Christmas is often a time for entertaining. We spend a lot of time and care getting our homes ready for guests and loved ones. But our guests aren’t the only ones who enjoy our decorations. Driving around to look at Christmas lights has been a favorite holiday pastime for decades. These days, people are just as likely to go around looking for unique Christmas lawn decorations.

You’ve probably driven through neighborhoods that sparkled with thousands of Christmas lights. And, during your sight-seeing, you probably noticed lawn decorations that added to the Christmas cheer by serving as decorative outdoor centerpieces. This year, why not give passers-by an eyeful with some outstanding lawn ornaments of your own?

Some lawn decorations are spectacular enough to stand alone. Others, like lights, trees, and festive stepping stones, make a lovely backdrop against which the other pieces can shine. Let’s take a look at some of the fun (and funny) things that you can deck your yard with this holiday season.

Animated Lawn Decorations

Christmas and lights are inseparable. You might think that the lights on Christmas trees and house exteriors would be sufficient, but lots of families choose lighted lawn decorations for passers-by to enjoy. With the added thrill of animation, these lawn decorations are always a hit at Christmas time. Some decorations use blinking lights to simulate animation, while others use simple animatronics to move around.

Animated holiday lawn decorations are fashioned from powder-coated wire frames that sport hundreds of little lights. There are countless themes to choose from. Imagine a cute gingerbread boy and girl sharing a see-saw on your front lawn. Or an animated Christmas train with wheels that spin round and round. Perhaps you’d enjoy a pair of Christmas bells that seem to shake back and forth, or a group of carolers who appear to actually sing. Some designs are even more elaborate, like a group of Santa’s elves reeling in gift boxes as they load the sleigh.

Children are especially fascinated by animated outdoor displays. Delight them with a snowman that waves hello, or a family of reindeer who turn their heads this way and that. For families with a sense of humor, something unorthodox like dancing penguins or jumping fish would be a unique and memorable choice.

Airblown Inflatable Lawn Decorations

These inflatable lawn ornaments are about 6-8” tall. They are hugely popular because of their fun and colorful appearances and their easy setup. Each inflatable decoration contains a high-powered fan. Just plug them in and watch them inflate within minutes.

As with other lawn decorations, airblown inflatable lawn ornaments can be as simple or as elaborate as the buyer wants. Some feature favorite cartoon characters like the Simpsons and Spongebob. Others, like the popular inflatable carousel, transform lawns into real Christmas wonderlands. Kids get a real kick out of inflatable snow cone stands run by penguins.

Families with special interests are sure to find an airblown inflatable decoration that represents them. Military families might choose a patriotic Santa holding their nation’s flag. Motorcycle enthusiasts will enjoy having a biker Santa on their lawn. Christian families can choose airblown Nativity scenes or crosses. And, of course, there are always the timeless classics like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph.

Funny Lawn Decorations

To really give your guests a chuckle, think about putting up some funny lawn decorations specific to your state. For example, there are airblown inflatable lawn ornaments that depict Santa playing a game of Texas Hold‘em. Driving through rural Southern areas at Christmas time, you’re bound to see at least one Santa riding on a John Deere tractor. Florida residents might choose to display a flock of flamingos pulling Santa’s sleigh instead of the traditional reindeer crew. Tropical climates might sport Santa relaxing under a palm tree with a penguin friend.

Funny holiday lawn decorations are great for a chuckle. They’re also a fine way to distinguish your lawn from others in the neighborhood. Anyone can put a snowman on display, but it takes a special sort of person to put up a bull-riding Santa Claus in their front lawn.

Don’t Skip the Small Details

While animated and inflatable lawn decorations usually take center stage, they don’t have to be the only ornaments in your yard this Christmas. Consider the instant cheer you can generate by putting up classic candy cane and lollipop sticks next to your porch or sidewalk.

To light guests’ steps, put some luminaries along the path to your house. Luminaries are small bags with candles inside. When the candles are lit, the bags glow from within. The effect is soft and pretty, especially when the bags are decorated with cut-outs in holiday shapes like angels and snowflakes.

If you want to go all out, why not build a lawn or garden path using holiday stepping stones? You can choose from countless styles. Some are brightly-colored and feature cartoon characters in holiday scenes, while others are more elegant. Wrought-iron snowflake designs add a  touch of class to your festive lawn.

When guests reach your porch, don’t disappoint them with a sparse display. Instead, put Christmas figurines on either side of your door. Put out some holiday planters and fill them with faux poinsettias or miniature Christmas trees. Hang a ‘Happy Holidays’ banner across your window. And don’t forget that sprig of mistletoe over the door!

While snowmen and Nativity scenes are timeless outdoor favorites, modern times have brought us a wide assortment of interesting lawn ornaments. Shoppers can easily find Christmas decorations online, and decorations can range from cute and classic to downright funny. Whatever your taste, you’re sure to find lawn decorations to please you and your guests this holiday season.