It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is a time for family, friends, and fun. What better way to get into the spirit than by decorating your home for the holidays?
Outdoor decorations are a great way to show off your festive spirit and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests. But, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on store-bought decorations. In this blog post, we will share 50 DIY outdoor Christmas decoration ideas that are safe, festive, and fun!
DIY Outdoor Christmas Decorations
Paper Plate Lollipops
These paper plate lollipops are a fun and easy way to decorate your front yard or porch for Christmas. Share this project with the kids–they’ll have so much fun designing their own lollipops! You will need:
- Paper plates
- Wooden sticks
- Paint
Simply paint the paper plates in festive colors and attach them to the wooden sticks. Then, stick them in the ground or in a pot. Easy-peasy!
Giant Light Balls
These giant light balls are a beautiful and unique way to decorate your front yard or porch for Christmas. You will need:
- Large balloon
- LED lights
- Fishing line
Blow up the balloon and then insert the LED lights into the balloon. Tie the fishing line around the neck of the balloon and then hang it from a tree or your porch.
DIY Burlap Pillow
This is a simple and inexpensive way to add some Christmas cheer to your front porch. You will need:
- Burlap fabric
- Pillow insert
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Colored Fabric
Cut the burlap fabric into a pillow shape and hot glue it around the edges of the pillow insert. Then, cut a Christmas design out of felt or fabric and hot glue it to the burlap pillow.
Wooden Stars
These wooden stars are a beautiful and rustic addition to any Christmas decorations. You will need:
- Wooden stars (any size)
- Paint
- Twine
Paint the wooden stars with white paint (or any other color you desire). Once they are dry, tie twine around the top of each star and hang them from your porch railing or in a tree.
Birdseed Ornaments
Care for the birds during winter by making these birdseed ornaments that double as Christmas decor. You will need:
- Birdseed
- Cookie cutters
- Twine
- Bowl
Mix the birdseed and water in a bowl. Then use cookie cutters to make shapes out of the birdseed mixture. Once they are dry, poke a hole in the top of each ornament and thread twine through it. Hang them from your porch or tree and watch the birds enjoy a festive feast!
Votive Candle Ornament
Lights are a great adornment to Christmas decorations. If you want something more natural, you can always work with regular votive candles. You will need:
- Votive candles
- Mason jars
- Cranberries
- Pinecones
Fill mason jars with cranberries and pinecones. Then, place a votive candle in the center of each jar. These make beautiful, festive decorations for your porch or windowsill. Plus, they smell amazing!
If you want to make your own votive candle, check out this amazing candle recipe.
Candy Cane PVC Pipes
Show the sweetness of the season with these candy cane PVC pipes. You will need:
- PVC pipes
- White and red paint
- Ribbon
Paint your PVC pipes in stripes of white and red and let them dry. Once they are dry, add a ribbon. That’s it! These are great decorations for porches, patios, and decks.
Rustic Christmas Buckets
This is a great decoration for people who love rustic, farmhouse-style décor. You will need:
- Metal buckets or pails
- Paint
- Jingle bells
Paint the metal buckets or pails in whichever color you want. Once they are dry, add some jingle bells to them. Hang them on your porch or in your yard. These are great for filling with Christmas lights or other floral decors!
Faux Christmas Gifts
Christmas gifts are must-have decorations for Christmas! But, stocking real ones can get expensive. So, why not make some faux ones just for decorations? You will need:
- Empty boxes (cereal, tissue, etc.)
- Wrapping paper or brown craft paper
- Scissors
- Tape
- Decorative items
Simply wrap the boxes as you do with gifts. You can add ribbons or other decorative items as you wish. Then, stack them in a corner of your porch to add to the festivity!
Old Tire Ornaments
Don’t let old tires go to waste! Repurpose old tires and turn them into ornaments! You will need:
- Old tires
- Paint
Paint the old tires in whatever color you like. Be creative! Once they are dry, arrange them in your trees. These make great giant ornaments, plus, they are eco-friendly!
Snow Winter Table Top
Create some winter wonderland vibes in your entryway with this snow-covered tabletop! You will need:
- Fake snow
- A small table or shelf
- A few holiday decorations (ornaments, garland, etc.)
