25 DIY Christmas Garland Ideas

Creating homemade Christmas garland is one of the most rewarding holiday traditions. There’s something magical about threading together simple materials and watching them become beautiful decorations that bring warmth to your home.

Whether you prefer classic combinations like popcorn and cranberries or want to try something modern with felt balls and yarn, these DIY garland ideas will help you add personal touches throughout your house. From rustic twigs to elegant paper angels, each style brings its own charm to the season.

1. Popcorn and Cranberry Garland

This timeless classic brings back childhood memories while adding natural beauty to your tree or mantle. The creamy white popcorn creates lovely contrast against the deep red cranberries, giving your space a cozy farmhouse feel. Thread them alternating on strong thread or fishing line, being gentle with the popcorn to avoid breaking.

The slight imperfections make it even more charming. This garland works beautifully draped on Christmas trees, wrapped around banisters, or hung in windows where the cranberries catch the light.

2. Paper Snowflake Garland

Delicate paper snowflakes strung together create an winter wonderland effect that’s both elegant and whimsical. Cut various sizes of snowflakes from white, silver, or pale blue paper, making sure each has unique patterns. The different shapes and sizes add visual interest when they’re connected with thin thread or ribbon.

This garland catches light beautifully and casts pretty shadows on walls. It’s perfect for hanging across doorways, along staircases, or as a backdrop for holiday photos. Kids love helping with this one too.

3. Felt Ball Garland in Christmas Colors

Soft felt balls in rich holiday hues create a modern, cozy look that works in any room. The fuzzy texture adds warmth while the vibrant reds, greens, and whites pop against neutral backgrounds. String them in patterns or randomly for different effects – alternating colors gives structure while random placement feels more organic.

The balls have a lovely handmade quality that makes your space feel personal and inviting. This garland drapes beautifully and holds its shape well, making it perfect for mantels, doorways, or bedroom decor.

4. Gold Leaf Pine Cone Garland

Transform ordinary pine cones into a touch of rustic glamour by giving them a shimmering gold finish. The metallic sheen catches candlelight beautifully, adding sparkle while still preserving the natural woodland charm. Thread pine cones of varying sizes and shapes onto sturdy twine or rope, creating texture and visual rhythm along the length of the garland.

Perfect for draping over mantels, railings, or doorways, this versatile decoration blends effortlessly with both traditional and modern holiday décor, standing out especially against deep greens or rich reds.

5. Orange Slice and Cinnamon Stick Garland

The warm spices and citrus create a garland that looks beautiful and fills your home with amazing holiday scents. Dried orange slices have a lovely translucent quality that glows when backlit, while cinnamon sticks add rustic texture and incredible fragrance. Thread them alternating on natural twine or kitchen string.

The golden oranges and brown cinnamon create a warm, inviting color palette that complements candlelight perfectly. This garland appeals to multiple senses and makes your whole house smell like the holidays. It’s especially beautiful in kitchens and dining rooms.

6. Paper Chain Garland in Festive Patterns

Don’t underestimate the charm of classic paper chains made with beautiful holiday papers. Choose patterns like plaid, holly prints, or snowflakes to create sophisticated loops that feel fresh and fun. Mix different papers in coordinating colors for visual interest. The interlocking circles create lovely curves when draped and the patterns show beautifully when light hits them.

This garland is perfect for involving children in decorating while still looking polished enough for adult spaces. It works great for parties, classrooms, or adding cheerful color anywhere you need it.

7. Fabric Scrap Garland Tied on Twine

Gather fabric scraps in holiday colors and tie them onto natural twine for a cozy, cottage-style garland with wonderful texture. Different fabrics like flannel, cotton, and burlap create interesting contrasts when combined. The frayed edges and varied lengths give it a relaxed, homespun feel that’s both casual and charming.

Colors can be traditional reds and greens or modern combinations like navy and gold. This garland has great movement and looks especially lovely in bedrooms, kitchens, or anywhere you want to add softness. The fabric pieces flutter gently with air movement.

8. Button Garland in Red, Green, and White

Vintage buttons in Christmas colors create a garland with amazing detail and nostalgic appeal. Mix different sizes, shapes, and shades for the most interesting effect – some matte, some shiny, some with interesting textures. Thread them on strong thread, spacing them closely for full coverage or further apart for a more delicate look.

Each button catches light differently, creating subtle sparkle throughout. This garland tells a story and feels especially meaningful if you use buttons from old clothing or your grandmother’s sewing box. It’s perfect for vintage-inspired or farmhouse Christmas decor.

