How to Create a Retro Christmas Outdoor Lighting Display

How to Create a Retro Christmas Outdoor Lighting Display

The holiday season brings a sense of nostalgia, and what better way to evoke the magic of Christmas than by creating a retro Christmas outdoor lighting display? Retro Christmas lights transport us back to the mid-20th century, evoking memories of simpler times, bright colors, and festive cheer.

Whether aiming for a traditional look with colorful bulbs or a more kitschy, fun vibe with oversized decorations, creating a retro lighting display will make your home the talk of the neighborhood.

In this “How to Create a Retro Christmas Outdoor Lighting Display” guide, we’ll explore the steps you can take to create your own retro Christmas lighting display to spread holiday cheer for all to see.

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Before you start decorating, it’s important to have a clear vision of the look you want to achieve. Retro Christmas lights often feature bold, vivid colors and simple designs with a vintage touch. Here are a few design ideas you can consider.

• Traditional Multicolored Lights: Think red, green, blue, and yellow bulbs. Retro lighting often features warm white or multicolored incandescent bulbs, unlike today’s LED lights. These can be strung along rooflines, fences, and windows.
• Giant Bulbs: Large, classic C7 or C9 bulbs are quintessential to retro outdoor displays. They’re available in various bright colors, and their larger size makes them stand out.
• Neon Christmas Signs: To give your display an even more retro vibe, consider incorporating neon-style signage that says “Merry Christmas” or “Ho Ho Ho”.”
• Tinsel and Garlands: Adding metallic tinsel or reflective garlands to your display will add extra sparkle and shine, just like Christmas displays from the 50s and 60s.
• Oversized Yard Decorations: Large inflatable snowmen, Santas, or reindeer were a staple of retro displays in the 60s and 70s, and they’re making a comeback in a big way.

Consider the shape and size of your space and the time you’re willing to commit. If you’re starting small, a few well-placed bulbs along your roofline or a simple tree with retro bulbs can set the tone for your display.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

Once you have a plan, it’s time to gather all the materials you need for your display. Here’s a list of essential items for a retro Christmas outdoor lighting setup.

• Incandescent Lights: Retro Christmas displays often feature the soft glow of incandescent lights, which provide warmth and nostalgia. Choose C7 or C9 light bulbs in a variety of bright colors. Look for “old-fashioned” or vintage-style bulbs for that authentic retro look.
• Extension Cords: Ensure you have heavy-duty extension cords designed for outdoor use. It’s important to keep your cords safe, especially when exposed to the elements.
• Outdoor Timers: A timer will allow you to set your lights to come on at dusk and turn off automatically. This helps save energy and makes it easier to manage your display.
• Light Clips: Use special clips to attach the lights to your roof, fence, or trees. These will make installation easier and help prevent damage to your home.
• Decorative Items: Look for retro-style yard decorations such as oversized gift boxes, reindeer, or Santa figurines. Adding some of these fun elements will give your display a nostalgic touch.
• Tinsel, Wreaths, and Garland: These items will add texture and extra sparkle to your display. It’s like mimicking your “shine like a diamond” fashion trends during the holiday season.

Ensure that all lights and materials are rated for outdoor use for safety and durability.

Step 3: Set Up Your Lights

Now that you have all your supplies, it’s time to start hanging the lights. When installing outdoor lights, safety is the top priority. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while setting up.

1. Start with the Roofline: The roofline is usually the focal point of a Christmas light display. Using light clips, attach your light strings along the eaves or gutters. If you’re using large bulbs like C7 or C9, spacing them evenly along the roofline will ensure a vibrant, balanced look. Consider wrapping lights around any chimneys or around windows for additional effect.
2. Frame the Windows and Doors: Use smaller light strings to outline your windows and doors. You can stick with multicolored lights for a traditional retro look or a classic white or amber glow to evoke the 1950s warmth.
3. Decorate Trees and Shrubs: Retro lighting displays often feature trees and bushes wrapped in colorful lights. Use net lights, strings of lights, or even oversized C9 bulbs for a whimsical effect. Consider alternating the colors and adding tinsel or garland to make your display even more vibrant.
4. Add Yard Decorations: Place large, retro-inspired decorations in your front yard. Oversized light-up figures such as snowmen, Santas, or reindeer bring the retro Christmas spirit to life. Remember to secure them properly with stakes or weights to keep them tall through the winter.
5. Use Neon Christmas Signs: Consider adding neon-style Christmas signs to add to the retro feel. These were common in mid-century displays and can still be found in some modern stores. They’re perfect for adding that eye-catching, vintage touch.
6. Hang Garlands and Tinsel: For an extra burst of retro flair, hang metallic garlands or tinsel along your roofline or over fences. These were often used in the 50s and 60s holiday displays to add a reflective quality to the lights and make the display appear even brighter.

Step 4: Final Touches and Considerations

Once your lights are hung and everything is in place, it’s time to step back and assess the display. Here are some final touches to elevate your retro Christmas lighting.

• Check for Balance: Make sure your display is balanced, meaning you don’t have one area that’s too dim or overstuffed with decorations. Spread out your lights and decorations evenly across your home’s exterior.
• Avoid Overcrowding: While adding as many lights as possible is tempting, keep your display manageable. A few key elements can be much more effective than a cluttered setup.
• Safety First: Always check that your lights are in good working order and that cords are safely plugged into outlets. Use only outdoor-rated lights and materials, and ensure the lights are rated for the weather conditions in your area.

Step 5: Light It Up!

Now that everything is in place, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Plug everything in, and let the magic of retro Christmas lights bring your home to life. If you’ve planned your display carefully and used high-quality materials, you can enjoy retro Christmas lighting for many seasons.

Bring Back the Holiday Cheer with Retro Lighting!

A retro Christmas outdoor lighting display perfectly adds charm, warmth, and nostalgia to your home during the holiday season. Combining vibrant colors, oversized lights, and classic decorations creates a festive environment that will delight everyone who sees it. Whether creating a traditional design or mixing in some quirky elements, a retro Christmas lighting display will help you celebrate the season with style.

Contact A Brilliant Solution for expert lighting installation if you need help bringing your retro Christmas vision to life. The father-son duo and their staff specialize in creating beautiful and safe outdoor lighting displays that will turn your home into a winter wonderland!

Best of all, we take down and store for you after the Christmas season is over.