49 Gorgeous DIY Garland Ideas for the Holidays
Christmas garlands add a festive touch to every corner of your home, making your space feel warm and joyful.
These DIY ideas allow you to personalize your decor, creating garlands that reflect your holiday style. Draped over a mantel, wrapped around a staircase, or hung on a door, garlands bring holiday cheer to your home.
With these 49 ideas below, let's inspire your creativity and help you make your holiday decorations truly special.
Country Charm
Decorating with pine cones during the holiday season brings a warm, rustic feel to your home.
Crafting a DIY Christmas garland allows for endless creativity, whether you choose small or large pine cones—or perhaps a delightful mix of both. Swapping out different strings or ribbons can dramatically alter the overall appearance, making it easy to match your unique style.
Golden Holiday
Richly golden hues redefine the classic garland, effortlessly capturing the essence of festive cheer.
Pine boughs form a lush foundation, complemented by shimmering pine cones that twinkle with delicate fairy lights. Oversized ribbons in deep red and gold introduce warmth, while clusters of glimmering Christmas bulbs amplify the sparkle throughout your space.
Glittery red poinsettias weave through this luxurious arrangement, tying all elements together beautifully. A cascade of elegant beads adds an extra layer of sophistication to your holiday decor that will surely leave everyone in awe.
Paper Lanterns
Creating a garland with paper lanterns adds a cozy ambiance to your holiday decor.
Using simple white fairy lights as the base, this idea highlights creativity and charm. Covering small Dixie cups with decorative papers transforms them into delightful lampshades that filter light beautifully.
Each cup glows softly, casting colorful patterns across your space, making gatherings feel warm and inviting. This festive touch is not only fun to assemble but also brings a unique flair to any room during the holiday season.
Simply Classic
Classic decor evokes warmth and nostalgia, especially during the holiday season.
A balsam pine garland adorned with large red bows and twinkling white fairy lights creates an inviting atmosphere that feels like Christmas itself. This elegant style resonates deeply, reminding many of joyful childhood memories filled with laughter and cheer.
The fresh scent of balsam pine enhances the experience, wrapping your home in a familiar fragrance that sparks joy. For those who prefer convenience without sacrificing aroma, essential oils can easily replicate this beloved scent without any cleanup hassle.
Naturally Fresh
A fresh take on holiday decor awaits you with a garland made from pine and fir tree boughs.
Using an assortment of these lush greens creates a beautiful texture that draws the eye in. Instead of conventional ornaments, vibrant citrus fruits can be woven throughout, adding a splash of color and delightful fragrance to your space.
The combination not only looks stunning but also fills the air with refreshing scents reminiscent of festive gatherings. This approach embraces nature while keeping your home feeling bright and cheerful during the holidays.
Paper Holly
Creating a paper holly garland can add warmth and cheer to your holiday decorations.
With just some green and red paper, glue, yarn or string, scissors, and a sprinkle of creativity, you’re set for an enjoyable crafting session. Children will find joy in cutting out leaf shapes from the green paper while forming delightful berries from the red circles.
Once assembled and hung along stair railings or draped around picture frames, this garland becomes a lovely accent that enhances any festive space.
Candy Land
A festive vibe radiates from this candy land-inspired garland, bursting with oversized ornament bulbs and cheerful candy canes.
The playful design invites thoughts of a whimsical North Pole, where elves might peek out to join the celebration. Red and white ribbons weave together beautifully, echoing the classic colors of holiday treats while large white snowflakes sprinkle in an enchanting touch.
Sprigs of pine add depth to the scene, contrasting nicely with light green ornaments that harmonize perfectly within this joyful display. This garland creates an atmosphere filled with warmth and excitement for everyone who steps into your space during the holiday season.
Orange Spice
A wonderful aroma fills the air with this festive orange spice garland, combining both beauty and scent in a delightful way.
