13 DIY Outdoor Christmas Decorations on a Budget

You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your outdoor space look festive and welcoming this Christmas. 

With some creativity, a few affordable materials, and a bit of DIY effort, you can transform your yard, porch, or entryway into a holiday wonderland. 

Here are 13 budget-friendly DIY outdoor Christmas decoration ideas that add a festive touch without breaking the bank.

1. Mason Jar Luminaries

Mason jars are versatile and budget-friendly. Create simple luminaries by filling jars with Epsom salt to resemble snow and placing a battery-operated tea light inside.

For an extra festive look, add a sprig of pine, a small pinecone, or a red ribbon around the neck of the jar. Line them along your porch steps or walkway to add a soft, glowing ambiance.

These luminaries are inexpensive and easy to make, bringing warmth and light to your outdoor space.

2. DIY Christmas Pallet Tree

Turn an old wooden pallet into a Christmas tree with some green paint and holiday decorations. Paint the pallet green, then add ornaments, garland, or even solar-powered lights for nighttime sparkle.

Pallets are often free to source from local businesses or online marketplaces. Once decorated, lean your “tree” against a wall or fence for a unique, rustic holiday decoration.

This DIY project is perfect for adding a big holiday statement piece without the cost of a full-size Christmas tree.

3. Tomato Cage Christmas Trees

Transform simple tomato cages into festive mini Christmas trees! Wrap them in green garland, tinsel, or even strips of fabric, then secure with zip ties.

For a finishing touch, string lights around the cages, and you’ve got charming little trees to place around your yard or entryway.

Tomato cages are affordable and easy to find, and this decoration idea lets you create multiple trees for a coordinated look.

4. Hanging Pinecone and Greenery Bundles

Create charming, rustic hanging bundles by gathering pinecones, sprigs of evergreen, and a few red berries. Tie them together with twine or ribbon and hang them from your porch or door handles.

Foraged materials like pinecones and branches are free and bring a natural, earthy touch to your decorations. Add a touch of spray snow or glitter to make them sparkle.

These simple bundles are a beautiful, minimalist way to decorate your outdoor space.

5. Candy Cane Lawn Stakes

Make oversized “candy canes” using PVC pipes or pool noodles wrapped in red and white duct tape. Bend the ends to form the candy cane shape, then stick them in your yard or along a pathway.

These DIY candy canes are both affordable and weather-resistant, giving your yard a fun, festive look without the high cost of store-bought decorations.

They’re a great way to add whimsy to your outdoor decor without spending much.

6. Burlap and Twine Garland

Use inexpensive burlap and twine to create a rustic garland for your porch or fence. Cut the burlap into strips, then tie them onto a long piece of twine, alternating with small red ribbons or mini ornaments.

Drape the garland around door frames, railings, or across bushes for a cozy, farmhouse-inspired look. Burlap is affordable and durable, making it a great choice for outdoor decor.

This garland adds a simple, handcrafted charm that feels both homey and festive.

7. Snow-Covered Pinecone Wreath

Make a DIY wreath using foraged pinecones and a bit of fake snow. Use a foam or wire wreath form as your base, then hot glue the pinecones around it. Spray the wreath with faux snow or add a dusting of white paint for a snowy effect.

Add a festive bow or a few small ornaments to complete the look. Hang it on your door to greet guests with a touch of wintery charm.

This wreath is an affordable, nature-inspired decoration that’s perfect for the season.

8. Rustic Wooden Sign

Repurpose a wooden board or pallet into a festive sign. Paint a holiday message like “Merry Christmas” or “Let it Snow” in simple white lettering, then add a few decorative touches like snowflakes or stars.

Lean the sign against a wall, or prop it up by the entrance. It’s a classic, rustic decoration that adds character to your outdoor space.

Wooden signs are budget-friendly and can be customized to fit any holiday theme.

9. DIY Twinkle Light Spheres

Create glowing spheres by wrapping twinkle lights around inflated beach balls. Once wrapped, pop the beach ball, leaving you with a perfect sphere of lights.

Hang these from trees or place them in bushes for an enchanting effect. Use warm white lights for a classic look or colored lights for a more vibrant feel.

Twinkle light spheres are visually striking and add a magical glow to your yard, all while keeping costs low.

10. Rope Light Candy Canes

Bend and shape PVC pipes or wire into candy cane shapes, then wrap them with rope lights for a bright, festive look. These can be placed along your walkway, driveway, or around your front porch.

Rope lights are affordable and come in various colors, allowing you to customize the candy canes to match your theme.

This DIY idea is easy to execute and creates an eye-catching display for a fraction of the cost.

11. DIY Frosted Mason Jars

Fill mason jars with white sand or Epsom salt to resemble snow, then add a small candle or fairy lights for a frosted glow. Place these on porch steps or hang them with ribbon or twine for a cozy, welcoming touch.

You can also add small decorative items, like mini trees or ornaments, inside the jars for extra charm.

This budget-friendly project adds a rustic, frosted look to your outdoor decor.

12. Recycled Bottle Christmas Trees

Use empty wine bottles or glass jars to make your own Christmas tree display. Spray-paint the bottles green, then arrange them in a tree shape by stacking them in rows on a table or ledge.

Add small fairy lights around the bottles for a glowing effect. This project gives you a chance to upcycle and create a unique, eco-friendly decoration.

Recycled bottle trees are both stylish and budget-conscious, bringing a bit of modern flair to your outdoor decor.

13. Old-Fashioned Sled Display

If you have an old sled, give it new life as part of your Christmas decor. Set the sled against your front door or porch, adding greenery, a few ornaments, and a plaid blanket or scarf for a cozy touch.

Vintage sleds have a classic, nostalgic look that’s perfect for outdoor holiday decor. If you don’t have one, check thrift stores for budget-friendly options.

This charming display adds a rustic touch that feels warm and welcoming, perfect for celebrating the season.