26 DIY Christmas Porch Decoration Ideas to Celebrate the Season
Design a festive holiday display, even if you're on a budget.
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Whether you prefer a simple look or a maximalist display, there are endless ways to spread holiday cheer outside — starting with the front porch. Turn your exterior into a winter wonderland with shimmering lights, fresh foliage, bright red accents and more. No matter your personal style, budget or how much porch space you have, we've gathered inspiration for the best Christmas porch decorations.
A peek at what's ahead: Pre-lit garland wrapped around pillars, outdoor Christmas lights surrounding the doorway and elegant door decorations are a few of our favorite ways to outfit the front porch. If you've got a larger space, layer in comfortable seating, a console table and a full-size Christmas tree (you can even decorate it). Illuminate a walkway with lanterns, decorate with a pile of birch wood or DIY a Christmas wreath. We've also sprinkled in ideas for the back porch, which include tips and hacks for designing an outdoor living room.
As you scroll these inspiring images, you'll find magical Christmas decoration ideas for every home style — including traditional, modern and rustic holiday decor. From small stoops to spacious front yards, you're sure to find a decorating idea that works for your layout. Added bonus: Many of these festive ideas don't cost much!
Craft a Cozy Seating Area
Upgrade a set of outdoor armchairs with festive throws and plaid pillows. Bring in extra seating with a pair of poufs, then hang string lights overhead to warm up the space.
Make a Triple Wreath Door Display
Sometimes, one wreath doesn't feel festive enough. Use a sturdy ribbon to tie three wreaths together, then hang the trio vertically on the front door. Complete the look with a galvanized bucket full of pine sprigs, a firewood rack full of logs and a Christmas tree door mat.
Go Modern and Minimal
Here, interior designer Emily Henderson demonstrates how to embrace the winter season "without going full holiday." Henderson fastens faux greenery to a piece of wood and uses twine to hang it on the front door. Then, she leans a pair of vintage skis in the corner and decorates the floor with winter lanterns and a bucket of birch wood.
Layer in Cozy Textures
Turn your back porch into a warm, inviting space perfect for a holiday gathering. Start with a fire pit table and a ton of comfortable seating, then bring in an array of throw pillows, knit blankets and outdoor lights.
Introduce Rustic Home Accents
This decked-out display gives guests a warm welcome with natural textures and vintage accents. Take note of the skinny pine tree, pile of logs arranged in a wicker basket and antique sled leaning against the house.
RELATED: Rustic Christmas Decorations to Craft That Cozy Holiday Feel
Put Up Cute Signage
From festive signage to life-size red jingle bells, this festive foyer offers a peek at what's inside. Digitial creator Kari Johnson of @galvanized_chic_boutique layers three door mats and adds a plaid throw pillow to the bench, tying the space together.
Hang Fresh Foliage
Drape vines and greenery around the porch for an effortless, yet beautiful style. Take note from interior stylist Nina Hall (@antoninagrace on Instagram) and add string lights, or opt for a faux pre-lit garland.
Illuminate the Doorway
Call attention to the front door by outfitting it with a green garland and warm red string lights. Take it a step further by putting flameless candles into holiday bags and placing them along the walkway.
Decorate for the Entire Winter
If you don't want to worry about taking down your porch decor when January rolls around, stick with a simple, wintery aesthetic. Here, Ami McKay of PURE Design adds a wreath on the front door and leans tall birch branches against the house for a timeless, cold-weather style.
Decorate With Bright Reds
No matter the color of your siding, don't shy away from holiday red accents on the front porch — whether it's throw pillows, tabletop decor or bright ribbons on wreaths. From a surge of greenery to bright red hues, blogger @southernlifestyled goes a little maximalist with her design.
Level Up the Christmas Garland
Rather than settle for a simple green garland, add ornaments for a touch of glamour. If you're worried about attaching the ornaments yourself, you can also buy a pre-decorated garland.
Hang Wreaths on Rocking Chairs
After decorating faux pine wreaths with red tartan plaid ribbons, this blogger adorns two smaller wreaths onto white rocking chairs and centers a third on the window behind.
Bring in Colorful Sisal Trees
Turn your front yard into a vibrant Christmas forest with jumbo sisal trees in bright hues, including blue, pink, red and yellow. Display a giant nutcracker on each side of the entry, drape a decorated garland around the doorway and add mini sisal trees to your front door wreaths for a cohesive aesthetic.
Use Warm White Lights
Hang a large wreath wrapped in warm white holiday lights to instantly brighten your exterior. Put a few chairs nearby and you've crafted a cozy place to hang.
Embrace a Symmetric Design
Inspired by a traditional, old-fashioned porch, this symmetric look is comprised of fresh garland, pine wreaths and other natural elements. On each side of the doorway, there are two large terracotta pots filled with greenery and a pile of pinecones.
Stick With Fresh Greenery
To pair with an all-white exterior, this blogger goes for a minimalist holiday display — which is comprised of pine and spruce trees in an assortment of neutral pots. The best part? This adorable arrangement will look festive all winter long.
And, Don't Forget the Poinsettias
Known as the official Christmas flower, poinsettias are a beautiful way to add bold pops of red to the entry. Take note from Haeley of Design Improvised and put the fresh florals into woven canvas baskets for an elevated look.
Style a Console Table
Turns out, an entryway table isn't only for inside. Dress up a console table on the porch with festive tabletop decor like mini sisal trees, a vintage Christmas truck and tiny holiday figures. Note: This tip is ideal for covered porches only.
Wrap Pillars With Garland
Beginning at the top, wind fresh or faux garland around the columns and feel free to let the excess drape down onto the railing below. Add a bright red bow for a pop of color.
Put Up a Toy Solider
Protect your entryway with a cute toy solider, which your guests will love greeting as they arrive. Complete the space with greenery, of course.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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