotic.
Enhance your twinkle lights with strategic pops of Christmas colors
Follow these tips for a gorgeously glowing color scheme.
Sparkling Net Lights
One trendy new option is sparkling net lights.
These lights feature tiny LED bulbs woven into a flexible netting.
The nets come in a variety of shapes like ribbons, sheets, and bursts to drape decoratively.
When lit, they shimmer and shine like glittering fabric.
Dazzle your home with sparkling nets using these tips:
– Drape net ribbons along railings, over windows, or surround wreaths and garlands.
– Outline doors, columns, and architectural shapes with net sheets for a luminous effect.
– Place lighted net bursts in trees and bushes for pops of shimmer.
– Layer different net shapes for more dimension – drape ribbons over sheets.
– Hang nets vertically, diagonally, in swags, or scrunch randomly for different draping textures.
– Incorporate metallic ribbon, ornaments, or mesh in the décor to complement the sparkling nets.
– Choose warm white or multicolor nets for the most versatile and elegant ambiance.
– Set lights to steady glow or slow fade to mimic glittering illumination.
Avoid fast blinking.
– Secure nets well using sturdy clips or hooks.
Conceal cords behind structures.
Layer sparkling net lights for a magical starry glow that elevates your Christmas lights display!
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Green and Red Retro Lights
For a truly retro 1950’s look, you can’t go wrong with classic green and red Christmas lights.
These iconic Christmas colors paired together harken back to holidays past.
Use these nostalgic lights to decorate eaves, bushes, wreaths, trees, and garlands.
Here are some pointers for pulling off the retro green and red light look:
– Choose globe or cone shaped bulb lights, not modern LED minilights.
The old-fashioned shapes add authenticity.
– Opt for rich green and true red, not new lime green and pinkish red hues.
Stick with traditional colors.
– Wrap lights tightly around forms so the colors blend together, instead of alternating green and red.
– Set lights to blink slowly or hold steady.
Fast blinking ruins the vintage vibe.
– Incorporate vintage ornaments in matching red, green, gold, and natural colors for an authentic retro palette.
– Accent with red berry sprigs, pine sprigs, big plaid bows, pinecones, and red and white candy canes.
– Place a brightly lit multicolor tree topper on your tree.
Illuminated metal stars or angel toppers epitomize retro style.
– Use lights heavily for that trademark Griswold holiday look.
More is better for retro revival style.
Turn back the clock with classic retro green and red lights that remind us of holidays past.
‘Tis the season for nostalgia!
Laser Christmas Lights
For a truly dazzling modern display, use Christmas laser lights to decorate your home.
Laser lights project vibrant Christmas images and patterns using holographic technology.
You can get laser lights that display moving snowflakes, swirling holiday phrases, Santa and his reindeer, gospel scenes, and more.
Here are some pointers for an awesome laser light display:
– Look for laser units that allow you to project patterns across large areas, not just pinpoints.
– Place laser projectors with care to angle images where you want them over surfaces.
– Focus lasers on a light colored or white house exterior, snowy lawn, trees with white flocking, outdoor screen, etc.
for best image projection.
– Enhance laser visuals by adding haze or fog effects using a fog machine.
The lasers will illuminate the fog.
– Get an RF wireless unit or wifi-connected lasers so you can program coordinated light shows set to music.
– Incorporate green and red lasers projected into trees to resemble retro Christmas lights.
– Let lasers do most of the work for a magical high-tech light display.
Avoid competing décor.
– Plug laser units into heavy duty grounded outdoor electrical outlets and waterproof excess cords.
Laser lights take Christmas décor to the next level!
Program an elaborate hi-tech light show that will wow your neighborhood.
LED String Lamp Lights
For novel whimsical flair, wrap outdoor lamps, lanterns, and luminaries with LED string lights.
Outlining light fixtures creates a playful, decorative glow.
Here are some tips for decorating with string lamp lights:
– Measure light fixtures and buy LED string lights specifically sized to fit, such as mini LEDs for small fixtures.
– Outline posts, banisters, porch framing, and other structures with strings of mini or micro LEDs.
– Wrap larger C7, C9, or E12 bulb strings carefully around bigger fixtures for a bold outline.
– Use clip-on bulb sockets to add strands easily to existing fixtures without rewiring them.
– If possible, wire strings to fixtures permanently for convenience.
Use hook and loop fasteners to hold removable strands.
– Match string light colors to fixture finishes for harmony.
For example, warm white with black wrought iron, colored lights with copper, etc.
– Set lights to steadily glow, not blink.
We want soft ambient light from the outlined fixtures themselves, not flashing distractions.
– Layer strings of mini lights over existing lamp strings for double brightness.
Ringing fixtures in LED lights adds playful holiday spirit to any illuminated element.
It makes ordinary lamps and luminaries look festively extraordinary.
Spotlights and Floodlights
Outdoor spotlights and floodlights allow you to create dramatic lighting effects on architectural features, trees, wreaths, and other décor.
Concentrated beams of light really make elements pop at night for attention-grabbing impact.
Here’s how to use spotlights and floodlights to their best effect:
– Floodlit tall trees from below to dramatize height.
Spotlight tree tops to accentuate Christmas tree stars and toppers.
– Beam spotlights onto wreaths, swags, garlands, and other décor hung high to draw all eyes upward.
– Shine floodlights up exterior columns, doorway arches, garage doors, chimneys, etc.
to make architectural features glow.
– Splash light colorfully onto surfaces using gels over spotlights and floodlights.
Try red, green, blue, amber, etc.
– Use uplighting techniques to create dynamic shadows and silhouettes behind decorations like trees, wreaths, and sculptures.
