Holiday Decorating Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
It’s easy to feel stressed when thinking about decorating for Christmas, especially when kids are involved and your walls seem like a blank canvas. If left undecorated, even the coziest spaces can feel like they’re missing that whimsical Christmas magic children love. The good news? These kids' Christmas wall decoration ideas are fun, safe, and interactive, turning your walls into holiday focal points while creating lasting family memories.
(For seasonal inspiration beyond Christmas, see our fall bathroom wall decor ideas to keep your home fresh year-round.)
Get the kids involved early and make decorating part of the fun. These DIY crafts encourage creativity, teach simple crafting skills, and fill your home with decorations that mean something special because you made them together.
Instead of buying premade decor, give your kids a stack of white paper, safety scissors, and a sprinkle of imagination. Soon, they’ll be cutting delicate snowflakes, each one unique and full of personality. Tape them into a collage on the wall, overlapping sizes for a winter wonderland effect. As the light hits, the snowflake shadows create a cozy, storybook feel.
What I’ve Learned: Kids love seeing their work displayed front and center—it boosts their pride. Use fishing line or clear tape for a “floating” snowflake effect
Lay out colored construction paper, glitter glue, and yarn. Let kids cut out stars, trees, and candy canes, then string them together into a cheerful garland. Hang it across an empty wall or along a doorway—it instantly adds charm while showing off your kids’ handiwork. Pair it with our sentimental First Christmas Together ornaments for a mix of handmade and keepsake decor.
Dip little hands and feet into washable paint and stamp them on thick paper to create “reindeer antlers” or “mistletoe feet.” Frame the artwork or tape them in a heart-shaped gallery on the wall. These personal touches not only brighten the space but also become cherished memories you can pull out each holiday season.
Memory Maker Moment: Date each piece so you can look back at how small those hands and feet once were. Metallic gold or silver paint creates a “wow” factor without much effort.
(Love hands-on seasonal projects? Check out our fall kitchen wall decor ideas for even more DIY-friendly inspiration.)
Decorating doesn’t have to be static. Interactive elements give kids ownership and keep them engaged long after the tree is up. These options double as seasonal activities and playful decor.
Skip fragile glass ornaments and opt for a child-friendly felt tree mounted directly onto the wall. Give kids a basket of soft, velcro-backed ornaments they can move and rearrange. Every day becomes a decorating adventure, and you don’t have to worry about broken baubles. Enhance this area with heartfelt long-distance family ornaments to celebrate loved ones near and far.
Pro Tip: Use bright felt colors for a high-contrast, kid-friendly design. Keeping extra velcro ornaments handy avoids sibling squabbles!
Transform one wall into a giant Christmas countdown with envelopes, small boxes, or hanging fabric pockets. Each day reveals a treat, a small toy, or a festive challenge like “Sing Jingle Bells in your funniest voice.” It’s an engaging way to build excitement while decorating the wall with functional art.
Apply removable chalkboard wallpaper or paint to a section of the wall and hand your kids a box of chalk. Encourage them to draw snowmen, gift boxes, or even their own version of Santa’s sleigh. This evolving masterpiece gives kids ownership of the holiday space, and you’ll love watching their drawings change as Christmas Day gets closer.
Here’s What Worked: Giving kids holiday-themed chalk stencils made their designs look amazing with less effort. Wipe the board with a damp cloth for a “frosty” look between drawings.
(For more wall creativity year-round, see our fall living room wall decor ideas.)
When decorating for kids, safety and easy cleanup matter. These ideas keep your walls damage-free and stress levels low.
For a quick, fuss-free solution, use peel-and-stick decals featuring candy canes, stockings, or snowy scenes. Kids can even help position them without fear of sticky residue or wall damage. Layer them with a Memorial Tree wall piece to add sentimental value and celebrate cherished loved ones during the holidays.
