How To Choose Outdoor Christmas Decorations The Complete Buying Guide

After choosing your theme, review the Christmas yard decorations you already have and make a list of any extra pieces you’ll need. Mixing new and existing items is an easy way to complete your display while staying within budget. Size and energy efficiency are other factors that may influence your spending:

• Size – Consider how grand you’d like your display to be. Budgets can be adjusted according to your preferences and the space available. If you’d like a larger setup, you may wish to include life-sized figures. Alternatively, group smaller decorations together to create a more striking effect.
• Energy efficiency – Most outdoor Christmas lights and pre-lit décor feature either incandescent or LED bulbs. LEDs produce very little heat and use less energy than incandescent lights, making them a safer and more cost-effective choice over time. Some pieces also include a built-in timer to automatically switch lights and sounds off.

• Look for the Safety Label - Check the UL label to confirm whether the item is suitable for outdoor display. Lights with a green holographic UL sticker on the cord are designed for indoor use only, while a red holographic UL sticker indicates that the product is safe for both indoor and outdoor use. Choose products with a UV-resistant coating to help maintain vibrant colours under the sun.
• Read the Display Instructions - Outdoor décor can withstand exposure to the elements, but only within certain limits. Always check the recommended display time in the product guide. For example, outdoor-safe Christmas foliage from Balsam Hill is best displayed for up to three months each year to help preserve its appearance.

Wreaths, Garlands, and Foliage

The foliage on high-quality Christmas wreaths and garlands can last seven to ten years with proper care. However, the lights on pre-lit designs may need replacing over time, depending on how often they’re used.

Outdoor Christmas Lights

According to the Department of Energy, indoor incandescent lights have a projected lifespan of up to 3,000 hours. For outdoor incandescent lights, you may need to start replacing bulbs after roughly half that time. While LED lights tend to cost a little more upfront, they’re designed to last around 25,000 hours with regular use.

Extend the life of your outdoor décor with a few simple weatherproofing steps. Follow our tips below.

Step 1 | Secure Lightweight Decorations

Use garden stakes to keep lightweight items from being blown over by strong winds. You can also use thin wires or chains to fasten life-sized figures to sturdy structures such as trees or light posts. For covered outdoor areas, choose shatter-resistant decorations for added peace of mind.

Step 2 | Protect Outdoor Christmas Lights From Rain and Heat

When bad weather is on the way, switch off and unplug all lights and pre-lit décor. Cover them with a tarp or durable plastic sheet, and move any extension cord outlets to higher ground to prevent water from reaching them.

Step 3 | Check Indoor Electrical Connections

Heavy rain can still pose a risk even if exterior lights are plugged into indoor sockets. Check the ceilings, floors, and walls around outlets to ensure there are no leaks or pooling water that could cause damage.