Decorating House Windows For Christmas

window in kitchen decorated for holidays

Mike Garten

Step one of getting your house into the holiday spirit should be creating a knock-their-socks off window display. There's a reason those world-famous window displays in New York City are so, well, world-famous. From the classics, like wreaths to garlands, to more quirky and creative alternatives, these DIY Christmas window decorations will have your home looking festive from the inside out. Recreate the holiday window decor ahead to make your home the most festive one in the whole neighborhood.

kitchen decorated for the holidays

Erin Kunkel

1 of 20

Hang Christmas Cards

Though the lush garland framing the window adds so much vibrancy to this kitchen, it's the collection of family Christmas cards hanging across the window that brings personal character to the space. Hang some string across the window and add the cards as they come.

guest bedroom decorated for christmas

TREVOR DIXON

2 of 20

Hang a Wreath From a Ribbon

Hang your wreath from the window with a bright red ribbon for an extra eye-catching pop. Or, if red clashes with the room, just match your ribbon to the space's color scheme.

citrus holiday wreath in window

Laura Wilson

3 of 20

Opt for a Citrus Wreath

"My mother always decorated our house with natural greenery, flowers, and branches, and I've continued to do that as I build memories for my own children and grandchildren," says Laura Wilson. In her sunny breakfast nook, the citrus wreath marries the cheerful and warm climate outside with Christmas cheer inside.

christmas window decorations

Matthew Bees

4 of 20

Make It Pop With a Surprising Color

Window decorations might be hard to see from the outside, so choose vibrant pops to make the decor stand out more, and don't be afraid to veer away from the classic red and green choices. Consider an accent color that will modernize the traditional Christmas decor without clashing, like the sky blue ribbons in this living room decked out for the holidays by Matthew Bees.

christmas decorations

David A. Land

5 of 20

Float a Holiday Wreath

Fishing line and a tension rod will hold your wreath in place, creating the ultimate holiday illusion from both indoors and outdoors. It helps spread the festive spirit of the dining table to the rest of the room for a fully decked out look.

window nook decorated for christmas

Pernille Loof

6 of 20

Add Greenery on Your Sills

Your floating wreath shouldn't have to carry all the Christmas decor weight by itself! Add a few more details to go the extra mile. In this cozy reading nook, the same greenery is flanking the jar, creating a more cohesive and finished display. And we're digging that bust's shawl (aka mini garland).

christmas ornament garland

Studio DIY!

7 of 20

Christmas Ornament Garland

String some leftover bulb ornaments on a ribbon and display this glorious garland for every passerby to see.

Get the tutorial from Studio DIY.

bathroom decorated for christmas

Sara Ligorria Tramp

8 of 20

Set the Mood With Lights

Just because it isn't the living room doesn't mean it couldn't use a little holiday spirit. Case in point? This winter oasis of a bathroom by Emily Henderson. Keep it minimalist with a simple frosted wreath in the window and and some hurricane candles to set the mood for a bubble bath.

window decorated for winter holidays

Nassima Rothacker

9 of 20

Hang a Light Weight Banner

This DIY paper leaf Christmas garland can be hung anywhere, but we love it as a window banner, for some lightweight holiday magic.

hot glue snowflake window clings

First Palette

10 of 20

Hot Glue Window Clings

Unlike their colorful counterpart, these window clings offer a subtle winter makeover with the help of some hot glue.

Get the tutorial from First Palette.

christmas decorations

Gordon Beall

11 of 20

Give a Mini Tree a Theme

Put a mini Christmas tree by the window in your dining room or kitchen, but instead of decorating it with classic ornaments, hang candy from the branches.

contemporary family room decorated for christmas

Mike Garten

12 of 20

Hang Paper Lights

Set your windows aglow with this starry night window display. Hang them at different heights and make them different shapes, sizes, and colors for a more dynamic arrangement. Get the tutorial from Lia Griffith if you prefer the homemade Christmas decoration route.

holiday window boxes

Gardenista

13 of 20

Holiday Window Boxes

Give your windows the makeover they've been needing with these classic window boxes.

Get the tutorial from Gardenista.

holiday tassel garland

Francois et Mois

14 of 20

Holiday Tassel Garland

This modern garland will spruce up your house for Christmas, and will continue to do its job long after the holidays have ended.

Get the tutorial from Francois et Moi.

dining room decorated for the holidays

Sara Ligorria Tramp

15 of 20

Hang Two Beaded Wreaths

Want to set a winter wonderland scene this year? Instead of using a green wreath, opt for a beaded one like the ones in this dining room by Emily Henderson. And if you have two windows, hang two wreaths for a symmetrical finish.

doily snowflakes

Dos Family

16 of 20

Doily Snowflakes

Who says you can't get your holiday on in a hurry? These doily snowflake dangles come together in minutes.

Get the tutorial from Dos Family.

outdoor christmas decor

James Merrell

17 of 20

Hang From the Outside

Instead of hanging wreaths from the inside of your windows, take them outside to make sure everyone in the neighborhood can enjoy them. "An antique home is the perfect backdrop for classic decorations. I weave together fir, cedar, white pine, and boxwood for a door garland. hang matching window wreaths, and fill the holly with white lights," says interior designer Lisa Hilderbrand of her festive outdoor decorating traditions at this Connecticut house.

frosted window panes

Confessions of an Overworked Mom

18 of 20

Epsom Salt–Frosted Windows

Part Christmas decorating hack, part science experiment: these Epsom salt–frosted windows bring a wintry touch to your home, no matter what kind of climate you live in.

Get the tutorial from Confessions of an Overworked Mom.

living room with windows decorated for the holidays

Sara Ligorria Tramp

19 of 20

Make a More Modern Wreath

The key to great widow decorations is paying attention to scale. So if you have large windows, make sure your decor isn't super tiny, or it will make the whole vignette look off. Hang a more sculptural and modern wreath à la Emily Henderson to complement the style of your interiors. Here's a great tutorial from Paper & Stitch if you're in the mood to craft and want to make your own.

waterless snowglobes