20 Outdoor Christmas Fence Decoration Ideas
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Tired of leaving your fence out of the holiday fun? It’s prime real estate for a major glow-up!
We’ve rounded up 20 fantastic, DIY-friendly outdoor Christmas fence decorations to help you turn that border into a dazzling display this season.
1. Garland-Wrapped Fence
This is the ultimate classic look, and for good reason! Thick evergreen garlands bring instant, lush texture and holiday cheer. Add a few pops of red and some twinkling lights, and you’ve got a timeless display.
How to:
- Use zip ties or floral wire to secure the evergreen garland (real or faux) along the top rail and vertical posts of your fence.
- Weave in string lights (check that they are rated for outdoor use!).
- Finish by attaching waterproof red bows at intervals for a truly festive punch.
2. Oversized Ornaments
Go big or go home! Giant, colorful ornaments are a fun, whimsical way to add drama and height to your fence line, especially if it’s far from the street. They are easy to spot and totally weatherproof.
How to:
- Purchase large, shatterproof plastic ornaments (usually 8-12 inches in diameter).
- Use thick, decorative weatherproof ribbon or rope to loop around the ornament hook.
- Tie it directly onto the top rail of the fence or through the paneling.
3. Candy Cane Fence Posts
Want a quick, affordable, and high-impact change? Transforming your vertical fence posts into giant candy canes is pure holiday genius. It’s festive, fun, and easy to achieve!
How to:
- Use wide, weatherproof ribbon (red and white striped) and wrap it diagonally around each post, securing the ends with heavy-duty exterior tape or staples.
- Alternatively, paint horizontal white stripes onto red posts (or vice versa) for a more permanent look.
4. Twinkling Light Fence
Sometimes, simplicity is key. Outlining your entire fence with warm white fairy lights turns your border into a magical, glowing ribbon that defines your property line beautifully at night.
How to:
- Use clear adhesive hooks or plastic light clips secured along the top and bottom edge of your fence panels.
- Run strands of warm white LED or fairy lights along the entire outline.
- Ensure all connections are weather-sealed.
5. Wreath Every Few Panels
A clean, polished, and sophisticated look! Hanging smaller wreaths at regular intervals gives a rhythmic, high-end feel, like a well-dressed holiday garden wall.
How to:
- Use a measuring tape to determine the center point of every second or third fence panel.
- Secure small, matching wreaths (10-12 inches) using a weather-safe hook or nail.
- Ensure they are all hung at the exact same height for a uniform, elegant appearance.
6. Rustic Burlap Bows
If your holiday style leans toward farmhouse, rustic, or natural, burlap bows are your best friend. They offer wonderful texture and look fantastic paired with natural greenery and pinecones.
How to:
- Purchase or make large bows using weatherproof burlap ribbon.
- Hot glue or tie small artificial pine sprigs and natural pinecones to the center knot of the bow.
- Secure the completed bow to the fence using wire or a staple gun.
7. Lantern Fence Decor
For that cozy, welcoming glow, place battery-operated lanterns or mason jars filled with twinkle lights along the fence line. It’s a gorgeous look that adds a lot of ambiance without needing a single extension cord.
How to:
- Use battery-operated LED candles inside large, decorative outdoor lanterns or simple mason jars.
- Place the lanterns on top of wide fence posts, or hang them from decorative hooks screwed into the posts.
8. Snowflake Cutouts
Bring the winter wonderland to your yard, even if you don’t get snow! Snowflake cutouts are fun, flexible, and let you get creative with silver and icy blue color palettes.
How to:
- Buy unfinished wooden snowflake cutouts (or metal ones).
- Paint them white, silver, or glittery blue.
- Attach them securely to the fence panels using exterior screws, small nails, or heavy-duty outdoor mounting tape.
9. Red Berry Garland
If you want a vibrant pop of color that screams “happy holidays,” ditch the plain green and go for a berry-heavy garland. The bright red against the evergreen is irresistible.
How to:
- Select a faux garland that is already heavily intertwined with faux red berries and holly leaves.
- Drape this garland across the fence, securing it with zip ties.
- To prevent sagging, make sure the ties are spaced evenly and tightly secured.
10. Christmas Village Fence
Why keep the village on the mantle? This idea is super creative and fun. By attaching simple cutouts, you make your fence look like the backdrop to a festive holiday town.
How to:
- Cut out simple house and building shapes from weatherproof plywood or use plastic silhouettes.
