How do you set up inflatable Christmas decorations?

Place your inflatable on a level surface and out of the way of any trees or bushes. Use tethers to anchor your decoration to the ground. Plug it in and it should automatically inflate. If it doesn't, check that everything is plugged in properly and make sure that all zippers are zipped up so air isn't escaping.

How do inflatable Christmas decorations work?

Inflatable Christmas decorations are made out of tough nylon fabric. They work by having a fan at the bottom that, when powered, inflates the decoration with air. The fan needs to stay on the whole time the inflatable is displayed because if you unplug the fan it will start to deflate. There may also be lights that turn on when the inflatable is plugged in, although not all inflatables have them.

How do you fix the fan on an inflatable Christmas decoration?

There are a few reasons the fan on the inflatable might not be working. It may be jammed, so check for any debris stuck in the blades or motor. Unplug the fan and check for leaves, rocks, or anything else that might have gotten stuck in your fan. It might also have a blown fuse, so check for that next. If those two solutions don't fix your fan, it's time to think about replacing it. Replacement inflatable fans are easily found online.

How do you replace the bulb in an inflatable Christmas decoration?

If you find that a bulb has gone out in your inflatable, you'll need to unplug and deflate the decoration before getting started. Unzip the bottom zipper, remove the light cover, and replace the bulb. Most inflatables use either C7 watt bulbs or mini lights, which can be found online or at your local hardware store.

How do you seal inflatable Christmas decorations?

Inflatables are made out of thick nylon or vinyl fabric that's made to withstand the weather. That said, tears can happen even if you carefully take care of your decoration. If you have a large tear, use transparent duct tape to seal it together. Small tears can be fixed by hand-sewing the tear together. There's also fabric repair tape available, which you can buy online.

How do you tether inflatable Christmas decorations?

You can use tethers to make sure that your Christmas inflatable doesn't blow away with the winter weather. If there are stakes provided, use them to secure the blower to the ground. Find the enclosed tethers that came with your inflatable. Pull the string for the tethers taut, making sure that the inflatable is standing up straight. The more horizontal the string, the more secure your inflatable will be. Finally, stake the tethers to the ground, giving equal space between each tether.

How do you store Christmas inflatables in between holidays?

With proper care, holiday inflatables can be enjoyed for years to come. Keep the original packaging that your inflatable came in and store all of your pieces in there for easy access. Roll up your deflated decoration so it fits securely and store in a cool dry place along with any included fans, lights, stakes, or tethers.

How do you clean holiday inflatables?

To clean your holiday inflatables, use a damp cloth. For especially dirty decor, use a small amount of mild dishwashing soap and wipe again with a clean cloth to remove any access solution. Be sure to let your inflatable dry before storing to avoid mold or mildew.

The 16 Best Christmas Inflatables of 2022

Christmas inflatables have become one of the most popular styles of outdoor holiday decor in recent years, and no display is complete without a larger-than-life Santa, sparkling snowman, or animated Christmas scene.

We researched the best festive inflatable, keeping in mind the ease of use, durability, and style of each. Our favorite picks to decorate your yard include an adorable penguin and polar bear scene from the BZB Goods Store, a festive Millennium Falcon from Gemmy, and a life-sized snow globe that spells out "joy" from The Holiday Aisle.

Here are the best Christmas inflatables.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

4.6

Christmas Inflatable 3 Penguins Riding a Polar Bear

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair

What We Like

Adorable design
Tons of lights

What We Don't Like

Fan can be weak in incelement weather

These adorable animals have trekked all the way from the South Pole to celebrate the holidays in your yard—or at least that’s what you can tell your children! The BZB Goods Store Christmas Inflatable features three cute penguins perched on top of an 8-foot-tall polar bear, and the whole unit lights up for nighttime viewing.

The bear is over 8 feet long, so be sure to tie it down with the included stakes. The unit will automatically inflate when it's plugged in. However, the manufacturer does warn users not to inflate the unit during storms or strong winds, as the fan can be damaged by water.

We love the sturdy stakes and bright lights that ensure your decor is seen all the way down the block. This pick is designed to last through the holiday season and even further if stored properly. The fan may be a bit weak for the inflatable's large size on stormy nights, however.

Price at time of publish: $90

_{Dimensions: 8.5 x 8 feet tall | Material: Polyester | Lights: LED bulbs}

4.2

Glitzhome

View On Glitzhome.com View On Michaels

What We Like

Super tall
Self-inflates
Made from water-resistant materials

What We Don't Like

Not as sturdy as other picks

Christmas trees are a popular inflatable shape, and the Glitzhome LED Inflatable Christmas Tree will surely make a statement in your yard, as it stands at a whopping 9 feet tall. The green tree has a big star on top, as well as colorful baubles all around, and there are LED lights so your tree can shine through the night.

