40+ Spectacular Outdoor Christmas Decoration Ideas to Try in 2023

When decorator Cyndy Aldred prepares for the holidays, she likes to surround her stoop with small evergreens in large natural baskets to bring 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 faux and real elements, 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 adding 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.

If your home has double doors, this is the perfect opportunity to double up on wreaths! Designer Young Huh created a festive atmosphere by draping garlands on the front porch and filling planters with juniper trees and other evergreens.

Oversize decorations take Christmas decor 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 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 the red and green palette and the garlands wrapped around your porch columns.

Nothing screams Christmas like reindeers. Give your entry an of enchanted forest vibe and decorate the your doorstep 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. She 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—courtesy of Emily Henderson. The mix of lush garland, pint-size tree, and bunch of leafy greens is idyllic without being overdone.

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 modern touch. Best of all? 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… mixing the traditional with the unusual makes you take a second look,” says paint and color expert, Annie Sloan, the creator of Chalk Paint.

“Last year, my family celebrated Christmas outdoors because of COVID, and sheepskins and throw blankets really saved the day,” designer Allison Babcock shares. “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.”

The holidays don’t happen every day, so why not pile on the accessories? 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.

Whoever said Christmas outdoor decor requires only lush, leafy greens needs to check out this setup from Summer Loftin Antiques and Design. Here, the Atlanta-based firm keeps it simple with wooden trees of varying heights and strands of twinkly lights.

Want to take in your lovely handiwork? Add a chair to your outdoor Christmas setup, just as Sugar & Charm’s Eden Passante did here.

Let there be light! Tamara Anka of Citrine Living illuminated her front porch by wrapping the perimeter of her door in a light-strung garland. The bright white wreath and modern lanterns below round out the space in style.

Contrary to popular belief, Christmas trees aren’t just for the great indoors. For an outdoor edge, take a cue from blogger Liz Marie Galvan, who paired two lush trees with rustic wood planters.