Sprinkle some fake snow on a small table or shelf. Then, add some holiday decorations like ornaments and garland. You could even add a small sign that says “Winter Wonderland” or something similar.
Straw Star Ornaments
Do you have unused straws in your cupboard somewhere? If so, put them to good use with these cute straw star ornaments! You will need:
- Thin straws
- Scissors
- A hot glue gun
Cut the straws into small pieces. Then, use a hot glue gun to attach them together in the shape of a star. Once the glue is dry, you can add a string or ribbon to hang them up.
Pinecone Ornaments
Pine cones are naturally decorative, so they make great holiday ornaments! You can either leave them plain or decorate them with paint, glitter, or whatever else you like. If you want to get really creative, you could even make a pine cone wreath!
Pinecone Wreath
There’s just so much you can do with pinecones! This wreath is a great example of how you can take something so simple and make it into something really special. You will need:
- Pinecones
- A hot glue gun
- Grapevine wreath form
- Ribbon/ decorative items (optional)
Start by hot gluing your pinecones onto your grapevine wreath form. Once you’ve covered the entire wreath, you can add a ribbon and other decorative items if you’d like. That’s it! Hang your beautiful new wreath on your front door or anywhere else in your home that could use a little holiday cheer.
Bucket Silver Bells
An upside-down bucket looks like bells when decorated with silver paint and a string. This is a really simple DIY that anyone can do! You will need:
- Buckets
- Silver paint
- A string or ribbon
Simply paint the buckets silver. Once the paint is dry, hang them up with a string or ribbon and enjoy your beautiful decoration!
DIY Christmas Ski Decor
Skis shout winter fun! But, you don’t need to go out and buy a pair–you can make your own using old logs. This DIY decoration is perfect for your front porch. You will need:
- Two old logs
- Paint
To make this decoration, simply attach the logs to look like skis. Paint them and let them stand near your entryway for some fun decor. So simple and yet so festive!
Mason Jar Lights
Mason jars are the perfect vessel for outdoor lights. You can either buy pre-made ones or make your own. If you want to make your own, you will need:
- Mason jars
- Outdoor string lights
- Paint (optional)
Simply place the string lights in the jar. If you want, you can paint the jar first. Then, screw on the lid, and voila! You have your own Mason jar light.
Terra Cotta Snowman
This is another simple, yet effective decoration that you can make using terra cotta pots. You will need:
- Two terra cotta pots
- One styrofoam ball
- Paint
Simply stack the two pots on top of each other and then place the styrofoam ball on top. Paint the entire thing to look like a snowman and add some extra decoration like a scarf or hat. So cute and perfect for any front porch!
Popsicle Stick Snowflake
This next decoration is so easy and can be made as an art project with the kids. It only requires a few supplies that you probably already have at home. You will need:
- Popsicle sticks
- Glue
- White paint
Start by gluing the popsicle sticks together in the shape of a snowflake. Once the glue is dry, paint the entire thing white. Hang it up on the front door or in a window to really spread the holiday cheer!
Cinnamon Ornaments
These cinnamon ornaments are not only beautiful, but they make your house smell amazing too! You will need:
- Cinnamon sticks
- String or ribbon
- Essential oils (optional)
Simply tie the cinnamon sticks together with the string or ribbon. If you want to add a little extra fragrance to your home, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the cinnamon stick before tying it up. Hang these on your tree or around doorways and windows.
Gift-Wrapped Front Door or Garage
Deck the halls…and the front door! This festive decoration is easy to make and adds a big impact. You will need:
- Large Ribbon
- Scissors
Wrap your front or garage door with a ribbon, just as you do with your gifts. Make sure your ribbon is long enough to tie in a big bow. If you want to add some extra holiday flair, you can use ribbons with different patterns or textures.
Lighted Gift Boxes
These lighted gift boxes are perfect for lining your walkway, driveway, or porch. You can make them any size you want, but we recommend using small to medium-sized containers. You will need:
- Clear or White Plastic Containers (any size)
- Christmas Lights
- Tape
- Paint (optional)
Cut a hole in the top and bottom of each container. Once you have cut the holes, thread your string of lights through the holes. Make sure to leave enough slack so that the boxes can sit upright. You can then tape up the holes or paint over them.
