16 Jaw-Dropping Christmas Pool Decorations Your Neighbors Will Secretly Envy

Hey there, fellow decor lover! Let’s talk. You’ve spent weeks, maybe even months, planning your holiday look. The tree is perfect, your mantel looks like a magazine cover, and you’ve even found the perfect Christmas living room ideas to make your main space sparkle.

But then… there’s the backyard.

Is your swimming pool looking less “winter wonderland” and more “forgotten lagoon”? It’s just sitting there, a big, cold, dark patch in an otherwise festive landscape. I used to have this exact problem. My pool became this black hole that just sucked all the holiday cheer out of the yard.

Well, not anymore. I’ve learned that the pool isn’t an obstacle; it’s a canvas. It’s your chance to create a stunning, reflective water feature that doubles the impact of your decor. Seriously, why let the inside of your house have all the fun?

If you’re ready to turn that backyard blah into a brilliant holiday bash, you’re in the right place. We’re going to dive (pun intended) into 16 fantastic Christmas pool decorations that will make your yard the talk of the neighborhood.

💡 Let There Be (Waterproof) Light!

First things first: light. Nothing transforms a dark space faster or more dramatically than illumination. When you’re dealing with a pool, you have a giant, beautiful mirror. Using lights in and around it creates a magical, shimmering effect that you just can’t get anywhere else.

1. Floating Christmas Orbs

This is my absolute favorite place to start. Think of them as giant, glowing ornaments floating gracefully on the water’s surface. These waterproof, battery-operated orbs come in various sizes and can often be set to a specific color (hello, red and green!) or programmed to fade through a whole spectrum.

A dozen of these spheres, in different sizes, creates an instant “wow” factor. They’re elegant, modern, and just a little bit magical. During the day, they look like minimalist sculptures. At night, they transform the entire pool into a festive galaxy.

2. Poolside String Light Extravaganza

You can never go wrong with string lights. Ever. But we’re not just talking about one sad little string draped over a bush. Go big! Use outdoor-rated string lights to:

• Wrap the poles of your pool fence or pergola.
• Create a “ceiling” of lights over the pool deck.
• Line the entire perimeter of the pool deck.
• Drape them through nearby trees and shrubbery.

The reflection of thousands of tiny lights on the water is breathtaking. It’s like having twice the lights for half the effort. If you need inspiration on different ways to hang them, check out these 5 string light ideas for a little creative boost.

3. Underwater Light Show

Yes, in the pool! If your pool already has built-in lights, it’s time to see if you can get colored lenses for them. Setting them to a festive red, blue, or green is a simple, 10-second change that makes a huge difference.

If you don’t have built-in lights (or want more), grab some submersible LED pool lights. These are little waterproof, remote-controlled pucks that you can just toss into the water. They’ll sink to the bottom and cast a spooky, beautiful glow upwards. Setting them to red and green is an absolute must-try.

4. Projector Magic

Want maximum impact for minimal effort? This is it. Get one of those holiday light projectors—the kind that casts snowflakes, swirling stars, or even a dancing Santa—and aim it right at the pool’s surface.

The water’s slight movement will make the projected images dance and shimmer. It’s dynamic, it’s fun, and it takes about two minutes to set up. You can also aim it at a blank wall or fence behind the pool for a festive backdrop.

🎄 Deck the… Pool Deck!

Okay, the water is glowing. Now it’s time to dress up the surrounding area. The pool deck is your stage, so let’s set the scene.

5. The “Santa’s Landing Pad” (Floats)

Who said pool floats are just for summer? That giant reindeer, snowman, or Santa floaty that’s been sitting in your shed is begging for its holiday debut. Inflate those festive friends and let them lounge in the pool.

The key here is anchoring them. You don’t want all your decor to get pushed into the skimmer by a light breeze. Use a simple fishing line and a small weight (or tie them to the pool’s edge) to keep them artfully scattered.

6. Festive Potted Plants and Mini Trees

Create a lush, festive border. Get a dozen or so poinsettias in bright red pots and line the edge of your pool deck. The pop of color against the blue water is stunning.

Even better? Get several small, pre-lit artificial Christmas trees and place them in decorative pots. You can scatter them around the deck or group them together to create a “mini forest.” This is one of the easiest ways to tie your whole outdoor Christmas decorations ideas together.

7. Candy Cane Lane Pathway

Guide your guests to the winter wonderland you’ve created. Use those classic, solar-powered candy cane pathway lights to create a magical walkway from your patio door right to the pool area.

It’s a classic for a reason. It feels celebratory and draws people into the space, building anticipation. This works especially well if your pool is set a little way back from the house, similar to how you’d decorate your front porch for Christmas to welcome guests.

8. A Cozy Christmas Lounge

What’s the point of decorating if you can’t enjoy it? Transform your poolside lounge chairs from summer relics to a cozy winter nook. This is my secret weapon for holiday parties.

Drape your chairs with thick, plaid blankets or even some old-school cashmere throws. Add some outdoor-safe pillows in red, green, or faux fur. If you have a safe, outdoor-rated heat lamp or a fire pit, now is the time to use it. You’ve just created a cozy small living room, but under the stars.

✨ Creative & Quirky Poolside Vibes

Want to try something a little different? These ideas are for those of us who like our decor to have a bit of personality.

9. “Gifts” on the Water

This is a brilliant DIY that looks incredibly chic. Get several plastic cube-shaped containers (storage bins work great!). Wrap them in waterproof vinyl tablecloths or sheets of colored plastic, just like you’d wrap a present. Finish it off with a big, plastic bow (the kind you put on a car).

