Light-up reindeer have become one of the most popular ways to decorate a front garden for the festive season. The big practical question is power. A plug-in figure needs a weather-protected outdoor socket and a cable run across the lawn, while a solar figure can stand anywhere the panel gets daylight. Each approach has trade-offs, especially in a northern European winter.
Lights4fun sells a large range of outdoor figures on its German store, lights4fun.de, including several new solar models for 2026. This guide compares solar and mains-powered options so you can choose the right one for your garden. Product details and prices come from lights4fun.de and were checked on 4 November 2026. Prices are in euros, and several items were shown with a reduced price at the time of checking; offers can change at any time.
In this guide
Comparison Table: Solar and Plug-In Figures
| Figure | Power | Height and LEDs | Price checked 4 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baffin arctic fox (acrylic) | Solar, USB or mains adapter | 43 cm, 100 bicolour LEDs | 89.99 EUR |
| Swinsty fawn (acrylic) | Solar panel with 1,800 mAh battery | 77 cm, 80 bicolour LEDs | 124.99 EUR |
| Staithes reindeer with sleigh (acrylic) | Solar, USB or mains adapter | 2 x 62 cm plus 34 cm sleigh, 180 bicolour LEDs | 139.49 EUR (was 154.99) |
| Studley XL stag (rattan look) | Solar panel with 1,800 mAh battery | 2 m, 400 bicolour LEDs | 233.99 EUR (was 389.99) |
| Leyburn fawn (rattan) | Mains, 8 m lead, IP44 | 62 cm, 110 bicolour micro LEDs | 52.49 EUR (was 69.99) |
| Helmsley stag and doe (twig look) | Mains, 5 m lead each | 52 cm and 25 cm, 170 bicolour micro LEDs | 99.99 EUR |
| Harewood doe and fawn (white cotton) | Mains, 8 m lead | 72 cm and 40 cm, 230 warm white LEDs | 161.99 EUR (was 269.99) |
How the Solar Figures Work
Most of the new solar figures share the same system. According to the product pages, they run from a 24 V solar panel for bicolour LED reindeer with an 1,800 mAh battery. The kit includes a ground spike for the panel, a five-port connector for 24 V figures and a USB cable for optional extra charging. A remote control lets you switch the figure on and off, choose the light colour and set a timer.
Bicolour means the LEDs can shine cool white, warm white or a mix of both, so you can match the figure to the rest of your lights. The five-port connector is useful if you plan to build a scene: several compatible 24 V figures can share one panel, according to Lights4fun’s description.
The Winter Sun Question
The obvious concern with solar decorations is that December has the shortest days of the year, and in much of Germany the sky is often overcast. Lights4fun addresses this in two ways. First, the timer options mean the figure only runs for a set period each evening, which saves battery. Second, the panel can be topped up with the included USB cable, and some models, such as the Staithes sleigh set and the Baffin fox, also come with a mains adapter, so they can be run as plug-in figures if the weather is poor for a long spell.
If your garden is in deep shade, or the panel cannot be placed where it gets daylight, a mains figure is likely to be more reliable. If the only socket is far from where you want the display, solar is often the easier choice.
Best Solar Picks
The Staithes set is the most complete solar scene: two 62 cm acrylic reindeer pull a 34 cm sleigh, lit by 180 bicolour LEDs, and the pieces can be set up in a row or side by side. The product page says the panel charges during the day so the scene lights up in the evening even with no socket nearby.
For a statement piece, the Studley stag is 2 metres tall with a brown rattan look and 400 bicolour LEDs. Lights4fun describes it as ideal for large areas and events, with supports included for stable mounting and timer settings of 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours.
At the smaller end, the Swinsty fawn is 77 cm tall in clear acrylic, which the brand says reflects the LED light for extra sparkle. The 43 cm Baffin arctic fox is the most affordable solar figure in this comparison and adds a different animal to a reindeer scene. Its product page lists a remote with two light modes, timer options and dimming.
Best Plug-In Picks
Mains figures avoid any worries about winter sunshine, but you need a suitable outdoor socket. Lights4fun repeatedly notes that its plug-in figures are for outdoor use with a weather-protected socket or protective box.
The Harewood doe and fawn are covered in white cotton thread with a weatherproof coating, stand 72 cm and 40 cm tall and use 230 warm white LEDs. They have an 8 m lead and a 6-hour timer, and their removable silver bows give them a classic look. A matching Harewood stag is sold separately.
The Leyburn fawn is the budget pick at 52.49 EUR at the time of checking. It has a faux rattan weave on a slim metal frame, 110 bicolour micro LEDs, timer and dimmer functions and an 8 m lead, and it is rated IP44, meaning splash-proof when used with a protected socket. The Helmsley stag and doe have a twig look and 170 bicolour micro LEDs and are suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
Tips for Setting Up a Garden Display
- Place solar panels where they get the most daylight, usually facing south and away from walls and hedges.
- Charge a solar figure fully with the USB cable before the first night outdoors.
- Use shorter timer settings in December to make the battery last through the evening.
- For plug-in figures, use a weather-protected outdoor socket or box, as Lights4fun advises.
- Secure figures with the supplied ground spikes, and bring lightweight pieces in during storms.
- Group figures of different heights, such as a stag, doe and fawn, for a more natural scene.
Our Verdict
Choose solar if you want to place a figure far from the house or avoid running cables across the garden. The Staithes reindeer and sleigh set is the best all-round solar choice because it also includes a mains adapter as a backup. Choose plug-in if you already have an outdoor socket and want dependable lighting every night: the Leyburn fawn is the best value, and the Harewood pair offers a classic white look. Check current prices, stock and delivery times on lights4fun.de before ordering, especially as December approaches.
