Get Festive: Top 9 DIY Outdoor Christmas Decorations

1. Joyful Wreath Ideas

Kick off your holiday decorating with a wreath that captures the festive spirit. From cheerful bells and colorful ribbons to natural elements like fruits and pine cones, here are some creative ideas for crafting a unique holiday wreath that will make your entryway sparkle.

Jingle Bell Wreath

Create a wreath that sings with holiday cheer by using jingle bells in various sizes and colors. Choose a sturdy wire frame and string the bells along, alternating colors to keep things vibrant. Top it off with a large festive ribbon and hang it on your door or deck railing to let the sound of Christmas greet everyone who arrives.

DIY Tip: For extra sparkle, choose metallic or glittered bells to catch the winter sunlight, or mix gold, silver, and red bells for a classic holiday look.

Dried Fruit Wreath

Add a touch of rustic elegance to your decor with a wreath featuring dried fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples. Start with a grapevine or wire wreath frame, then attach the dried fruit slices with floral wire or hot glue. The natural colors bring warmth and a hint of holiday nostalgia, especially if paired with cinnamon sticks and sprigs of fresh greenery.

DIY Tip: Add a few whole dried spices, like star anise or cinnamon sticks, for extra fragrance. For a finishing touch, include a bow in a complementary earthy tone, such as forest green or burgundy.

Ribbon Wreath

Make a wreath with layers of beautiful ribbons for a soft, elegant look. Choose ribbons in different textures and shades that complement your holiday theme, such as deep red, forest green, or gold. This wreath looks especially festive with velvet, satin, or burlap ribbons.

DIY Tip: Add a few miniature ornaments or small pine cones between the ribbons for extra depth and dimension.

Pinecone and Evergreen Wreath

For a classic winter look, create a wreath using pine cones and fresh evergreen branches. Arrange the pine cones around the wreath frame, then fill in the gaps with evergreen sprigs for texture. Finish with a large red or plaid bow for a traditional touch. This wreath brings a woodland charm to your door and pairs beautifully with other natural decor elements.

DIY Tip: Lightly spray the pine cones with white paint or glitter for a frosty, snow-dusted effect.

Berries and Twigs Wreath

Embrace the natural beauty of winter with a wreath made from red berries and twigs. Use a grapevine wreath as the base, then attach clusters of artificial or real berries around the frame. Tuck in a few branches for a rustic look.

DIY Tip: For more holiday sparkle, wrap a string of battery-operated fairy lights around the wreath to make it glow at night.

Ornament Wreath

Bring holiday glitz to your front door with a wreath made from small ornaments. Choose a color scheme—like classic red and gold, silver and blue, or multicolored—and string ornaments along a foam or wire wreath frame. This is a great way to repurpose old ornaments and give them new life.

DIY Tip: Use shatterproof ornaments for durability and add a few glittered or metallic ornaments for extra shine.

Mixed Greenery and Floral Wreath

Create a vibrant, garden-inspired wreath with a mix of greenery and faux winter florals. Use eucalyptus, cedar, or magnolia leaves as a base, then add pops of color with red or white faux flowers. Finish it off with a festive bow or a few bells for a subtle holiday touch.

DIY Tip: For an extra-lush look, add sprigs of holly or boxwood to fill in any gaps. This style works beautifully for both traditional and modern holiday decor.

Herb and Citrus Wreath

Bring a fresh, natural aroma to your entryway with a wreath made from dried herbs and citrus. Use rosemary, bay leaves, or lavender as a base, then add orange or lemon slices around the frame. This fragrant wreath is a beautiful, unique twist on a traditional wreath.

DIY Tip: Add a raffia or jute bow for an earthy touch, or wrap fairy lights around it for nighttime sparkle.

2. Sparkling Pathway Lights

Illuminate your outdoor space with pathway Christmas lights to add a touch of winter magic to your yard. Perfect for lining walkways leading to your deck or patio, these lights create a welcoming, festive path for guests (and Santa).

DIY Tip: For a playful touch, consider using pathway lights shaped like snowflakes, stars, or even holiday-themed shapes like candy canes.

3. Merry & Bright Mason Jar Lanterns

Light up the night with mason jar lanterns that add a warm, festive glow and a touch of Christmas magic to your outdoor Christmas decorations. Gather a collection of mason jars, battery-operated LED tea lights, and a few holiday embellishments like ribbon, twine, or faux greenery. Place an LED light in each jar, then decorate the outside with ribbons, berries, and greenery for an extra holiday flair. Hang your lanterns from tree branches, place them along the porch, or line a pathway for a cozy, rustic vibe that looks especially magical under a blanket of snow.

DIY Tip: Use frost paint on the mason jars to give them a wintery, icy look. This softens the light and adds a bit of mystery to the glow, making the lanterns feel even more magical.

5. Garland for Your Deck and Railing

Add a lush, festive touch to your deck with garland. Drape it along railings, fascia boards, door frames, or even around outdoor seating areas.

