The 27 Best Christmas Walkway Ideas For Magical Holidays

Do you love Christmas as much as I do? If you start counting the days to Christmas the day after it ends, you do!

I have some excellent news for all fellow Christmasphiles! I am about to share 27 amazing Christmas walkway ideas that will help you turn your front yard into a winter wonderland and brighten up the whole neighborhood. You’ll find something for every budget, so do stay to the very end.

Be ready this holiday season and you’ll wow each and every person who visits your home for Christmas!

Colorful Christmas Light Balls

The main purpose of Christmas yard decorations is to draw attention to your doorstep and lift the holiday spirit. Is there a better way to achieve this than using giant Christmas light balls, like the ones in this picture? The photo above is courtesy of Nick Amoscato.

I know that Christmas light balls of this size can be quite expensive, but the good news is you can make similar ones for a fraction of the cost. All you need is some chicken wire and a few colorful LED light strings. 

Kelli Harvey from the popular Christmas Lights Etc. online store offers a great tutorial that will help you make Christmas light balls in different sizes. With her help, you can have your entire garden covered with Christmas light balls in a few hours. So get busy! 

A Magical Lit-Up Walkway

Why bother with Christmas pathway lights if you can build a lighted Christmas tunnel leading to your front door? It will surely leave all your guests and neighbors speechless. Unfortunately, I am not sure you could do this on your own unless you are an experienced, tech-savvy DIY veteran. The photo above is courtesy of Dick Thompson.

Professionals from Taylor Anthony 365, a lawn maintenance and landscape company, suggest that hiring professional help to light up your walkway might be a good idea. They think creating a professionally lit walkway requires not only creativity and an “eye for design” but also some tools and materials you cannot purchase at the local big box store.

An Outdoor Christmas Light Display

For me, there is no such thing as too many Christmas lights! That’s why I suggest using string lights or net lights to decorate your walkway trees, planter pots, windows, front door, and anything else you can think of. All these elements combined will create a unique Christmas light display fit for any Chrismasphile! The photo above is courtesy of Gordon.

If your budget allows it, you can take the easy route and purchase ready-made outdoor Christmas decorations covered with net lights, like the ones in this picture. You can find them in all shapes and sizes, so you can let your imagination go wild!

Budget-Friendly Christmas Pathway Lights

Who says you have to spend a fortune on your outdoor Christmas decorations? If you are on a low budget, buy some cheap Christmas lights and get creative! You can make it a family project, too. There is only one rule: the more the merrier! The photo above is courtesy of Orin Zebest.

Your Christmas lights need not match. I use the ones I already have and add a few new ones every year. Play with colors and shapes by using string lights, net lights, and icicle lights for different areas of your outdoor space. Make sure to allow your Christmas pathway lights to dominate – they leave the strongest impressions on the quests walking towards your front door. 

Wrapping Outdoor Trees In Christmas Lights

I think any tree can be a Christmas tree, as long as it is properly dressed! Don’t you agree? So to create a winter wonderland scene, get all the string lights and net lights you can and start wrapping them around all the trees in your yard. The photo above is courtesy of daryl_mitchell.

To add an extra touch of magic, consider incorporating a synchronized light show set to festive music. According to experts from Asante, one of the leading companies in smart home technologies creating such a show requires Christmas lights (of course) and the following systems.

• A light control system
• Software system
• Sound system

That said, I am not tech-savvy enough to do this on my own. If you are like me, consider hiring professionals or try watching this video:

Candy Cane Christmas Land

Do you remember how I said the more, the merrier? Well, this Christmas display proves my point! The candy cane pathway lights lead you into a magic world full of reindeer, angels, snowmen, and hanging stars and snowflakes. You’ll get into a festive mood as soon as you step into it and it is a perfect setup for an outdoor Christmas party!

As you can see, you can go all out and use all the outdoor Christmas decorations and string lights you can find (or afford). Decorate your front yard with twinkling lights, snowflake projections, and illuminated figures – everything goes, as long as it is bright and Christmasy. 

A Traditional Look With A Hint Of Christmas Fun

When decorating my parent’s house, I try to subdue my Christmas frenzy and achieve a more traditional look. Here is a perfect example of how you can do that too! The photo above is courtesy of David Prasad.

Twinkling outdoor Christmas lights hanging from the roof create a festive and magical ambiance, illuminating the entire house with a warm and inviting glow. The candy cane Christmas pathway lights leading to the front porch bring a hint of fun and spread joy throughout the neighborhood. A true holiday season bliss with a dose of elegance!

Work Together With Nature

What is better than a beautiful house? A beautiful house covered in snow and ice. Winter can do quite a good job decorating your home for Christmas if you are blessed to have snow throughout the winter. In this case, you only need a few strategically placed light strings to make your home festive. Just look at the icicle lights in this picture! The photo above is courtesy of Jared Tarbell.

