17 Lantern Decor Ideas for a Magical Christmas Glow
These versatile Christmas lantern decorations cast magical light patterns that instantly create cozy, festive atmospheres in any space.
From rustic metal designs to delicate glass creations, lanterns offer endless decorating possibilities. They welcome guests at your entryway, bring charm to mantels, or create stunning centerpieces.
Best of all, lanterns work beautifully with your existing holiday decor. Ready to add some sparkle?
Here are 21 inspired lantern decorating ideas that will fill your home with that special Christmas magic everyone remembers.
1. Hanging Mason Jar Lanterns
Rustic mason jars make for enchanting DIY lanterns, especially when hung from sturdy twine at different heights, you’ll get that whimsical, layered look. Start by filling each jar with a handful of battery-powered fairy lights-go for warm white tones to cast that soft, inviting glow.
Loop metal wire around the jar’s neck to form a secure handle, then tie the twine to the wire and suspend the jars from wooden beams, porch rafters, or even sturdy tree branches outside. Slip in some fresh evergreen sprigs and a few bright red berries, tucking them gently between the jar and wire for a festive touch.
Against a dark night backdrop, these glowing jars look like floating stars, adding instant Christmas magic to any space. Just make sure the jars are spaced unevenly, it keeps the whole setup looking relaxed and charming.
2. LED Tea Light Lanterns
Delicate glass lanterns with those intricate metal frames look extra enchanting against a snowy backdrop, their soft LED tea lights casting a gentle amber illumination that instantly feels warm and inviting. To get this look, pick lanterns with frosted or clear glass and detailed metalwork-antique gold, matte black, or brushed silver all work beautifully.
Place LED tea lights inside (go for a flickering style for extra coziness), then arrange the lanterns along your snowy pathway, spacing them a few feet apart so their warm glow overlaps just enough. As the light bounces off the frost-kissed snow edges, you’ll see tiny crystals sparkling, making the whole entrance shimmer.
This setup isn’t just pretty; it’s practical-guiding guests safely while setting a fairytale mood. No need to worry about wind or waxy messes, either, LED’s are hassle-free and last all night.
3. Snowflake Cutout Lanterns
Picture clusters of white paper lanterns floating at different heights, each one covered in detailed snowflake cutouts. When you pop in cool blue-white LED lights, the lanterns glow softly-and the cutouts project crisp, lacy snowflake shadows across your walls and ceiling.
It’s a simple way to turn any space into a winter wonderland, no matter your actual weather. To get the look, buy pre-made snowflake lanterns or DIY your own: just grab plain white lanterns, use a craft knife to cut out geometric snowflake patterns, and pop LED lights inside (no candles, please).
Hang them in groups from the ceiling, mixing up the heights for a dreamy, layered effect; your living room or entryway will feel instantly more magical. The best part-when the lights are dimmed, the shadow play makes every night feel like a silent snowfall.
4. Pinecone Lanterns with Fairy Lights
To make this woodland lantern, start by collecting pinecones of similar size, arrange them on a sturdy wood slice or tray, and position your vase right in the center.
Wind a strand of tiny, warm white fairy lights in and out of the pinecones, letting some lights peek through and others nestle deep inside, you’ll get a magical, dappled glow. For extra Christmas charm, tuck a few cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices between the cones-these not only look festive, but they add a subtle, cozy scent.
Finish by tying rustic twine around the whole arrangement, binding everything together. When you light it up, the lantern radiates a soft woodland glow, perfect for a fireside table or entryway.
5. Frosted Glass Lanterns
Imagine a row of frosted glass lanterns with a mercury glass finish, each one catching and softening the light into a dreamy, misty glow-these lanterns look stunning on any mantelpiece. To create this at home, place your lanterns in clusters or line them up for a more formal look.
Tuck a few battery-operated LED candles inside, they cast a soft, flickering light that’s both safe and magical. Add silver ribbon bows and tiny silver ornaments to the lantern handles or bases, the metallic accents will catch the light and add a touch of holiday sparkle.
Nestle the lanterns among a lush evergreen garland, winding the greenery between each lantern for a cohesive, sophisticated winter scene. The result?
An inviting, ethereal illumination that makes your living room feel like a festive, enchanted hideaway.
6. Candy Cane Lanterns
Think of a red and white striped lantern that will remind you of a classic candy cane-festive, playful, and pure holiday spirit. To recreate this at home, paint vertical stripes onto a plain lantern using glossy red and white acrylic paint or stick on wide ribbons for a quick fix.
Inside, place twisted peppermint candles (they’re easy to find at craft stores), and as they burn, they’ll release a soft vanilla-mint scent that lingers, making your space feel warm and inviting. For an extra touch, hang tiny candy canes from the lantern’s top rim-just thread a bit of baker’s twine through each cane and loop them on.
