13 Backyard Christmas Tree Ideas: Fun Decorating Tips for Your Outdoor Trees

The holiday season is a special time for gathering with family and friends. You might want to make your backyard festive with a beautiful Christmas tree. Discover creative ideas to decorate outdoor trees that will impress your guests and spread cheer.

Whether you have a big yard or a small space, decorating a tree outside can bring magic to your home. There are plenty of fun ways to make your tree stand out and fit your style. Enjoy exploring different themes and decorations to create a warm holiday atmosphere.

String lights wrapped around branches

Wrapping string lights around your outdoor tree is an easy way to add charm. Start from the base of the tree and work your way up.

Make sure to keep the lights evenly spaced. This creates a soft glow that can brighten up your yard.

Choose lights that are weather-resistant for durability. You can opt for white lights for a classic look or colorful ones to bring cheer.

Don’t forget to secure the lights with clips or ties if needed. This keeps them in place, especially during windy weather.

Ornaments with family photos

Using family photos as ornaments is a great way to personalize your Christmas tree. You can easily make these ornaments at home.

Start by printing small photos of your family members or favorite moments. Then, cut them into shapes or use circular frames.

You can attach the photos to plain ornaments or use clear ones to display the pictures inside. Add some glitter or ribbons for extra flair.

These photo ornaments will not only look lovely but also spark sweet memories every time you decorate the tree.

Solar-powered star toppers

Solar-powered star toppers are a fun and eco-friendly way to add sparkle to your outdoor Christmas tree. They sit on the top of your tree and light up at night, creating a beautiful glowing effect.

These stars charge during the day using sunlight and turn on automatically when it gets dark. This means you don’t need to worry about finding an outlet or running extension cords.

You can find them in various sizes and colors to match your tree’s decorations. Plus, they add a magical touch that can be seen from a distance.

Handmade garlands of dried oranges

Dried orange garlands add a charming touch to your outdoor Christmas tree. You can make them easily at home with just a few supplies.

Start by slicing oranges into thin rounds. Place them on a baking sheet and dry them in the oven at a low temperature. This process can take a few hours, so be patient.

Once you have your dried orange slices, thread them onto string or twine. You can mix in some popcorn or cranberries for extra color.

Hang your garland around the tree or drape it across your porch. The scent of oranges will bring a festive feel to your backyard.

Plaid ribbon bows

Plaid ribbon bows can add a cozy and festive touch to your outdoor Christmas tree. Choose ribbons with bold colors like red, green, or black for a classic look.

You can make large bows for the top of the tree or smaller ones to hang on the branches. Simply tie the ribbon into a bow and secure it with wire or string.

Mix and match different plaid patterns to create fun layers. This adds depth and interest to your decorations.

Weatherproof fairy lights

Using weatherproof fairy lights is a great way to brighten up your outdoor Christmas tree. These lights are designed to resist rain, snow, and wind, which helps them last all season.

Look for lights that are labeled as waterproof or outdoor-rated. This ensures they can withstand the elements without getting damaged.

You can wrap them around your tree or hang them from nearby branches. This adds a magical glow to your backyard and creates a warm holiday spirit.

7. Vintage lanterns underneath

Adding vintage lanterns under your Christmas tree can create a warm and inviting look. You can use lanterns of different sizes for extra charm.

Fill the lanterns with fairy lights or candles to light up the area at night. This adds a cozy glow and makes your outdoor space feel magical.

Place the lanterns on the ground or hang them from low branches for a nice effect. Make sure to arrange them in a way that feels balanced and festive.

Pinecone decorations

Pinecones are a simple and natural way to decorate your backyard Christmas tree. You can find them in many sizes and colors.

To start, gather some pinecones from your yard or a nearby park. You can leave them as they are, or paint them in festive colors like red or gold.

Adding a bit of glitter can also give them a sparkly touch. Use twine or ribbon to hang the pinecones from the branches.

You can even fill small baskets with pinecones and place them at the base of the tree for extra charm. These decorations are easy to make and add a rustic feel to your holiday setup.

9. Snowflake-themed baubles

Snowflake-themed baubles add a fun winter touch to your outdoor tree. You can choose ornaments that look like real snowflakes or ones with sparkles to mimic fresh snow.

Hang these decorations in clusters to create a magical effect. Use a mix of sizes and colors, like white, silver, and light blue, to make it pop.

You can easily find DIY options too. Making your own snowflake ornaments can be a fun family project. Just grab some clear plastic ornaments and fill them with faux snow or glitter.

Outdoor-safe LED candles

Outdoor-safe LED candles are a great choice for decorating your backyard Christmas tree. They provide a warm glow without the risk of fire.

You can find many styles, from traditional look-alikes to modern designs. These candles are often waterproof, so they can handle rain or snow.

Place them in branches for a magical effect. You can also use timers to make sure they light up at night. This way, you can enjoy your festive decorations without hassle.

Burlap and lace ribbon ornaments

Burlap and lace ribbon ornaments add a rustic touch to your outdoor tree. They are easy to make and look beautiful in natural settings.

You can start by cutting burlap into shapes like stars or hearts. Then, use lace ribbon to add hanging loops.

These ornaments work well with other decorations. You can mix them with pinecones or string lights for a cozy feel.

Candy cane stripes theme

A candy cane stripes theme brings a fun and festive look to your outdoor tree. Start by wrapping red and white ribbon around the branches. This creates a striking, bold pattern that stands out.

You can also add candy cane ornaments. Hang them from the limbs for extra charm. Consider mixing in some white lights to brighten up the red and white theme.

For an extra touch, use large red bows at the top or in clusters on the tree. This adds a nice pop and ties the theme together perfectly. Enjoy creating this sweet look in your backyard!

13. Icicle lights hanging off branches

Icicle lights can add a magical touch to your outdoor Christmas tree. These lights mimic the look of real icicles, creating a winter wonderland effect.

You can drape them along the branches for a natural look. Be sure to choose a color that fits your theme. White lights give a classic feel, while colorful ones can brighten up the night.

Hang the lights evenly among the branches. This creates balance and makes your tree shine even more. These lights are easy to install and can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season.