25+ DIY Christmas Yard Decorations

Getting your yard ready for Christmas doesn’t have to cost a fortune or require fancy skills. These DIY projects use everyday materials you probably already have around the house or can pick up cheaply at the hardware store.

From wooden pallets to mason jars, tin cans to old tires, you’ll find plenty of creative ways to make your outdoor space feel magical this holiday season. Whether you’re going for rustic charm or colorful whimsy, these ideas will help you create a festive display that your neighbors will love.

1. Wooden Pallet Christmas Trees Painted in Festive Colors

Grab an old wooden pallet and cut it into a triangle shape to create a rustic tree. Sand down any rough edges, then paint it green, white, or even red for a fun twist. You can add a star on top using scrap wood and decorate the surface with small ornaments, ribbon, or battery-operated string lights. Lean it against your porch railing or stake it into the ground near your front door. The weathered wood texture gives it a charming farmhouse feel that looks great day or night.

2. Mason Jar Luminaries with Battery-Operated Lights

Fill mason jars with battery-operated fairy lights or LED tea lights to create a warm, glowing display. You can tie twine or ribbon around the neck of each jar and add small sprigs of evergreen or holly for extra festivity. Line them along your walkway, arrange them on porch steps, or hang them from shepherd’s hooks in your garden.

For a snowy effect, brush the outside of the jars with white paint or Epsom salt mixed with glue. These luminaries cast a soft, welcoming light that’s perfect for evening gatherings.

3. PVC Pipe Candy Canes Painted Red and White

Cut PVC pipes into various lengths, then paint them with red and white stripes to mimic classic candy canes. Use a large pipe cutter or saw to create different sizes, from small pathway markers to tall statement pieces. Once the paint dries, seal it with a weatherproof clear coat to protect against winter elements.

Stake them into the ground along your driveway or cluster them near your mailbox. The glossy finish catches the light beautifully, and you can store them easily for next year.

4. Wooden Reindeer Cutouts for the Lawn

Draw or trace reindeer silhouettes onto plywood, then cut them out with a jigsaw. Paint them brown, add details like eyes and noses with contrasting colors, and don’t forget Rudolph’s red nose if you’re making the full team. Attach wooden stakes to the back so you can push them into your lawn.

You can make them as simple or detailed as you like—some people add texture with different shades of brown or even attach real twigs for antlers. Kids especially love seeing these friendly reindeer scattered across the yard.

5. Tin Can Lanterns with Punched Snowflake Designs

Save empty tin cans throughout the year for this project. Fill them with water and freeze them solid, then use a hammer and nail to punch decorative snowflake patterns into the sides. The ice inside prevents the can from denting while you work. Once finished, let the ice melt and spray paint the cans white, silver, or gold.

Place LED tea lights inside and set them along pathways or group them on your porch. The punched holes create beautiful patterns of light that dance across nearby surfaces.

6. Tomato Cage Christmas Trees Wrapped in Lights

Turn those garden tomato cages upside down to create instant tree frames. Wrap them tightly with evergreen garland or string lights, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Add ornaments by hooking them onto the cage wires, and top with a bow or star.

These are lightweight enough to move around your yard easily and come in different sizes if you have various cage heights. They look especially magical at night when the lights glow through the greenery, creating a full tree effect.

7. Painted Tire Planters as Snowmen

Stack two or three old tires and paint them white to create a cheerful snowman. Use black paint for coal buttons and eyes, add an orange carrot nose (painted or made from a traffic cone), and wrap a colorful scarf around the middle tire. You can fill the top tire with soil and plant winter greenery or just leave it as a decorative piece.

Place a hat on top—an old bucket or pot works great. This project is perfect for involving kids, and the tires are weather-resistant so your snowman will last all season.

8. Scrap Wooden Snowmen Stacked and Decorated

Stack scrap wooden boxes of different sizes on top of each other to build a rustic snowman. Paint the boxes white, then use black circles for eyes and buttons, and an orange triangle for the carrot nose. Wrap a cozy scarf around the “neck” and add a hat or earmuffs for extra charm.

Because the boxes are square, this snowman has a quirky, farmhouse-style look that’s perfect for porches or entryways. It’s sturdy, easy to assemble, and gives old wooden boxes a festive second life.