Now, all you have to do is find the perfect spot to set up your lighted gift boxes. We love how they look lining a driveway or walkway. You could even put them on your porch or in your yard!
If you want to get really creative, you can try making different shaped boxes or even painting them. The possibilities are endless!
Lighted Bottles
Another great way to add some light to your outdoor Christmas decor is with lighted bottles. This is a super easy DIY that anyone can do! You will need:
- Empty Bottles
- String Lights
Insert the string lights to the inside of the clean and clear bottle (with no labels). Screw the bottle caps back on and voila! You’ve got yourself some beautiful lighted bottles that are perfect for outdoor Christmas decor.
DIY Driftwood Christmas Tree
This next project is one that you can really make your own. You will need:
- Driftwood
- String lights
- Hot Glue Gun
Gather your driftwood and arrange it in the shape of a tree. You can make it as big or small as you want. Once you have the basic shape, start wrapping the string lights around the driftwood. Then, use your hot glue gun to attach any loose ends. And there you have it! A beautiful Driftwood Christmas Tree that is perfect for any outdoor space.
Vintage Wooden Sled
Santa is coming to town and what better way to welcome him than with a sled made out of wood? This is a great project for those who are handy with woodworking. You will need:
- An old wooden sled
- Paint
- Faux greenery
- Some ornaments
First, give your sled a fresh coat of paint. You can use any color you want, but we think a classic red or green would be perfect. Once the paint is dry, add some greenery. Then, add some faux gifts or a big bow on the front and your sled is ready for Santa!
Pinecone Clusters
These pinecone clusters are a great way to decorate your front porch or yard for Christmas. You will need:
- Pinecones
- String lights
- Hot glue gun
- Essential oils
Start by hot gluing the pinecones together in clusters of three or four. Once they’re all glued together, wrap the string lights around them. Now, add some essential oils to the pinecones for a festive, Christmas-y smell.
Also, check out this scented pinecone recipe you can use on tabletops!
Outdoor Winter Plants
Another way to bring some Christmas cheer to your yard is by planting outdoor winter plants.
There are a variety of beautiful plants that thrive in the winter, so you’re sure to find something you love.
And what’s more festive than a big pot of green plants in the middle of all the snow? So go out and buy yourself some winter plants, and get ready to enjoy the holidays!
Giant Snowflakes
Giant ornaments are great for those with large yards and big trees. These giant snowflakes are a fun and easy way to decorate your yard for Christmas. You will need:
- Large pieces of white cardboard or poster board
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- String lights
First, cut out your snowflakes from the cardboard, making them as big as you want! Then, decorate or paint your snowflakes, or leave them plain white. After they’re all decorated, attach string lights to the back of each snowflake. Now, hang your snowflakes up around your yard, and enjoy your beautiful Christmas display!
DIY Pallet Tree
If you’re looking for a more rustic look, try making your own pallet Christmas tree. You will need:
- Pallet
- String lights
- Decorations
Cut the pallet to form a triangle, representing a Christmas tree. Nail or screw the boards together, as needed. Then, string some lights around it and add your favorite decorations. This is a great project to do with the kids, and it’ll definitely get you into the Christmas spirit!
DIY Mesh Poinsettia Wreath
This wreath is so easy and inexpensive to make, and it’ll add a touch of elegance to your front door. You will need:
- Mesh Cloth
- Poinsettia picks
- Ribbon
- Scissors
Form the mesh into a circular shape. Then, add the poinsettia picks and ribbon. Decorate as you like. This wreath is sure to impress your guests!
Decorated Outdoor Plant
If you have some plants in your yard, spruce them up for Christmas by adding some festive decorations. You will need:
- Paint
- Outdoor plant pots
- Christmas Decorations
- String Lights
Simply paint the pots and then add your favorite Christmas ornaments to the plants. This is a quick and easy way to add some holiday cheer to your yard! No matter what decorations you choose, be sure to add some string lights. They’ll help bring the holiday spirit to your home and make it feel warm and inviting.
