Lanterns are a must-have for Christmas decor! They’re perfect for your porch, offering both functionality and a warm, cozy glow that adds to the festive ambiance.
Check out these creative ideas to find the perfect lantern style for your porch—or even for other spaces in your home—and make your holiday decor shine.
Contents
- 1. Rustic Charm
- 2. Classic Red and Green Lantern Decor
- 3. DIY Lantern with Baubles
- 4. Snow-Filled Lanterns
- 5. Lanterns with Evergreen Wreaths
- 6. Lanterns on a Rustic Wooden Bench
- 7. Simple Lanterns for a Timeless Appeal
- 8. Silver and White Winter Wonderland Lanterns
- 9. Homemade Paper Lanterns
- 10. Red Lantern Surrounded by Greenery
- 11. Lantern with Snowman
- 12. Wooden Lantern
- 13. Lanterns with Reindeer Figure
- 14. Lantern with Green Candle
- 15. White and Gold Lantern
- 16. Lantern Arrangement with Ladder
- 17. Winter Memories Lantern
- 18. DIY Personalized Lanterns
- 19. Rustic Red Lantern with Birch Branches
- 20. Lantern with Snowflake Decal
1. Rustic Charm
For me, rustic decor always includes wood or earthy elements.
You could go fully woodsy by choosing a lantern made of wood, which adds warmth and natural charm.
However, if you’re planning to use it outdoors, a metal lantern might be the better choice since it’s more weather-resistant, it depends on your intent.
To style it, place the lantern in the center and scatter pine twigs and pinecones around it for a cozy, natural vibe.
For an extra touch, hang a small bell that complements the metal lantern’s aesthetic—it’s a simple detail that ties everything together beautifully.
2. Classic Red and Green Lantern Decor
When decorating a lantern, I think it’s best to style both the lantern itself and the surrounding area to create a cohesive and polished look.
For the lantern, consider swapping out the regular candle for something more festive, like pine twigs or baubles, and add fairy lights for a warm, inviting glow.
Next, tie the lantern to its surroundings by using the same elements—pine twigs, holly, pinecones, or baubles—around the base.
For example, if you’re aiming for a classic red and green theme, combine decor like pine twigs, holly, pinecones, and a few glossy baubles to add a touch of sparkle.
3. DIY Lantern with Baubles
Finding the perfect lantern can sometimes feel impossible, especially when nothing quite matches your vision.
That’s when a DIY project becomes the perfect solution!
Start by choosing the baubles that fit your style—red and gold is a classic combination that always looks festive, but you can mix and match colors to suit your theme.
To add a personal touch, decorate the outside of the lantern with a bow made from your favorite fabric. Whether it’s burlap for a rustic vibe or satin for an elegant finish, the choice is yours.
4. Snow-Filled Lanterns
As someone who doesn’t live in a place with snowy weather, I can say a lantern filled with faux snow cures all my winter cravings.
It instantly brings that icy, magical look that I associate with the most memorable part of Christmas.
To create a charming scene, choose a lantern with a vintage design and add miniatures inside for an old-fashioned Christmas vibe.
It’s such a beautiful way to capture the essence of a snowy holiday, no matter where you live.
5. Lanterns with Evergreen Wreaths
If laying your lantern on the porch isn’t your style, why not hang it up instead?
Start by securely hanging the lantern—it’s fragile, so make sure it’s steady. Then, wrap an evergreen wreath around it to frame the lantern as the centerpiece.
Finish the look with a small bow for a touch of charm. But keep in mind, if you live in a windy area, this might not be the best option!
6. Lanterns on a Rustic Wooden Bench
A wooden bench on your porch is a perfect spot to arrange lanterns for a cozy, rustic touch.
They not only add charm but also provide soft lighting for enjoying a cup of hot cocoa outdoors.
If festive colors aren’t your thing, go for an all-white theme for the lanterns.
You can pair them with a basket of pine twigs for a neutral, rustic vibe.
To me, this look feels so peaceful and grounded—it’s a simple way to create a serene holiday atmosphere.
7. Simple Lanterns for a Timeless Appeal
Sometimes, it’s best to let the lantern speak for itself, keeping its original shape and design untouched.
You can simply decorate the area around it however you like to match your holiday theme.
