12 Christmas Window Decor Ideas for Inside and Out
12 real Christmas window decor ideas: kitchen window garlands, wreaths on every window, candles, window boxes and more.
Windows are the eyes of your home at Christmas. From the street they show a glow, and from inside they frame your favorite views. A wreath, a garland or a few candles is all it takes.
These 12 Christmas window ideas come from real homes in the US, the UK and Canada. You will find kitchen window garlands, wreaths on every window, candles, window boxes and a cozy bay window with a tree.
12 Christmas Window Ideas From Real Homes
🎨 Window decor colors
1A Garland Around the Kitchen Window
View this post by ourwintonhome on Instagram
Photo: ourwintonhome on Instagram
This kitchen window is framed with a garland and lights, so the view from the sink looks festive all day.
The kitchen window is where you look the most, so it is the best place to start.
How to get this look
- Hang a garland across the top and down both sides.
- Use small adhesive hooks inside the frame.
- Add warm lights on a timer.
2Paper Stars and a Wreath on a Bright Window
View this post by florenceandflowers79 on Instagram
Photo: florenceandflowers79 on Instagram
A yellow window frame with a wreath and hanging paper stars. It is cheerful, colorful and very Scandi.
Paper stars are cheap and look lovely with light coming through them.
How to get this look
- Hang 2 or 3 paper stars at different heights.
- Add a small wreath in the middle.
- Keep the windowsill simple.
3A Colorful Vintage Kitchen Window
View this post by isaacsrustywagon on Instagram
Photo: isaacsrustywagon on Instagram
This kitchen window is packed with vintage ornaments, garland and red details. It feels nostalgic and joyful.
If you love color, a window is a great place to show off old ornaments.
How to get this look
- Run a garland down one side of the window.
- Add vintage ornaments and small figures on the sill.
- Use a red curtain or valance.
4A Christmas Tree in the Bay Window
View this post by thespruceofficial on Instagram
Photo: thespruceofficial on Instagram
A tree placed in a bay window is the classic way to share the glow with the street.
Bay windows give the tree room and the light shines both inside and out.
How to get this look
- Measure your bay before buying a tree.
- Use a tree collar so the base looks neat.
- Turn the tree so the best side faces the window.
5A Soft Garland Over a Big Kitchen Window
View this post by lindseypedey on Instagram
Photo: lindseypedey on Instagram
This open kitchen has a long garland over a wide window. It ties the whole room together.
A long window needs a long garland. Join two together if you need to.
How to get this look
- Hang the garland just above the frame.
- Let it dip a little in the middle.
- Keep the rest of the window clear.
6A Star Over a Little Kitchen Window
View this post by lizzydesigns_ on Instagram
Photo: lizzydesigns_ on Instagram
This small kitchen window has a dark garland and a hanging star. It shows small windows can look great too.
A single star or ornament in the center gives a small window a focal point.
How to get this look
- Hang a star from the top of the frame.
- Add a slim garland above.
- Put a small plant or tree on the sill.
7A Festive Window Box
View this post by demgow on Instagram
Photo: demgow on Instagram
This outdoor window box is filled with greenery, pine cones and baubles. It is lovely from the street.
Window boxes do not have to sit empty in winter. Fill them with evergreen cuttings.
How to get this look
- Stick fir and pine cuttings into the soil.
- Add pine cones and shatterproof baubles.
- Add battery lights for the evening.
8Red Berries and Vases on the Windowsill
View this post by carlacashoutloud on Instagram
Photo: carlacashoutloud on Instagram
White vases filled with red berries and pine cones line this windowsill. It is bright and simple.
Group vases in odd numbers and use different heights.
How to get this look
- Use 3 or 5 white vases.
- Fill them with berry picks and pine.
- Add a few pine cones on the sill.
9Candles in Every Window
View this post by homeinnewengland on Instagram
Photo: homeinnewengland on Instagram
This New England home has a single candle in each window. It is a classic colonial tradition and looks magical at dusk.
Window candles are simple, cheap and give the house a warm glow.
How to get this look
- Buy battery window candles with a timer.
- Put one in every front window.
- Pick warm white bulbs.
10A Wreath on Every Window
View this post by theprettypinktulips on Instagram
Photo: theprettypinktulips on Instagram
Red bow wreaths on every window make this white house look like a holiday card.
Matching wreaths make the front of the house feel planned and tidy.
How to get this look
- Buy the same wreath in a small size for each window.
- Hang with ribbon from the top of the frame.
- Use one ribbon color for all.
11A Wreath Over the Kitchen Sink
View this post by cedarandoakhomes on Instagram
Photo: cedarandoakhomes on Instagram
This kitchen hangs a big wreath in the window above the sink. It is a fresh way to use a wreath indoors.
Who says wreaths are only for front doors? Inside windows are perfect.
How to get this look
- Hang the wreath from a hook at the top of the frame.
- Choose a full, simple wreath.
- Add a little greenery on the sill.
12Wreaths on a Red Farmhouse
View this post by thelifestyledocent on Instagram
Photo: thelifestyledocent on Instagram
A red farmhouse in the snow with wreaths on the windows. It looks like a postcard.
Green wreaths look amazing against red or dark painted houses.
How to get this look
- Hang wreaths on the windows facing the road.
- Use plain greenery so they stand out.
- Add lights for the night.
Inside vs Outside Window Decor
You can decorate the inside, the outside or both. Here is what to think about.
Inside
- You enjoy it every day
- Safe from wind and rain
- Works for apartments
- Use garland, stars and candles
Outside
- Great from the street
- Wreaths and window boxes
- Needs weatherproof decor
- Lights on a timer
How to Hang Decor on Windows Without Damage
Most window decor can be hung with simple tools that leave no marks.
- Clear adhesive hooks inside the frame
- Suction cups for glass
- Tension rods for garland
- Ribbon looped over the top of a sash
💡 Hana’s tip
Put window candles and lights on one timer. They switch on at dusk and your house looks welcoming every evening without you thinking about it.
Quick Window Checklist
- A wreath or star in the center
- A garland over the frame
- Candles or lights for the night
- One thing on the sill
- Match decor across front windows
FAQs
How do you hang a wreath in a window?
Use a suction hook on the glass or tie a ribbon to the top of the frame. Both work well and leave no marks.
How do I decorate a window for Christmas without nails?
Use adhesive hooks, suction cups or a tension rod. Ribbon over the top of the frame also works.
Are window candles safe?
Battery candles are safe and easy. Avoid real flames near curtains.
What can I put on a windowsill for Christmas?
Try small trees, vases of berries, candles, a little village or pine cones.
Final Thoughts
Windows are one of the easiest places to decorate for Christmas. Start with one window you see every day, add a wreath or garland, then a little light. Your home will glow from inside and out.
More ideas: Christmas wreath ideas and Christmas kitchen decor.
