Dazzle guests with whimsical lights
Dan S. Morris is the Chief Content Editor and founder of Chosen Furniture. He covers high-quality furniture products designed to last, so he is the best contact for house goods advice.
I almost left the porch dark ten years ago. I was beat, the wallet was thin, and the weather app lied about “light flurries.” Then my kids hauled out a dented lantern and asked, “Dad, can we make it sparkle?“
One hour, one string of lights, and a lot of cocoa later, the front step felt like a hug. If you need that same quick win, grab a lantern and let’s play – here are my 23 outdoor christmas lantern ideas to try right now.
Cinnamon Stick Glow
I arranged a dozen cinnamon sticks around the rim of a charming metal lantern and put a candle inside. The soft glow from the candle releases the lovely scent of my grandma’s kitchen, filling the air with comforting memories. Zero talent needed.
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Snow-Globe Jar
Tiny deer ornament, quart jar, spoonful of fake snow. Glue the deer to the lid, flip it, and set it inside the lantern – simple as that. Boom! North Pole in a jar, and the glass keeps it dry when the dog shakes off slush.
Barn-Wood Shelf
I screwed a leftover piece of barn wood to the siding and parked the lantern on top. Instant rustic perch, and the wood catches the light, so the whole wall looks warmer.
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Thrift-Store Truck
Two-dollar red pickup from Goodwill, mini tree in the bed, parked under the lantern. Neighbors swear it’s vintage. Nope, spray frost and imagination.
Ice Ring
I froze water in a Bundt pan, slid a tea light into the hole, and set the ring under the lantern. It glows like a donut made of moonlight for about three hours – long enough for carolers to snap a pic.
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Flannel Sweater
Cut the sleeve off an old red flannel (or not, depending on your taste), and slipped it over the lantern body. The cuff becomes a collar, the plaid peeks through, and it feels like the lantern is wearing PJs.
Star Sheet
Aluminum foil (for better results, use black or dark blue foil), a toothpick, and five minutes of poking holes. Tape the sheet behind the lantern, and the bulb throws tiny stars across the siding. My teen calls it “budget galaxy.”
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Orange Wheels
My wife had so much fun drying orange slices in the oven – don’t ask why! I carefully arranged small pieces of fruit on a fishing line and hung them inside the lantern.
When the light filters through, it looks just like beautiful stained-glass windows! Isn’t that lovely?
Wrelet
That’s a wreath for a lantern – a four-inch grapevine ring slides over the top, plus one sprig of juniper. The jingle bell on the handle rings when the wind moves. Cute, not perfect – precisely the point.
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Timer Trail
Five to six matching lanterns, same number of flickering LEDs, one $8 timer. They appear at dusk without my noticing. Well, people think I’m disciplined; in reality, I’m a little bit lazy.
Photo Spiral
Printed old Christmas pics two inches tall, clipped them to twine, and spiraled the string inside the lantern. Every night, we get a mini slideshow of cheeks redder than the bows.
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Salt-Dough Parade
Kids pressed cookie cutters, painted them sloppily, and we hung the shapes outside. The bulb makes the dough look like pricey pottery. When one breaks, we make more – therapy for under a dollar.
Twine Nest
Wrap twine around a balloon, coat it with glue, and pop the balloon. Stuff the nest in the lantern with micro lights. Texture makes folks want to touch, and the glow feels like a secret campfire.
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Cranberry Float
Water halfway, fresh cranberries, candlelight on top. The berries bob and reflect like little red mirrors. When they shrivel, I toss them into oatmeal – no waste, no guilt.
Rope Handle
Snipped the skinny wire off a bargain lantern, threaded chunky manila rope through the holes. Suddenly, it looks coastal, rustic, and way more expensive than twelve bucks.
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Mirror Doublet
Dollar-store mirror plate under the lantern. Reflection doubles the light and makes my skinny porch feel twice as deep. Bonus: You can check your hat for snow before knocking.
Gold Cones
Pinecones, quick swipe of gold paint on the tips, micro lights inside the lantern. Light peeks through like fireflies wearing holiday tuxedos.
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Scrabble Wave
Found an old Scrabble box missing half the tiles. Glued NOEL to the inside glass. When the candle glows, the letters float like a little secret handshake.
Birch Cuff
Peeling birch bark from the backyard pile, wrapped it around the lantern and tied it with twine. Pale bark catches the light and feels like parchment holding an old story.
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Bulb Cloche
Swapped one glass panel for a clear Christmas ornament, upside down. The round glass magnifies the flame and makes the porch feel like an old street lamp – only three cracked bulbs are learning the trick.
Cocoa Stop
The most enormous lantern on a stool, filled with cocoa packets and marshmallows, with a tin cup on the handle. Kids serve themselves, and the lantern keeps packets dry. Mess happens, memories too.
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Shadow Rudolph
Cut a tiny reindeer from black paper, and taped it inside the wall of the lantern. The bulb throws the shadow onto the porch floor. Guests step on Rudolph’s head and laugh every time.
Goodnight Blink
The same inexpensive timer controls all lanterns. At 10:30, they flash twice, then sleep. My wife says it’s the house tucking us in. I say it’s the porch telling us to quit scrolling and go to bed.
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Conclusion
Pick one from these 23 outdoor christmas lantern ideas – the one that makes you grin first. The rest will snowball. When January comes and you box up the lights, you’ll still smell cinnamon and hear that faint jingle. That’s the authentic decor – tiny moments that stick around long after the bulbs are cold.
Grab a lantern, friend. Let’s make your porch the spot where strangers smile and kids believe.
