Christmas is almost here! If you haven’t started on your outdoor Christmas decorations yet, these festive front doors and porches are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. You don’t need the biggest light display in the neighborhood to make passersby stop and look. A few simple touches, like fresh garland, a pretty wreath, potted Christmas trees and lanterns by the door, can make your home feel warm and welcoming all season long.
Below, we have gathered 30 of our favorite outdoor Christmas decorations, from natural greenery to grand holiday displays. You will also find helpful tips along the way and our free printable outdoor Christmas decorating checklist to plan your own. Under each photo is a link to the original source for more details.
Shop the Look
A few of our favorite finds for a festive front door
- Pine wreath with a velvet bow and bells
- Pre-lit spruce wreath with a built-in timer
- Potted Norfolk pine trees, set of 2
- Pre-lit cedar garland, 9 feet
- Black metal lantern with LED candle
- String of brass bells for the door
- Merry Christmas doormat
- Outdoor light timer
Tell Us: Which one of these outdoor Christmas decorations inspires you the most? Let us know in the Comments below!
How Many Christmas Lights Do You Need?
Rooflines: Walk the length of your eaves with a tape measure on the ground below, then add about 10% to wrap the corners and reach an outlet. Use that total to choose the right length. If you would rather not hang lights every year, we love Govee permanent outdoor lights.
C9 bulbs: Most C9 strands space the bulbs 12 inches apart, so count on about one bulb for every foot of roofline.
Potted trees and shrubs: Plan on roughly 100 lights for every foot of height. A 4-foot potted tree beside the front door needs about 400.
1. Flocked Greenery
Flocked faux greens give this entry a snowy, wintry look. Chunky planters are filled with flocked greenery, pinecones and white lights, while flocked garland and wreaths frame the French doors. Lanterns light the steps at night, and the battery-operated lights run on timers, so they turn on all by themselves. (via French Country Cottage)
2. Merry Christmas Entry
We love the frosted look of the wreath, garland and potted foliage on this front porch. For a similar look, try this frosted winter wreath, which you can leave up long after Christmas. Oversized “Merry” and “Christmas” ornaments give the entry a simple yet elegant finish, while a vintage wooden sled beside the door adds a nod to farmhouse style. (via Balsam Hill)
3. Artificial Greenery
Adorn your front door with faux greenery that looks fresh from the nursery! A trio of large wreaths hangs on the door, while garland frames the trim. The mix includes lodge pine, Scotch pine, white spruce, Norway spruce and Eastern cedar, along with seeded eucalyptus and pinecones. Set a few lanterns on the porch or steps to light the walkway. (via Frontgate)
4. Natural and Neutral
When it comes to decorating your front door, simple can be beautiful. Freshly cut cedar garland frames this door, while a wreath holder with hanging bells adds a festive touch. For a faux version that lasts all season, try this pre-lit cedar garland. Similar bells can be found at Kirkland’s. A stack of firewood and a lantern complete the natural, neutral look. (via Style Me Pretty)
5. Joyous Woodland Entry
Light up your front door with pre-lit garland made of magnolia leaves, berries and pinecones. Along the path, branches strung with mini lights stand in black urns filled with real or faux greenery. For a matching front door, try this pre-lit Norfolk pine wreath with pinecones and berries. (via Grandin Road)
6. Homemade Fir Garland
Fresh garland from the store can be pricey, so why not make your own? This one uses fir clippings from a tree lot for a simple, natural look that costs very little. Cedar and fir stay fresh longer than most greens, so they are the best choice for a homemade Christmas garland. (via Nine & Sixteen Home)
Tip
To keep fresh garland green longer, mist it with water every few days and keep it out of strong afternoon sun.