Here are some of our favorite styles to inspire your decor:

Traditional Pine Garland

Opt for a garland made from faux pine branches, then dress it up with red ribbons and pine cones for a timeless, classic look that’s bursting with holiday cheer.

Pre-lit Garland

Add a pre-lit garland to your deck railing for a warm glow as the sun sets. LED lights with warm white bulbs create a cozy, welcoming effect.

Berries and Twigs Garland

Combine twigs and red berries for a rustic, nature-inspired garland. This style beautifully complements rustic tone color decks and works well with other natural decor elements.

DIY Tip: Attach ornaments, small bells, or even fresh herbs like rosemary for a subtle fragrance. Secure with wire or twist ties to keep everything in place and can weather winter winds.

6. Add Some Twinkle to Your Railings

Add some twinkle to your deck by decorating your railings with Christmas lights. Whether you’re creating a winter wonderland or keeping it simple and elegant, string lights are an effortless way to bring the festive spirit to your deck.

Classic String Lights

For a timeless look, wrap warm white or multicolored LED string lights along your railing. Start from one end and secure the lights every few inches with small clips or twist ties to keep them in place. This classic look creates a cozy, inviting ambiance.

Icicle Lights
Drape icicle lights along the railings for a wintry effect that mimics the look of cascading snow. These lights add a whimsical, frosty vibe that’s perfect for any holiday setup. Choose white, blue, or multi-color bulbs to match your theme.

Net Lights for Easy Installation
If you’re looking for a quick and even lighting solution, consider net lights. These are ideal for wrapping around the railing in a grid pattern and provide consistent coverage with minimal effort.

DIY Tip: Pair lights with garlands or ribbons for added texture, or intertwine the lights with faux greenery to bring a natural touch to your deck decor. Make sure to use weather-resistant lights rated for outdoor use to ensure they shine brightly all season long.

7. Cheerful Gift Box Displays

Add a touch of whimsy to your outdoor Christmas decorations with oversized gift boxes that make your yard look like Santa’s workshop. These gift boxes can be placed on your porch, along pathways, or at the foot of your deck railing to create a vibrant, welcoming display.

DIY Wrapped Cardboard Boxes

Start by wrapping large, sturdy cardboard boxes in weatherproof, holiday-themed wrapping paper. Add big bows and ribbons, and spray them with a waterproof sealant to help withstand the winter elements. For an extra pop, mix different sizes and colors for a display that feels fun and festive.

DIY Tip: For additional texture, add embellishments like pine cones, faux berries, or even small ornaments to the tops of the boxes to give them a layered, festive look. Arrange them in clusters or stack them for added dimension and visual interest.

8. Eye-Catching Oversized Ornaments

Take your outdoor Christmas decorations to the next level with oversized ornaments that add a playful, bold statement to your yard or deck. Perfect for creating a holiday focal point, these larger-than-life ornaments bring the magic of the season right to your doorstep.

Hanging Ornaments for Trees and Deck Railings

Choose large, shatterproof ornaments in classic holiday colors like red, green, silver, or gold. Hang them from tree branches along your pathway, or attach them to deck railings for a festive touch. Use a fishing line or sturdy ribbon to secure them, ensuring they can handle winter winds.

DIY Ornament Balls

Create your own oversized ornaments using large plastic balls, old sports balls, or inflatable exercise balls. Wrap them with holiday-themed spray paint or metallic wrapping paper, then add a decorative hook or loop to the top with hot glue. Arrange them at the base of your deck steps or around outdoor seating areas for a look that’s both fun and festive.

DIY Tip: Use metallic spray paint or mirror-finish ornaments to catch sunlight during the day, adding extra sparkle to your outdoor decor.

9. Decked-Out Planters

Transform your planters, whether empty or filled with live plants, into festive holiday displays. Creating an outdoor Christmas planter that pops with holiday cheer is easier than you might think! Add colorful ornaments, greenery, pine cones, or small string lights for a layered, eye-catching look. Perfect for entryways, along pathways, or at the edges of your deck. These planters are also a playful spot for your Elf on the Shelf to make a surprise appearance!

DIY Tip: Add small touches like bows, ribbons, or glitter to make the ornaments shine. For nighttime sparkle, use battery-operated fairy lights to wrap around the ornaments or inside transparent ones, creating a magical glow.

Spread Holiday Cheer with DIY Outdoor Holiday Decorations

This holiday season, turn your outdoor space into a cozy, festive retreat filled with charm and personality. Let your creativity shine as you bring warmth and a bit of whimsy to your decor with handmade touches. These simple DIY project ideas make your home feel like a warm hug for the holidays.Ready to enhance your outdoor space even further? For premium decking materials, lighting, or railing, visit The Deck Store. Our collections offer everything you need to turn your deck into a true extension of your home—a cozy, inviting retreat all year round. Happy decorating, and may your holidays be merry, bright, and filled with joy!