26 DIY Christmas Decorations for Outside
When it comes to Christmas decorations, there’s nothing like a beautifully decorated yard or porch to set the mood for the season.
The twinkling lights, festive wreaths, and handmade touches not only welcome guests with holiday cheer but also bring joy to everyone passing by.
Whether you’re looking for something rustic, whimsical, or elegant, these 26 DIY outdoor Christmas decoration ideas will help you create the perfect winter wonderland. The best part? Most of them are easy, budget-friendly, and so much fun to make with family or friends.
Let’s get started on transforming your outdoor space into a holiday masterpiece!
1. Rustic Wooden Snowmen
If you love the charm of snowmen but live somewhere that doesn’t get much snow (or just prefer a no-melt option), these DIY wooden snowmen are perfect. Grab some wooden rounds in different sizes—craft stores often sell them pre-cut—or repurpose some logs. Paint the rounds white to resemble a snowman’s body, and stack them using wood glue or a sturdy dowel rod.
For decoration, add cozy scarves, felt hats, and buttons for eyes and a nose. Arrange them on your porch or beside your front door for an adorable, weatherproof decoration that brings smiles to everyone who visits.
Want to take it up a notch? Add some fairy lights around their base for a magical evening glow.
2. DIY Christmas Lanterns
Lanterns are a quick way to add charm and warmth to your outdoor decor, and this DIY version is incredibly simple. Start by collecting a few lanterns in varying sizes—you can find inexpensive ones at thrift stores or discount shops. Fill them with natural elements like pinecones, sprigs of greenery, or even cinnamon sticks for a rustic vibe.
To add a touch of sparkle, place battery-operated fairy lights inside. You can also include Christmas ornaments or fake snow for an extra festive touch.
Arrange the lanterns on your porch steps or along your walkway, and watch as they create a cozy, glowing welcome for guests. Bonus tip: Use lanterns with timers so they automatically light up each evening!
3. Tomato Cage Christmas Trees
If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to decorate your yard, these DIY tomato cage Christmas trees are a must-try. Start with a simple tomato cage (the kind you’d find in any garden center), and flip it upside down so the pointed ends come together to form the tip of your “tree.” Use zip ties or wire to secure the top.
Wrap the cage with green garland until it’s completely covered, then add string lights for a magical glow.
You can even personalize your tree with ornaments, ribbons, or bows. Arrange several of these trees in your yard to create a little forest of twinkling holiday magic.
They’re lightweight, durable, and perfect for spaces big or small!
4. Oversized Ornament Display
Nothing says Christmas like oversized ornaments, and this DIY idea is guaranteed to make a statement. Start with large plastic balls—beach balls or exercise balls work great! Spray-paint them in festive colors like red, gold, or green, and add decorative stripes or polka dots using painter’s tape.
For the ornament top, use a lightweight container like a plastic cup or small bowl. Attach it to the ball with strong adhesive, then add a loop of ribbon or twine to complete the look.
You can hang these oversized ornaments from tree branches in your yard or arrange them in groups on your lawn. They’re bold, colorful, and guaranteed to spread holiday cheer.
5. Festive Front Door Garland
Transform your front door into the ultimate holiday showpiece with a lush, homemade garland. Start by gathering fresh pine branches or purchasing a pre-made garland base. Layer in extra greenery like eucalyptus or holly for added texture, and secure everything with floral wire.
Now comes the fun part—decorating! Add ornaments, bows, pinecones, and twinkling lights to your garland. For a cohesive look, stick to a color scheme that complements your other outdoor decorations. Secure the garland around your doorframe using hooks or strong adhesive strips, and watch as your entryway becomes the picture-perfect holiday welcome.
6. Pallet Christmas Tree
For a rustic and eco-friendly decoration, a pallet Christmas tree is a fantastic choice. Start by finding an old wooden pallet (many hardware stores or local businesses give them away for free). Cut the pallet into a triangular tree shape using a saw—don’t worry if it’s not perfect; the rustic look adds charm.
Paint the “tree” green, white, or even metallic gold for a festive touch, and let it dry. Once it’s ready, decorate it with painted designs, fairy lights, or attached ornaments. Lean it against your porch wall or prop it up in your yard. This DIY tree is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to upcycle materials!
7. Snowy Mason Jar Lanterns
These DIY lanterns are the perfect combination of rustic and magical, and they’re so easy to make! Start with a few mason jars—grab some from your kitchen or pick up a pack from a craft store. Coat the outside of each jar with a layer of glue (mod podge works best), and then sprinkle it generously with white glitter to create a frosted, snowy look.
Place a tea light or battery-powered candle inside each jar and line them along your porch steps or walkway. For an extra festive touch, tie a piece of twine or ribbon around the top of each jar. These lanterns look especially stunning when they catch the glow of your Christmas lights in the evening.
8. Hanging Snowflake Ornaments
There’s something magical about snowflakes twinkling in the light, and you can bring that magic right to your outdoor space with DIY hanging snowflake ornaments. Start by cutting snowflake shapes from sturdy cardboard or foam board. You can also buy pre-made wooden snowflakes if you want something more durable.
Paint the snowflakes white, silver, or gold, and add glitter for extra sparkle. Hang them from your porch ceiling, tree branches, or even your balcony railing using clear fishing line or ribbon. When the wind catches them, they’ll dance and shimmer, creating a whimsical winter wonderland effect.