9. Grapevine Wreath Spheres with Lights

Shape grapevine wreaths into sphere shapes by weaving multiple wreaths together or buying pre-made grapevine balls. Wrap them with white or colored string lights, securing the cord with floral wire as you go. These look incredible hanging from tree branches, porch ceilings, or shepherd’s hooks. You can make different sizes and cluster them at varying heights for visual interest.

The natural texture of the grapevine combined with twinkling lights creates an elegant, organic look that works with any decorating style.

10. Chicken Wire Light Balls in Various Sizes

Cut chicken wire into rectangles of different sizes and shape them into balls by bending and securing the edges with wire. Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges. Wrap each ball with string lights, tucking the battery pack inside or running an extension cord to it.

These glowing orbs look amazing scattered across your lawn or hanging from trees. The industrial texture of the chicken wire adds character, and you can spray paint them white or silver for a more finished look before adding lights.

11. Wooden Post Candles Painted White and Red

Cut 4×4 posts or large branches into various heights to resemble pillar candles. Paint them white or red, then add a yellow or orange “flame” at the top using craft foam or painted wood. You can drip white glue down the sides while wet to create a melted wax effect.

Arrange these in groups of three or five near your entrance or along your walkway. For extra flair, wrap them with greenery and berries at the base. They add a classic holiday touch without needing electricity.

12. Pottery Barn Inspired Garland

Frame your porch with a classic Pottery Barn–inspired garland by draping lush evergreen garlands along the doorway or railing. Layer in natural accents like pinecones, eucalyptus, or magnolia leaves for fullness, and tuck in clusters of faux berries for a pop of color.

For a cozy evening glow, weave in warm white battery-operated lights. This simple, ribbon-free design feels timeless and elegant, giving your entrance a welcoming holiday charm without overwhelming the space.

13. DIY Wooden Nativity Scene Silhouettes

Cut nativity scene figures from plywood using a jigsaw—Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, and animals. Keep them as simple silhouettes or add minimal details with paint. Paint them in neutral tones or leave the wood natural for a rustic look. Attach stakes to the back of each piece and arrange them in your yard to tell the Christmas story.

You can add a small wooden stable structure behind them or string lights above to create a glowing backdrop. This meaningful display becomes a beautiful focal point.

14. Painted Log Slice Ornaments Hung from Trees

Cut a fallen log into thick slices (about 1-2 inches thick) and drill a hole near the top of each slice. Sand the edges smooth, then paint holiday designs on them—snowflakes, trees, ornaments, or simple patterns. Seal them with outdoor varnish to protect against moisture.

Thread twine or ribbon through the holes and hang them from tree branches throughout your yard. The natural wood grain shows through the paint beautifully, and they sway gently in the breeze like oversized ornaments on nature’s Christmas tree.

15. Ladder Christmas Tree with Ornaments

Lean an old wooden ladder against your house or porch and decorate it like a tree. Wrap it with string lights from bottom to top, then hang ornaments from the rungs using ribbon or hooks. Add garland woven through the steps and place a star or bow at the top. You can also drape tinsel or beaded garland for extra sparkle.

This vertical display works great for small spaces or when you want something different from traditional yard decorations. The rustic ladder adds farmhouse charm to any outdoor setting.

16. Wooden Box Planters with Evergreen Branches

Build simple wooden boxes from scrap lumber or repurpose old crates. Fill them with floral foam or soil, then arrange fresh evergreen branches, holly, and berries inside. Add pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and red ribbon for pops of color. Place these planters on your porch steps, along your walkway, or flanking your front door.

You can also tuck in battery-operated lights for a gentle glow. The fresh greenery smells wonderful and stays vibrant throughout the season, especially in cooler climates.

17. Hanging Gingerbread Snowflakes

Cut brown paper bags into large snowflake shapes and decorate them to look like gingerbread cookies. Use white paint or puff paint to create “icing” designs, and add glitter or sequins for a festive sparkle. Punch a small hole at the top of each snowflake and thread twine through to hang them along the porch ceiling or railing.

The warm brown paper gives the snowflakes a gingerbread look while keeping them lightweight and inexpensive. They sway gently in the breeze and add a cozy, homemade holiday touch to your porch décor.