The tree comes with an air-blower for self-inflating, plus stakes and tethers to ensure your tree stays in place. It’s made from water-resistant polyester fabric, so is perfect for indoor or outdoor use.

Price at time of publish: $97

_{Dimensions: 9 feet tall | Material: Polyester fiber | Lights: LED bulbs}

The 16 Best Christmas Tree Toppers of 2022

Gemmy Airblown Inflatables

View On Walmart

What We Like

Iconic pop culture emblem
Made from durable nylon
Included ropes and stakes

What We Don't Like

Can lean forward because of large size

Incorporate your favorite fandom into your holiday decor this season with a Star Wars-themed Christmas inflatable. This one from Gemmy Airblown Inflatables features an accurate replica of the Millennium Falcon, adorned with a wreath and a string of Christmas lights.

The 9-foot-wide ship lights up for a bright outdoor display guaranteed to get neighbors talking. With an internal fan and lights and included ropes and stakes, this inflatable is easy to set up and disassemble and is made out of durable nylon for extended use.

Price at time of publish: $156

_{Dimensions: 9 x 4.5 feet tall | Material: Nylon | Lights: C7 5watt lights}

Courtesy of Wayfair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Weather-resistant
Perfect for lawn or roof
Blows up in seconds

What We Don't Like

Smaller than expected

You can set up Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Santa in your yard—or, if you’re particularly daring, on your roof—with the Hashtag Home Christmas Santa Claus on Sleigh Inflatable. This popular product features Santa in his sled, being pulled by three cheery reindeer. The inflatable is 8 feet long and 3 feet tall, and it can be used both indoors and outside.

The reindeer and sleigh come with 15 LED bulbs, a self-inflating internal fan, two tethers, and two stakes. The inflatable is made from weather-resistant polyester, and it blows up in seconds for easy setup.

Price at time of publish: $113

_{Dimensions: 8 x 3 feet tall | Material: Polyester | Lights: LED bulbs}

Courtesy of Wayfair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Great for small yards
Suitable for indoors too
Compact and easy to store

What We Don't Like

Plastic stakes break easily

This happy family of snowmen would be the perfect way to spread holiday cheer in your neighborhood. The snowman trio is just under 4 feet tall and can be placed either indoors or out. The whole group is lit up by nine inner bulbs.

This inflatable set comes with two stakes to hold the family in place, and because it’s fairly compact, it inflates quickly. The unit is made from weather-resistant polyester, and those with small yards will love that it's a reasonable size and extremely easy to set up.

Price at time of publish: $74

_{Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.9 feet tall | Material: Polyester | Lights: LED bulbs}

Inflatable Santa and Elves in Helicopter Scene

Courtesy of Home Depot

View On Amazon

What We Like

Unique design
Rotating helicopter blade
Sturdy

What We Don't Like

Not as bright as other options

The Gemmy Animated Inflatable Santa and Elves in Helicopter Scene stands 8 feet tall and over 9 feet wide, featuring Santa’s elves dropping out of a helicopter for “Operation Present Drop.” And as if the scene isn’t detailed enough, it’s taken to a whole other level thanks to its animated components, including a rotating helicopter blade.

The inflatable is lit up using energy-efficient LED bulbs, and it comes with stakes and tethers to hold it in place. The fun display is surprisingly sturdy, holding up against wind and rain as long as it’s anchored properly. Plus, you’re sure to get compliments on it from neighbors and friends.

Price at time of publish: $160

_{Dimensions: 8 feet tall | Material: Not Listed | Lights: LED bulbs}

Santa Climbing on Christmas Tree Inflatable

Courtesy of Wayfair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Hilarious design
Inflates quickly
Lasts many seasons if stored correctly

What We Don't Like

Not sturdy during wind or rain

Standing 6 feet tall, this inflatable features a comical scene of Santa Claus climbing up a Christmas tree, trying to escape a dog pulling on his pant leg! As a result, Santa is having a bit of a wardrobe malfunction, and we’re guessing that pooch will surely be on the “Naughty List” next year.

This silly inflatable includes nine inner bulbs and two stakes, and its weather-resistant polyester form self-inflates in a matter of seconds.

Price at time of publish: $96

_{Dimensions: 6.2 x 6.2 feet tall | Material: Polyester | Lights: LED bulbs}

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Affordable
Big and bright
Small and compact

What We Don't Like

Tether lines can break easily

For a simple, affordable Christmas inflatable, the Gemmy Airblown Outdoor Santa is a classic choice. This cheery Santa inflatable stands at 4 feet tall, and his rosy cheeks will light up your indoor or outdoor holiday display. If you choose to put this inflatable outside, it comes with stakes and tethers for secure setup, and it self-inflates in a matter of seconds. Santa lights up at night thanks to his inner LED bulbs, and it's hard to resist the affordable price tag.