One thing I’ve learned the hard way is to always check the size before buying a lantern.
It’s so easy to end up with one that’s too small and feels more like a toy than a proper piece of decor. Careful measurements make all the difference in getting the perfect fit for your space!
8. Silver and White Winter Wonderland Lanterns
Red and green are the ultimate Christmas colors, and a vibrant red lantern on your front porch is the perfect festive touch.
To create this look, start with a plant pot.
Place a wooden stand or anything sturdy in the center to secure your lantern. Once it’s steady, arrange greenery around the base to frame the lantern beautifully.
It’s a simple yet stunning way to add holiday cheer to your outdoor decor!
9. Homemade Paper Lanterns
This might sound like a fun crossover, but have you thought about making your Asian-inspired paper lanterns for Christmas?
A round paper lantern paired with cardboard or paper shaped like Santa Claus would be so cute.
If you’re looking for a creative activity with your kids, this is worth trying out!
Just a quick safety reminder—paper lanterns can be a fire hazard if you use real candles.
Battery-powered tea lights are a much safer way to illuminate them while keeping the festive glow.
10. Red Lantern Surrounded by Greenery
Red and green are the ultimate Christmas colors to me, and I bet you think the same.
That’s why I suggest going for a vibrant red lantern on your front porch for the perfect festive touch.
To create this look, start with a plant pot. Place a wooden stand or anything sturdy in the center to secure your lantern.
Once it’s steady, arrange greenery around the base to frame the lantern beautifully.
11. Lantern with Snowman
Placing a snowman inside your lantern brings a lively and adorable charm to your holiday decor!
I’m sure you can nail this look, but there’s one thing to keep in mind—balancing the proportions.
If the snowman is too big, the lantern will feel cramped, and if it’s too small, it won’t stand out as much as it should.
Finding the right size ensures your snowman becomes the perfect centerpiece for your festive display.
12. Wooden Lantern
A vintage, farmhouse-style porch is the perfect spot for wooden lanterns.
Choosing lanterns without overtly Christmassy prints, like Santa or snowmen, makes them incredibly versatile.
You can easily reuse them for everyday decor, weddings, or other occasions while still adding a rustic touch to your space.
13. Lanterns with Reindeer Figure
Why stick with just baubles when you can add a lively touch with a reindeer figure?
A gold reindeer looks stunning inside a black lantern, creating a perfect contrast.
You can also dress up the lantern with a burlap bow and add ornaments in shades of silver, gold, or brown for an extra festive flair.
14. Lantern with Green Candle
A green candle inside a gold lantern is a simple yet elegant way to light up the space.
If you prefer minimal decor, skip the extras and pair it with a rustic basket of logs for a warm, understated look.
15. White and Gold Lantern
Fill your lantern with seasonal accents or scatter decorations around it for a layered, eye-catching display.
If the focus is on the decor outside the lantern, keep the inside simple with fairy lights and a few pine twigs for a delicate, festive vibe.
16. Lantern Arrangement with Ladder
Who knew an old ladder could make such a charming Christmas display?
Lean it against a wall and arrange your lantern collection on the rungs.
To add holiday spirit, drape a garland or place a small bouquet of pine twigs and cones for a laid-back, rustic touch.
17. Winter Memories Lantern
I never knew a lantern could evoke nostalgia.
Especially when paired with elements like a red truck or a snowy scene—it feels like stepping back in time.
If you’re artistic, paint a winter scene on the lantern that holds personal meaning, creating a heartfelt decoration.
18. DIY Personalized Lanterns
Make your lanterns truly yours by painting family names, holiday messages, or snowflakes on the glass panels.
Fill them with greenery like pine twigs and add fairy lights for a warm, personalized glow that’s uniquely festive.
19. Rustic Red Lantern with Birch Branches
For a nature-inspired Christmas decor idea, you’ve got to try this one featuring birch branches!
They add such a rustic, festive charm to any space and pair beautifully with a red lantern.
The thing that I like best about the natural design is its simplicity.
At the end of the season, you can toss out the birch branches (just don’t throw away the lantern)!
20. Lantern with Snowflake Decal
Need a quick, last-minute Christmas touch for your lantern?
Simply stick a snowflake decal onto the glass! It’s an easy and effective way to add a festive flair without much effort, perfect for those final holiday finishing touches.
