20 Outdoor Christmas Fence Decorating Ideas
Tired of leaving your fence out of the holiday fun? This is prime real estate for a major shine!
We’ve rounded up 20 fantastic, easy-to-DIY outdoor Christmas fence decorations to help you turn that border into a dazzling display this season.
1. Fence wrapped in tinsel
It’s the ultimate classic look, and for good reason! Thick evergreen garlands bring instant, lush texture and a festive ambiance. Add a few pops of red and some twinkling lights and you have a timeless display.
How :
- Use zip ties or floral wire to secure evergreen garland (real or faux) along the top rail and vertical posts of your fence.
- Insert some string lights (make sure they are designed for outdoor use!).
- Finish by tying waterproof red bows at intervals for a truly festive punch.
2. Oversized Ornaments
Go big or go home! Giant, colorful ornaments are a fun and whimsical way to add drama and height to your fence, especially if it’s far from the street. They are easy to spot and completely weather resistant.
How :
- Buy large, shatterproof plastic ornaments (usually 8 to 12 inches in diameter).
- Use a thick, decorative weather-resistant ribbon or rope to wrap around the ornament hook.
- Attach it directly to the top rail of the fence or through the panels.
3. Sugarcane Fence Posts
Do you want rapid, affordable and high-impact change? Turning your vertical fence posts into giant candy canes is pure holiday genius. It’s festive, fun and easy to make!
How :
- Use wide weatherproof tape (red and white striped) and wrap it diagonally around each post, securing the ends with heavy-duty outdoor tape or staples.
- You can also paint horizontal white stripes on red posts (or vice versa) for a more permanent look.
4. Glittering Light Fence
Sometimes simplicity is key. By outlining your entire fence with warm white string lights, you transform your border into a magical, glowing ribbon that beautifully defines your property line at night.
How :
- Use clear adhesive hooks or plastic light clips attached along the top and bottom edges of your fence panels.
- Run strands of warm white LEDs or fairy lights around the entire edge.
- Make sure all connections are weathertight.
5. Crown every few panels
A clean, neat and sophisticated look! Hanging small wreaths at regular intervals gives a rhythmic, upscale feel, like a well-dressed holiday garden wall.
How :
- Use a tape measure to determine the center point of each second or third fence panel.
- Attach small, matching wreaths (10 to 12 inches) using a weatherproof hook or nail.
- Make sure they’re all hanging at exactly the same height for a uniform, sleek appearance.
6. Rustic Burlap Bows
If your vacation 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 pine cones.
How :
- Purchase or make large bows using weather-resistant burlap ribbon.
- Hot glue or attach small artificial pine branches and natural pine cones to the center knot of the bow.
- Attach the completed arch to the fence using wire or a stapler.
7. Lantern Fence Decor
For a warm, welcoming glow, place battery-operated lanterns or mason jars filled with twinkling lights along the fence. It’s a stunning look that adds lots of ambiance without needing a single extension cord.
How :
- Use battery-operated LED candles in 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 a winter wonderland to your backyard, even if there’s no snow! Snowflake cutouts are fun, flexible, and allow you to get creative with silver and icy blue color palettes.
How :
- Purchase unfinished wooden (or metal) snowflake cutouts.
- Paint them white, silver or glittery blue.
- Attach them securely to the fence panels using exterior screws, small nails or heavy-duty exterior mounting tape.
9. Red fruit garland
If you want a vibrant pop of color that screams “happy holidays,” ditch the solid green and opt for a berry-rich garland. The bright red on an evergreen background is irresistible.
How :
- Select a faux garland already heavily intertwined with faux red berries and holly leaves.
- Drape this garland over the fence, securing it with zip ties.
- To prevent sagging, make sure fasteners are evenly spaced and secure.
10. Fence of the Christmas village
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 of a festive vacation town.
How :
- Cut simple shapes of houses and buildings from weather-resistant plywood or use plastic silhouettes.
- Paint them with white or bright colors.
- Attach them to the top or middle of the fence panels, making sure they are level.
11. Nutcracker Guards
Give your fence a majestic, traditional and slightly humorous look by placing large nutcracker figures near the entrance or gate. It seems like they keep all the magic of your vacation!
How :
- Choose large, weighted, outdoor-safe nutcracker figurines.
- If you are concerned about theft or wind, secure the base of the nutcrackers to the ground or fence post using small brackets or heavy stones (disguised with snow or greenery).
12. Santa’s sleigh and reindeer
Watch your fence take off! Using cutouts from Santa’s iconic ride, you can create a fun and vibrant scene that makes it look like reindeer are flying over your yard.
How :
- Buy pre-made silhouettes 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 little lights on the nose for added style.
13. Ribbon Wrapped Fence
Transform your entire yard into a giant gift waiting to be opened! This method uses a wide ribbon wrapped diagonally across the panels to imitate a beautifully wrapped gift box.
How :
- Use extra-large, heavy-duty ribbon (at least 3 to 4 inches wide) in classic red, green or gold.
- Starting at one post, run the tape diagonally to the next post, securing it firmly with staples or exterior glue where it meets the wood.
14. Hanging stockings
If you have a well-covered porch or deck near the fence, hanging oversized, outdoor-safe stockings adds a delightfully cozy and unexpected touch. Fill them with greenery for added dimension!
How :
- Use stockings made from a durable, weather-resistant fabric (like burlap or canvas).
- Fill them with faux greenery, pine cones, or shatterproof ornaments to give them shape.
- Hang them on decorative fence hooks or small nails.
15. Starry Night Fence
Twinkling stars bring celestial elegance to any holiday decoration. Use bright star decorations to give your fence a magical, cosmic Christmas ambiance.
How :
- Purchase several light-up star decorations (pre-wired or battery operated).
- Attach them sporadically to the top rail or string a star-shaped string light along the entire length.
- Space them unevenly for a more natural night sky look.
16. Evergreen Booties
Swags are like mini garlands, perfect for adding a touch of festive fullness between each post without overwhelming the entire fence. They look especially beautiful with a shiny bow.
How :
- Create or purchase small evergreen garlands (a bundle of greenery tied at the top).
- Use thick, brightly colored metallic ribbon to create a large bow.
- Wrap 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 your fence.
How :
- Buy or cut out wooden circles of different sizes (or use snowman silhouettes).
- Paint them white, add smokey eyes, a carrot nose and a wide smile.
- Screw or nail the completed snowman cutouts directly to the fence panels.
18. Icicle-shaped light fence
For a sparkling, shimmering, frosty appearance, string lights are ideal. They create a beautiful dynamic effect that catches light and adds movement to your screen.
How :
- Use outdoor string lights and secure the main wire along the top rail of the fence using light clips or zip ties.
- Make sure the “icicles” hang directly along the fence panels for the best shimmering effect.
19. Plaid Blankets
It’s a cozy, northern cabin look! Wrapping sections of your fence in a rich, festive plaid fabric adds unexpected warmth and a pop of color and pattern.
How :
- Buy cheap, weather-resistant plaid fabric or flannel outdoor blankets.
- Wrap a section of the fence (such as the middle of the panels or posts) and secure the fabric tightly to the back of the fence using a staple gun or heavy-duty tacks.
20. Holiday Message Boards
Let your fence speak! Adding simple wooden signs with short and sweet holiday messages allows you to personalize your display and greet neighbors with a little festive cheer.
How :
- Buy unfinished wood panel 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 a rustic rope or chain.
I hope these 20 ideas have given you incredible inspiration to make your fence the star of the neighborhood! Which one do you tackle first?