Dried orange slices twinkle alongside whole bay leaves and cinnamon sticks, creating a cozy holiday atmosphere right in your home. Setting aside time for this project is essential since those vibrant orange pieces require four hours in the oven followed by an overnight drying session to ensure they stay fresh.
The effort pays off as you hang this enchanting creation, inviting warmth into your space during chilly winter nights. This charming decoration not only looks stunning but also evokes memories of joyful celebrations past with its rich scents wafting through the room.
Bags of Christmas
Hanging little cloth bags adorned with colorful bows creates a festive vibe that instantly lifts the holiday spirit.
Each bag tells its own story, showcasing unique decorations while sharing common elements to unify them all. Twines and decorative cords add an extra flair, drawing attention as they sway gently in the air.
Stuffed lightly, these bags evoke the charm of tiny Christmas gifts waiting to be discovered. This playful garland works beautifully draped along a wall or nestled on your tree, filling any space with warmth and cheer during this special season.
Brilliant Beads
Brilliantly colored wooden beads strung together create a festive garland that radiates cheer.
Each bead can be painted in your favorite colors, allowing for personal touches that reflect your style. Glitter adds an extra sparkle, making this decoration even more eye-catching.
Kids will find joy in participating, turning a simple craft into cherished family moments filled with laughter and creativity. This playful garland not only enhances the beauty of your Christmas tree but also weaves warmth through the entire holiday season.
Cookies and Sugarplums
A whimsical charm fills the air with a garland designed for those who love holiday treats.
This creation features delightful cookies, candy canes, and colorful sugarplums that seem ready to share their sweetness. Each felt cutout is stitched together with care, giving it a cozy handmade touch that makes every piece feel special.
Hanging this cheerful display in your kitchen or above a festive dining table adds warmth and playfulness to any gathering. The addition of ribbon bows enhances its appeal, inviting everyone to indulge in the joyful spirit of the season while admiring such tasty decor.
Gold Sparkle
A golden sparkle garland radiates warmth and joy, setting the perfect atmosphere for holiday gatherings.
Twinkling lights dance off its shiny Mylar pompoms, creating an inviting glow that fills your space with festive cheer. Guests will surely admire this beautiful addition to your decor and may even ask where you found it.
The simplicity of crafting such a striking piece makes it an enjoyable project that anyone can tackle without stress. Sharing the secret behind your stunning creation or keeping them guessing adds a fun twist to the festivities!
Charmingly Rustic
A rustic theme resonates with warmth and simplicity, especially during the festive season.
Utilizing burlap strips can create beautiful ruffles that bring a natural charm to your holiday decor. The soft tan hues of the fabric contrast beautifully against lush green pine boughs, enhancing an earthy feel without looking out of place.
Draping this garland on your tree introduces a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of country living or cabin retreats. Each fold and twist tells its own story, inviting you into a serene holiday experience that feels both personal and welcoming.
Paper Snowmen
Kid-friendly holiday decorations create a joyful atmosphere, especially when little hands get involved.
Crafting paper snowmen garlands allows children to express their creativity while contributing to the festive spirit. Simple yet engaging, this activity can cater to various age groups; even toddlers find joy in gluing on faces.
For older kids, adding unique details turns this into a delightful challenge. Once finished and hung with care—keeping them away from heat sources—the cheerful display becomes a charming addition that lights up any room during the holidays.
Candy Cane Twist
The candy cane twist garland captures the spirit of Christmas with its playful red and white stripes.
Layers of soft felt twisted together create a festive look that feels both nostalgic and fresh. This decorative piece adds a cheerful touch to your holiday tree or can harmonize beautifully with string lights for an inviting glow.
Pair it alongside traditional balsam pine, where the vibrant colors contrast perfectly against deep greens, enhancing every corner of your home during this special season. Decorating becomes a joyful activity as you envision where to hang this delightful creation around your space!
Peppermint Chain
Crafting a peppermint chain for your holiday decor can be both fun and rewarding.
