9 Christmas Porch Decorations That Will Bring Classic, Festive Cheer to the Front of Your Home

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Front porch decorated for christmas
Front porch decorated for christmas

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Whether you (and your neighbors) want to achieve the most festive block in the neighborhood or simply enjoy the splendor of the Christmas holiday, your front porch is arguably one of the most important places to decorate during this time of year. From the wreath you hang on the door to the mat on the ground below it, your porch is a unique place to tell your Christmas design story. Here, we spoke with leading interior designers, who shared their top picks for Christmas porch decorations.

Shop the Best Christmas Front Porch Decorations

What to Look for in Christmas Porch Décor

If home is where the heart is, then your front porch holds the strings. As the welcoming space where your friends and family first experience your interior, you want to ensure your decked-out porch fits your needs.

Space and Size

This may go without saying, but if you don't have space for a big bench with outdoor pillows and blankets, don't try to make it fit. The right décor molds seamlessly into your porch effortlessly.

Interior Design Style

Ideally, your outdoor and indoor Christmas décor should tell a cohesive story. This doesn't mean that everything needs to match, but your interior and exterior shouldn't speak to different design extremes. So, if you're going for a white-and-blue winter wonderland approach, don't limit yourself to green-and-red colorways outdoors.

Time

If you don't want to go outside and turn on a bunch of lights, set up a timer, or remember to turn everything off, make sure your Christmas porch décor is high impact, but low effort. The goal is to bring everyone around your holiday cheer—without robbing you of your own!

Related: 13 DIY Outdoor Christmas Decorations to Make Your Home Festive and Bright

Williams Sonoma Fresh Noble Fir and Juniper Pre-Lit Wreath

When you think of Christmas porch décor, you likely see a beautiful wreath hanging proudly on the door. As one of the most classic and traditional ways to decorate for the holidays, a wreath is often the foundation of your outdoor holiday design, says Stephanie Purzycki, the co-founder and interior designer of The Finish.

The best (and easiest!) way to go is pre-lit, so you don't have to stress about lights. This option from Williams Sonoma has those built-in lights that will pop against your door. "It looks real, but is a great investment because you can use it year after year," Purzycki says.

Williams Sonma Fresh Noble Fir and Juniper Pre-Lit Wreath
Williams Sonma Fresh Noble Fir and Juniper Pre-Lit Wreath

Pottery Barn Caleb Handcrafted Metal Indoor/Outdoor Lanterns

If you have a long walkway or steps leading up to your front door, use this space to build festive cheer. To add character and color, Purzycki recommends using lanterns in different sizes. "You can cluster them in threes or stage them down your steps to illuminate and frame your pathway," she explains. Whether you go with bright gold, natural wood or brushed metal, these sets allow you to match your aesthetic.

Pottery Barn Caleb Handcrafted Metal Indoor/Outdoor Lanterns
Pottery Barn Caleb Handcrafted Metal Indoor/Outdoor Lanterns

Buagetup Christmas Outdoor Rugs 24 x 51''Black Red Buffalo Plaid Front Porch Rug

Not every part of your porch needs to scream holiday—in fact, certain grounding elements, like this black-and-white striped rug, act as welcome anchors. Picture this modern piece with pine-filled planters on either side and a large, bow-dotted wreath above—so contemporary-meets-classic.

Buagetup Christmas Outdoor Rugs 24 x 51''Black Red Buffalo Plaid Front Porch Rug
Buagetup Christmas Outdoor Rugs 24 x 51''Black Red Buffalo Plaid Front Porch Rug

Grandin Road Pre-Lit Round Twig Tree

If you appreciate a minimalist aesthetic, opt for these tower-inspired trees. The twig-like mesh is dotted with lights, which means the organic decorations will stand out on your porch—but not too much.

Grandin Road Pre-Lit Round Twig Tree
Grandin Road Pre-Lit Round Twig Tree

Fox Valley Traders Personalized Red Wagon Planter

This personalized red wagon planter is a tasteful novelty item that you'll treasure year after year. Not only does it accentuate your front door, but it's also a sweet nod to your family (you can monogram it with your last name!). Fill this wagon with poinsettias or faux flowers for even more curb appeal.

Fox Valley Traders Personalized Red Wagon Planter
Fox Valley Traders Personalized Red Wagon Planter

Wondershop Pre-Lit Mixed Greenery Artificial Christmas Pot Filler Clear Lights

During other seasons, you fill your outdoor planters with flowers. But in winter, when very few things bloom, it can be tricky to figure out what to put in these vessels. One idea is to fill them with these pre-lit bouquets, says Chantelle Hartman Malarkey, an interior designer and travel and lifestyle expert. "Christmas is all about lighting and bringing light to the front of your home, making it look welcoming and cozy," she says.

Wondershop Pre-Lit Mixed Greenery Artificial Christmas Pot Filler Clear Lights
Wondershop Pre-Lit Mixed Greenery Artificial Christmas Pot Filler Clear Lights

National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Garland

If you have railings on your porch's stairs, know they don't have to stay bare all season long. Instead, have some fun and add an extra pop with a pre-lit garland, recommends interior designer James Stanley. This Christmas garland is also festive when wrapped around front-facing windows, too.

National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Garland
National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Garland

DII Outdoor 100% Cotton Basket Weave Throw for Indoor/Outdoor Use

If you have a bench or chair on your porch, add festive color with a throw blanket (and a few weather-proof pillows!) for a cozy element, recommends Cynthia Montoya, an interior designer. Stick to an entirely red color palette, she says—or if you want to go bolder, grab a red blanket and a printed pillow with green Christmas trees for visual interest. Make sure everything you purchase for your front porch is waterproof to avoid mold and having to replace these items yearly.

DII Outdoor 100% Cotton Basket Weave Throw for Indoor/Outdoor Use
DII Outdoor 100% Cotton Basket Weave Throw for Indoor/Outdoor Use

Roylvan Hanging Outdoor Christmas Star

Do you have an extra tall entryway and, thus, a big front porch? Bring your guests' gaze upwards by hanging an outdoor Christmas star like this one, recommends Heather Fujikawa, principal designer and co-owner of House Sprucing. Even if you live in a zip code that doesn't get much snow, it creates a winter wonderland vibe.

Roylvan Hanging Outdoor Christmas Star
Roylvan Hanging Outdoor Christmas Star