Christmas lights are essential for creating a festive mood and magical atmosphere. Whether you like to hang just a few simple decorations, or go all-out and add yuletide sparkle to every corner of your home, it’s easy to light up your life and illuminate your holiday spirit. We’re going to show you how to delight your family, guests and neighbours with our impressive Christmas lighting ideas.

From creative indoor displays to show-stopping outdoor lighting, our festive decorating designs will have your whole home glowing this Christmas.

1. Red and white lights for a candy cane look

When you think of Christmas, what sweet treat springs to mind? Candy canes, of course. Get creative by alternating strands of red and white lights along your roof, windows and the outline of your gutters. This look is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of anyone who passes by.

2. Place lanterns down the walkway

Highlight your path and entranceway to guide your visitors (and Santa) to your indoor festive wonderland. If you live in an apartment, place a couple on the outdoor entrance area to spread some holiday happiness.

3. String lighting to outline your home’s main features

Sometimes, less is more when you’re trying to turn your home into a Christmas palace. So why not try outlining your home’s main features – such as the windows, doors and gables – with string lighting? This will create a simple but dramatic effect for the front of your property.

4. Hang snowflake-shaped lights from a tree

You know what the song says – let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. If you want to turn your home into a winter wonderland, try using snowflake-shaped lights. Unlike the real white powder, you don’t have to shovel them away, or freeze your socks off when admiring them up close. Suspend a few at different heights from a tree in your front yard to make it look like it’s actually snowing.

5. Sparkly wire tomato cage trees

Clean up some wire tomato cages and wrap them with LED lights from top to bottom to produce twinkly, miniature Christmas trees. If you don’t have any tomato cages, you can recreate this look using any invented cone shape you like. They look great decorated with either colourful bulbs or white-as-snow string lights.

6. Fairy light jars

Simply put a string of battery-powered fairy lights in a mason jar and finish off with a Christmassy ribbon. These work wonders both indoors and outdoors, and provide a soft glow to any space. You can also place fairy lights in wine bottles for the ultimate festive table centrepiece.

7. Lighted wreath

Try sprucing up an old wreath with some lights to add a little twinkle your front door or gate this upcoming holiday. Alternatively, find a plastic or metal circular object, wrap a bunch of lights all around it and add some red and green coloured ribbons for that extra sprinkle of festive cheer.

8. Brighten up your table decorations

Dress up your existing table decorations with fairy or string lights to make your Christmas meal feel even more special. From candles, vases and display dishes to large ornaments and any type of centrepiece, it’s easy to transform your ordinary items into festive decorations.

9. Jazz up your existing lights

There’s no need to buy new lights when you get bored of your old ones at Christmas – just give them a new, merry twist. Add tinsel to lamps, hang baubles from pendant ceiling lights or tie some seasonal branches to a hanging light fixture to dazzle your family and friends. This is a really cost-effective way to decorate your home, and you can use whatever ornaments you have on hand. The only limit is your imagination.

10. DIY snow globes

Want to create your own mini snow globe? Find some glass jars in various shapes and sizes, stuff them with fake snow, LED lights and some Christmas related ornaments or decorations. These unique lights are super quick and easy to make, and your kids will absolutely love them.