We love Christmas. Is there anything better than sparkling outdoor Christmas lights welcoming your friends, family and neighbors? We also love to be just a little bit different. And it can be hard to do that with holiday decorations considering we’re all decorating for the same thing! However, there are lots of ways to set your Christmas lights apart if you do some digging. We figure there might be a few others of you out there who like to be a little unique, so we went out and found some new & awesome Christmas lights for you that are not the everyday seasonal decorations!
This is your opportunity to fill your yard with fun holiday lights that you know your next door neighbor isn’t gonna have. And you might want to get on it, Christmas light season is upon us, and you don’t want these to sell out before you get around to ordering them, right? (Or before your neighbor sees this post!) ‘Cause after all, what’s wrong with some good ole’ Christmas light competition amongst friends? ;) So ask yourself, is my holiday yard going to be the same old thing this year?
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Trending Outdoor Christmas Lights For 2023
We’ve found creative lighted outdoor decorations, hanging lights, and unique string lights to set your home apart from the neighbors this year. if you’re looking for Christmas decorations with some character, you’re in the right place!
Starburst Christmas lights
looking for decorative lights that’ll bring a big impact and highlight your beautiful landscaping? Starburst lights may be just the thing. These beautiful lights illuminate your yard and are decorative features all on their own.
Large hanging starburst light
We looovvvveeee this starburst Christmas light that we found at ‘Wayfair‘! Two feet across, this twinkling LED light set is made up of branches tipped with a sparkling light. You can bend and arrange these branches into almost any shape you want! But we love them in this star shape. They also come in white with cool lights.
SHOP IT NOW (If out of stock, try this gold LED Starburst light from Amazon)
Adjustable hanging starburst lights
These starburst Christmas lights are the perfect decoration for the holidays! This set of 4 comes in warm, cool and multi, and with a wireless remote control. The lights have 8 different modes and are waterproof. Hang a whole set in your trees or from the eave of your roof! Starburst lights really add such a festive ambiance to any outdoor holiday light display.
More Starburst Christmas lights
if these are out of stock, or you’re just loving the look and want to see some more like this, here are some more ideas!
Outdoor lighted Christmas trees
Of course, the most important part of Christmas decor is a Christmas tree in your living room. But have you considered using them outside too? Here are some beautifully lit Christmas trees to decorate your front door, yard, or front porch!
Christmas tree arch with lights
We Love this Christmas tree arch for a front door. The photo is originally from West Elm, but it’s no longer sold there. No worries, though, Walmart has one that looks exactly the same! You can use these both indoors or outdoors, and they arch over 90 inches! This would make an amazing holiday entrance to your home. In fact, I think they’d make an amazing entrance decor anytime of year! I know we always try to focus our Christmas lights right where guests will be coming up the walk for impact. Anyone who sees this in front of your door will wonder what other kinds of holiday happiness is beyond, and isn’t that what you want?
Spiral entryway trees with lights
These are another great way to decorate your entryway for the holidays. In fact, these would look great year-round! Find these beautiful trees at West Elm. If you already have some winter planters set up, take this as a sign to dress them up this holiday season with some twinkly Christmas lights!
More entryway Christmas trees and garlands
Here are some more products to dress up your front door and achieve a similar look to the christmas tree arch or entryway tree planters!
Outdoor Christmas tree shaped lights
This LED Christmas tree with 300 lights is over 7 feet tall and the base is more than 2 feet across. This is a really affordable tree option from ‘Wayfair‘. So affordable, you could create a magical holiday forest in your front yard! (My secret Christmas fantasy!) In fact, I might beat you in ordering a few! These would be awesome with animated deer. BTW, the star topper is gorgeous! The lights are multi colored and the tree has eight different effects, and the whole tree is suitable for outdoor use.
SHOP IT NOW (If out of stock, try this even larger version also from Wayfair)
Similar outdoor lighted trees
I don’t want anyone missing out on adding some beautiful lighted trees to their yard! So, the one above and the alternatives we listed are out of stock or you’re just looking for something slightly different, then check out these other options we found.
Lighted bare Christmas tree decoration
This five foot tall LED Christmas tree, also from ‘Wayfair‘, comes in gold, red, green and silver. It can be used indoors or out, and comes with a ground stake and a floor base. While we love a large, lush, Christmas tree, the bare branches of this one creates a gorgeous delicate look. We love how the tips of each branch sparkle with light! Use this in the yard with a lighted gift box decoration underneath!
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More similar outdoor christmas trees
I love the look of these pre-lit Christmas trees with bare branches. Here are some more products with the same look if you’re looking for more ideas like this!
Unique outdoor Christmas palm
So whether you live in a tropical place, or just dream of one, this pre lit palm tree from ‘Wayfair‘ may have you planning where to go after the holidays! Made of cast iron, it will stand up to the weather. Seven feet tall and covered with warm LED lights that will burn for 30,000 hours, you know it will work year after year. Especially considering the quality materials this Christmas tree with lights is made of, it’s quite affordable!
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For more Christmas palm decorations, check out these options!
