26 DIY Christmas Porch Decoration Ideas to Celebrate the Season

Jul 01, 2023

Design a festive holiday display, even if you're on a budget.

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!

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.

See more at Cherished Bliss »

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.

SHOP RIBBONS

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.

See more at Style by Emily Henderson »

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.

See more at Bless'er House »

RELATED: Best Chunky Knit Blankets That Are Worth the Money

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

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.

SHOP CHRISTMAS SIGNS

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.

SHOP GARLANDS

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.

SHOP PRE-LIT GARLANDS

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.

SHOP BIRCH POLES

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.

SHOP PILLOW COVERS

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.

SHOP PRE-LIT GARLAND

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.

See more at DIY Beautify »

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.