The bright red and white colors of candy canes bring festive cheer, perfect for draping around your Christmas tree or hanging on walls. This project does require some patience; getting the mini candy canes just right is essential.
Slight heating in the oven makes them flexible enough to bend into charming “C” shapes without turning into a gooey mess. Not only will you enjoy their beauty during the season, but snacking on these sweet treats adds an extra layer of joy!
Pretty in Pink
A delightful twist on holiday decorating comes with this charming pink garland.
Sparkling tinsel glimmers against the backdrop of your home, while strings of gold and crystal beads dance along in cheerful harmony. Fluffy white pompoms add a whimsical touch, cascading down in playful layers that create an inviting atmosphere.
Friends will surely admire the nontraditional color scheme that brings warmth and elegance to any space. With store-bought elements combined creatively, achieving this shabby chic look becomes not only simple but incredibly satisfying as well.
Bulbs and Bows
Extra holiday ornament bulbs can turn into a festive masterpiece with just a little creativity.
Tying those colorful ornaments to red ribbon adds an eye-catching flair, while tiny bows lend a playful spirit. A delightful mix of colors dances along the garland, creating warmth and cheer that fills any space with holiday magic.
White Leaves
Decorating with white leaves brings an elegant touch to your holiday decor.
Imagine a mantel adorned with these timeless pieces, their crisp edges catching the light beautifully. Crafted from card stock and vellum, each leaf is thoughtfully cut and folded, lending a delicate depth that transforms any space into a winter wonderland.
Adding vibrant red dots as berries creates a charming contrast against the snowy backdrop of white.
Bakers Delight
A delightful way to celebrate the holidays involves crafting a unique garland from gingerbread.
This project allows you to bake cheerful messages using letter cookie cutters, which adds a personal touch that friends and family will surely appreciate. Once baked, string these festive treats on colorful twine or cording for an eye-catching display.
Everyone in the family can join in—while adults handle mixing and baking, kids get excited about cutting shapes and threading them together. Sharing laughter and creativity during this activity makes it more memorable than any store-bought decoration ever could!
Jingle All The Way
A jingle bell garland adds a festive spirit that resonates with every holiday gathering.
The cheerful sound of bells evokes memories of Santa and joyful celebrations, making it an inviting addition to your home. Twine and rustic pewter bells come together effortlessly, allowing you to hang this decoration in various spots—on the tree, around doorways, or even over the mantelpiece.
Each gentle sway brings a delightful chime that enhances the atmosphere of warmth during family gatherings. Choosing this charming decor piece invites everyone into a cozy holiday mood filled with laughter and cheer.
Old fashion Christmas
Old-fashioned charm comes alive with a simple combination of deep red cranberries and fluffy white popcorn.
This delightful garland not only adds warmth to your holiday decor but also brings back memories of cozy times spent crafting with family by the fireplace. Just grab a heavy needle and some sturdy thread, then start threading those colorful beads in any order you fancy; creativity knows no bounds here.
Gingerbread Joy
Joy radiates from this delightful gingerbread garland, where each cookie tells a story of warmth and cheer.
Adorable gingerbread men smile back at you, their faces adorned with sweet frosting that brings festive spirit to any home. Strung on vibrant red ribbon, these cookies create a charming display perfect for the holiday season.
Two holes are skillfully pierced before baking to ensure the ribbon threads through effortlessly, making decorating simple yet satisfying. This lovely creation is not just about decoration; it’s an invitation to share in the joy of Christmas baking with family and friends.
Felt Cut Outs
A delightful chain garland using multiple shades of green felt adds a festive flair to any home during the Christmas season.
This charming decoration reflects a playful spirit while remaining effortlessly elegant. Beginners will find joy in crafting this design, as it requires minimal materials and skills.
Uniform tree shapes cut from soft felt can be strung together on a green cord, creating an inviting visual that warms any space.
Two of a Kind
Creating a cozy atmosphere during the holidays feels truly special.
