Christmas will be here before you know it, and it’s time to start thinking about how you want to decorate. What color will your Christmas lights and other décor be? There are many color themes you can choose from, but nothing says “Merry Christmas.” quite like classic red and white outdoor Christmas lights. Here’s how to use this beautiful color duo in your Christmas decorations this year with JellyFish’s color-changing, long-lasting LED bulbs.

Why Is Red and White a Classic Christmas Combo?

Red and white are classic holiday colors. Santa Claus himself wears them faithfully every year. But what do these colors mean in relation to the beloved holiday season, and how did they become some of the most iconic holiday hues in existence?

Besides the indisputable fact that red and white look stunning together, there are other reasons why this color duo is synonymous with Christmas. Red is the color of holly berries and ripe sugar plumbs, which are both intertwined with holiday traditions. Red is also symbolic of the blood of Jesus Christ, whose birth many families celebrate on Christmas Day.

White is often associated with Christmas because it is the same color as the driven snow. It also symbolizes purity and peace. Bing Crosby made the connection between the color white and Christmas even stronger in 1941 when he sang the hit song “White Christmas.” This song went on to become one of the all-time top-selling singles.

If you want your home to look like it belongs on a holiday postcard, there’s no better way to achieve your goal than to choose red and white lighting. These colors are perfect for both your indoor and outdoor decorating needs.

What Can I Do to Get Creative With Red and White?

Red and white Christmas lights are a great start for your holiday decorations, but you may be wondering how else you can get creative with the red and white color theme. Here are a few ideas to give you inspiration for your indoor and outdoor decorating projects.

Ideas for Your Tree

If it’s decorated well, your holiday tree will naturally become the focal point of your living room this winter. To keep your tree in line with your red and white theme, here are some decorating suggestions:

• Tie red velvet ribbons around your Christmas tree branches and garlands.

• Adorn your tree with red and white lights and Christmas tree decorations.

• Add a red-and-white plaid tree skirt to the base of your Christmas tree.

• Wrap your tree in red and white Christmas string lights with green wire—so it blends with the tree.

Ideas for Your Décor

Red and white holiday décor is pretty easy to find, so you shouldn’t struggle for lack of a selection. Here are some creative ways to add more of these festive colors to your home this year.

• Invest in fresh red and white poinsettias for table centerpieces or mantle decorations.

• Incorporate festive red and white candy canes into your Christmas décor. Add a touch of fun and whimsy to your walkways by installing candy cane-shaped lights alongside them. You can also embellish your holiday tree and garlands with real candy canes.

• Place red and white pillows and throws on your sofas.

Ideas for Your Porch

Your porch is the first thing people see when they drive by or come to visit you. So turn your porch into your own personal Christmas Central with red and white decorative lights and other holiday décor. Here are a few ways to make your porch as festive as possible.

• Place faux poinsettias on your covered porch to make it look more cheerful and inviting.

• Purchase or design a Christmas wreath made from red and white tree ornaments.

• Create a cozy nativity porch nook with comfy seating, red and white pillows, and a warm knit blanket.

• Wrap your porch swing in red and white Christmas outdoor lights or twinkling fairy lights.

Ideas for Your Outdoor Decorations

If you want your home to be the talk of the neighborhood this year, don’t scrimp on your outdoor Christmas decoration displays. Instead, choose lights featuring warm white and scarlet red light bulbs for the most dramatic effect. Here are some additional outdoor Christmas decoration ideas.

• Secure red and white rope lights around your exterior windows.

• Drape a Christmas garland embellished with red ribbons along your fence posts for a classic holiday look.

• Hang cool white or bright red icicle lights from your rooftop.

• Decorate your yard with life-size cutouts or inflatable figures of your favorite holiday characters wearing red and white clothing, scarves, or accessories.

Is It Worth It to Add an Outdoor Christmas Tree?

Many homeowners choose to set up two Christmas trees—one inside and one outside. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth adding an outdoor Christmas tree, it depends on how much work you’re willing to put into your outdoor decorations.

There is no denying how beautiful an outdoor Christmas tree light display can be. When decorated well with warm white and red Christmas lights with green wire, your tree can make a lasting impression on all who view it. If you put up an outdoor tree with decorative lights, ensure each LED bulb is large enough to make a statement.

You don’t have to set up an artificial Christmas tree to make your outdoor Christmas light display an incredible sight. Instead, you can add LED Christmas or incandescent lights to your existing trees and bushes. If possible, try to choose lights that match the colors of your house lights. For example, if you’re going with a red and white theme, make sure you’re purchasing either cold or warm white Christmas lights for both your house and your other outdoor holiday lights.

What Type of Lights Do I Want to Use for Outdoor Lighting?

Ideally, you should invest in programmable Christmas lights for your outdoor lighting needs. That way, you won’t have to remember to turn your lights on and off every evening. It also means you get color-changing, year-round LED bulbs for any event on the calendar. When purchasing outdoor lights, pay careful attention to their size. You probably want the lights on your house to have larger bulbs than the lights you use on the rest of your landscape.

Are LED Bulbs Better for Colored Lights?

Both incandescent and LED bulb choices are popular this year as well. But LED light is generally preferred by homeowners who want to save on energy costs and be more environmentally friendly. Consider also that an LED bulb lasts longer and gives off brighter light than an incandescent bulb.

Colored LED Christmas lights also have more vibrant hues than colored incandescent lights. So if you want a long-lasting, lively Christmas light display, it’s generally best to go with LED Christmas lights.

What Color Christmas Lights Are Popular This Year?

You already know that red and white decorative lights are popular year after year, but some other colors are also trendy this year. Not sure which one to choose? We offer color-changing bulbs that offer millions of shades of these combinations:

• Red and green

• Red, white and green

• Warm white

• Cool blue

• Multi-colored

How Can I Create a Classic Christmas Look?

A classic Christmas look is one of the Christmas trends brings to the table. In addition to red and white, other popular colors this year are lavender, blue, gold, and natural tones. To create a classic Christmas look, opt for quintessential Christmas decorations such as evergreen wreaths dotted with holly berries, giant red bows, and garlands threaded with popcorn and dried red berries.

Line your driveway or walkway with glowing lanterns connected by evergreen garlands wrapped in warm white lights on green wire. (It’s even better to have downlighting that hides in your home’s overhang and is only noticeable when it’s on—but if you want separate lights, green/white wire blends in decently). Many homeowners prefer light options with green wire rather than white wire because green blends better with most Christmas trees. But if you get a lot of snow in the winter, you may find that lights with a white wire look better. White wire is also a great string light option for flocked Christmas trees.

Do I Need a Professional to Hang My Lights?

Hanging Christmas lights can be a challenging and dangerous task. Fortunately, JellyFish Lighting has a permanent, customizable solution. We offer permanent color-changing light installation, so you don’t have to worry about it year after year.

Our durable outdoor Christmas lights can turn on and off automatically from sunset to sunrise. When the lights are turned off, they are so discreet they are barely noticeable from the street. But when they’re on, you can program the bulbs to match the colors of Christmas—or any holiday year-round. Find the perfect lights from JellyFish Lighting to transform your home and property into a winter wonderland this year.