20 Office Christmas Decorations Ideas
The holiday season has a magical way of turning even the dullest spaces into warm, cheerful havens.
And when it comes to the office, the right decorations can shift the atmosphere from strictly business to joyful collaboration.
Decorating your workspace for Christmas isn’t just about making things pretty—it’s about building morale, sparking creativity, and reminding everyone that work can be fun, too.
1. Classic Christmas Tree in the Lobby
Every great Christmas decoration plan starts with the tree. Place it in a central area like the lobby or reception where everyone—employees and visitors alike—can see it.
Opt for a medium-sized artificial tree if space is limited, or go bold with a floor-to-ceiling version if your office has high ceilings.
Encourage coworkers to bring in one ornament each. This makes the tree personal and represents the entire team. Studies show that shared activities like this boost employee engagement by up to 25% (Gallup).
2. Desk-Sized Mini Trees
Not every tree has to be grand. Mini Christmas trees on desks are a fantastic way to let individuals showcase their style. Some may prefer glitter and tinsel, while others might lean toward minimalist designs.
Provide a small budget for each employee to decorate their mini tree. It adds personalization and creates a conversation starter among colleagues. Think of it like everyone planting a little seed of joy at their own workstation.
3. Twinkling Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are the unsung heroes of Christmas décor. They’re inexpensive, versatile, and instantly transform the mood of a space. Wrap them around pillars, drape them along windows, or run them across cubicle partitions.
The soft glow reduces the sterile feel of office lighting, creating a cozier atmosphere. Bonus tip: use warm white lights to avoid making the office feel like a disco.
4. Door Decorating Contest
Turn the bland office doors into holiday masterpieces. Organize a door decorating contest where teams can unleash their creativity. Themes could include “Santa’s Workshop,” “Winter Wonderland,” or even a cheeky “Grinch” design.
Friendly competitions like this have been shown to boost workplace camaraderie by 34% (Harvard Business Review). Plus, it gives employees a fun outlet during stressful end-of-year deadlines.
5. Festive Wreaths
A Christmas wreath hanging on the main entrance sets the tone right away. Inside the office, smaller wreaths can be hung on doors or even walls.
You can buy them pre-made or encourage a DIY session where teams build their own from natural greenery, ribbons, and ornaments. The act of making decorations together often feels like stepping into a holiday workshop.
6. Garland Along Staircases and Railings
If your office has staircases, don’t let them sit undecorated. Wrap garland with red bows or lights along the railings. It adds dimension to spaces that otherwise feel utilitarian.
Even simple faux pine garlands can be dressed up with ornaments, giving the stairways a storybook vibe. Think of it like leading your coworkers through a magical forest on the way to their desks.
7. Holiday Window Decals
Windows are prime real estate for Christmas creativity. Use removable decals of snowflakes, reindeer, and Santa sleighs. They’re mess-free, easy to apply, and remove without hassle.
If you want to take it up a notch, organize a “window-painting afternoon.” Washable glass paint pens allow coworkers to design their own snowy scenes. It’s playful, inexpensive, and brings a sense of nostalgia.
8. Themed Bulletin Boards
Most offices have bulletin boards that are normally reserved for announcements or memos. Why not turn them into holiday showcases?
Ideas:
- Pin up a giant advent calendar with a surprise note each day.
- Create a “gratitude board” where employees can write what they’re thankful for this year.
- Add a “Secret Santa reveal” board for a fun twist.
This simple swap turns a practical space into a heartwarming one.
9. Festive Table Centerpieces
If your office has a communal dining area or meeting rooms, add Christmas-themed centerpieces to tables. Think pinecones in glass jars, red-and-gold baubles in bowls, or mini poinsettias.
These don’t have to be expensive—many can be DIY projects with materials from craft stores. It’s like giving each table its own little holiday personality.
10. Holiday Scent Stations
Decorating isn’t only visual; scents matter too. Use discreet diffusers or potpourri bowls with cinnamon, pine, or vanilla scents. Walking into a meeting room that smells like gingerbread can instantly lift spirits.
Scents are proven to improve mood, with one study from Wheeling Jesuit University showing that peppermint aroma increases alertness by 30%—a handy perk during year-end crunch time.
11. Stockings for Every Employee
Hang personalized stockings with each employee’s name in the break room or along a hallway. You can fill them with small treats, notes, or company swag.
This creates a sense of belonging and makes everyone feel included, no matter their role. It’s like turning the office into a cozy Christmas morning scene.
12. Gingerbread House Display
Set up a communal table for a gingerbread house decorating contest. Provide basic kits and let teams go wild with their designs.
Display the finished creations in the lobby for everyone to admire. It’s equal parts art installation and holiday fun, and the edible factor always gets people talking.
13. Christmas Countdown Calendar
Nothing builds anticipation like a countdown. Place a large Christmas calendar in a common area. Each day could reveal a small surprise: a motivational quote, a trivia question, or even a treat hidden in a little pouch.
Countdowns tap into the childlike joy of waiting for Christmas and give employees something fun to look forward to daily.
14. Ugly Sweater Display
Even if your office doesn’t host an ugly sweater party, you can still celebrate the trend. Dedicate a wall or cubicle to showcase ugly holiday sweaters. Employees can bring in old ones to hang for laughs.
It doubles as decoration and icebreaker, adding a playful element to the workplace atmosphere.
15. Holiday Photo Booth
Create a small photo corner with props like Santa hats, elf ears, and festive backdrops. Employees can snap pictures during breaks or at office parties.
These photos often become cherished memories and add a human touch to corporate culture. Plus, you can share the fun on internal newsletters or team channels.
16. Ceiling Danglers
Look up—the ceiling is often ignored real estate. Hang snowflake cutouts, baubles, or paper lanterns from above. Lightweight materials work best so they don’t fall unexpectedly.
It’s an easy way to make the office feel immersive, like stepping inside a winter wonderland.
17. Candy Cane Lane
Transform one hallway into Candy Cane Lane by taping red-and-white stripes along the walls and setting up candy cane props. Add a bowl of real candy canes for employees to grab on the go.
This playful setup feels like stepping into a Christmas storybook—and gives a sugar boost when needed.
18. Holiday Playlist and Soundscapes
While not strictly a decoration, music is key to setting the tone. Curate a playlist of festive songs or calming winter soundscapes.
Play them softly in communal areas like the lounge or kitchen. The auditory backdrop enhances the overall holiday vibe and makes the decorations feel more alive.
19. Themed Meeting Rooms
Give each meeting room a different holiday theme. One could be the “Snowflake Suite,” another the “Santa’s Den,” and another the “North Pole.”
Decorate accordingly—snowflakes for one, red-and-green garlands for another. It adds variety and keeps things exciting, especially during long December meetings.
20. Charity Corner
End the list with a meaningful touch. Create a charity donation station decorated with festive flair—think wrapped boxes, ribbons, and cheerful signage.
Encourage employees to bring toys, food, or clothing for local charities. Not only does it look festive, but it also spreads the true spirit of Christmas: giving back.
Conclusion on 20 Office Christmas Decorations Ideas
Decorating the office for Christmas isn’t just about tinsel and lights—it’s about creating an environment where people feel connected, energized, and appreciated. From grand gestures like lobby trees and themed meeting rooms to small personal touches like desk-sized trees and stockings, each idea brings its own spark of joy.
The best part? You don’t need an extravagant budget. Simple decorations, infused with creativity and teamwork, can turn a gray office into a holiday wonderland that lifts morale and strengthens bonds.
So this year, pick a few of these ideas and let your office shine—not just with lights, but with laughter, collaboration, and holiday cheer.