DIY Reindeer Silhouettes
Kids will love this fun element in your holiday decor. You will need
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Paint
First, cut out reindeer shapes from cardboard. You can freehand this or use a template. Once you have your shapes, paint them brown and add white details for the fur. Then, hang them up in your yard using string or tape.
Decorated Galvanized Bucket
This is a simple, but effective decoration that you can use yearly. You will need:
- Galvanized bucket
- Paint
- Christmas Decorations
Simply paint the bucket and then add your favorite Christmas ornaments outside or inside the bucket. Your imagination is the limit!
Merry Welcome Sign
This is a great way to greet your holiday guests! Spruce up your regular welcome signs into something more festive with a little paint and some greenery. You will need:
- Welcome sign
- Paint (green, red, white)
- Foam brush
- Hot glue gun
- Greenery of your choice
Start by painting your sign green. Once that’s dry, add a layer of red. Then, using a small brush, paint on white details. To finish it off, hot glue some greenery around the edge of the sign.
Bucket Ornaments
This is a great project to do with kids! You will need:
- Metal buckets (any size)
- Paint (red, green, white, gold)
- Ribbon or string
Start by painting your buckets whatever color you’d like. Once they’re dry, add some festive details. You could paint on a snowman, Santa, or even just some stripes. Once you’re finished painting, add a ribbon or string so you can hang them up.
Christmas Wreath Chandelier
A wreath does not only belong on the door or walls. This year, try hanging a wreath from the ceiling to make decorative chandeliers! You will need:
- Wreath (real or fake)
- Chandelier (or any type of light fixture that can be hung from the ceiling)
- Ribbon or string
- Scissors
First, take your ribbon or string and tie it around the center of the wreath. Cut the ribbon or string so that it’s twice as long as you want the chandelier to hang. Next, tie the other end of the ribbon or string around the chandelier. Make sure it’s secure! Finally, hang your chandelier from the ceiling and enjoy your new decoration!
Logs Candle Holders
For a rustic decoration that doubles as a festive candle holder, try this easy DIY! You will need:
- Logs (any size or type)
- Drill
- Candles
First, find some logs that are the right size for your candles. If you can’t find any logs, you can always buy them from a store. Once you have your logs, use a drill to make holes in the center of each log. The size of the hole should be slightly bigger than the diameter of your candles.
After you’ve made the holes, insert your candles into the holes and light them. You can put these candle holders anywhere in your yard or house to add a warm, cozy touch to any space.
Holiday Basket
Is there anything more festive than a basket full of holiday decorations? This easy DIY will add some cheer to any room in your house. You will need:
- Basket (any size or type)
- Holiday decorations (ornaments, garland, etc.)
Start by filling your basket with holiday decorations. You can use anything you want. Once the basket is full, put it in a prominent place in your house so everyone can see it. This is a great way to reuse old decorations, and it’s a fun project for the whole family.
Pompom Wreath
This wreath is so much fun, and it’s really easy to make. You can use any color pompoms you want, but we think red and green look the best. You will need:
- Pompoms (any color)
- Wreath form
- Hot glue gun
Start by hot gluing the pompoms to the wreath form. You can make any design you want. Once you’re done, hang the wreath on your front door or in a prominent place in your house.
Christmas Arrow Signs
These signs are a great way to point visitors in the right direction. They’re also really easy to make and you can customize them however you want. You will need:
- Wooden dowels
- Paint
- Ribbon
- Hot glue gun
Start by painting the wooden dowels with any color you want. Once the paint is dry, hot glue a ribbon to the back of each dowel. Then, write whatever you want on the front of the sign with a black Sharpie. We recommend things like “reindeer this way” or “Santa’s workshop this way.” Arrange the signs around your property.
Paperbag Lanterns
These lanterns are a great way to add some light to your Christmas decorations. They’re also really easy to make, and you can use any color paper bag you want. You will need:
- Paper bags
- Battery-operated tea lights
- Scissors
Create some cut-out designs on the paper bag to form silhouettes. Then, simply insert a battery-operated tea light into the lantern. Place the lanterns around your front porch or in your yard to add some extra light.
