Inflatable Christmas Decorations: Why Their Popularity has Blown Up

Forget the debate over the right time to decorate. Set aside, momentarily, that the energy Americans use to light holiday decorations could power a small country. The real issue as Christmas nears, is “how will you decorate for Christmas?”

The question isn’t as straightforward as it may sound. You can string lights, put up garland and hang a wreath on your door. But for more and more households, inflatable Christmas decorations are becoming the go-to outdoor Christmas decoration.

While not everyone is a fan of these whimsical, colorful Christmas characters, they do have several advantages. One of the biggest attractions of Christmas inflatables is that they can be set up in minutes. The lack of struggle might even make you feel like you’re “cheating” with your holiday decorating.

Christmas inflatables are outdoor decorations made of colorful, waterproof nylon, fabricated into whimsical holiday figures. A small electric-powered fan blows air into the structure to make it stand up and fill out.

Inflatable decorations come in many sizes and designs. They represent everything from iconic holiday images like Santa and snowmen to licensed characters like the Grinch and Snoopy.

And it seems those who love them can’t get enough of them. Where you find one outdoor inflatable you’re likely to find three, four or more.

But where did Christmas inflatables come from? And how did they get so popular?

You might be surprised to know the same company that pioneered inflatable holiday decorations earned earlier fame with a kitschy singing fish. Gemmy Industries released Big Mouth Billy Bass® in 2000, and introduced its first Christmas inflatable decoration a year later.

While inflatables caught on quickly, their popularity seems to have greatly increased since the Covid pandemic. When quarantining and social distancing kept people apart, they sought connection by designing festive holiday displays on their front lawns to cheer their families and delight their neighbors.

Outdoor Christmas inflatables are bright and playful, making them eye-catching additions to any holiday display. Their whimsical designs, size and visibility help create a festive atmosphere. Inflatables often are illuminated, and some are animated, making them extra attention-grabbing.

Recently, Christmas outdoor inflatables have grown in size, as well as popularity. These days, it isn’t uncommon to see a 20-foot inflatable Santa on someone’s lawn.

And for some, that takes holiday enthusiasm a little too far.

In an article for Marketplace, consumer psychologist Kit Yarrow pointed to a shift in the types of decorations people are using for their outdoor displays.

“Whereas two-thirds of it might have been twinkle lights at one point, two-thirds of it today are things like blowups,” she said.

As stated earlier, for those who love inflatable decorations, convenience is a favorite feature.

Inflatable lawn decorations are quick and easy to set up. Just put them in place, plug them in and you’re done. To keep blow up Christmas decorations steady during use and prevent them from blowing away in the winter winds, tie them down with the tethers and stakes provided.

Depending on their size and details, inflatable decorations can be pricey. However, their visibility provides greater impact, meaning you often get more bang for your buck. Plus, inflatables are typically more affordable than other large-scale decorations of comparable size. That makes them an attractive option for families looking to create a festive display on a budget.

And they aren’t as expensive to run as you might think. Over the course of the holiday season, an outdoor inflatable decoration will likely use less energy than a few strings of incandescent lights.

In addition, their durability means that, with care, they can be used through a number of seasons.

With so many styles and sizes, it isn’t difficult to find just the right outdoor inflatable to decorate your home. Sizes range from a small inflatable for a balcony or postage-sized yard to a giant Christmas inflatable for an expansive front lawn.

Styles include everything from Christmas trees to Santas and snowmen. Some inflatables are animated, or offer rotating or adjustable light modes. The variety enables homeowners to choose decorations that match their personal style and even create a theme for their holiday display.

Improvements in quality and design have helped inflatable Christmas decorations become a conspicuous feature of the holiday season. Their whimsical charm, ease of use and variety enable you to infuse your own taste and personality into your seasonal decor.

As you plan your holiday display this year, consider the fun and festive spirit Christmas inflatables can bring. They might just become a joyful part of your family's holiday traditions.

Shop outdoor decorations at Christmas Central to browse a variety of inflatables, light up decorations, signs, path markers and more.

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