Price at time of publish: $24

_{Dimensions: 8 x 5 feet tall | Material: Not Listed | Lights: LED bulbs}

The 37 Best Christmas Decorations of 2022

Courtesy of Wayfair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Unique design
Easy setup
Super bright lights

What We Don't Like

Noisy

Santa and snowmen are popular inflatable styles, but when was the last time you saw a Christmas fox? The Holiday Aisle Christmas Inflatable Fox with Christmas Hat and Wreath is certainly unique, and it will help you stand out from all the other houses on the block. The festive fox is more than 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide, (including its tail) and it lights up at night thanks to its LED bulbs. This inflatable comes with three stakes to hold down the weather-resistant polyester form, and it’s self-inflating for easy setup.

Price at time of publish: $78

_{Dimensions: 5.8 wide x 5 feet tall | Material: Polyester | Lights: LED bulbs}

Courtesy of Home Depot

View On Home Depot

What We Like

Stands apart from other decor
Wings flap for added interest
Huge and eye-catching

What We Don't Like

Stakes could be higher quality

If you want to make a bold statement this holiday season, you’ve got to get the Home Accents Holiday Animated Inflatable Dragon, which is decked out with all the bells and whistles you could ever want. The 9-foot dragon is wearing a Santa hat and has a candy cane in its mouth, and it projects an eye-catching kaleidoscopic light. Plus, its animated wings flap for even more flair!

This top-rated inflatable includes the stakes and tethers required for safe setup, and it lights up with energy-efficient LEDs, helping to save a little bit of electricity.

Price at time of publish: $200

_{Dimensions: 9 feet tall | Material: Not Listed | Lights: LED bulbs}

The 9 Best Outdoor Christmas Lights of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Home Accents

View On Home Depot

What We Like

Self-inflating
Tall enough to walk under
Interactive design

What We Don't Like

Not suitable for small yards

This delicious gingerbread inflatable comes in the shape of an arch for an interactive addition to your holiday lawn decor. Passersby can say hello to a waving gingerbread man with a jolly Santa hat and scrumptious candy cane.

The self-inflating decoration acts as the perfect welcome to your home for guests or as a backdrop for festive family photos. It comes with stakes and tethers for secure attachment to a grassy lawn or front porch. Be aware it definitely requires a large area to display, so this option isn't small yard friendly.

Price at time of publish: $199

_{Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.4 feet | Material: Polyester | Lights: LED bulbs}

Kinbor

View On Walmart

What We Like

CE and UL certified pieces
Super cool design
Nails and hooks are super sturdy

What We Don't Like

Tall, thin design can topple easily

Add a little edge to your holiday decor this year with this super cool Christmas inflatable. The 6-foot inflatable only weighs 5 pounds when packaged, so it's easy to pack and store at the end of each season. This pick is easy to inflate with included nails, hooks, and ropes. It only takes a few minutes to inflate, then you're sure to attract jealous stares from neighbors admiring your ultra-cool Christmas decor. All parts are CE and UL-certified, so you can feel assured your decor is safe for the whole family.

Price at time of publish: $90

_{Dimensions: 6 feet tall | Material: Not Listed | Lights: LED bulbs}

TURNMEON

View On Amazon

What We Like

Different characters available
No yard space required
Affordable

What We Don't Like

Bright light may be distracting if attached to bedroom windows

For those with a small yard or none at all, consider this inflatable that actually attaches to the side of your house. This inflatable comes with suction cups to attach to a window that makes it look like an adorable gingerbread man is bursting out of your house. It glows in the night with LED lights and comes with an easy-to-use self-inflating fan. You can also choose a snowman, Santa, or festive dinosaur to add to your collection of critters peeking out from your windows.

Price at time of publish: $45

_{Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 4 feet | Material: Polyester | Lights: LED bulbs}

The Holiday Aisle

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Lights change color
Snow moves for stunning look
Holds up well against weather

What We Don't Like

Not enough snow included

Experience the beauty of a snow globe combined with the fun and brightness of an inflatable with this pick from the Holiday Aisle. This super cute decoration spells out joy with a fittingly jolly snowman making a festive appearance. Inside the letter "O," there's a clear panel with a constant dusting of "snow" that adds a show-stopping element to this pick. The lights also change colors for a stunning holiday display that you'll love watching night after night.

Price at time of publish: $87

_{Dimensions: 4 x 8 x 1 feet | Material: Polyester | Lights: LED bulbs}

Occasions

View On Amazon View On Michaels View On Overstock

What We Like

Affordable
Perfect for indoors, lawns, roofs, and more
Hilarious concept

What We Don't Like

May be more flimsy than pricier picks

This hilarious inflatable gives the illusion that one of Santa's elves crashed right into your front yard. The 3.5-foot decoration features askew elf legs flying out of your lawn, causing guests to wonder what happened on the way down. This would be a great option for your roof or even a window. We love that you can have a ton of fun placing this hilarious pick.