Arrange the lantern on an emerald green table runner, scatter peppermint candies around its base, and you’ve got a cheerful, eye-catching centerpiece; it’s almost too sweet to just look at!
7. Rustic Wood Lanterns
Rustic wood lanterns set a cozy, farmhouse Christmas mood-they look amazing with their weathered finish, especially when you add little touches like pine sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and a wrap of rough twine. Tuck a candle inside each one, letting the warm light spill through the slats and cast honeyed patterns on your walls, it’s pure magic.
For the perfect setup, arrange several lanterns in a cluster on a reclaimed wood mantel, mixing in pinecones and dried orange slices for that extra pop of natural color and seasonal fragrance. Don’t worry if the lanterns don’t match; a little variety just adds to the vintage charm.
This look works best if you let some elements be a bit imperfect-think slightly uneven twine or lanterns with a nick or two. It’s an easy way to bring nostalgic, handmade warmth to any room.
8. Glittered Lanterns
Silver and gold glittered lanterns, sparkling under soft lighting-these are instant showstoppers for your holiday display. Start with classic glass lanterns, coat their frames with a fine layer of craft glue, and roll them in silver or gold glitter (or both, for extra drama).
When dry, the lanterns’ surfaces will catch every glimmer of light, bouncing reflections across the room, it’s almost mesmerizing. For the glass panels, use a frosted spray and dust on a bit of iridescent shimmer before it sets.
Top each lantern with elegant crystal drops, letting them dangle so they catch the light with every movement. Arrange these lanterns on a mirrored tray, surround them with mercury glass ornaments and drape pearl garlands around the base.
The result: a glamorous, luxe holiday centerpiece that glows from every angle, you won’t want to take it down after Christmas.
9. Colored Glass Lanterns
Bring a rich, bohemian vibe to your Christmas with jewel-toned glass lanterns-think ruby red, emerald green, and sapphire blue. Pick lanterns with Moroccan-inspired cutout patterns; when you light a candle inside, they cast stunning colored shadows that dance across the walls, instantly making the room feel magical.
Opt for pieces with brass detailing and ornate filigree work, they add a touch of old-world charm and luxury. For a festive twist, arrange your lanterns among velvet ribbons and a mix of exotic ornaments, the whole setup looks lush and inviting.
Place them on a mantel, coffee table, or even hang a few in a cluster for a kaleidoscope effect that’s impossible to ignore. The colored glass creates a stained-glass glow, transforming your space into a cozy, enchanted retreat for the holidays.
10. Mini Christmas Tree Lanterns
Turn any corner into a magical scene with miniature Christmas tree displays inside glass lanterns. Start by picking a lantern with clear panels-antique brass or matte black looks especially cozy.
Layer a snowy base using artificial snow or fluffy cotton, spreading it evenly to create that winter wonderland vibe. Next, nestle in tiny bottle brush trees or miniature evergreens, dotting them with microscopic ornaments and winding fairy lights around each for a gentle, twinkling glow.
Top each tree with a delicate silver star, these almost brush the roof of the lantern, adding a dreamy touch. For extra whimsy, tuck in a few ceramic figurines-think deer, foxes, or tiny houses-to build an enchanted forest scene.
Display the lanterns on mantels, side tables, or window sills for a festive focal point, don’t be surprised if guests want to peek inside.
11. Lanterns with Holly and Berries
Classic black metal lanterns set a cozy, nostalgic mood, especially when you dress them up with little touches of fresh holly, sprigs of eucalyptus, and bright red berries. Tuck the greenery around the lantern’s handle or weave it through the top, letting some leaves and berries cascade for a wild, lush effect-don’t be afraid to let it look a little unkempt, it adds charm.
Inside, pop in a chunky white pillar candle, and for extra magic, surround the base with cranberries floating in a bit of water; the candlelight will dance off the ruby-red berries and catch everyone’s eye. Finish it off with a velvet ribbon tied in a loose bow, maybe even add a gold-dipped leaf or two for some subtle shine.
Group a few lantern’s together for a bigger centerpiece, or line them along your porch for instant Christmas curb appeal.
12. Star-Shaped Lanterns
Star-shaped lanterns will bring a magical, celestial vibe to your Christmas decor, especially when you opt for versions with intricate geometric cutout patterns. Look for lanterns finished in metallic gold and silver-the reflective surfaces bounce the light beautifully, while the cutouts let starlight patterns dance across your walls and ceiling.
For the best effect, hang star lanterns in clusters and at different heights, mixing sizes to mimic a constellation overhead; don’t be afraid to go big with one or two statement pieces. Adding twinkling fairy lights inside or around the lanterns makes them glow even more, and if you tuck in a few crystal accents or nestle in some delicate angel figurines, the whole display feels ethereal.
