16 Christmas Lanterns Ideas to Brighten Your Holiday Décor

Aaliyah

Home and garden tips.

Updated

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself getting excited about decorating my home. Lanterns are a delightful way to add warmth and charm to any space. They can elevate your holiday displays and create a cozy atmosphere for family and friends.

A cozy winter scene with 16 unique Christmas lanterns glowing in the snow-covered landscape, casting a warm and festive lightPin

I love how versatile Christmas lanterns can be, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings. Whether you want to spruce up your front porch or add a festive touch to your living room, there are countless creative ideas to explore.

DIY Paper Star Lantern

I love making DIY paper star lanterns for Christmas. They add a magical touch to my holiday decor.

To start, I get a free paper star lantern pattern, which makes crafting easy. You can find templates online that guide you through the process.

Next, I cut out the pieces carefully. A good craft knife works well for this. Once the pieces are ready, I fold and glue them together.

I always thread some cotton through the lantern to create a hanging point. This makes it easy to display my lantern anywhere in my home.

Finally, I place a small light inside to illuminate the star. It creates a warm glow that’s perfect for the season. Making these lanterns is a fun and festive way to celebrate!

For detailed instructions, check out this paper star lantern guide.

Rustic Twig Lantern

A rustic twig lantern hanging from a tree branch, surrounded by snow-covered pinecones and holly leavesPin

I love the look of a rustic twig lantern. It brings a warm, cozy feel to any space during the holiday season.

To create one, I gather twigs from my backyard. I choose branches that are straight and about the same length.

Next, I attach the twigs around a simple glass jar. This can be done with hot glue or twine. The twigs add a natural touch.

I also like to include some fairy lights inside. This makes the lantern glow softly, adding charm to my decorations.

For an extra festive touch, I can add some pinecones or seasonal greenery around the base. This connects the lantern to the holiday spirit.

Using a rustic twig lantern is a great way to showcase my love for nature and craft. It’s a simple project that adds a personal touch to my holiday decor.

3) Mason Jar Christmas Lantern

I love making Mason jar Christmas lanterns. They are simple and fun to create. You can use them to add a cozy touch to any space.

To start, gather some empty Mason jars. You’ll also need fairy lights or small candles for the lighting effect.

Next, you can decorate the outside of the jars as you like. Adding ribbon, snowflakes, or even paint makes them more festive.

Filling the jars with pinecones or seasonal greenery can look beautiful. When lit, these lanterns provide a warm, inviting glow.

I often place them on my porch or use them as centerpieces for holiday gatherings. They make great gifts, too!

Creating these lanterns is a delightful way to brighten up the holidays. Plus, they’re easy enough for anyone to try.

4) Scandinavian Hanging Lantern

I love the charm of Scandinavian hanging lanterns. They add a cozy touch to any space. Made from wood, metal, or glass, they reflect simple yet elegant design.

I can personalize them with fairy lights or seasonal decorations. Wrapping some lights around the inside creates a warm glow. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the holidays.

These lanterns fit perfectly in any room. I often hang them near windows or on porches. They brighten up the dark winter nights with their inviting light.

Using natural elements like pinecones or greenery can enhance the look. I enjoy mixing these with candles for a truly festive atmosphere.

5) Glowing Snowflake Lantern

I love creating a glowing snowflake lantern for the holidays. It’s a simple and charming addition to my decor.

To make one, I start with a plain lantern. I use snowflake cutouts to give it a festive look. These cutouts allow the light inside to cast beautiful patterns on surrounding surfaces.

Next, I place a warm white light or a flameless candle inside. This adds a cozy glow that feels welcoming.

Setting it on a table or hanging it from a tree branch enhances the atmosphere. Its unique design brightens any space during cold winter nights.

6) Santa’s Sleigh Lantern

I love using a Santa’s sleigh lantern as part of my Christmas decor. It adds a festive touch to any space.

You can find lanterns shaped like Santa’s sleigh or create your own using craft supplies. Adding lights inside makes it glow beautifully.

These lanterns work well indoors or outdoors. I like placing mine near the entrance to welcome guests with holiday cheer.

You can also fill the lantern with faux snow or miniature gifts for a whimsical look. It’s a fun project to enjoy with family or friends.

7) Victorian Street Lamp Lantern

I love the charm of a Victorian street lamp lantern. It adds a classic touch to my Christmas decor.

These lanterns often feature intricate designs. Their vintage style can create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

I can use flameless candles inside for safety. The soft glow sets a cozy mood during holiday gatherings.

Decorating with garlands and lights around the lantern enhances its beauty. It truly becomes a focal point in my home.

8) Nordic Wooden House Lantern

A cozy Nordic wooden house adorned with 16 Christmas lanterns glowing in the snowPin

I love the charm of the Nordic Wooden House Lantern. It brings a cozy, rustic feel to holiday decor.

These lanterns often feature a simple, elegant design. The wooden frames can be painted in soft colors or left natural for a more authentic look.