I must warn you that icicles can be dangerous too, so do read the safety tips and recommendations provided by the Town of Cicero officials: 

• Never stand under a structure with icicles. 
• Use a long wooden pole to knock icicles down gently.
• Do not place your ladder directly against a gutter covered with icicles.
• Hire a professional to remove large icicles.

Use Icicle Lights To Bring Winter To Your Home

If you are not fortunate enough to have real snow and ice during the holiday season you can use string lights or icicle lights to create a frosty look. My friend who lives in Florida always hangs icicle lights around her roof, front porch, and on tree branches so that she can have wintery Christmas photographs – at least at night. It boosts her curb appeal during the festive season, too. The photo above is courtesy of FolsomNatural.

Winter Wonderlights

Fairy lights look beautiful in your yard, no matter the season, but they have the extra magic touch when paired with a bright Christmas tree. So, using fairy lights to decorate everything you possibly can is one of the best Christmas decorating ideas. The photo above is courtesy of Chris Fithall.

My love for fairy lights shows year-round. I have them wrapped around each beam of my gazebo just like a growing vine with white flower buds. During the Christmas holiday season, I simply add a few hanging snowflakes and a Christmas tree and the festive season can begin!

Light Up The Entire Neighborhood

The best thing about fairy lights is that they are fairly inexpensive. That gives me a great idea! How about starting an initiative for all your neighbors to buy the same fairy lights this year? The photo above is courtesy of Chris Fithall.

It won’t set anyone back a lot, and you’ll all have identical Christmas decorations, creating a magical atmosphere for anyone passing through your street. Just show them this image, and they’ll agree immediately. I might try convincing my neighbors too.

The Nativity Scene

According to the St. Josemaria Institute, the Nativity scene has a special place near the Christmas tree or other places where your loved ones spend time around Christmas. So, you might consider making a Nativity scene a part of your outdoor Christmas display too. The photo above is courtesy of Joe Shlabotnik.

If that is too elaborate, consider other glowing plastic figures, such as Santas, snowmen, or Nutcrackers. No matter what your choice of figures is, I am sure they’ll bring a lot of joy to all your visitors, especially children. Don’t forget to include plenty of Christmas lights, too!

Budget-Friendly DIY Outdoor Christmas Decor

Don’t worry if you are on a particularly low budget this holiday season. You can always make your own Christmas decorations for a couple of dollars. Purchase cheap, battery-operated LED lights, and gather a few tall mason jars to make simple and effective lanterns. The photo above is courtesy of Jonathan Cutrer.

I suggest using them as Christmas pathway lights or hanging them on your outdoor trees. Whatever you decide, these budget-friendly Christmas lights are sure to brighten up your mood! If you like this idea, here is a helpful video I have found:

Santa’s Visit

Santa Claus symbolizes Christmas throughout the world. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, this white-bearded gentleman dressed in a red suit is the traditional patron of Christmas in the United States, too. So, why not make him your guest this holiday season? The photo above is courtesy of Mack Male.

Build a giant sleigh and have one of your house members dress as Santa. Your yard will become a magnet for children from the entire neighborhood, and beyond. You are sure to have a lot of fun, too. We did it last year and those are some of the best Christmas memories ever!

Turn Your Front Yard Into A Santa’s Sleigh Parking 

If you are not crafty enough to build Santa’s sleigh, you can purchase it. Any kid would be thrilled to have this kind of outdoor Christmas display in their yard. My inner child has been prompting me to search for this scenery online ever since I first saw it. So, if you are a parent, and you can afford pricey Christmas displays, go for it! You are sure to make your kids very happy! The photo above is courtesy of Sergiy Galyonkin.

If you cannot set aside a lot of money this year, look at my next idea! 

If You Build It, Santa Might Come

I remember watching a Kevin Costner film with a famous punchline: If you build it, they will come. Well, perhaps building a sleigh will make Santa visit you, too. After all, Christmas is the perfect time for miracles. The photo above is courtesy of cattan2011.

Unfortunately, this project is reserved for experienced DIY crafters. The craftsmanship of the sleigh is outstanding, and you really need to have special skills to build it. Maybe this video can help:

A Big Snowman On A Small Porch

Having a small porch to decorate doesn’t mean you can’t go big with your outdoor Christmas decor! A giant inflatable snowman and tons of colorful Christmas lights illuminating the space create a festive and cheerful atmosphere – regardless of your front porch size. 

When I was living in a small flat, I did not even have a porch to decorate. But I used to decorate my windows with so much enthusiasm and creativity that all the neighbors started doing it, too, and we spread holiday cheer to all who passed by. It is the whole point of Christmas decorating! 

A Gigantic Christmas Wreath

This giant Christmas wreath, adorned with green and red Christmas lights, would look great no matter where you put it. It is surely a delightful sight to behold during the festive season, but what do Christmas wreaths symbolize? The photo above is courtesy of Valerie Everett.

An article I read in Time Magazine written by Kat Moon explains that wreaths were originally used as Christmas tree ornaments. They were made round so that they could be hung onto the branches. The never-ending circle also symbolizes divine perfection and eternity.