9. Mini Ornament Garland on Fishing Line

Small glass or plastic ornaments strung on nearly invisible fishing line create the illusion of floating holiday magic. Choose ornaments in one color family for elegance or mix metallics for more sparkle. The clear line disappears, making the ornaments appear to hover mysteriously.

Different sizes and finishes add depth and interest. This garland catches and reflects light beautifully, creating gorgeous sparkles throughout your room. It’s perfect for windows, across doorways, or anywhere you want to add festive shine without heavy visual weight. The effect is magical and sophisticated.

10. Coffee Filter Snowflake Garland

Coffee filters make surprisingly beautiful snowflakes that look delicate and ethereal when strung together. Their natural white color and slightly translucent quality create lovely effects when light passes through them. Cut various snowflake patterns, making each unique, then string them with thin thread or ribbon.

The filters have enough body to hold their shape while still looking delicate. This garland creates beautiful shadows and has a dreamy, winter-wonderland quality. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make with kids, and perfect for creating magical holiday atmosphere in bedrooms or play areas.

11. Yarn Pom Pom Garland

Fluffy yarn pom poms in Christmas colors create a playful, cozy garland that adds wonderful texture to any space. The soft, fuzzy texture feels inviting and the bright colors bring cheerful energy. Make them in various sizes for more visual interest, mixing traditional holiday colors or choosing a modern palette like navy and cream.

String them close together for full, lush coverage or space them out for a more delicate effect. This garland has great personality and works especially well in children’s rooms, playrooms, or anywhere you want to add warmth and whimsy.

12. Dried Orange and Apple Slice Garland

Naturally dried fruit slices create a garland with gorgeous translucent colors and subtle sweet scents. The oranges glow like stained glass while apple slices add lovely golden tones. Each slice is unique with its own patterns and colors. Thread them carefully on strong string, alternating fruits or grouping them by type. The natural variations in color and size create organic beauty that feels both rustic and elegant. This garland looks stunning in windows where light can shine through, and it brings a touch of harvest warmth to winter celebrations.

13. Paper Star Garland

Cut paper stars in various sizes and colors create a garland that’s both simple and striking. Use metallic papers for glamour, kraft paper for rustic charm, or bright colors for playful energy. Fold each star slightly to add dimension, then string them with thread through the center or corner points.

The geometric shapes create interesting patterns when hung and cast beautiful shadows. Different sized stars add rhythm and visual flow. This garland works in modern, traditional, or eclectic settings and can be customized to match any color scheme or holiday style you prefer.

14. Burlap and Lace Garland

Combine strips of rough burlap with delicate lengths of lace to create a garland that’s both rustic and romantic. The natural tan of burlap provides an earthy, textured base, while white or cream lace adds a touch of elegance and softness. Simply layer and string the strips alternating along twine or ribbon for a flowing, cozy effect.

The interplay of textures catches light beautifully, and the neutral tones complement any décor while still feeling distinctly festive and special—perfect for farmhouse, vintage, or understated holiday styling.

15. Mini Stockings Garland

Tiny felt or fabric stockings strung together create an adorable garland that captures classic Christmas charm. Make them from red and green felt, or use patterned fabrics for more interest. Each little stocking can be unique – some with cuffs, some with buttons, some with embroidered details. String them by the cuff area so they hang naturally.

This garland is incredibly sweet and works beautifully over fireplaces, along mantels, or in children’s rooms. The miniature scale makes everything feel magical, and you can even tuck tiny surprises inside each stocking for extra delight.

16. Wine Cork Garland with Wooden Bead

Give saved wine corks new life by stringing them with wooden beads to create a simple, eco-friendly garland. The natural cork tones and smooth wood complement each other beautifully, creating warm, earthy texture and visual rhythm. Punch holes through the corks and thread them along twine or ribbon, alternating with beads for added interest.

This garland has a cozy, rustic charm that works well on mantels, staircases, or as a natural accent in any casual or farmhouse-inspired space, all while celebrating sustainability without the need for paint or extra embellishments.

17. Candy Cane Felt Garland

Create sweet, plush holiday charm with candy cane shapes cut from red and white felt. Stitch or glue two layers together and lightly stuff them for dimension, giving each cane a soft, three-dimensional look. Instead of punching holes, simply attach them to twine or ribbon using small loops of thread or thin ribbon at the top of each candy cane.