– Spotlight a nativity scene, holiday greeting projected onto the house, or other focal point for dramatic emphasis.
– Place floodlights low to wash the exterior facade in even glow.
Uplights look more dramatic.
– Angle lights carefully to highlight intended elements without blinding.
Use shields if needed.
Take your outdoor lighting to the next level with strategic spotlights and floodlights placed to highlight your gorgeous Christmas décor.
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LED Ball Christmas Lights
If you like the warm glow of incandescent Christmas lights but want energy-efficient LEDs, try LED ball lights.
These spheres encase mini LEDs in lightweight plastic balls for a retro incandescent look with LED benefits.
Here are the perks of using LED ball Christmas lights:
– The round shape diffuses light evenly like old-fashioned C7 and C9 incandescent bulbs, unlike sharp pointy LEDs.
– Smaller 25mm mini ball lights mimic the soft look of mini incandescent lights.
– Ball lights give off a warm white glow, not harsh cool LED light.
There are also colored ball lights.
– Plastic balls protect LEDs from weather and breakage.
– LED technology makes the lights durable, long-lasting, and energy efficient.
– Ball lights usually have cords with inline fuses to prevent shorts.
Incandescents easily burn out.
– You can create vintage looks with ball lights, like retro tract lighting around windows and door frames.
– Ball lights are lightweight and cool to the touch for easy decorating compared to hot incandescents.
Embrace energy-saving LED technology while retaining that classic Christmas light look with LED ball lights.
The future is here!
Candle Luminary Lights
For an elegant and welcoming glow, decorate your outdoor steps, walkways, and driveways with electric candle luminary lights.
These fixtures resemble mini version of gas lit paper lanterns.
The warm flickering firelight creates a cozy Christmas ambiance.
Here are some tips for decorating with candle luminary lights:
– Place luminaries all along pathways leading up to doors to guide guests with a warm welcoming glow.
– Line driveway and sidewalk edges to help Santa find his way or as religious symbolic guiding lights.
– Arrange luminaries in pleasing geometric patterns along surfaces to accentuate hardscape designs.
– Mix glass, plastic, and metal luminaries in varied shapes and sizes for visual interest.
– Accent front steps with a row of luminaries on each side for balance and depth.
– Place pillar candles in hurricane globes or tall lanterns on porches, posts, and surfaces for height variation.
– Set all candles on timers to turn on and off automatically at dusk and dawn for hands-free ambiance all season.
– Use both warm white and multicolor luminaries for contrast and pops of color.
– Try solar-powered flameless candles for easy portable pathway illumination.
Light up the night with welcoming candle luminary lights!
Their magical glow makes the holidays shine bright.
LED Snowflake Lights
Let it snow, let it snow!
For a frosty wintery feel, illuminate your exterior with LED snowflake lights and projections.
These glowing snowflakes create a delicate sparkling display
Icicle lights may simulate dangling ice, but snowflake lights literally blanket your home in snowy spirit.
Here are some tips for using LED snowflake lights:
– Project large rotating and falling snowflakes onto exterior walls using laser lights.
This creates mesmerizing wintery movement.
– Outline windows, arches, and facades using strings of small LED snowflake lights.
Mini snowflakes are delicate and detailed.
– Hang snowflake lanterns with cutout snowflake patterns from trees, porches, and overhangs.
The glow shines through the patterns.
– Wrap bushes, railings, and trees with snowflake net lights for a magical icy shimmer.
– Place lighted wreaths and garlands with snowflake ornaments in trees so the snowflakes sparkle against greenery.
– Accent walkways with stakes topped with snowflake spotlights or snowflake silhouettes wrapped in mini lights.
– Make snowflake lawn ornaments from wood, metal, plastic bottles then place mini LEDs inside them to glow.
– Incorporate cutout snowflakes, beads, ribbons, glitter, and silvery ornaments in your decor to complement the snowflakes.
Let it glow, let it glow!
Snowflake lights infuse your home with glistening icy holiday magic.
Penguin and Polar Bear Lights
For a playful twist, decorate your exterior with illuminated penguin and polar bear Christmas figures!
Whimsical lighted critters like these add a touch of cute humor and wildlife to your lights display.
Try these tips for lighting up penguins, polar bears, and other animal décor:
– Place staked lighted figures of penguins, bears, deer, and other animals around your yard.
Go for a friendly frozen zoo!
– Buy animal shapes with white lights outlining bodies, or string your own lights.
Just be sure lights won’t melt any plastic.
– Spotlight larger resin, concrete, or wire animal sculptures from below for dramatic uplighting.
– Attach lights carefully to animated animalblow-up yard décor to make them glow without popping.
– Project polar bear shapes onto bare trees using Christmas laser lights for ghostly arctic spirit animals.
– Get lighted animal silhouettes and cutouts to mount on walls and fences.
Place against colored floodlights for fun shadows.
– decorate trees and bushes with lighted animal ornaments, like bright bears climbing branches.
– Accent with winter motifs like snowy trees and villages to complement the arctic creatures.
Give your holiday spirit animals some love this Christmas with adorable glowing penguins, polar bears, and other wildlife!
Christmas lights allow us to literally spread light, brightness, and cheer during the darkest time of the year.
Decorating with lights brings families and communities together to enjoy the simple magic of the season.
Just be sure to follow proper safety precautions when decorating outdoors.
Select quality weatherproof lights, use extensions cords appropriately, and carefully secure lights to avoid hazards.
Most importantly, remember that holiday décor is not about competing for the biggest, flashiest display on the block.
It’s about spreading the light and love of the season for you and your family to enjoy.
Find lights that reflect your personal style and bring you joy.
Then have fun decorating and making special memories holiday after holiday.
Let your home’s twinkle shine bright!