9. DIY Candy Cane Stakes
Turn your yard into a sweet holiday dreamland with these giant DIY candy cane stakes! Start by bending PVC pipes into candy cane shapes (heating them gently makes this easier). Once shaped, wrap them with red and white duct tape or paint them for the classic candy cane stripes.
For an extra festive touch, add a bow or some glittery accents. Stake these along your driveway, walkway, or garden to create a whimsical holiday path. At night, pair them with twinkling lights nearby for a glow that will leave everyone smiling.
10. Oversized Gift Boxes
Nothing says “holiday cheer” quite like oversized gift boxes scattered across your yard. To create these, wrap empty cardboard boxes or plastic containers with weather-resistant wrapping paper and tie them up with big, beautiful bows.
You can customize the colors and patterns to match your overall outdoor decor theme. Place them by your porch, under a tree, or even in the center of your yard for a bold and festive display. Pro tip: Add weights inside to keep them from blowing away on windy days!
11. Lighted Pathway Luminaries
Guide guests to your home with a glowing pathway of DIY luminaries. All you need are white paper bags, a hole punch, and battery-powered tea lights. Punch festive designs—like stars, trees, or snowflakes—into the sides of each bag, then fill the bottom with a bit of sand or small rocks to keep them steady.
Place a tea light inside each bag and line them along your walkway or driveway. At night, these soft glowing lights create a magical ambiance that feels straight out of a Christmas movie.
12. DIY Reindeer Cutouts
Add some playful charm to your yard with these DIY wooden reindeer! Start with a plywood board and trace out a reindeer shape—you can find free templates online if drawing isn’t your strong suit. Cut out the shape with a jigsaw, then paint it brown or white.
Decorate your reindeer with red noses, scarves, or jingle bells for an extra festive touch. Arrange them in pairs or groups in your yard, or even have one pulling a sleigh for that classic Christmas look. These sturdy decorations will stand up to the weather and become a holiday favorite year after year.
13. Hanging Pinecone Bundles
For a rustic and natural vibe, hanging pinecone bundles are a must. Collect pinecones (or buy them from a craft store) and tie them together with twine or ribbon, leaving enough length to hang them at varying heights.
Spray the pinecones with white paint or glitter for a frosted effect, then hang the bundles from porch railings, tree branches, or window sills. The result is a simple yet elegant decoration that brings a touch of the forest to your holiday decor.
14. Twinkling Christmas Wreaths
A wreath is a holiday staple, but adding a twinkling touch makes it magical. Start with a plain green wreath and weave a strand of battery-operated fairy lights throughout. Add ornaments, bows, and pinecones for extra flair, and secure everything with floral wire.
Hang your wreath on your front door, gate, or even a fence to spread Christmas cheer. If you want to go all out, create a few smaller versions and hang them in your windows for a cohesive look.
15. DIY Icicle Lights
Nothing says “winter wonderland” like icicle lights, and you can make your own for a unique touch. Gather clear plastic cups and punch small holes in their bottoms. Insert battery-operated LED lights through the holes, letting the bulbs hang slightly out of the cups to mimic dripping icicles.
Hang them along your porch or balcony for a frosty, shimmering effect. They’re weather-resistant and a great alternative to store-bought icicle lights, giving your home a custom, magical glow.
16. Christmas Topiaries
Attach the decorated foam to a sturdy pot or planter and wrap the base with a festive ribbon. These topiaries look stunning flanking your front door or placed along your walkway, adding height and elegance to your holiday display.
Topiaries are an elegant addition to any outdoor space, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Start with a foam ball or floral foam base and cover it with artificial greenery or ornaments. Use hot glue or floral pins to secure everything in place.
17. Frosted Windowpanes
Turn your windows into a holiday centerpiece with frosted effects! Spray a light layer of glass frosting spray (found at craft or home improvement stores) onto your windowpanes, leaving a snowy, wintry look.
Add stencils of snowflakes, trees, or stars before spraying for a more intricate design. From the outside, your windows will look like they’re straight out of a cozy Christmas cabin. Pair them with candles or string lights inside for an even more magical glow.
18. Light-Up Presents
Create glowing gift boxes that sparkle at night! Use wire frames or old cardboard boxes as the base and wrap them in mesh ribbon or translucent fabric. Secure battery-powered fairy lights inside, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
Add a big bow on top, and arrange these presents on your porch, under outdoor trees, or as part of a larger yard display. They’re festive, eye-catching, and perfect for spreading holiday cheer.
19. DIY Sleigh with Gifts
Nothing says “Santa’s coming!” like a sleigh full of presents. Build a simple wooden sleigh using plywood or repurpose an old sled. Paint it red and white, and decorate it with garlands, bows, or lights.
Stack wrapped gift boxes inside (use weatherproof materials) and place the sleigh on your porch or in your yard. If you have reindeer cutouts (see Idea 12), position them in front to complete the look.
20. Candy Cane Wreaths
Combine two holiday favorites—wreaths and candy canes! Use plastic candy cane decorations or wrap actual candy canes in weatherproof ribbon. Form them into a circle, securing the ends with hot glue or twine.
Decorate with a bow, greenery, or small ornaments, and hang your wreath on a door, fence, or gate. It’s a sweet and playful twist on a traditional holiday decoration.
Conclusion
These 26 DIY Christmas decorations are perfect for bringing festive joy to your outdoor space while adding your personal touch to the season. Whether you choose sparkling lights, rustic signs, or playful gnomes, these ideas will make your yard the talk of the neighborhood. Happy decorating, and may your holidays be merry and bright!