The classic curved shape and bold stripes create a playful rhythm when the garland is hung, bringing instant festive cheer. Perfect for mantels, doorways, or windows, this cozy, handmade decoration adds warmth and personality to any space.

18. Fresh Greenery Garland with Eucalyptus

Real eucalyptus and other fresh greenery create a garland with incredible natural beauty and wonderful fragrance. The silvery-green eucalyptus has gorgeous texture and sophisticated color that works with any decor style. Wire small bunches together, overlapping slightly for full coverage. Add other evergreen sprigs if desired.

Fresh garland brings life and natural elegance to your home, and the eucalyptus scent is incredibly refreshing. This style works beautifully for modern, rustic, or traditional decorating. Mist occasionally to keep it fresh longer. It’s perfect for mantels, doorways, or anywhere you want living beauty.

19. Salt Dough Star Garland

Handcraft simple star shapes from salt dough to create a garland full of rustic charm and artisanal appeal. Leave them natural for an earthy, understated look, or lightly paint them for subtle festive sparkle. Each star carries the unique character of being handmade, with small imperfections adding personality and warmth.

String them on natural twine or leather cord to highlight their organic texture. This garland brings a handcrafted, timeless feel to your décor, perfect for those who appreciate simple, elegant, and tactile holiday decorations.

20. Tissue Paper Tassel Garland

Colorful tissue paper tassels create a festive garland that’s all about movement and texture. The lightweight paper flutters beautifully with any air movement, bringing energy and life to your decorations. Make tassels in coordinating Christmas colors – perhaps deep red, forest green, and cream, or try modern combinations like navy and gold.

Each tassel has wonderful fringe that catches light and creates interesting shadows. String them evenly spaced on ribbon or cord. This garland has a party-like quality that’s perfect for celebrations, and it brings wonderful color and movement to any space.

21. Mini Gingerbread House Garland

Tiny gingerbread houses made from felt or cardboard create an enchanting garland that tells a sweet holiday story. Each little house can be unique with different roof patterns, door colors, or window shapes. Use brown fabric or paper for the base and add details with markers, fabric paint, or small buttons.

String them carefully so they face forward when hung. This garland creates a magical village effect and captures the whimsical spirit of classic Christmas tales. It’s perfect for children’s rooms, kitchens, or anywhere you want to add storybook charm to your holiday decorating.

22. Wooden Bead Garland Painted Festive Colors

Natural wooden beads painted in Christmas colors create a garland with beautiful organic texture and modern appeal. Choose various sizes for visual interest and paint them in coordinating colors – perhaps hunter green, burgundy, and cream. Some can be left natural wood for contrast.

The smooth, round shapes feel wonderful to touch and create pleasing rhythm when strung together. Wood adds warmth to any space and the painted colors bring festive cheer without being overwhelming. This garland works beautifully in modern, Scandinavian, or minimalist decorating styles while still feeling distinctly festive and seasonal.

23. Paper Angel Garland

Delicate paper angels create a garland with heavenly beauty and spiritual meaning. Cut angel silhouettes from white, cream, or metallic paper, making each slightly different for organic charm. Add details with punches or careful cuts for wings and robes. The flowing shapes create beautiful movement when hung, and the repeated angel forms have wonderful symbolic meaning.

String them carefully through the top or shoulders so they hang naturally. This garland brings peace and serenity to holiday decorating and looks especially beautiful in bedrooms, quiet spaces, or anywhere you want to create a sense of calm wonder.

24. Twig and Pine corn Garland

Small twigs and artificial berries wired together create a garland that looks like it came straight from a winter forest. The natural brown twigs provide beautiful organic texture while red berries add perfect pops of Christmas color. Wire small twig bundles together, adding berry clusters between them. This combination feels both wild and elegant, perfect for bringing outdoor beauty inside.

The varied shapes and natural imperfections create wonderful visual interest. This garland works beautifully for rustic, traditional, or natural decorating styles and looks especially stunning against stone fireplaces or wooden mantels.

25. Mercury Beads and Pipe Cleaner Garland

Twist pipe cleaners into small loops or spirals and thread them with shiny mercury beads to create a sparkling, whimsical garland. The reflective beads catch light beautifully, while the flexible pipe cleaners let you shape each segment into stars, spirals, or abstract forms.

Strung together, the repeating pattern adds rhythm and visual interest, creating a garland that feels festive, playful, and slightly magical. Lightweight and easy to hang, it’s perfect for mantels, doorways, or windows, and is a fun, hands-on project for kids and adults alike.