7. Living Christmas Trees
This outdoor space keeps things simple, with mostly greenery and a few accents. The trees are real and potted in baskets and planters, so they can be planted in the yard come spring. If you have a real tree inside, save the trimmings to fill a vase or urn by the door. Trader Joe’s is a great spot for affordable fresh wreaths and garland! (via The Merry Thought)
8. Santa’s Sleigh
Cheerful decorations greet holiday guests at this front door. A sleigh full of wrapped gifts is a sweet nod to the season of giving, while a dog outlined in string lights stands guard beside it. A lighted reindeer would make a fun addition too! (via Country Door)
9. Magnolia Wreaths
The magnolia wreaths on these doors are hung with two old scarves from the dollar store instead of ribbon. For a similar look, try this magnolia leaf wreath, which you can leave up from fall through winter. Real or faux trees in planter boxes stand on either side, with lights added for evening. Choose planters that suit the style of your home. (via Craftberry Bush)
10. Joy To The World
Christmas trees galore greet visitors on this front porch. The wood “JOY” letters are from @brooke_startathome, and the door wreath is from @the.accidental.farmgirl. Poinsettias add pops of red between the trees. Similar farmhouse-style planter sets can be found at Walmart or Kirkland’s. (via @jodie.thedesigntwins)
11. Oversized Lawn Ornaments
Large lawn ornaments are an easy way to spread holiday cheer. Their bright colors stand out against garland, wreaths and lighted trees. Similar ornaments can be found on Amazon. (via Grandin Road)
12. Season’s Greetings
This farmhouse-style porch features flocked Christmas trees, holiday signs and large wooden lanterns. For a similar tree farm look, try this galvanized tree collar. The “Merry + Bright” doormat is from Kirkland’s! This coir Christmas doormat comes in lots of fun designs, too. (via Pinterest)
13. Joyful Christmas Porch
Two potted junipers from Lowe’s stand on each side of this doorway and can be planted in the yard later. For a no-fuss faux version, try these potted Norfolk pine trees. Red shatterproof ornaments decorate the trees, and the “JOY” sign is a DIY made from a piece of plywood. The door wreath is from Costco and was flocked with Christmas tree flocking powder. (via @casagrella)
Tip
Potted evergreens, like junipers or dwarf Alberta spruce, do double duty. Decorate them for the holidays, then plant them in your yard in spring.
14. Buffalo Check Welcome
This simple front door features a wreath with buffalo check ribbon and gold bells. For a similar look, try this pre-lit wreath with a buffalo check bow. Real trees in galvanized buckets stand on either side, and a red and black buffalo check doormat finishes the look. For something similar, try this plaid Christmas tree doormat. (via Pinterest)
15. Inviting Front Door
Set your outdoor holiday scene with a mix of garland, wreaths and a Christmas tree. LED lanterns light the entryway and are easy to find at stores like Kirkland’s. (via Frontgate)
16. Oh, Christmas Tree
How beautiful is this outdoor space? Trees in large planters are lit with mini lights for a magical feel, and a cozy bench invites you to curl up under a fur throw and watch the snow fall. (via @vibekedesign)
17. Rustic Barn Doors
Magnolia wreaths dress up these rustic barn doors. On each side, pre-lit trees and lanterns stand alongside lighted grapevine orbs, which you can also find on Etsy. For a matching pair on your own double doors, try these cedar wreaths, sold as a set of two. (via Pottery Barn)
18. Snowy Cottage Entry
A large basket of Christmas trees, candles and twinkling lights welcomes guests to this small house, with fir trees standing in the snow by the door. (via Liv Sandvik Jakobsen)
19. Christmas Red
This front door features pops of Christmas red with a rich mix of greenery. Red ball ornaments and twiggy branches accent the wreath, urns, pathway trees and window swags, while velvet ribbons finish the wreath and light fixtures. We love the stacked presents beside the door! For a ready-made version, try this frosted pine wreath with red baubles. (via Grandin Road)
20. Quintessential Christmas
This home, built by Macallan Custom Homes, was featured on the Atlanta Holiday Homes Tour. The display may be grand, but you can still borrow ideas like the wreaths in the windows and the garland around the doorway. Our favorite is the station wagon with a Christmas tree on top! (via @atlantahomesmag)
21. Home For Christmas
This home looks like a Christmas postcard! Wreaths with red ribbons hang in the windows and on the doors, while garland trims the balcony railing above the front door. For a similar look, try this pine wreath with a red velvet bow. (via Rachel Parcell)
22. Magnolia Leaf Garland
For a fresh and natural approach to Christmas, frame your door with a simple magnolia leaf garland. The glossy leaves look beautiful all winter long. (via @hammmadefurniture)
Tip
Hang your wreath with an over-the-door hanger or an adhesive hook made for outdoor use, so you won’t scratch the paint on your door. For glass doors and windows, a suction wreath hanger holds it securely.
