A 9.5 ft Santa on the lawn, a gingerbread man waving at everyone who walks by: inflatables are the fastest way to transform a yard for Christmas. Here's how to choose them and set them up so they last all season.
1. Pick the right size
Measure the space you have, then look at your yard from the street: that's where people will see it. For a lawn or driveway, a giant in the 7 to 10 ft range like the 8 ft gingerbread man or the 9.5 ft Santa with his reindeer and presents can be seen from far away. For a porch, patio or balcony, the giant 80 cm (31 in) Christmas ball takes up less space.
2. Choose the right spot
- Flat, open ground, away from walkways so nobody trips over the tether lines.
- Away from branches, gutters and sharp edges that could damage the fabric.
- Close to an outdoor outlet, to keep the extension cord short.
3. Anchor it securely
An inflatable catches the wind like a sail. Use every anchor point: drive the stakes into the lawn angled away from the inflatable and pull each tether tight. On a deck or frozen ground where stakes won't go in, tie the tethers to weights such as sandbags or heavy planters.
4. Plug it in safely
- Use an extension cord rated for outdoor use.
- Keep the power unit dry and off the ground, sheltered from rain and snow.
- Add a timer: the inflatable turns on at dusk and off when you go to bed.
In the US, plug into a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet. Choose the plug for your country (US, EU or UK) when you order.
5. Watch the weather
In strong wind, unplug it and let it deflate on the ground: it's the best way to keep it from blowing away or tearing. After a snowfall, brush off the snow before inflating it again.
6. Store it completely dry
In January, let it dry completely before folding it, then store it in a closed bin away from moisture. Well cared for, it will come out for many Christmases.
Complete the scene
Around your inflatable, line the walkway with solar light-up yard stakes and make it snow on the front of the house with a snowflake projector. Find more ideas in our article 10 outdoor Christmas decorating ideas.
Shop all our Christmas inflatables and outdoor Christmas lights. To get yours before Christmas, check the delivery times on our Shipping page and order early.