Skip to main content

How to turn your porch into a winter wonderland (no real snow necessary)

After the holiday season has come and gone, winter can feel drab and dreary. The trees are barren, the plants are dormant for the season, and your home’s curb appeal may not live up to your standards. But just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean you have to leave your porch and yard looking dull. No, we’re not suggesting that you leave the Christmas lights up year-round. By adding select winter yard decor after the holidays, you can bring some cheer to your life that will last throughout the season. Here are a few ideas to help you plan out your post-holiday porch and yard decor.

Person adjusting a winter wreath
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Dress up your door

You don’t need to have a large porch or yard to bring a little cheer to your entryway. Instead, focus your decorating efforts on your front door. Purchase or make a snowy wreath that you can keep up all winter long. Instead of the classic Christmassy red and green door hanging, use natural components that are indicative of the cold season, like pinecones, berry sprigs, or orange slices. To give it an even more wintery touch, add some glitter or faux snow to the wreath. And don’t forget the rest of your stoop. Pair your winter wreath with a cheerful doormat or festive winter plant in a decorative container.

Recommended Videos

Focus on natural elements

While winter may not be as lush or vibrant as spring, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate nature into your porch decor. Evergreen trees aren’t just for Christmas; potted miniature evergreens can look great on your porch all season long. Or, add a little color to your plant arrangement with some bright flowers (real or fake). You can also fill your empty porch pots or rustic baskets with branches and pine cones gathered from your garden. Bundle together birch logs to create natural art, or if you’re crafty, drill holes in the tops big enough for tea lights to make your own birch candles.

Cozy winter porch bench and decor
StanislavSukhin / Shutterstock

Keep it cozy

There’s nothing like snuggling up under a blanket on a cold winter evening and warming up by a fire. Transform your porch into a cozy outdoor refuge from the chilly season. Deck out your outdoor seating or bench with cozy flannel or faux fur blankets and decorative accent pillows. You can complement your comfy seating area with some realistic LED candles or decorative lanterns. Remember, it’s all about creating an atmosphere that makes you feel the most relaxed and comfortable. You may want to make space for some greenery, a small table where you can place a warm cup of tea, or any other elements that will enhance the cozy ambiance.

Rustic winter lanterns on porch
stock_studio / Shutterstock

Light up your winter yard decor

No winter decoration display would be complete without proper lighting. There are so many different options for outdoor lights, but these are a few of our favorite ideas to inspire you. Hang string lights by the ceiling, or wrap them around the railing on your porch. Choose a sophisticated neutral hue for the bulbs, like white or blue. Or have some fun with bubble string lights. For a rustic and homey feel, try lighting your entryway with decorative lanterns. You can arrange a few along your porch, stairs, or pathway. Regular candles can also make a nice addition to your outdoor decor – just remember to choose flameless ones.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Use sporty winter wonderland outdoor decorations

Vintage winter sports equipment can double as excellent porch decor for the snowy season. Make your home feel like a cozy chalet by leaning two wooden skis in an X shape against the wall. With a retro sled, you can create a classic winter vignette by propping it up next to your door. Or use the sleigh to create a unique accent table that you can top with wintery plants, candles, and other decorations. Give your vintage ice skates new life by repurposing them as a wreath. Hang them on your front door with some spruce branches and winter berries for a unique DIY project.

Even though the holidays are over, your porch and entryway can still be festive. With these interesting and fun winter yard decor ideas, you can transform the front of your home into a winter masterpiece. There is something here to appeal to everyone’s design style. From cozy seating areas to classic sporty scenes to an all-natural winter wonderland, it’s easy to customize your porch decorations to create something that you’ll love. So don’t let the seasonal blues get you down; let your home give you a little joy.

Shannon Cooper
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Shannon Cooper has written about everything from pet care and travel to finance and plumbing in her seven years as a writer…
10 outdoor fall decor ideas you’ll love to welcome the season
Get your outdoor space ready for the autumn season
Fall front door decor with a wreath and pumpkins

As the crisp air of autumn begins to settle in, it's the perfect time to transition your outdoor space with cozy and inviting outdoor fall decor. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a quaint porch, incorporating seasonal elements can bring warmth and charm to your home’s exterior. From vibrant fall flowers to creative pumpkin displays, these outdoor fall decor ideas will inspire you to celebrate the season in style.
1. Incorporate fall flowers

Nothing says fall quite like a garden or porch filled with rich, warm colors. Start by planting a fall flower bed with blooms like chrysanthemums, marigolds, or pansies. These hardy flowers thrive in cooler weather and come in a variety of autumnal hues, such as deep reds, oranges, and yellows. If you prefer container gardening, consider arranging fall flowers in planters or containers. A mix of tall grasses, vibrant mums, and trailing ivy can create a stunning display that adds both color and texture to your outdoor space.
2. Hang an autumn leaf wreath

Read more
How to design a cozy window seat and upgrade your interior aesthetics
From a comfy book nook to a functional breakfast bench, here are some fantastic window seating ideas
Two children sitting on indoor storage bench

Window seating provides a comfy and functional alternative to dressing up your interior design. Not only does this feature create a focal point for your room and spruce up any bland areas in your space, but window seating can create the perfect location for a convenient breakfast bench or cozy book nook.

If you’re interested in updating your interior, you’ll want to see these gorgeous window seat ideas, which can help you maximize your space.
Classic window seat ideas

Read more
How to achieve a luxury look in your home (without going into debt)
Follow these design tips to create a luxury space without blowing your reno budget
Luxurious neutral and white living space open concept with chandelier

Your home is your personal oasis, so you want it to look beautiful, chic, and full of luxury while reflecting your personal style. The problem is that you may not always want to pay luxury prices to redecorate your home. While renovating your indoor space may not be in the budget this year, there are some ways you can make updates to your interior design to achieve a luxury look without going broke.

We're going to discuss what really makes a luxury home and what you can do to elevate your home's chic appearance on a budget -- luxury design on a budget.
What makes a room look luxurious?

Read more