Christmas Railing Decorating — Wrapping the Exterior Rails

Christmas railings are the often-overlooked exterior detail. Done right, they extend the lit Christmas exterior to every level of the house.

The 3 elements

1. Garland wrap

Continuous along railing
Spiral or drape
Premium faux or real

2. Lights woven through

Warm white preferred
LED for safety
Battery or plug-in

3. Bows / accents at intervals

Every 3-4 feet
Symmetrical placement
Style-coordinated

By railing type

Porch railing (most common)

Standard garland wrap
Lights woven
Bows at corners

Deck railing

Same as porch
A specific specific A specific check weather considerations
A specific specific specific specific specific specific specific multi-level coordination

Balcony railing

Smaller scale
A specific specific specific A specific apartment-friendly
A specific specific specific A specific battery lights essential

Stairway railing

See Christmas stairway decorating

Installation

Floral wire / zip ties

Secure but removable
Don't damage railing
Reusable approach

Don't blow away

Wind-anchored
A specific specific A specific securely attached
A specific specific A specific specific specific specific check after wind

Style by aesthetic

Traditional

Red and green
Plaid bows
Real evergreen feel

Modern

Monochrome lights
Minimal accents
Clean lines

Farmhouse

Burlap bows
Galvanized accents
Vintage feel

What NOT to do

Use indoor lights outdoors
Damage the railing
Block the railing's function
Skip weatherproofing
Use real candles

Cross-references

For Christmas exterior house decorating — broader.

For Christmas porch decorating — adjacent.

For Christmas stairway decorating — adjacent.

For Christmas balcony decorating — adjacent.

The perfect Christmas railing is garland-wrapped and lit. Continuous along railing. Lights woven through. Bows at intervals. The railing extends the lit Christmas exterior.