A beautiful evergreen garland draped over your mantel can complement that perfectly adorned Christmas tree, uniting both spaces in harmony. Matching elements like ribbons and ornaments enhance the visual appeal, while unique touches on your tree topper or stockings add personal flair.
This seamless blend of decorations doesn’t just look great; it makes the entire room feel warm and inviting for gatherings with family and friends. Tying together different pieces of decor elevates your holiday spirit, making every corner radiate joy this season.
Scrapbooking Garland
Christmas decor can feel like a race against time, but this scrapbooking garland adds charm without the fuss.
Crafting these little beauties involves cutting out shimmering paper with simple tools you likely already have at home. Each circle pairs perfectly with red and white string, creating delightful pops of color that elevate any holiday setting.
A personal touch to your festive decorations makes this DIY project an enjoyable way to celebrate the season while adding warmth to your space.
Fun and Simple
A cheerful garland can transform any space into a festive haven.
Using just red and green paper, mini clothes pins, twine, and adhesive letters allows for easy customization. Whether you’re dressing up a classroom or adding flair to your living room wall, this decoration spreads warmth and joy.
The color combinations can reflect your style or the spirit of any celebration throughout the year.
Candy Cane Delight
A garland inspired by candy canes adds a festive pop of color to your holiday decor.
With ribbons in bold red and white, it captures the spirit of Christmas beautifully. The sheer ribbons create lovely ruffled bows that maintain their form thanks to the wire edges, ensuring they look stunning throughout the season.
Layering narrower shimmering ribbons on top elevates this decoration even further. Whether draping it over a mantel or adorning a railing, this cheerful design radiates warmth and joy during your celebrations.
Harmonious Chaos
A festive explosion of colors and textures captures attention with this unique Christmas garland idea.
Different elements come together seamlessly, creating a joyful display that radiates warmth. Felt stockings in soft shades of white, orange, and brown hang invitingly at the top.
Below them, fluffy yarn pompoms add a playful touch while large wooden letters spell out “Peace,” echoing a comforting message amidst the holiday hustle. Silver snowflakes twinkle overhead, completing this enchanting scene as strings of pearl-like ornaments in rich hues dance along the bottom—each piece harmonizing beautifully to spread cheer throughout your home during this special season.
Sugarplums and Pine Cones
A delightful garland featuring sugarplums and pine cones brings a playful spirit to holiday decor.
Pine cones receive a gentle touch of white paint, mimicking the serene beauty of winter frost. Colorful felt balls glued on each cone add a festive pop, capturing the joy associated with traditional treats.
Strung together using rustic twine, this whimsical creation adds warmth and cheer to any space. Perfect for families, it invites laughter and wonder into your home during this magical season.
Nature Beauty
The allure of nature shines brightly with DIY garlands made from magnolia leaves.
Their glossy, deep green hue adds warmth and elegance to any festive setting. Harvesting these beauties can be as simple as stepping into your backyard, making this a budget-friendly project.
For those in colder regions lacking magnolias, fragrant pine sprigs create an equally inviting touch. Alternatively, visiting a local florist for holly leaves introduces a classic holiday vibe that elevates indoor decorations effortlessly.
Embrace the spirit of the season by incorporating these natural elements into your home decor!
Lighted Houses
Lighted houses add a whimsical touch to any holiday setting, inviting smiles and sparking joy.
Crafted from corrugated plastic, each house shines with its own vibrant color scheme. As fairy lights twinkle in the background, these delightful decorations create an enchanting atmosphere that feels cozy and welcoming.
The playful design allows them to hang freely while casting a warm glow through cut-out roof holes. Perfectly suited for adorning your Christmas tree or brightening up windows, these cheerful houses can easily become beloved favorites during the festive season.
Simple Style
Christmas garland decorating invites creativity and warmth into your home.
With a simple pine bough as the foundation, this charming design captures attention effortlessly. Red plaid ribbons add a festive touch, tying together three key points of the greenery while playful ornaments dangle cheerfully from below.