If you want to try building a giant Christmas wreath similar to the one in the picture, watch this tutorial I found:

Make A Christmas Wreath For Your Front Door

I always hang a Christmas wreath on my front door, and I think everyone should do it! Wreaths are a traditional and festive way to welcome guests into your home during the holiday season. A wreath adds a touch of charm and warmth, instantly setting the mood for the celebrations inside.

The good news is that you can make your own wreath from fir tree branches and personalize it with Christmas lights and decorations such as pinecones, ribbons, or even small ornaments, making it a statement piece for your home’s exterior. I found a video that shows five ways you can make a Christmas wreath in only five minutes:

Simple Christmas Light Figurines

Instead of spending a small fortune on pricey, lighted outdoor Christmas figures, I buy cheap string lights and let my imagination go wild. The figures I create make a beautiful addition to my Christmas gazebo decor. The photo above is courtesy of Lukas Koster.

You can do it too! It does not require any special skills. All you need to do is use some clear adhesive tape to form a shape you want and turn your light strings into angles, snowflakes, snowmen, or whatever you imagine.

This is an excellent kid-friendly project for the holiday season. These creative and festive decorations will not only bring joy to your children but also enhance their understanding of geometry concepts and engage them in a hands-on activity.

3D Outdoor Christmas Figures

If you are feeling confident, you can take your Christmas lights figures to a higher level and make them three-dimensional. As you can see, it does not have to be a complicated endeavor. The angel in the picture is rather easy to make if you are good with your hands. You will need a lot of bending wire, though. I know, since I made a similar figure last Christmas. The photo above is courtesy of Gordon.

Religion expert Whitney Hopler explains why angles are used as Christmas decor. She says angel figures symbolize the angels who appeared over Bethlehem to announce Jesus’s birth. For Christians, angles represent a statement of faith intended to drive evil spirits away from their homes.

Cherub Song

Now that you know how meaningful angels are, you might consider investing in some top-of-the-line figures that you can use to spread Christmas cheer for years to come. Figures like these in the picture will surely cost a small fortune, but they have numerous advantages, such as: The photo above is courtesy of Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism.

• They are durable and can be reused over and over again
• You simply take them out and position them wherever you like
• No assembly means more time for Christmas fun!

I have yet to purchase such a beautiful Christmas display, but I have seen similar figures in my neighborhood. They always bring a smile to my face. I guess that makes them a good investment. 

Street Lights On Your Front Porch

This is one of the best outdoor Christmas decorating ideas I have ever seen. I will surely try to recreate it come Christmastime.

From soldiers guarding the front door to tall street lights next to the stairs leading to the porch – it all seems so well put together. The twinkling glow of red Christmas lights brings a sense of warmth and comfort amidst the cold winter nights. It is a beautiful festive display indeed.

Oversized Ornaments

The oversized ornaments on this outdoor Christmas tree create an eye-catching display. The vibrant red and elegant gold colors of larger-than-life Christmas baubles are balanced by delicate bluish string lights.

I always wondered why there are baubles on every Christmas tree. As Kriselle Fonseca from Youth Incorporated Magazine explains, these vibrantly colored balls have more than a decorative role. Their circular shape represents heaven and reminds us of jewels descending from the sky.

Convenient Outdoor Inflatables

Outdoor inflatable Christmas figures are a popular choice among homeowners during the holiday season. These figures come in various sizes and designs, ranging from Santa Claus and reindeer to snowmen and elves. They are easy to set up and provide a festive touch to any winter garden, sending Christmas cheer to both residents and passersby. 

My neighbor has quite a few of these figures. His front yard is ultra popular among kids who take selfies with his Santa, elves, and reindeer. 

Santa On Vacation

If you live down in the South, buy this whimsical Santa Claus on holiday figure. It will add a playful twist to the traditional holiday decorations and be the talk of the neighborhood. A good dose of humor is always welcome – especially around Christmas.  I’ll try to get one for my parents in Florida, too! I know we’ll all have a good laugh at the sight of it.

Funny Outdoor Inflatables To Make Everyone Smile

We all have problems and worries throughout the year. Christmas is an ideal time to let them all go and start fresh. What better way to do that than to turn to humor?

The Santa Claus and Mrs.Claus in funny exercise poses are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face and become the highlight of your festive display. Now I’m torn which one to choose for my parents – this one or Santa on holiday? You can help me make up my mind by leaving your vote in the comment section!

FAQs

Before You Start Setting Up Your Outdoor Christmas Decorations

First of all, tell me how you like my list of outdoor Christmas decorating ideas. If you have anything to add, please do! You can leave a comment and share your creativity with all of my readers. 

I am sure we all want our walkway to look its best this Christmas! However, it does not really matter whether you choose string lights or net lights, stars or snowflakes, Santas or snowmen – as long as you spread the holiday cheer, you make this world a better place! So be sure to do the same for Easter, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, too.