12 Christmas Window Decor Ideas Inside and Out
Windows are a gift at Christmas: they show off your decor to the street and frame the view from inside. A wreath in each window, a garland around the kitchen sink or a row of glowing houses on the sill can make the whole house feel festive.
These Christmas window decor ideas come from real homes and cover both sides of the glass, from classic exterior wreaths to simple sill vignettes you can set up in minutes.
Before you decorate your windows
Think about the street view
Outside: Matching wreaths in every front window look polished from the curb. Choose a ribbon color you can see from a distance, like red.
Keep the sill practical
Inside: In a kitchen, leave room for soap and sponges and pick pieces that can handle a splash.
Plan for nighttime
Light: Lit houses, flameless candles and garland lights make windows glow after dark. Timers save you from switching them on each evening.
Use flameless candles
Safety: Real flames near curtains are a fire risk. Battery candles give the same glow safely.
1. Matching Wreaths with Red Bows
Every front window of this white farmhouse has a matching green wreath with a red bow. Repeating the same wreath across the house is a timeless look, especially against white siding and snow.
Copy this look: Buy wreaths in a set so they match in size and fullness.
Best for: Two-story homes and houses with many front windows.
2. Wreath + Gingham Ribbon Hanger
A fresh-looking green wreath with a big red bow hangs from red and white gingham ribbon. The ribbon becomes part of the decor, and on double-hung windows it can be secured by closing the top sash on it.
DIY tip: Use wide ribbon so it holds the weight of the wreath without twisting.
Make it yours: Swap gingham for plaid or velvet to match your porch.
3. A Wreath Seen from Inside
Seen from inside, a window wreath frames the view outdoors. It is one of the few decorations you can enjoy from both the street and your living room.
Display tip: Hang wreaths at the same height in each window for a neat look from outside.
Budget note: Faux wreaths can be reused for many years.
4. Wreaths in Upstairs and Downstairs Windows
On this white board and batten gable, a wreath hangs in each window upstairs and down. Decorating every level makes the house look finished from any angle.
Best for: Side or back walls that face a road or driveway.
Make it yours: Smaller wreaths work well in smaller upstairs windows.
5. Garland and Red Berries Around the Kitchen Window
Lush garland with red berry stems frames this kitchen window, and a blue and white ginger jar sits on the counter below. It makes washing dishes feel a little more festive.
Display tip: Use removable hooks at the top corners and let the garland fall down the sides.
Style note: Red berries add color without needing ornaments.
6. Garland + a White Village on the Sill
Idea formula: garland frame + white houses + bottle brush trees
Garland frames the top and sides of this kitchen window, and a row of white ceramic houses and bottle brush trees fills the sill. Together they create a little snowy village scene.
Budget note: White ceramic houses and bottle brush trees are easy to find in sets.
Make it yours: Add a sprinkle of faux snow for a winter scene.
7. Lit Houses That Glow After Dark
At night, the little ceramic houses light up from inside, so the window glows for anyone passing by. It is a cozy view from both inside and outside.
Display tip: Battery tea lights fit inside most small ceramic houses.
Best for: Kitchen and front windows facing the street.
8. Santa Mugs Filled with Greenery
Three Santa mugs hold small green sprigs on a sunny window sill. It is a sweet, quick idea that uses mugs you may already have.
Budget note: Use clippings from your yard or leftover tree trimmings.
Make it yours: Any festive mug or small pitcher works.
9. Nutcrackers Lined Up on the Sill
A row of nutcrackers and a Santa figure lines this window sill. The figures look like they are watching for Santa—kids love spotting them.
Display tip: Arrange them from tallest to shortest or stagger heights.
Best for: Wide sills and bay windows.
10. Flameless Candles on the Sill
A cluster of glowing flameless pillar candles and a bit of greenery give this kitchen window a warm glow at night. It is simple and safe.
Safety note: Choose flameless candles near curtains, plants and anywhere kids can reach.
Display tip: Look for candles with built-in timers.
11. Paper Stars Hung in the Window
Handmade folded paper stars hang at different heights in this window, along with a bare branch. They catch the light and move slightly with the air.
DIY tip: Hang stars with clear thread or thin ribbon from a curtain rod or a small hook.
Budget note: Paper stars can be made from book pages, kraft paper or scrapbook paper.
12. Strands of Paper Stars
Several strands of paper stars hang in front of the window, layered with string lights. It turns the window into a soft, handmade display.
Style note: Kraft and neutral paper suits Scandinavian and rustic homes.
Make it yours: Make the stars a family craft afternoon.
Choose one idea for the outside and one for the inside, and your windows will feel festive day and night. For more ideas, see our Christmas wreath ideas, our Christmas kitchen decor ideas and our DIY Christmas decor ideas.