I enjoy placing candles inside to create a warm glow. They look lovely lining my walkway or adorning my dining table.

Adding greenery or Christmas decorations around the base enhances their festive appeal. The combination of wood and light really captures the spirit of winter.

These lanterns can also be great DIY projects. With some basic tools and materials, I can create my own unique designs.

9) Frosted Pine Cone Lantern

I love the cozy look of a frosted pine cone lantern. It adds a touch of nature to my holiday decor.

To create this lantern, I start with a clear glass container. Then, I fill it with pine cones, which I lightly dust with faux snow or glitter for a frosty effect.

I also use LED candles inside for warmth. The glow from the candles shines beautifully through the frosted pine cones.

For added charm, I might wrap some twine around the top or add a few sprigs of greenery. This simple decoration brings a festive vibe to any room.

10) LED Silhouette Lantern

I love using LED silhouette lanterns to add charm to my holiday decor. They create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

These lanterns often showcase festive scenes, like Christmas villages or nativity displays. The LED lights give a soft glow, making them safe for indoor or outdoor use.

You can easily find them at many stores or even make one yourself. All it takes is a simple lantern, some lights, and a silhouette design you enjoy.

Placing these lanterns by the door or around the living room brings a festive touch. I always get compliments from guests when they see them!

11) Vintage Oil Lantern Design

I love the charm of vintage oil lanterns. They add a warm, cozy feel to any space.

You can find these lanterns in various sizes and styles. They often feature beautiful glass and metal designs that reflect light wonderfully.

To decorate with them, I like to fill them with fairy lights or seasonal greenery. This creates a stunning centerpiece or accent piece for my holiday decor.

I also enjoy using them both indoors and outdoors. They provide a soft glow for evening gatherings, especially when placed on tables or along walkways.

Choosing the right vintage lantern can really enhance the warmth of any celebration.

12) 3D Nativity Scene Lantern

A 3D nativity scene inside a lantern, with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, surrounded by animals and angels, illuminated by soft candlelightPin

I love the idea of creating a 3D Nativity Scene Lantern for Christmas. It adds a special touch to my holiday decor.

To make one, I gather a clear lantern and some festive decorations. I include figures of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus for a traditional look.

I often use fairy lights inside to illuminate the scene. The glow creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in my home.

Sometimes I add hay and small animals to enhance the nativity theme. It makes the lantern feel more complete and engaging.

I enjoy placing the lantern on my porch or by the fireplace. It’s a lovely reminder of the holiday spirit.

13) Quirky Animal-Shaped Lantern

A whimsical animal-shaped lantern illuminates a cozy holiday scene, surrounded by other festive Christmas lanternsPin

I love the charm of quirky animal-shaped lanterns. They add a fun and playful touch to any holiday decor.

You can find lanterns shaped like owls, rabbits, or even playful foxes. Each one brings a unique spirit to your home.

These lanterns are great for both indoor and outdoor settings. They can brighten a porch or add warmth to a cozy room.

I enjoy placing them where family and friends can admire them. They really make the holiday season feel special.

14) Modern Metal Geometric Lantern

A modern metal geometric lantern hanging from a tree branch, casting intricate patterns of light onto the snowy ground belowPin

I really love the sleek look of modern metal geometric lanterns. They add a stylish touch to any holiday decor.

These lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, making them versatile for any space. I enjoy placing them on tables or windowsills.

You can fill them with fairy lights for a soft glow. This creates a cozy atmosphere at home during the holidays.

Another great idea is to use them as centerpieces. Surround them with greenery or ornaments for a festive touch.

These lanterns not only brighten up a room but also serve as a unique decoration that stands out. They are perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings.

Finding the right modern metal geometric lantern can elevate your holiday spirit. They not only look great but are also easy to style.

15) Handmade Crochet Lantern

I love creating handmade crochet lanterns for Christmas. They add a cozy touch to my decorations.

Using soft yarn in festive colors, I can make unique designs. From simple shapes to intricate patterns, the possibilities are endless.

I like to place a LED candle inside for safety. This keeps the glow bright while avoiding any fire hazards.

These lanterns can be hung or placed on tables. They’re perfect for indoor and outdoor settings.

Making crochet lanterns is a fun project. Plus, they make great gifts for friends and family.

16) Stained Glass Cathedral Lantern

I love stained glass cathedral lanterns. They add a beautiful touch to any holiday decor.

The vibrant colors of stained glass catch the light and create a warm glow. This makes them perfect for festive settings.

I often display them with LED candles inside for safety. They are easy to find, like those offered on Etsy.

These lanterns can complement various themes, from traditional to modern. Each piece is unique and can be a great conversation starter.

Using them as centerpieces can brighten up my dining table. They can also be hung in windows for a lovely view from outside.

About the author

Hi, I'm Ash. I love living in a warm and flower-filled home. Here, you can get my inspiration for home decor and gardening.

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