Twinkling white fairy lights weave through the branches, casting a soft glow that enchants any gathering. That extra length of light cascading onto your table creates an inviting space for holiday cards or delicious snacks during celebrations with friends and family.
Polka Dot Christmas
A polka dot Christmas garland adds a splash of cheer to any festive gathering.
Lighthearted fabrics in classic red and green, mixed with playful white dots, create an inviting atmosphere. Strips of fabric are expertly tied around a lush green ribbon, bringing texture and charm to your decor.
The use of pinking shears on the edges gives each strip a delightful flair that catches the eye. This versatile design adapts easily; swap out colors or patterns for year-round celebrations without losing its whimsical appeal.
Holiday Spice
Holiday spice garlands bring warmth and joy to your festive season.
Orange peels, shaped with cookie cutters, create a whimsical feel that brightens any space. Cloves nestled into the peel not only enhance the visual appeal but also fill your home with a delightful aroma that reminds you of cozy gatherings.
Feel free to experiment with other citrus peels for an extra layer of fragrance and color; creativity knows no bounds here! Adding fairy lights can elevate this charming decoration even further, creating a magical ambiance that invites everyone in.
String of Pearls
Extra holiday ornament bulbs can turn into a delightful decoration that adds cheer to your home.
A simple ribbon transforms those colorful ornaments into a festive garland, resembling an elegant string of pearls. Wrapping this cheerful creation around the tree or draping it over the mantel fills your space with warmth and color.
Personalizing each strand allows for endless creativity; you choose lengths and hues that resonate with your style. With this idea, every corner of your home can radiate joy during the holiday season.
Glittering Diamonds
Creating glittering diamonds for your holiday garland brings a playful elegance to any space.
Using simple card stock, these three-dimensional decorations capture light beautifully, adding a twinkling effect that draws the eye. A bit of glue holds everything together while sparkly glitter transforms plain paper into something extraordinary.
Adjusting color combinations allows you to tailor them perfectly to your festive theme or personal style. Hanging these shimmering beauties on a tree or draping them across mantels elevates the entire atmosphere, infusing joy and creativity into your celebrations.
Creative Crocheting
Crocheting opens up a delightful world for those who love yarn and creativity.
Brightly colored bows linked together with fluffy pompoms create a cheerful garland that fits beautifully into holiday decor. Skillful hands can easily whip this up, making it an enjoyable project for anyone familiar with the basics of crocheting.
While traditional colors like blue, red, and white radiate festive cheer, personal preferences shine through when choosing hues that match your unique style. This charming decoration isn’t limited to Christmas; it serves as a lovely accent for any celebration throughout the year.
Scandinavian Tradition
A Scandinavian traditional garland brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to holiday decor.
Crafted from varying shades of white and cream beads, this design features unique shapes that catch the eye alongside wooden sticks fashioned into three-dimensional diamonds. This decoration resonates with families who cherish their heritage, offering a wonderful opportunity to share stories about ancestry during festive gatherings.
The soft color palette contrasts beautifully against the deep green of Christmas trees or pine boughs, enhancing any setting with an inviting charm. Embracing this style creates an atmosphere filled with history while celebrating timeless traditions together.
Paper Lights
Christmas garland decoration projects invite joy and creativity into your home during the festive season.
Engaging kids in crafting bright paper lights can turn an ordinary day into a memorable family activity. With just some colorful paper, glue, and a hole punch, you get to witness their imaginative ideas come alive as they string together unique designs.
This project not only keeps little hands busy but also adds a personal touch to your holiday decor that everyone will admire. Watching those cheerful creations hang beautifully around the house brings warmth and laughter that truly embodies the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas Cheer
A joyful holiday atmosphere fills the air with this lively Christmas garland.
