Oh man, last year I walked into our office in early December and honestly, it felt… sad. Just plain beige walls, some sad little pine garland hanging crookedly, and maybe one string of lights that looked like it had seen better days. I remember thinking, “We need to fix this—Christmas office decor can’t be this depressing!” If you’ve ever felt the same way—like your workspace is missing that festive magic—you’re not alone. Trust me, a few simple touches can totally transform the mood, make everyone smile a little more, and yes, even make those long workdays feel a tiny bit brighter. In this article, I’m sharing Christmas office decor ideas that are easy, fun, and won’t break the bank. From DIY ornaments to clever desk decorations, we’ll cover everything you need to make your office feel warm, festive, and just a little more like the holidays should feel. So, ready to sprinkle some holiday cheer at work?
Christmas Office Decor Ideas
Christmas office décor can make your workplace feel cheerful and festive. It’s a fun way to boost team spirit and spread holiday joy at work.
Mini Christmas Trees
Honestly, I’ve found that mini Christmas trees are a game-changer for office spaces. They’re small enough to sit on a desk without taking over your whole workspace, but they still give that festive vibe. I usually pick a few different sizes and let each desk have its own little tree—it’s like everyone gets a tiny winter wonderland. Decorating them with teeny ornaments or little LED lights makes the office feel instantly cozier.
One year, I brought in a bunch of glittery mini trees, and people actually started competing over whose tree looked the best. It was hilarious and unexpectedly fun. I also like adding tiny name tags or funny office-themed ornaments—it makes the trees feel personal and not just decorative. In my opinion, mini trees are perfect if you want holiday cheer without turning the office into Santa’s workshop.
Festive Desk Garlands

I’ve always loved garlands on desks because they’re super flexible. Honestly, you can drape them along the edge of your desk, wrap them around your monitor, or even weave them through cubicle dividers. I usually pick ones with little pinecones, berries, or fairy lights for that extra sparkle. It’s a simple touch, but it totally changes the office mood.
One year, I made DIY garlands with colleagues during lunch breaks, and it became this mini bonding session. People were laughing, untangling lights, and sneaking little ornaments into each other’s garlands—it made decorating way more fun than I expected. In my experience, garlands are one of those things that feel personal and creative, and honestly, they’re perfect for small spaces that can’t fit huge decorations.
Twinkling String Lights
Twinkling string lights are my go-to for creating instant holiday vibes. I mean, nothing says festive like tiny, warm lights everywhere. I usually hang them along windows, cubicle walls, or even around the break room—it’s low effort but high impact. To be fair, I’ve had to deal with tangled messes more times than I care to admit, but it’s worth it for that cozy glow.
I once put a few string lights around my own desk, and honestly, it made me look forward to coming in every morning. Some coworkers even started bringing in extra lights to add to the office. In my opinion, string lights are like magic—they make even a plain office corner feel like Christmas without being over the top.
Holiday Wreaths
Holiday wreaths are classic, and honestly, I love them because they instantly say “it’s Christmas!” I usually hang them on doors, above desks, or even on walls. One year, I brought in a few small ones for each department, and it felt like walking through a mini holiday neighborhood. I’ve found that wreaths with ribbons, little bells, or pinecones give that extra festive punch.
I remember one morning, a coworker came in, saw the wreath on our break room door, and literally gasped—it was hilarious and heartwarming at the same time. In my opinion, wreaths are easy to do but make a big statement, and you don’t need a lot of them to transform a space. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite office decorations.
Snowflake Window Decals
I’ve got a soft spot for snowflake window decals. They’re simple, but in my opinion, they make the office feel whimsical without taking up any desk space. I usually mix big and small snowflakes for a layered effect, and they’re surprisingly easy to apply and remove—no sticky residue, thank goodness!
One year, I decorated all the windows in my office with snowflakes, and people kept stopping by just to look. Honestly, it felt like we’d turned the office into a little winter wonderland. I’ve also found that kids or pets visiting the office really notice them too, which is a nice bonus. They’re cheap, festive, and honestly, a little magical.
Candy Cane Accents
Candy canes are honestly one of my favorite small touches. I usually hang them on mini trees, attach them to garlands, or just leave them in a jar on desks for anyone to grab. I’ve found that they’re fun, colorful, and instantly recognizable as Christmas—plus, everyone loves sneaking a sweet treat now and then.
One year, we did a little candy cane scavenger hunt around the office, and honestly, it got everyone laughing and moving. I also like using candy canes as little pen holders or clipping them onto gifts. In my opinion, candy canes are one of those decorations that are festive and functional at the same time.
DIY Ornaments
DIY ornaments are my absolute favorite because they let everyone get creative. Honestly, I’ve made everything from glittery salt dough shapes to paper snowflakes with coworkers, and it’s always a blast. I usually provide supplies in the break room and let people make ornaments whenever they feel like it.
One year, someone made a tiny glitter laptop ornament, and I literally couldn’t stop laughing—it was so office-appropriate and funny. In my opinion, DIY ornaments bring personality and humor into the office holiday vibe. Honestly, seeing everyone’s creations hanging on a tree together makes the space feel uniquely ours.
Themed Christmas Tree
I’ve learned that themed Christmas trees are surprisingly fun. Honestly, it gives you a way to get creative and coordinate decorations without being random. One year, we did a “movie characters” theme, and another year, a “retro office” theme. People loved adding quirky ornaments that matched the theme, and it made the tree a conversation starter.
Honestly, I’ve found that choosing a theme makes decorating less chaotic and more fun. Even small themes, like all gold ornaments or tiny office supplies, make a difference. In my opinion, themed trees are perfect if you want to give your office a cohesive, Instagram-worthy look without trying too hard.
