Easy DIY Christmas Garlands: Festive, Simple, and Budget Friendly Ideas

Looking for decorations that feel cozy, homemade, and full of Christmas charm? These easy DIY Christmas garlands are perfect for families, classrooms, and anyone who loves creating festive decor without complicated steps. I always THINK that I can do just about anything crafty, and then halfway through realize it’s way harder than I thought and that it’s not going to look like I pictured in my head. But not these! From kid approved crafts to farmhouse style favorites, these garlands are quick, budget friendly, and fun to make together. AND they turn out as good as you think they will, with minimal effort and frustration.

Below is a list of simple Christmas garland ideas—including our popular DIY Faux Popcorn Garland—that add warmth to mantels, trees, doorways, stair rails, and holiday photo backdrops. They’re all super cute, and they’re all super easy to make at home without spending a fortune. I love that most of ours are made together as a family as well – it’s an extra bit of sentimental tie to the season as we pull them out of the decoration box. Like the gingerbread man felt garland that my son made when he was 4, or the faux popcorn garland that my sisters and I got together and made one afternoon. And of course, you can’t forget the sentimental paper chain garland – a classic for the season!

1. DIY Faux Popcorn Garland (Spray Foam + Fishing Line)

A fake popcorn garland that uses spray insulation foam to create fluffy, realistic popcorn pieces that won’t crumble or attract critters. Once dry, simply thread them onto fishing line to make a long-lasting, reusable “popcorn” strand for your tree or mantel.

Great for: Farmhouse décor, rustic Christmas trees, long lasting reusable garlands
Add On Option: Mix in red wooden beads for a “cranberry + popcorn” look.

Check out the tutorial here!

2. Classic Kids’ Paper Chain Garland

Nothing says Christmas like a colorful paper chain. Kids can cut strips of construction paper, loop them into circles, and tape or glue them together. Choose traditional colors like red, green, gold, and white—or any theme you’d like! Don’t forget the classic “countdown chain” – make a chain of 25 at the beginning of the month and let kids take off one loop a day until it’s Christmas!

Great for: Classroom crafts, toddlers and preschoolers, kids’ bedroom, countdown chains

3. Christmas Ball Ornament Garland

Grab a pack of inexpensive shatterproof ornaments and string them along ribbon or fishing line. You can mix colors, sizes, and textures to create a modern or classic look. This garland instantly fills large spaces and makes a pretty backdrop for holiday gatherings. To make it even more affordable, grab ornaments in bulk at the end of the season – they’re often 75% or more off!

Great for: Mantels, large doorways, staircases, photo backdrops
Tip: Use all red or all gold for a bold, monochromatic statement.

4. Dried Orange Slice Garland

A cozy, nostalgic classic. Slice oranges, bake them low and slow until dried, then thread them onto twine. You can alternate with cinnamon sticks, wooden beads, or cinnamon cookie cutter ornaments for a Scandinavian inspired look.

Great for: Farmhouse holiday themes, minimalists, natural decor lovers
Bonus: Your house smells amazing while these bake.

5. Pom-Pom Garland

Make fluffy yarn pom-poms using a pom-pom maker (love this one!) or your fingers, then string them together. Use bright reds and greens, or keep it neutral with cream and taupe for a cozy farmhouse feel. This is a great year round garland for kids rooms – just use whatever colors you’d like!

Great for: Mantels, kids’ playrooms, window garlands

6. Salt Dough Ornament Garland

Kids can help make simple salt dough shapes—stars, hearts, gingerbread men—then paint or leave them natural before stringing them (or gluing them) onto twine. They’re sturdy, classic, and customizable. I love this garland from The Quick Journey and how it’s styled.

Great for: Keepsake crafts, toddler friendly art, classroom gifts

7. Felt Garland (Cut Shapes + Hot Glue)

Cut out felt trees, mittens, snowflakes, gingerbread men, or simple circles and glue or stitch them onto string. Felt is inexpensive, easy to work with, and perfect for both kids and adults. Craft stores often have cheap kits that make this craft budget friendly and quick (not to mention adorable!)

Great for: Matching decor themes (pastel Christmas, gingerbread houses, woodland, etc.), a fun family craft.

8. Cinnamon Cookie Cutter Ornament Garland

Similar to the Salt Dough Ornament Garland above, but instead of simple salt dough, this festive cinnamon dough provides a rich brown color and amazing aroma to the garland. I love mixing this one with the dried orange slice garland above for a festive farmhouse vibe that smells amazing!

Great for: Modern farmhouse styling, minimalist Christmas decor

9. Popcorn + Cranberry “Classic Look” Garland (Real Ingredients)

If you want the nostalgic real food version, pop plain popcorn and alternate threading cranberries and popcorn for a traditional garland. This is especially fun for kids and makes a beautiful nature-friendly decoration. Make it a family movie night and pop some extra popcorn for eating!

Great for: Natural decor, outdoor trees, simple family traditions

10. Ribbon Scrap Garland

Use leftover ribbon pieces or pieces of fabric—different colors, widths, and textures—and tie or glue them onto a long piece of twine. This creates a full, fluffy garland with almost no crafting tools required.

Great for: Quick last-minute decor, using up ribbon or fabric scraps, adding texture and color

DIY Christmas garlands are one of the easiest ways to bring warmth and personality into your home during the holiday season. They’re a simple afternoon craft with a big payoff – you’ll be able to admire them all season! Whether you’re crafting with your kids, decorating a classroom, or setting up a cozy farmhouse-style tree, these simple garland ideas make decorating fun, meaningful, and affordable. Happy Crafting and Happy Holidays!