DIY Yardstick Star
This star is the perfect addition to any Nativity scene. It’s also really easy to make and you only need a few things that you probably already have lying around the house. You will need:
- Yardstick
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
Start by cutting the yardstick into 12 equal pieces. Then, take six of the pieces and hot glue them together in a star shape. Repeat with the remaining six pieces. Now that you have two stars, hot glue them together at the points so that they make a three-dimensional star.
Snow-Dripped Pinecones
Snow-dripped pinecones are charms to see, and they’re so easy to make. You will need:
- Some pinecones
- Spray paint
Simply gather some pinecones and spray the tip with white or silver paint to look like frosting. Then, add a string and hang them for all to see!
Silhouette Christmas Tree
This next decoration is perfect if you live in a small space or if you just want to save on some Christmas tree costs. You will need:
- Black cardstock
- White or colored cardstock
- Silhouette cutting machine (or scissors!)
Cut out a Christmas tree shape from the black cardstock and then cut out little circles to represent lights.
Glue the lights onto the tree and then hang it up on your front door or in a window.
DIY Wreath Trio
Is one wreath not enough? Make a wreath trio like this one! It’s easy to make and you can even personalize each wreath to match your Christmas decorating theme. You will need:
- Three different-sized embroidery hoops
- Green felt
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Ribbon
- Decorations of your choice
Start by wrapping the green felt around each embroidery hoop. Next, take your ribbon and tie a loop at the top of each wreath. This will be used to hang the wreath later on. Now it’s time to decorate! Get creative and use whatever you like. Once you’ve added all your desired decorations, your wreath is complete! Hang it up and enjoy.
Christmas Countdown Sign
Christmas countdowns are also a popular way to decorate for the holidays. You can buy them pre-made, or you can DIY your own! You will need:
- A piece of wood
- Paint
First, find or cut a piece of wood that’s big enough to write your Christmas countdown on. You could also use a piece of plywood, a wooden picture frame, or anything else you have lying around. Next, paint your wood however you like! Once your paint is dry, use a sharpie or other permanent marker and count down the days until Christmas!
Dried Citrus Wreath
This elegant and unique wreath is not only beautiful, but it smells amazing too! You will need:
- A grapevine wreath
- Dried citrus slices (oranges, lemons, limes)
- Hot glue gun & glue sticks
- Ribbon (optional)
- Essential oils
Start by hot gluing your citrus slices onto your grapevine wreath; make sure that the slices are evenly distributed. Once you’ve covered the entire wreath, add a ribbon, if desired. Hang your wreath up and enjoy the fresh smell! To accentuate the citrus aroma, add drops of Citrus Burst Essential Oil Blend! It’s heavenly sweet!
Faux Snowballs
Snowballs represent a fun Christmas memory for a lot of people. If you’re one of them, try this no-sew faux snowball. These little snowballs are so easy to make and they look great! You will need:
- White felt
- Hot glue gun
- Styrofoam balls (any size)
Start by cutting your white felt into small strips. Then, wrap the strips around your styrofoam balls, using hot glue to secure the ends. Once all of your balls are covered, put them in a bowl or basket and enjoy!
Pinecone Garland
This garland is simple yet beautiful. It is perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to your décor! You will need:
- Pinecones
- Hot glue gun
- String or twine
Start by hot gluing your pinecones onto the string or twine; make sure that they are evenly spaced out. Once you’ve covered the entire length of garland, hang it up, and enjoy! Once again, you can add some essential oils to the pinecone for an aromatic experience.
Frozen Outdoor Lamp
This is a fun and easy way to dress up your outdoor lights for Christmas! You will need:
- Fake Snow
- Glue
Start by gluing some fake snow around the frame of your outdoor lights. Let it dry and voila! You have a fun and festive decoration that will last all season long.
Show Your Artsy Side This Christmas
These are just a few of the many great DIY outdoor Christmas decorations that you can make. Be sure to get creative and have fun with it! And, most importantly, be safe! Have a Merry Christmas!
Do you have any favorite DIY outdoor Christmas decorations? We’d love to hear about them on social media @fromsimplyearth and in the comments below!
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