Traditional pine boughs serve as a sturdy foundation, while an array of bright green and red ornaments sparkles among the rich foliage. Wooden cutouts add playful shapes that enhance visual interest, effortlessly complementing the vibrant colors around them.
Loosely entwined ribbons in eye-catching shades of vivid red and shimmering green create a delightful harmony throughout the design. The result is a festive masterpiece that invites everyone to celebrate the season’s warmth and cheerfulness together.
Birch Bark Beauty
Creating a garland using birch bark transforms nostalgic childhood crafts into something sophisticated for your home.
This idea pulls inspiration from those colorful paper chains, swapping bright hues for the rustic elegance of natural materials. Strips of birch bark lend a cozy, earthy feel that pairs wonderfully with winter themes, evoking images of snowy landscapes.
You might find this garland enhances doorways or mantelpieces, bringing warmth and charm to any room during the festive season. Simple yet impactful, it’s an enjoyable project that adds character without overwhelming your holiday decor.
Soft and Comforting
Softness and warmth define this DIY Christmas garland, inviting a cozy atmosphere into your home.
Fabric pieces wrap around a central cord, resembling flower heads clustered together in an inviting embrace. The delightful texture encourages you to reach out and feel its charm.
Choosing colors or prints allows for personal expression; think red, green, or even playful patterns that resonate with your decor style. Such versatility means this garland can find its place anywhere in your space, adding cheer without overwhelming the surroundings.
Classically Welcoming
A Christmas garland made of lush pine branches, whether real or faux, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Wrapping red ribbon around the greenery brings a classic feel that resonates with holiday traditions. Tiny white fairy lights twinkle like stars in the night sky, casting a cozy glow throughout your space without any fire hazards.
Adding pearl beads and sparkly bows introduces delightful accents that elevate the overall design effortlessly.
Polka Dots On A String
Bright colors and soft textures come together in this delightful garland idea.
Using felt balls, you can thread cheerful polka dots onto a string, creating a playful atmosphere that radiates joy. This festive decoration shines on its own but truly sparkles when paired with twinkling fairy lights.
A simple project like this not only beautifies spaces but also invites smiles from family and friends alike during the most wonderful time of year.
Elegant Paper
Holiday decorating can take on a new level of sophistication with an elegant paper garland.
This idea draws inspiration from childhood crafts, yet it offers a refined twist that suits your festive style. Begin with crisp white paper, folding and cutting to create stunning designs that will catch the eye.
Combining multiple cutouts together adds depth and dimension, transforming simple materials into artistic decorations for your space. For those seeking something more colorful, vibrant hues can breathe life into this charming piece while keeping its graceful essence intact.
Wonderful Wood
Wooden beads create an inviting atmosphere during the holiday season.
Their natural charm can brighten up any space, whether you choose bold colors or a more rustic palette. Strings of cheerful red and green beads dance alongside warm wood tones; it's like hanging joy around your home.
Simple to assemble, this DIY project lets creativity flow as you mix different sizes and shades according to your taste.
Twinkling Burlap
Creating a twinkling burlap garland brings warmth and charm to your holiday decor.
The soft glow of fairy lights combined with the rustic appeal of natural, red, and green burlap makes for an inviting decoration that resonates with cozy vibes. While this project does require some time and patience, envisioning how it will light up your space adds excitement to the task.
Grab a warm drink, settle in with your favorite movie or show, and enjoy tying those strips together. The end result showcases not just your effort but also a unique piece that enhances the festive atmosphere in any home during Christmas time.
Fun Felt
A delightful way to brighten up your space during the holidays involves crafting a unique garland from felt strips.
This project invites creativity, allowing you to select colors that resonate with your personal style or match existing decor. Tying those vibrant felt pieces onto yarn—or any string-like material you have on hand—creates an eye-catching display that instantly warms up any room.
Even though this activity requires patience, it turns into a relaxing experience as you sit back with a favorite film playing in the background. Each garland becomes truly special, reflecting your artistic choices and adding charm to festive gatherings.