- Paint them with white or bright colors.
- Attach them along the top or middle of the fence panels, making sure they are level.
11. Nutcracker Guards
Give your fence a stately, traditional, and slightly humorous look by placing large nutcracker figures near the entrance or gate. They look like they are guarding all your holiday magic!
How to:
- Choose large, weighted, outdoor-safe nutcracker figures.
- If you are worried about theft or wind, secure the base of the nutcracker figures to the ground or the fence post using small brackets or heavy stones (disguised with snow or greenery).
12. Santa’s Sleigh & Reindeer
Watch your fence take flight! Using cutouts of Santa’s iconic ride, you can create a fun, dynamic scene that looks like the reindeer are soaring right over your yard.
How to:
- Purchase pre-made or cut your own silhouettes of a sleigh and several reindeer from plywood or weather-resistant foam.
- Arrange them on the fence panels in a descending line to simulate flight, securing them with nails or screws.
- Add small lights to the noses for extra flair.
13. Ribbon-Wrapped Fence
Turn your entire yard into a giant present waiting to be opened! This method uses wide ribbon wrapped diagonally across the panels to mimic a beautifully wrapped gift box.
How to:
- Use extra-wide, heavy-duty ribbon (at least 3-4 inches wide) in classic red, green, or gold.
- Starting at a post, run the ribbon diagonally down to the next post, securing it tightly with staples or exterior glue where it meets the wood.
14. Hanging Stockings
If you have a well-covered porch or patio area near the fence, hanging oversized, outdoor-safe stockings adds a delightfully cozy and unexpected touch. Stuff them with greenery for dimension!
How to:
- Use stockings made of durable, weather-resistant fabric (like burlap or canvas).
- Stuff them with faux greenery, pinecones, or shatterproof ornaments to give them shape.
- Hang them from decorative fence hooks or small nails.
15. Starry Night Fence
Twinkling stars bring a celestial elegance to any holiday display. Use light-up star decorations to give your fence a magical, cosmic Christmas vibe.
How to:
- Purchase multiple light-up star decorations (pre-wired or battery-operated).
- Attach them sporadically across the top rail or string a star-shaped light garland across the full length.
- Space them unevenly for a more natural, night-sky look.
16. Evergreen Swags
Swags are like mini-garlands, perfect for adding a touch of festive fullness between each post without overwhelming the whole fence. They look especially good with a bright bow.
How to:
- Create or buy small evergreen swags (a bundle of greenery tied at the top).
- Use thick, brightly colored wire-edged ribbon to create a large bow.
- Loop the ribbon around the center of the swag and tie it securely to the fence post.
17. Snowman Family Fence
This idea is incredibly adorable and family-friendly! Use wooden cutouts to create a whole family of smiling snowmen along the length of your fence.
How to:
- Purchase or cut out various sizes of wooden circles (or use snowman silhouettes).
- Paint them white, add coal eyes, a carrot nose, and a wide grin.
- Screw or nail the completed snowman cutouts directly onto the fence panels.
18. Icicle Light Fence
For a sparkling, shimmering, and frosty appearance, icicle lights are the go-to. They create a beautiful, dynamic effect that catches the light and adds movement to your display.
How to:
- Use outdoor icicle string lights and attach the main wire along the top rail of the fence using light clips or zip ties.
- Ensure the “icicles” hang straight down along the fence panels for the best shimmering effect.
19. Plaid Blanket Wraps
This is a deep-north, cozy cabin look! Wrapping sections of your fence in rich, festive plaid fabric adds unexpected warmth and a pop of color and pattern.
How to:
- Buy inexpensive, weather-resistant plaid fabric or outdoor flannel blankets.
- Wrap a section of the fence (like the middle of the panels or the posts) and secure the fabric tightly on the backside of the fence using a staple gun or heavy-duty tacks.
20. Holiday Message Signs
Make your fence talk! Adding simple wooden signs with short, sweet holiday messages allows you to personalize your display and greet neighbors with a little festive encouragement.
How to:
- Purchase unfinished wooden sign blanks (or cut them yourself).
- Paint them with festive colors like red, green, or white, and use stencils or a steady hand to paint messages like “Joy,” “Noel,” or “Merry & Bright.”
- Hang them using rustic rope or chain.
I hope these 20 ideas have given you some incredible inspiration for turning your fence into the star of the neighborhood! Which one are you tackling first?