Outline a Christmas tree, snowflake, or star using mini LED string lights. Command hooks keep everything secure and easy to remove after the season ends. The soft glow makes bedtime magical, giving kids the feeling they’re falling asleep in Santa’s workshop.
Here’s What I’ve Learned: Warm white lights give a cozy vibe, while multicolor sets make it playful for kids. Keep cords high and use battery-operated sets for toddler rooms.
Use magnetic boards to hold Christmas cutouts, notes to Santa, and family photos. Kids can rearrange elements daily, turning holiday decorating into an interactive game. It’s both playful and practical for displaying seasonal artwork.
Give each room a personality with a distinct holiday theme. These are perfect for kids who love imaginative play.
Transform a plain wall into a bustling “North Pole Workshop” scene with decals of elves, toys, and Santa himself. Add real mini shelves holding small wrapped boxes for a 3D touch. It’s imaginative play and festive decor all in one.
Kids love animals—so why not decorate with penguins in scarves, polar bears with Santa hats, and owls perched on glittery branches? This theme works beautifully with plush wall hangings or printed canvases. Complete the cozy vibe with our Christmas collection for ready-to-hang seasonal pieces.
What I Found: Kids adore animal themes—it feels magical and non-traditional. Reuse stuffed animals as part of the decor by attaching them to floating shelves.
Spell out your child’s name in large, festive letters accented with holly or snowflakes. Hang stockings beneath for a coordinated look. It gives them a sense of pride and ownership over their decorated space.
(For a seasonal transition after the holidays, see our fall wall decor guide for warm, year-round inspiration.)
You don’t need a big budget to make an impact. These ideas focus on creativity, resourcefulness, and a little holiday spirit.
You’ll be amazed at how many beautiful and festive designs are available online—for free! Look for downloadable Christmas-themed printables like:
“Merry & Bright,” “Joy to the World,” or “Let It Snow” hand-lettered quotes
Cute illustrated reindeer, snowmen, or Christmas trees
Minimalist Scandinavian-style art for a modern touch
Print them on thicker paper or cardstock for a more polished look, pop them into dollar-store or thrifted frames, and arrange them into a gallery wall. You can even mix and match frame sizes for a fun, eclectic style. It's quick, creative, and makes a big impact for little cost.
Bring new life to items you already have around the house, while teaching kids about reusing and sustainability.
Turn last year’s Christmas cards into a colorful collage or string them together to make a festive garland
Cut shapes from leftover wrapping paper and mount them in simple frames or on foam boards
Use bits and pieces like ribbon scraps, old bows, or gold-painted jar lids to make custom “ornaments” for a wall display
These projects are fun, hands-on, and perfect for family craft nights. Plus, they make your decorations truly one of a kind.
You don’t need to spend a lot to create a joyful space. A quick trip to the local dollar store can provide everything you need for a child-friendly holiday wall. Look for:
Mini garlands and wreaths
Felt cutouts of snowflakes, Santa, or reindeer
Battery-operated LED candles or fairy lights
Small wooden signs or chalkboard pieces to personalize
Use removable hooks or command strips to safely attach decorations to walls or doors. Encourage your kids to help pick the items and arrange their own little gallery—it’s budget-friendly, memory-making fun.
You don’t need to renovate your entire home to create a magical holiday experience for your kids. Start small—with one wall, one garland, or even a simple felt tree—and let their imagination take the lead. The joy truly comes from the process, not just the result. So pick one idea, have fun with it, and watch your space come to life.
Pin this guide for later or share it with another parent looking for creative (and budget-friendly) holiday fun.
Home and Living – Cozy accents to make every room feel like home this Christmas.
Wall Decor – Seasonal art, signs, and panels perfect for transforming your walls.
Ornaments – Personalized ornaments that capture the heart of your family celebrations.
Have questions or need help picking the perfect piece? We’re always happy to help! Call us at +1 (815) 576‑6618 or email sales@familywalldecor.com—we’d love to help you build a wall of wonder this season.