The holidays have a magic all their own. Twinkling lights, nostalgic ornaments, the smell of evergreen—it all comes together to create a sense of warmth and joy that lingers long after the season ends. But one of the best parts of the holiday season, at least for me, is diving into Christmas home tours. They’re not just a peek into beautifully decorated spaces; they’re a treasure chest of ideas, color palettes, and cozy inspiration that can spark your own decorating creativity.
This year, Christmas home tours are bigger and more creative than ever. From classic red-and-green spaces to coastal-inspired blues, from plaid-filled dining rooms to nostalgic vintage collections, there’s no shortage of festive ways to dress up your home. Let’s take a stroll through the most inspiring spaces and gather ideas you can easily bring into your own home.
Living Room Inspiration
When it comes to Christmas home tours, the living room almost always takes center stage. It’s where families gather, where stockings hang, and where the Christmas tree glows brightest.
- Deck the Mantel
A well-styled mantel is the star of many tours. Think layered garlands draped with ornaments, shimmering ball picks, or fresh greenery tucked with ribbon. Stockings are often personalized or quilted, sometimes hung from a fireplace screen instead of the mantel itself. Add tall nutcracker figures or golden reindeer to flank the scene, and suddenly your fireplace feels like the heart of Christmas. - The Tree: Big and Bold
One recurring theme in many Christmas home tours is the use of ribbon. Wide satin bows cascade down branches, oversized ornaments fill gaps, and unexpected accents like faux poinsettias add pops of color. Whether you prefer a snow-dusted white tree with silver ornaments or a vibrant red-and-green traditional style, the key is to make it feel intentional and full. - Cozy Layers Everywhere
Plaid pillows, velvet throws, and fluffy rugs are an easy way to bring comfort into the living room. Many decorators add seasonal pillows embroidered with “Merry Christmas” or tuck holiday throws into baskets near the sofa for instant coziness.
Dining Room Magic
In the dining room, the mood shifts to gathering around the table. Christmas home tours often highlight how small details can make a huge impact.
- Tablescapes with Personality
Mini villages set atop cake stands, tiny bottle brush trees grouped in clusters, or gingerbread houses used as centerpieces—all are creative ways to transform the dining table. Add a runner in plaid or velvet, scatter a few ornaments, and you’ve created a tablescape that feels straight out of a holiday magazine. - The Power of Candlelight
Tour after tour highlights the glow of candles—real or faux—lining tables, mantels, or buffets. Candlesticks in gold or silver instantly elevate the setting, especially when paired with a garland or a collection of mini houses. - Classic Touches
From embroidered napkins to plaid wine bottle toppers, details matter. A festive napkin ring, for example, ties the whole table together without requiring a big investment.
Kitchen & Entryway Cheer
The kitchen may not be the first room you think of when decorating, but Christmas home tours prove it deserves just as much attention.
- Wreaths Everywhere
A wreath on the range hood, small ones hung from cabinet doors, or a larger one over the sink instantly sets the holiday tone. Adding velvet or plaid ribbon makes them feel intentional and tied to the rest of your home. - Seasonal Accents
Many homeowners keep counters uncluttered but add a few bowls of ornaments, a strand of fairy lights around a tray, or mugs displayed on open shelving. These little touches balance function with festivity. - The Entryway Welcome
The entry often showcases layered garlands on staircases, twinkling fairy lights, and large statement chandeliers dressed in ribbon. One standout idea from recent tours: mixing two types of garland—like cedar and pine—for a full, lush effect.
Bedroom & Loft Comfort
Bedrooms may not appear in every Christmas home tour, but when they do, the results are stunning.
- Plaid Christmas Bedding
There’s nothing more timeless than plaid bedding in shades of red, white, and green. Pair it with velvet accent pillows or a chunky knit blanket, and your room feels instantly seasonal. - Stockings in New Places
Who says stockings are only for the fireplace? Several tours show them hung on media cabinets, headboards, or even from doorknobs. It’s an unexpected way to sprinkle Christmas cheer throughout the home. - Wreaths and Swags
Simple wreaths with velvet bows hung above beds or mirrors make bedrooms feel festive without being overwhelming.
Creative Decorating Ideas
If there’s one thing Christmas home tours prove, it’s that creativity is endless when it comes to holiday décor. Here are some standout ideas that repeat across many homes:
- Fill Bowls with Ornaments
Don’t let extra ornaments hide in storage. Instead, place them in a large decorative bowl or sleigh for a quick pop of color. - Faux Poinsettias Done Right
Rather than relying on fragile real poinsettias, decorators are embracing high-quality faux stems. Tuck them under the tree, in vases, or even into garlands for bold contrast. - DIY Details
Homemade ornament wreaths, paper houses modeled after real homes, and felt trees all add personality. These crafts also make wonderful gifts or family traditions. - Vintage Finds
From 50-year-old Santas to antique nutcrackers, mixing vintage pieces with new décor adds history and charm.
Outdoor & Porch Décor
The holiday magic begins before anyone even steps inside. Christmas home tours show that porches and outdoor spaces can shine just as brightly.
- Greenery in Planters
Rosemary topiaries dressed with ribbons or oversized planters filled with cedar and pine bring life to entryways. - Simple but Striking Wreaths
Even a single wreath with a plaid bow on the door can create a festive welcome. Pair it with a patterned doormat for a polished look. - Twinkling Trees
Pre-lit birch trees or lanterns add a soft glow that looks magical at night.
Nostalgic & Sentimental Touches
What makes Christmas home tours so powerful is their ability to blend décor with meaning.
- Nativities
For many families, a nativity scene is the most meaningful holiday display. Some homeowners place them on mantels, others in offices or dining rooms. They anchor the season with tradition and faith. - Family Heirlooms
From Santa candles passed down for generations to dishware collected over decades, sentimental pieces weave history into modern décor. - Handmade Memories
Paper houses crafted to resemble childhood homes or DIY ornaments made with kids remind us that Christmas is about love, not just style.
Wrapping Up the Tour
And there you have it—a journey through the best Christmas home tours filled with ideas to inspire your holiday season. From bold mantels to nostalgic kitchens, from plaid-filled bedrooms to twinkling porches, these tours show that Christmas decorating isn’t about perfection. It’s about layering joy, history, and creativity into your home so that every corner sparkles with meaning.
So, grab some ribbon, dust off those ornaments, and start creating your own holiday wonderland. After all, your home deserves to shine just as brightly as the ones in these Christmas home tours.
Happy decorating—and Merry Christmas!