18. String Light Icicles Hung from Gutters

Attach white or blue icicle lights to your gutters or roof edge to create the appearance of frozen icicles. Make sure to use outdoor-rated lights and secure clips designed for gutters to avoid damage. The cascading effect looks stunning against the dark winter sky, especially on two-story homes.

Some icicle light strands have different length drops for a more natural look. This classic decoration is easy to install and creates an elegant, wintry display that complements any other decorations you have in your yard.

19. Wooden Pallet Signs with Holiday Messages

Break down a pallet and arrange the boards vertically or horizontally to create a sign backing. Paint or stain the wood, then use stencils or freehand painting to add holiday messages like “Merry Christmas,” “Joy,” or “Believe.” You can distress the paint for a vintage look by lightly sanding after it dries.

Add embellishments like painted snowflakes, holly, or stars around the lettering. Prop these signs on your porch, hang them on your front door, or stake them in your yard for a welcoming holiday greeting.

20. Birch Log Candle Holders for Walkways

Cut birch logs into various heights (6-12 inches) and drill a hole about 2 inches deep in the center of each one. Sand the top smooth and place battery-operated pillar candles or tea lights in the drilled holes. The white bark of birch logs gives these a naturally winter-ready appearance.

Line them along your walkway or cluster them on your porch for a woodland feel. You can tie twine or ribbon around some of them and add sprigs of evergreen. They look beautiful during the day and cast a warm glow at night.

21. Mini Yarn Wreaths

Wrap small embroidery hoops or sturdy rings with colorful yarn to create mini wreaths. Use classic holiday shades like red, green, or white, or mix in metallic yarn for extra sparkle. Add tiny accents such as felt holly leaves, pom-pom berries, or small bells for detail.

Tie a loop of twine or ribbon at the top and hang the wreaths from tree branches, porch hooks, or even along a garden fence. These mini yarn wreaths are lightweight, weather-friendly, and bring a handmade charm to your yard décor.

22. Wooden Sled Decorations Leaning on Porch

Find an old wooden sled at a thrift store or garage sale, or build a simple one from boards and runners. Paint it red or leave the wood natural for a vintage look. Lean it against your porch railing or front wall and decorate it with wrapped packages, evergreen branches, or a stack of birch logs tied with ribbon.

You can also drape it with string lights or add a lantern on top. This nostalgic decoration brings back memories of snowy childhood days and adds dimensional interest to your porch display.

23. Painted Flower Pot Snowman Tower

Stack three terracotta or plastic flower pots upside down, graduating in size from large on bottom to small on top. Secure them together with outdoor adhesive or by threading a rod through the drainage holes. Paint them white and add snowman features—buttons, a carrot nose, coal eyes and mouth.

Wrap a scarf around the middle pot and place a small hat on top. These cheerful snowmen won’t melt when temperatures rise and can stand alone on your porch or in your garden bed throughout the season.

24. Branch Star Wrapped in Twinkle Lights

Create one oversized star using five sturdy branches tied securely at the ends with twine or wire. Once the frame is in place, wrap it neatly with warm white twinkle lights, making sure the cord is tucked in for a clean look.

Lean the star against your porch wall, mount it on a fence, or display it in your yard as a glowing focal point. The mix of rustic branches and sparkling lights makes a bold yet simple statement, perfect for holiday evenings outdoors.

25. DIY Lighted Present Boxes Wrapped in Ribbon

Create oversized present boxes using wire mesh frames in different sizes. Wrap the frames with wide outdoor ribbon, securing the ends with zip ties or floral wire. Weave battery-operated or plug-in string lights through the mesh so the boxes glow from within.

Stack them at varying heights on your porch, along walkways, or beneath outdoor trees. The combination of glowing lights and festive ribbon gives a whimsical, airy feel, perfect for adding a magical holiday touch to your outdoor décor.

26. Wreath Chandelier with Lights

Hang a large boxwood wreath horizontally from sturdy hooks or chains to create a porch chandelier. Weave warm white string lights throughout the greenery, letting a few strands dangle slightly for a soft, cascading glow. You can add pinecones or berry sprigs for extra texture, but the simple boxwood and lights alone create an elegant statement.

This hanging wreath chandelier adds both greenery and sparkle to your porch, making it a festive focal point that welcomes guests with cozy holiday charm.