23. Let It Snow
Simple yet beautiful, this farmhouse-style entry keeps things natural. The garland is from Costco, with wooden branches tucked in for a woodsy look. (via @thefauxmartha)
24. Spruce Twig Bundle
Tie a few spruce twigs together with string and hang them on your front door. Use the leftovers to fill planters on either side. Christmas tree farms, Home Depot and Lowe’s often have extra trimmings. (via It’s A House)
25. Door Dressed In Garland
Garland and holly dress this front door for the holidays. We love the green door! (via In The Fields)
26. Traditional Style Entry
Evergreen boughs and mini lights frame the doorway of this elegant home, finished with bows of red and green plaid ribbon. The same ribbon decorates the wreath, while pine boughs and red berries fill the planters on each side. (via At Home In Arkansas)
27. Chicken Wire Christmas Tree
DIY this adorable tree using chicken wire! Fill the bottom of a basket with stones and cover them with moss. Stand a large wooden dowel in the center, using the stones for support. Shape the chicken wire around it and fill it with pine branches to form a tree, then finish with an ornament. Add mini lights for a little evening sparkle. Get the full DIY at the provided link. (via @annalena.lindqvist)
28. Snowy Front Porch
How cozy is this front porch for curling up with a mug of hot cocoa? Lanterns and mini lights set the mood, while fur pelts add warmth. (via @annalena.lindqvist)
29. Garland and Greenery
This front porch features garland around the door and a trio of small pine trees in baskets. A galvanized bucket filled with pine branches adds one more natural touch. (via @rahrags)
30. Charming Front Porch
Flocked trees in milk cans from @bcproducts stand on either side of this door. The “Keep the change, ya filthy animal” doormat can be found at Walmart, Amazon or Etsy, layered over a mat from @chilewich. The door is painted Homburg Gray by Sherwin-Williams. (via @down_mulberry_lane)
Tips for Decorating Your Front Door for Christmas
- Start with the frame. Garland around the door is the backdrop for everything else, so hang it first.
- Size up your wreath. A wreath about two-thirds the width of your door looks right from the street.
- Repeat on both sides. Matching planters, lanterns or potted trees on each side of the door give your entry a polished look.
- Plan for evening. An outdoor light timer and lanterns with LED candles keep your entry welcoming after dark. Wind a strand of warm white string lights through porch railings or potted trees for extra sparkle. For a classic look, outline the roofline with C9 bulb lights, hung with these light clips that fit both gutters and shingles. Tired of hanging lights every year? Permanent eave lights stay up all year and switch from warm white at Christmas to orange for Halloween with an app. Govee is a brand we love. Their Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro even doubles as everyday exterior lighting, and the Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 is a great mid-range pick. For a budget-friendly option, this 200-foot set covers a large home. Want something extra special in the yard? These Govee cone tree lights create a light-show tree that syncs to music, and they come in sizes from 6 to 12 feet.
- Choose outdoor-rated decor. Lights, extension cords and ribbon made for outdoor use hold up to rain, wind and snow.
- Use what you have. Trimmings from your Christmas tree, pinecones from the yard and clippings from tree lots cost little or nothing.
Download Our Free Outdoor Christmas Decorating Checklist
MORE CHRISTMAS INSPIRATION
Looking for more ways to deck the halls? Browse our best outdoor Christmas decorating ideas, welcome guests with these Christmas porch decorating ideas, or bring the cheer indoors with our must-see Christmas decor ideas.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
0 comments