21 Christmas Front Door Decorating Ideas to Make Your House Merry

May 06, 2024

From berry wreaths to full-on outdoor trees.

We always look forward to decorating our homes for Christmas, indoors and out, and nothing adds more curb appeal than a front door that's ready for the holidays. First impressions count, right? Especially this time of year. So whether you prefer traditional, modern, or whimsical Christmas decorations, we've found Christmas front door decorating ideas you'll love.

The best Christmas door decor sets a warm, inviting mood for the season. It's fun to go all out with Christmas door ideas like fresh greenery, wreaths, glowing lanterns, and even outdoor Christmas trees. They're the best way to welcome guests to your holiday party or just create a cozy atmosphere for snuggling on a snow day with your favorite person or fur baby.

No worries if you're strapped for time (who isn't!). These ideas are so easy you can decorate your front door in 10 minutes or less, we promise. That also means you won't have to dread spending hours taking them down after the holidays are over. When you use natural greenery, for instance, you can roll up the ribbon for next year and set the dried-out branches out on the curb with your tree.

Better still, several of these pretty Christmas front door decorating ideas are more wintry than holiday specific, so they can last the whole season. In other words, you have our permission to leave them up long after the new year has arrived. It can feel sad to take the bright and pretty Christmas tree and other decorations down, so why not put it off? These Christmas door ideas let you enjoy the holiday for as long as possible.

Red berries adorn a simple grapevine wreath that's topped off with a big red bow. This twist on classic holiday decor can work on either a modern or traditional-style home.

SHOP RED BERRIES WREATH

Accent your front door with simple, unadorned pine wreaths hung from the lanterns flanking the front door. This works well if you don't have a way to hang wreaths from the door itself or if you prefer a more minimalist look.

SHOP BASIC PINE WREATHS

Two poinsettias on either side of the front door make a simple but elegant style statement. Live plants look great in warm climates; if you live in a colder climate, opt for faux ones you can use over and over. PSA: Poinsettias are toxic to pets, so be considerate when decorating with live plants.

SHOP FAUX POINSETTIA PLANTS

This rustic front door decor for Christmas is anything but boring with fresh garland adorned with pine cones and dried fruit. The simple grapevine wreath with evergreen accents will last throughout the season and well into winter.

SHOP RUSTIC WREATHS

Christmas door ideas don't get jollier than this giant Santa hat, which totally works as a whimsical twist on a wreath. Dress it up with an ornament for some extra glitter.

SHOP EXTRA-LARGE SANTA HAT

Light up the front door with a lantern set to one side. Use a weatherproof LED candle with a timer so you don't have to mess with it everyday. Together with the unadorned tree, it's a beautiful and pared-down display.

SHOP OUTDOOR LED LANTERNS

Fresh garland and a live evergreen wreath are adorned with a pair of mittens and metal snowflakes. The juxtaposition of modern and rustic makes it the perfect country Christmas front door decorating idea.

SHOP COUNTRY CHRISTMAS WREATHS

A giant bow tied from sheer fabric adds color but still allows you to see through the window of this door. It's dressed up with basic greenery.

SHOP EXTRA-WIDE SHEER RIBBON

Sure, a sled or a pair of skates is always perfect for adorning the front porch. But what about a less traditional look? This Christmas door idea includes a vintage bike painted white and covered in snow. Maybe Santa can ride it instead of a sleigh this year?

SHOP BIKE PLANTERS

A simple star-shaped grapevine wreath looks right at home on this bright blue door. It's a pretty but understated way to celebrate the season.

SHOP STAR-SHAPED WREATHS

A lighted garland arch surrounds this front door for a glittery welcome that's elegant and low-key. You can go with classic white lights or choose a shade that accents your home's exterior color.

SHOP LIGHTED GARLAND

Celebrate your fur baby with a traditional green wreath with real dog bones tied onto it with red ribbons. A photo of your good boy or girl is the finishing touch.

SHOP RED SATIN RIBBON

This delicate tree shines with bright lights and is accented with unbreakable Christmas ornaments in your favorite shade. It's a quick and easy way to add maximum impact with minimal fuss.

SHOP LIGHTED EXTERIOR TREES

Take foraged and found items to the next level. Pine cones, sprays of dried flowers, and faux birds adorn this real tree on the front porch for a lovely, natural celebration of the holidays.

SHOP LARGE PINE CONES

A snowflake-shaped wreath base dressed with greenery works for Christmas. Just remove the greens afterward for a front door decoration that transitions to the rest of the winter.

SHOP SNOWFLAKE WREATHS

Red and green aren't the only colors that work for Christmas. Deep blue ribbons on wreaths, greenery, and pots of evergreen boughs create a festive feel.

SHOP BLUE SATIN RIBBON

Two wreaths stacked vertically provide double the curb appeal, while a cozy throw and birch logs add cozy charm to this Christmas front door tableau.

SHOP PLAID THROWS

Fill a planter with fresh evergreen boughs, and top with a big red bow for super simple but elegant front door decoration. This idea transitions well after the Christmas holidays. Just remove the bow.

SHOP LARGE WICKER BASKETS

Follow this cultural tradition of lighting the way for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve with Christmas luminaria. You can use traditional luminaria, often made of paper sacks, or opt for electric versions that can be reused.

SHOP LUMINARIA

Have some ornaments left over or want to highlight a few faves? Grab a basic grapevine wreath and hang ornaments you love on it with ribbon for a one-of-a-kind Christmas wreath.

SHOP GRAPEVINE WREATHS

Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

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