This inflatable is on the smaller side, so it's perfect for small yards or those looking for holiday decor for front porches or decks. You can also use this inflatable inside without it taking up too much space in your living room. Plus, it comes at an affordable price and won't take too much time or space to inflate and store.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Dimensions: 3.5 feet tall | Material: Polyester | Lights: Not Listed}

The Holiday Aisle

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Four characters in one inflatable
Battery powered
Extra big

What We Don't Like

May not be suitable for small yards

Go big with your holiday lawn decorations this year with this giant festive dinosaur from The Holiday Aisle. The green dino stands over six feet tall and features a friendly reindeer, Santa, and an elf sitting on its back. The dino itself dons a Santa hat and red bowtie for an adorable look. LED bulbs light up the stunning scenery that's guaranteed to turn heads this year.

Price at time of publish: $157

_{Dimensions: 6.7 x 6.5 feet | Material: Polyester | Lights: LED}

Ease of Use

You probably picked inflatables because they're typically a whole lot easier to set up, thanks to their self-inflating properties and included stakes. Some inflatables are easier to use than others, though, so it's helpful to look for those that come with clear written or video instructions. Consider not just how easy they are to set up, but also how challenging they may be to take down and store after all the Christmas fun is done.

Durability

When it comes to selecting your inflatables, make sure you look for those that are well made and include strong stakes, with features like reinforced seams and thick, waterproof or water-resistant materials. If your inflatables light up, you also want to consider how long the lights will last before needing replacements.

Style

Above all else, your Christmas inflatable selection should be based on style. What that means for you may be very different from your neighbor. With inflatable options ranging from classic Christmas scenes to more quirky characters, there’s something for everyone. ’Tis the season when almost anything goes in the name of celebrating the holiday.

FAQ

How do you set up inflatable Christmas decorations?

Place your inflatable on a level surface and out of the way of any trees or bushes. Use tethers to anchor your decoration to the ground. Plug it in and it should automatically inflate. If it doesn't, check that everything is plugged in properly and make sure that all zippers are zipped up so air isn't escaping.
How do inflatable Christmas decorations work?

Inflatable Christmas decorations are made out of tough nylon fabric. They work by having a fan at the bottom that, when powered, inflates the decoration with air. The fan needs to stay on the whole time the inflatable is displayed because if you unplug the fan it will start to deflate. There may also be lights that turn on when the inflatable is plugged in, although not all inflatables have them.
How do you fix the fan on an inflatable Christmas decoration?

There are a few reasons the fan on the inflatable might not be working. It may be jammed, so check for any debris stuck in the blades or motor. Unplug the fan and check for leaves, rocks, or anything else that might have gotten stuck in your fan. It might also have a blown fuse, so check for that next. If those two solutions don't fix your fan, it's time to think about replacing it. Replacement inflatable fans are easily found online.
How do you replace the bulb in an inflatable Christmas decoration?

If you find that a bulb has gone out in your inflatable, you'll need to unplug and deflate the decoration before getting started. Unzip the bottom zipper, remove the light cover, and replace the bulb. Most inflatables use either C7 watt bulbs or mini lights, which can be found online or at your local hardware store.
How do you seal inflatable Christmas decorations?

Inflatables are made out of thick nylon or vinyl fabric that's made to withstand the weather. That said, tears can happen even if you carefully take care of your decoration. If you have a large tear, use transparent duct tape to seal it together. Small tears can be fixed by hand-sewing the tear together. There's also fabric repair tape available, which you can buy online.
How do you tether inflatable Christmas decorations?

You can use tethers to make sure that your Christmas inflatable doesn't blow away with the winter weather. If there are stakes provided, use them to secure the blower to the ground. Find the enclosed tethers that came with your inflatable. Pull the string for the tethers taut, making sure that the inflatable is standing up straight. The more horizontal the string, the more secure your inflatable will be. Finally, stake the tethers to the ground, giving equal space between each tether.
How do you store Christmas inflatables in between holidays?

With proper care, holiday inflatables can be enjoyed for years to come. Keep the original packaging that your inflatable came in and store all of your pieces in there for easy access. Roll up your deflated decoration so it fits securely and store in a cool dry place along with any included fans, lights, stakes, or tethers.
How do you clean holiday inflatables?

To clean your holiday inflatables, use a damp cloth. For especially dirty decor, use a small amount of mild dishwashing soap and wipe again with a clean cloth to remove any access solution. Be sure to let your inflatable dry before storing to avoid mold or mildew.

Additional research for this article is provided by Stacy Fisher, a writer specializing in crafting, DIYs, and other home topics, and Julia Fields, lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She's also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product round-ups, interviews with experts, and more.