I always think screened-in porches feel a bit forgotten at Christmas. You decorate the tree, hang the stockings, maybe do some outdoor lights, and the porch just sort of sits there in between. But it’s actually the easiest space to make feel festive with small touches. Half the work’s already done since it’s covered and protected! Below are 15 clever screen in porch Christmas decor ideas.
1 | String Lights Around the Frame
This is the quickest way to get instant Christmas vibes.
Just run a strand or two of white lights around the inside edge of the screens. It doesn’t need to be perfect – a few loose loops look relaxed and warm.
If you want to keep it subtle, fairy lights work too and they will make everything look softer at night.
2 | Pine Garland Along the Railing
You can use real pine or the fake stuff, honestly it doesn’t matter much.
Wind it along the porch railing or where the screens meet.
If you have a garland that’s looking flat, add some lights, little red bows or ribbon scraps and it comes back to life instantly.
3 | Cozy Throw Blankets on the Chairs
Even if it’s cold, the porch can still feel like a spot to sit for five minutes with coffee.
Throw a few blankets on the chairs – plaid ones look classic.
A friend used old throws she found at a thrift store, all slightly mismatched but charming together.
4 | Mini Tree in a Basket
If you have a small corner, set up a mini tree. Doesn’t have to be fancy, even a tabletop one works.
Put it in a woven basket or an old planter.
A small string of lights and a few ornaments is all it needs.
5 | Hanging Lanterns or Candle Jars Screen In Porch Christmas Decor
You can hang lanterns from the ceiling hooks or just line them on the steps.
The soft glow makes everything feel welcoming.
You can get battery candles if you don’t want to worry about open flames.
6 | Simple Wreath on the Door Screen In Porch Christmas Decor
A wreath always works, but it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Try one made of pinecones or dried oranges if you want something different.
My mom always makes one with cinnamon sticks tied in – it smells amazing every time you open the door.
You can hang it with ribbon instead of wire for a softer look.
7 | Red Bows on Every Corner
This sounds like too much but it actually works.
Tie small red bows on railings, the screen edges, even around porch lights.
It’s quick and costs almost nothing.
A neighbor did this last year and it made her whole porch pop, even from across the street.
Just make sure to use weatherproof ribbon or it’ll sag by week two.
8 | Holiday Doormat Layering
A fun trick is layering a small Christmas mat over a larger plain rug. It gives the entry area a bit of texture and color.
You can find these mats pretty cheap, or just use an old one that’s slightly faded.
9 | Hot Cocoa Station Screen In Porch Christmas Decor
If your porch has a little table, set up a makeshift cocoa bar.
A tray, a few mugs, a jar of cocoa powder – done.
You don’t even need running water; just keep it decorative.
10. String Light Ceiling Glow
Instead of cluttering the floor with big pieces, use the ceiling space.
Hang a few strands of warm white string lights in loose, uneven drapes across the top of your screened porch.
It gives that soft indoor glow while still feeling a bit magical from outside.
You can even weave in a few bits of faux greenery or ribbon for texture. When the rest of the yard is dark, your porch will feel like a cozy little lantern.
11 | Wrapped Presents Display Screen In Porch Christmas Decor
Wrap a few empty boxes with leftover paper and stack them near the door.
It’s simple and makes the space feel festive without effort.
My aunt used to spray hers with clear waterproof sealant so they’d survive the cold and damp that came with her screened porch.
12 | Basket of Pinecones
Fill a basket or metal bucket with pinecones.
You can leave them natural or spray them lightly with white paint for a frosted look.
They look great tossed in with a few cinnamon sticks and it will smell incredible for weeks.
13 | DIY Snowflakes on the Screens
If you want something playful, cut out paper snowflakes and tape them to the screens from inside.
It catches the light nicely and looks festive without being over the top.
You can replace paper with plastic versions if you get a lot of condensation on your porch and need something hardier.
14 | Fairy Lights in Jars
Grab a few empty jars or vases, stuff in battery fairy lights, and scatter them around. It looks like little pockets of warmth when you look out from the house at night. My mom did this because she didn’t want to deal with cords everywhere. It’s a five-minute job that makes a huge difference.
15 | Hanging Snow Spray Designs Screen In Porch Christmas Decor
This one’s fun if you’re into DIY.
Use faux snow spray to draw little stars, trees, or snowflakes on the outside of the screens. It wipes off easily later.
It’s not fancy, but from the street, it looks really cozy.