Whether grouped in a corner, above a table, or along a hallway, these lantern’s transform your space into a wintery, dreamlike sanctuary.
13. Vintage Metal Lanterns
A vintage brass lantern with a weathered patina adds old-world charm to your Christmas setup, especially when it’s glowing with warm golden light. Place it on a rustic wooden mantel-let the frosted glass panels diffuse the light for a gentle, cozy effect.
Surround the lantern with a pine garland, a scattering of red berries, and a few small pinecones for a natural, woodland touch. If you can, dust the top with a pinch of artificial snow; this trick really enhances that snowy, storybook vibe.
In a dimly lit room, the lantern’s soft glow bounces off the worn wood and greenery, making the whole space feel inviting and nostalgic. It’s easy to pull off: just grab a vintage lantern (flea markets or thrift stores are goldmines), add a battery candle, and layer natural accents around it-your living room’s ambiance will be transformed.
14. Lanterns with Ribbon Bows
A white iron lantern dressed up with a plush, deep crimson velvet bow looks straight out of a storybook, especially with emerald green and gold ribbons trailing down its sides. To get this look, tie a rich velvet ribbon in a generous bow right at the lantern’s crown, then layer on accent ribbons in green and gold, letting them cascade down for that luxe, layered effect.
Pop a real or flameless candle inside-the flickering light will make the lantern’s shadows dance across the walls, instantly cozying up the space. Nestle your lantern among fresh or faux evergreen boughs right on the staircase, tuck in a few holly berries for color, and you’ll have a display that’s classic, elegant, and just a bit dramatic.
It’s a simple project, but the result’s pure Christmas magic-guests will notice the glow before they even spot the details.
15. Lanterns Filled with Ornaments
Take a big, crystal clear lantern and stuff it with vintage glass ornaments-think shiny silvers, glowing golds, and deep ruby reds. As you layer in the baubles, weave a string of tiny fairy lights through everything; the light bounces off the mercury glass spheres, making the whole lantern glitter like a snow globe come to life.
Set the lantern right on top of a plush white faux fur table runner, then sprinkle a handful of silver snowflakes all around for that extra wintery vibe. The look is classic but magical, it feels like a treasure chest lit from within.
To pull this off, just gather ornaments in different sizes and metallic finishes, coil the fairy lights loosely so they wind between the decorations, and let the lantern steal the show on your holiday table or mantel-no fancy tools or crafting skills needed.
16. Lanterns with LED Snowmen
How about a glass lantern, sparkling clean and edged with delicate silver snowflakes, sitting on your mantel or lighting up your entryway? Inside, a trio of adorable LED snowmen-each with a different colored scarf and hat-stand cheerfully among miniature pine trees, their faces glowing from the battery-powered warm white lights hidden beneath them.
The base is filled with fluffy artificial snow, making the whole scene look like a tiny winter wonderland. Setting this up is a breeze: just pop in your batteries, arrange the snowmen and trees to your liking, then close the lantern and flip the switch.
The soft light bounces off the glass and silver accents, giving your room a magical, welcoming vibe. These lantern’s are perfect if you want festive decor that’s playful but still looks classy, try mixing a few sizes for even more charm.
17. Lanterns with Snow Spray
Turn any matte black lantern into a cozy winter showpiece with a can of snow spray and a little creativity. Start by cleaning the lantern’s glass panels, then use stencils (or freehand, if you’re feeling artsy) to create intricate snowflake patterns-spray the artificial snow in gentle bursts, layering for a textured, frosty look.
Once it dries, the windows will look beautifully iced over, letting a warm amber light shine through and cast magical shadows. Place the lantern on your windowsill, surround it with bottle brush trees and a few ceramic deer figurines for extra charm.
The matte black frame gives everything a modern edge, and the glowing light instantly cozies up the space. This setup totally nails the magical, storybook Christmas vibe, it’s a simple project with a huge payoff-just don’t forget to crack a window so you don’t get too much snow spray in the air!
18. Lanterns with Mini Wreaths
Picture a vintage metal lantern sitting on a side table or windowsill, the kind that looks like it’s seen a few winters. Around its middle, there’s a miniature wreath-handcrafted, with lush evergreen sprigs, and tiny red and gold baubles peeking out from the foliage.
Weave in some twinkling fairy lights; the wires will disappear into the greenery, letting the lights sparkle like little fireflies. Tie it all up with a rustic twine bow for that extra homespun touch.
When you switch on the lantern, a soft golden glow spills out, making the whole arrangement look warm, festive, and just a bit magical. This can be done with any old lantern you have, just grab a pre-made mini wreath (or make one with faux greens and craft supplies), add baubles, then wrap in battery-operated fairy lights-super easy, super charming.