Let them float! They look like presents have been scattered across the water. It’s whimsical, fun, and a fantastic budget-friendly decor idea.

10. The Reindeer Watering Hole

This one is just charming. Get two or three light-up wireframe reindeer (the kind you’d put on your lawn) and position them right at the edge of the pool. Angle them so they look like they’ve just stopped by for a drink.

The reflection of the glowing reindeer in the water is pure holiday magic. It tells a sweet little story and makes the whole scene feel alive.

11. Wrap Your Pool Fence

Got a pool safety fence? Don’t see it as an eyesore see it as a blank canvas. Weave extra-wide, wired outdoor ribbon (the metallic or glittery kind) in and out of the slats for a “wrapped” look.

Or, even easier, buy some pre-lit garlands and attach them to the top of the fence all the way around. It defines the space, adds more light, and makes the fence part of the decoration instead of something in the way of it.

12. Floating Wreaths

So simple, so elegant. Get two or three artificial wreaths. Please make sure they are artificial—you do not want pine needles clogging up your pool filter, trust me.

You can get simple green ones and add a few plastic ornaments, or buy ones that are already decorated. Just toss them onto the water’s surface. They’ll float beautifully. For an extra touch, place a waterproof, battery-operated candle or a small floating orb in the center of each one. It’s a gorgeous new take on traditional Christmas front door wreaths.

❄️ Creating a Winter Wonderland (Even in Warm Climates)

For those of us celebrating Christmas in shorts and t-shirts (I see you, Florida, Arizona, and California!), creating a “wintry” feel can be a challenge. How do you do “Jingle Bells” when it’s 75 degrees out? Easy.

13. Faux Snow on the Deck

Embrace the cheese! A little faux snow can go a long way. Use white, fluffy “snow” batting (from any craft store) and drape it over your bushes, at the base of your potted trees, or on your lounge chairs.

You can also use “instant snow” powder for a more realistic, “dusted” look on tables or deck railings. Just make sure to keep it out of the pool water itself.

14. An “Ice” Skating Rink Theme

This is all about the color palette. Ditch the red and green and go all in on blue and white. Use only bright white string lights, set your floating orbs to blue, and use a projector to cast snowflakes.

This cool, monochrome theme makes the water look icy and frosty, even if it’s warm enough for a dip. It gives your backyard a sleek, elegant, and “wintry” vibe.

15. The North Pole (via Pool Slide)

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool slide, you just hit the Christmas jackpot. Wrap that slide in red and white rope lights to turn it into a giant, twisting candy cane. Stick a “North Pole” sign (a simple DIY on a wooden stake) at the very top. It’s fun, it’s playful, and kids go absolutely nuts for it.

16. Giant Inflatable Characters

Sometimes, subtle isn’t the goal. Sometimes you just want to scream “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” to the heavens. Enter the giant inflatable characters.

Get a 12-foot Santa, a massive Grinch, or a whole family of inflatable penguins and set them up right by the pool. They’re big, they’re bright, and they make a huge, fun statement. IMO, you can’t go wrong with a giant Grinch looking like he’s about to steal your pool floats. 😉

🛠️ The “How-To” and Safety Check (A Quick Reality Check!)

Okay, before you run outside with a tangle of lights, let’s have a quick chat. This is the most important part. Water + Electricity = A Very Bad Christmas. We have to be smart.

Safety First, Merriment Second

• GFCI Outlets are Non-Negotiable: All… all… outdoor electrical decor must be plugged into a GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter) outlet. This is the kind with the “test” and “reset” buttons. It will shut off the power instantly if it detects any moisture.
• Check the Tag: Use ONLY lights and extension cords rated for outdoor use. The box or tag will say “Outdoor” or “Indoor/Outdoor.” Indoor-only lights are a serious fire and shock hazard when exposed to even a little humidity or dew.
• Keep Cords Clear: Secure your cords. Don’t leave them snaking across the pool deck where people can trip. Use outdoor cord clips or tape to secure them safely along the edges of the deck or house.
• Batteries are Your Friend: When decorating in or very near the water (like with floating wreaths), opt for battery-operated lights and orbs whenever possible. It just eliminates the risk.

Choosing Your Vibe

What’s your home’s style? Your pool decor should feel like an extension of that.

• Modern & Chic: If your home is full of modern minimalist living room vibes, stick to the basics. A pool full of white floating orbs, crisp white string lights, and a blue/white color palette will look incredibly elegant.
• Rustic & Cozy: Are you more of a farmhouse living room person? Lean into that! Use red and white lights, plaid blankets in your lounge, and bring in natural elements like potted mini-trees and wreaths.
• Fun & Festive: Love the classic Christmas look? Go for it! Mix red and green lights, add the inflatable characters, and don’t forget the reindeer.

The goal is to make your whole property feel cohesive. The theme you have in your Christmas bedroom decor can and should flow right out the back door.

🎁 That’s a (Pool) Wrap!

See? Your pool doesn’t have to be a dark, forgotten pit all winter. It can be the most spectacular, dazzling part of your holiday display.

From simple floating lights and festive inflatables to a full-on cozy lounge on the deck, there are so many ways to make your pool part of the celebration. The key is to see it as a giant, beautiful mirror just waiting to reflect all your holiday cheer.

So, what’s your plan? Are you going for that elegant, “ice-rink” vibe or a full-on, “Santa-is-definitely-stopping-here-first” extravaganza?

Whatever you choose, just remember the safety rules and have fun with it. Happy decorating!