Creating a tropical Christmas setting in your yard? Here are more lighted Christmas palm trees to get the look!
LED Christmas String Lights
We can’t talk outdoor Christmas lights without sharing some of our favorite string lights! While a Christmas decorating classic, there are still lots of ways to add a unique touch to your outdoor christmas decor with fun string lights.
Cool white Christmas fairy lights
This 400 LED Christmas string light set from ‘Wayfair‘ is perfect when you want to accent an outdoor wreath, or make a unique impact around a door or window. This cool white is perfect to create a frosty effect on your decor. Each “branch” has little fairy lights attached to the end, giving you a natural but vibrant effect wherever your hang them. Rated for indoors or out, this string light is almost 9 feet long.
SHOP IT NOW (If out of stock, try these outdoor Christmas cluster lights from Amazon)
Red and white string lights
This garland of red and white Christmas string lights is perfect for wrapping those porch rails and columns for maximum holiday fanfare. The traditional red and white light scheme means they will go with almost any holiday theme, yet still set you apart from plain white or multicolor lights, and you can use them year after year.
SHOP IT NOW (If out of stock, Check Amazon.)
More string lights!
Just in case the ones you love are out of stock, we’ve got you! Here are some more options!
Solar Outdoor Christmas Lights
We love these types of copper wired fairy lights from ‘Amazon‘. They can be bent to wrap around anything and they’re solar outdoor Christmas lights, which means no energy bill! Get a 2 pack of 33 foot long fairy lights in warm or cool white LED. 100% waterproof with 8 modes of operation, including my favorite “Waves”. We used similar sets on our very own DIY Christmas tree with Firefly Lights over at our sister site, OhMeOhMy. (Go check it out! Then come back and buy these before they sell out! They do!)
SHOP IT NOW (If out of stock, try these.)
Waterdrop sting lights
These waterdrop string lights are really unique. A 24 foot string with 40 lights, available in warm white, cool white and multicolor. Did we mention, these are also solar outdoor Christmas lights? Use these in trees, over doorways, off the roof or hanging from a balcony. Love these! Oh, and only around $15!
SHOP IT NOW (If out of stock, try these at Amazon.)
More solar Christmas lights
I LOVE the idea of solar powered outdoor lighting, so here are some more options for you to consider!
Animated Christmas Lights
Want to have the outdoor Christmas lights that make everyone stop and stare? You know, the one that makes kids squeal with delight and their faces light up with holiday happy? Then check out these animated Christmas lights and you can practically turn your home into the local holiday light show!
Animated Christmas elves lights
These elves tossing presents are awesome. LED lights make sure they last for years, and because they are 4 feet tall and 7 feet long, they will get attention. This is one that is worth the investment. These go out of stock quickly, but don’t worry, we’ve got more options below!
Animated Santa in a chimney
Or maybe the animated Christmas lights of your holiday dreams are more like this? Santa stuck in the chimney is bound to make everyone smile. LED and outdoor rated, 4 1/2 feet tall. The kicking feet animation is so funny on this light set.
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More animated Christmas character light decorations
These fun light decorations for your yard go out of stock quickly (because they’re just so darn cute!) Here are some more options if you’re out of luck with the ones above. Some, but not all of these are animated, so be sure to read the product description carefully if you’re set on animated decorations!
Christmas Projectors and laser lights
If climbing up on the roof really isn’t your thing, outdoor Christmas projection lights have become a thing. They’re a great way to get a super eye-catching look with minimal effort. And these are perfect if you loved those animated lights but don’t have the storage space.
Christmas snowfall light projection
These snowflake lights are less than $30, and can be used all through the season. Buy a couple and make sure your entire home is bathed in a winter wonderland! They also have a green & red Christmas tree option.
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Twinkly Christmas laser lights
These red & green outdoor Christmas laser lights from ‘Amazon‘, will create a background of seasonal “feels” for any decorations you put out! This set comes with a wireless remote as well. Because it’s LED, it uses 99% less energy than conventional string lights!
SHOP IT NOW (Or if not in stock, try these.)
Project a Christmas message on your home
Share your “Let It Snow” sentiment with swirling snowflakes! This outdoor Christmas projection light does both. You can shine it on a garage door or the side of the house for a simple holiday message. LED lights, and comes with a ground stake.
SHOP IT NOW (If out of stock, try these projection lights from Amazon.)
More Christmas light projectors and lasers
If you’re loving this low effort idea to decorate for the holidays, we’ve got more inspiration for you right here!
Christmas Pathway Lights
What better way to welcome holiday guests to your home than with a festive pathway to guide them to your door?
Starry luminaria lights
We LOVE these pretty Luminaria sets, especially the cutout star details. These lighted Christmas pathway lights are weatherproof, and the LED candles will last more than 25 hours. The plastic “Lumabase” is heavy enough that you don’t need to fill it with sand like with traditional luminaries. The set of 12 is less than $60.