Holiday Mug Display
I love doing a holiday mug display—it’s functional and festive. Honestly, I usually set up a shelf or a desk corner and fill it with mismatched mugs, some with Christmas designs, some quirky ones. People love picking their favorite mug for coffee or tea, and it’s honestly a simple way to spread holiday cheer.
One year, someone brought in a mug shaped like a reindeer, and it literally became the office mascot for a week. I’ve found that arranging mugs by color, size, or theme adds extra charm. In my opinion, a holiday mug display is one of those low-effort, high-impact ideas that makes the office feel cozy and lived-in.
Cozy Break Room Setup
Honestly, I’ve found that turning the break room into a cozy Christmas spot is underrated. Think blankets over chairs, a few candles (safely placed!), and holiday-themed snacks. Even small touches, like red napkins or seasonal mugs, can make it feel special. One year, we added a little Christmas playlist, and honestly, it became the favorite spot to hang out between meetings.
I like to add comfy pillows and a mini tree if space allows—it makes lunch feel like a treat. In my opinion, the break room is where the holiday vibe really hits because everyone can enjoy it. Honestly, it doesn’t take much to make a plain break room feel warm and festive.
Seasonal Table Centerpieces
Seasonal table centerpieces are one of my favorite ways to bring Christmas into meeting rooms. Honestly, I’ve done everything from pinecone arrangements to tiny terrariums with fake snow. I usually keep them small so they don’t block anyone’s view during meetings, but still festive enough to notice.
One year, I made little jar snow globes as centerpieces, and honestly, everyone kept talking about them. I’ve found that mixing textures—like wood, glass, and greenery—adds a professional but festive touch. In my opinion, centerpieces are a subtle way to make any office space feel Christmas-ready without overdoing it.
Photo Wall Backdrop
Honestly, I’ve found a photo wall backdrop is a must-have if your office loves selfies. I usually create a simple backdrop with garlands, ornaments, or even wrapping paper. It’s hilarious and fun to see coworkers go all out with silly hats or props. One year, our photo wall had a Santa cutout, and people couldn’t resist taking photos every day.
I’ve found that even a small corner works. Honestly, it’s one of those decorations that brings everyone together and creates memories. In my opinion, a photo wall isn’t just decorative—it’s an experience. People still talk about our office holiday photo wall months later.
LED Fairy Lights
I swear by LED fairy lights—they’re like magic in a tiny wire. Honestly, I wrap them around desks, monitors, or even indoor plants. They’re safe, low-energy, and honestly, the warm glow makes the office feel like a Christmas movie set. One year, someone suggested a “fairy light tunnel” along the hallway, and honestly, it was a hit.
I’ve found that LED fairy lights are perfect for layering with garlands or wreaths. Honestly, they make even the most boring corners look festive. In my opinion, these lights are one of those tiny touches that create big holiday impact, especially when combined with other decorations.
Employee Wish Tree
I absolutely love the idea of an employee wish tree. Honestly, it’s more than just decor—it’s interactive. Everyone writes a little wish or fun goal for the year on a tag and hangs it on the tree. One year, someone wrote “more coffee breaks,” and honestly, it made everyone laugh but also brought us together.
I usually place it in a high-traffic area so people can see and add their wishes daily. Honestly, it’s heartwarming to read all the wishes and see the personality of your coworkers shine. In my opinion, a wish tree is one of the most personal and festive ideas you can do without spending a fortune.
Desk Stockings for Treats
Honestly, desk stockings are a fun little touch I’ve grown to love. I usually hang them on cubicles or chairs and fill them with candy, small treats, or tiny trinkets. One year, we added tiny joke notes in each stocking, and honestly, it made the office laugh so much every morning.
I’ve found that stocking decorations can reflect each person’s personality—some go glittery, some go quirky. Honestly, it’s a small thing that creates daily joy. In my opinion, desk stockings are perfect for spreading little bits of Christmas cheer in a personal way.
Tips for Safe and Inclusive Decorating
Decorating your office for Christmas should be fun, but it’s important to keep safety and inclusivity in mind. Here are some simple tips to make sure everyone enjoys the festive spirit safely:
-
Keep pathways clear: Avoid placing decorations where they might block hallways, doors, or fire exits.
-
Use safe materials: Choose non-flammable decorations and LED lights to reduce fire risks.
-
Be inclusive: Respect different beliefs and cultures by keeping décor neutral or offering a variety of holiday themes.
-
Consider allergies: Avoid strong scents or materials that may trigger allergies for coworkers.
-
Secure decorations properly: Ensure hanging items or heavy ornaments are fastened safely to prevent accidents.
FAQ
How can I decorate my office without spending too much?
Use DIY crafts, recycled materials, or simple items like string lights, paper snowflakes, and small ornaments to keep costs low.
What are some safe ways to decorate the office?
Keep pathways and fire exits clear, use non-flammable decorations, and opt for LED lights instead of traditional bulbs.
How can I make office decorations inclusive?
Respect different beliefs and cultures by using neutral décor, diverse holiday themes, and avoiding overly religious symbols.
Can we involve employees in decorating?
Yes! Organize a team decorating challenge, DIY craft station, or ornament exchange to encourage participation.

Hi, I’m Victoria, an art and craft teacher at Newark City Schools, where I have the joy of working with middle school students to help them explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents. I believe that art is a powerful way for students to express themselves, and I strive to make every lesson a fun, engaging, and inspiring experience.
I created this website to share the art and craft projects, techniques, and resources that I use in my classroom, hoping to inspire both educators and young artists alike. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ideas or a student eager to try something new, I’m excited to provide creative tools and projects that anyone can enjoy.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love experimenting with different art forms and learning new crafting techniques. My goal is to help others discover the joy of making things with their hands, and I hope my website serves as a space for everyone to explore their creative potential.