SHOP IT NOW (If out of stock, try these Christmas luminary pathway lights from Wayfair, or the options listed below)
Candy cane pathway lights
We love these candy cane Christmas pathway lights. These red and white LED Christmas lights would add such a nice festive glow to your front pathway. Comes in a set of three and each pathway light is 28″ tall. Choose from 8 different lighting functions so you can customize your outside Christmas light display to your taste. If you like a more classic, cane shape, we have one linked in the extra options below!
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More Christmas pathway lights
Here are some more ways to create a festive pathway to your home!
Unique outdoor lighted Christmas decorations
Ok, so you’re really looking of something to change it up this year. Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Here are some more fun and unique christmas decorations to really set your house apart from the neighborhood this year!
Christmas light globes
These metal outdoor Christmas light spheres are perfect for hanging off… well anything! They come in 5 different colors and three different sizes. You could hang them from trees or the front porch, and they’ll look great alongside your concrete garden spheres. Try combining different sizes and colors together. Remember, use odd numbers of items when you group for the most natural look. They also fold flat for storage, and come with a long cord so you can place them farther away from an energy source.
More Christmas light spheres to consider
Guess what, if none of these are in stock, we have a little tutorial on how to make them yourself! But check out these gorgeous options anyway!
Lighted Merry Christmas sign
This neon “Merry Christmas” sign is perfect for outdoor Christmas lighting… It’s almost 7 feet long, so pretty much the only christmas decoration statement your home will need to make with outdoor Christmas lights! Just the right message you want your home to send!
SHOP IT NOW (If out of stock, try here at Amazon.)
More lighted “Merry Christmas” signs
Looking for more lighted signs to display a Christmas message in your yard? We’ve got you!
Lighted vintage Christmas truck decoration
This might be one of our favorite lighted Christmas decorations we’ve seen so far. Ok, well it’s pretty hard to choose, but this is up there! This metal retro truck has red & green twinkle lights, and is backed by a 2 year warranty. There wasn’t any info on the dimensions, but after tracking the info down with the manufacturer, we found that this Christmas light decor is 59″ long, 46″ tall and 3″ deep, so you know it is more for a “sign” type effect.
SHOP IT NOW (If out of stock, try this 36″ Metal Christmas truck decoration, not lighted from Amazon or this one from Michaels.)
More lighted Christmas trucks!
If this one is out of stock, try any of these options for the same vintage truck charm!
Outdoor Lighted Reindeer Decorations
This light up reindeer 3 piece set from Wayfair features sturdy wire frames, ground stakes and clear, warm LED lights. Papa deer is over 5 feet tall, and the fawn is over 3 feet tall, so they are large enough to be a focal point in your yard. Wouldn’t these champagne colored outdoor lighted reindeer with red bows would be a great addition to your outside Christmas light display? What Christmas is complete without reindeer?
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Lighted deer and reindeer Christmas yard decorations
While we’re usually thinking up ways to keep deer out of the garden, these beauties can definitely hang out to decorate the yard throughout the holidays. Or, if you’re looking for a project, make your own reindeer decorations this year!
Garage Door Christmas Lights
Well the truth is we couldn’t find any specific special Christmas lights that were intended for garage doors. I think typical Christmas string lights are best for this purpose. But we did find this awesome Merry Christmas garage door mural with Christmas lights around it on the frame of the garage opening. You can get this mural at Wayfair, installation is easy and can be reused and stored for multiple seasons. The Christmas lights around the frame of the door adds that extra sparkle to your outside display!
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Find the Christmas lights that fit your unique style!
We hope you found some unique outdoor Christmas lights here that will make your home win any holiday lighting competition (Either real, or… well, we know how it is. :))But, most importantly, we hope you’ve found some Christmas lights to really capture your holiday style! Here are some of our final thoughts on Christmas light decoration shopping if you’re still on the hunt for something to perfectly decorate your home this year.
For a wide variety of Christmas light decorations:
We found a huge variety of outdoor Christmas lights to choose from at all price points at Wayfair, most with free shipping! And, at the time this post was last updated, there was a lot on sale. Amazon is another great option for a huge variety.
Looking for a deal on basics?
If you are looking for basic Christmas lighting supplies for your home, we found the best value seems to be Walmart. You can get everything from string lights to line the edge of your roofline, all the way to the little hooks to hold the lights.
Have your heart set on a unique to your Christmas lights?
It’s always tricky to set yourself apart from everyone else when you’re all decorating for the same holiday. It’s hard to get away from the norm while still embracing the theme. My best tip for you here is to shop at stores where you know you like the general look and style of their everyday decor. I love Anthropologie, so the rustic, organic look of their Christmas decor (and their sister brand Terrain) really speak to me. So along those lines, maybe you should look at West Elm‘s or Pottery Barn‘s Christmas selection. Sometimes it’s not about going as big and flashy as possible but rather embracing your own personal style!
DIY your outdoor Christmas decor
Also check out our posts on Genius Outdoor Christmas Light Ideas and Awesome DIY Christmas Yard Decorations! And more DIY Outdoor Christmas decorations too!And look for our post on Grinch Christmas Decorations You Can Make and our very own DIY Wall Christmas tree (That we did in our window!) over at TBD!