The holiday season isn’t just about gifts and gingerbread cookies.
It’s also the one time of year when the office transforms from a sea of spreadsheets into a wonderland of festive cheer.
Decorating the workplace for Christmas can do wonders—it lifts spirits, boosts morale, and even makes Monday mornings feel a little less dreadful.
1. Classic Christmas Tree in the Lobby
Nothing screams Christmas louder than a big, bold Christmas tree. Placing one in the office lobby instantly sets the tone for everyone who walks in.
Choose a size that fits your space—too small, and it looks sad; too big, and you risk bumping into it while carrying coffee. According to the American Christmas Tree Association, 94 million U.S. households displayed a Christmas tree in 2023, and the trend is equally strong in offices.
Pro tip: Decorate with ornaments that match your company colors. This not only looks professional but also adds a sense of brand pride.
2. Desk-Sized Mini Trees
If you don’t have the space (or patience) for a giant tree, mini desk-sized Christmas trees are the way to go. They’re inexpensive, easy to set up, and instantly cheer up your workstation.
I once had a tiny tree on my desk, and let me tell you, even the Monday reports felt less daunting with those twinkling fairy lights shining back at me. Add a small ornament with your name to personalize it.
3. Hanging Ornaments from the Ceiling
Why stop at walls and desks? Use the ceiling as your canvas. Hanging ornaments, snowflakes, or even little bells from above gives the office a magical, floating effect.
Offices that adopt hanging decorations often notice higher employee engagement. A 2019 survey by Office Vibe revealed that decorated environments improve employee satisfaction by 23% during festive seasons.
4. Festive Wreaths on Doors
Wreaths are timeless, and they make even a plain office door look warm and inviting. Opt for classic green with red bows or go modern with metallic and glittery options.
In one office I worked at, we had a “wreath competition,” and each department created their own. The IT team used old cables and CDs. It was hilariously nerdy but incredibly creative.
5. String Lights Everywhere
Fairy lights are cheap, cheerful, and highly effective. Wrap them around cubicles, windows, or even the water cooler. Studies show that warm lighting can increase mood and reduce stress—so imagine what thousands of tiny glowing bulbs can do.
Just make sure to use LED lights, as they’re energy-efficient and safer in office settings.
6. Festive Window Stickers
Window decals of snowflakes, Santa, or reindeer instantly add cheer without cluttering your office. They’re easy to apply and remove, making them perfect for rented spaces.
If your office has large glass panels, this is one of the most budget-friendly ways to transform the environment.
7. Holiday-Themed Bulletin Boards
Turn your office bulletin board into a Christmas countdown zone. Post fun holiday quotes, pictures, or even a staff advent calendar.
In one of my offices, every employee brought a small treat for the calendar. On your day, you’d surprise the team with chocolates, candy canes, or even cheesy holiday jokes.
8. Stockings for Each Employee
Nothing feels more personal than seeing your name on a stocking. Hang them on cubicle walls or across the break room.
Pro tip: Fill them with small goodies like candy, stationery, or gift cards. A study by Gallup found that employees who feel appreciated are 31% more productive. Even a candy-filled stocking can make a difference.
9. Snow-Inspired White Décor
Not every Christmas decoration needs to be red and green. Try a snow-inspired white theme with artificial snow, white garlands, and snowflake cutouts.
This gives the office a classy, minimal, and wintery vibe without being overwhelming.
10. Christmas Garlands on Stair Rails and Desks
Garlands are versatile. Drape them along staircases, cubicle dividers, or office shelves. Add bows or baubles for extra flair.
According to interior design experts, adding greenery reduces stress and improves air quality perception. While fake garlands don’t clean the air, they still give off a soothing vibe.
11. Gingerbread House Contest
This doubles as decoration and team-building. Encourage employees to create gingerbread houses and display them around the office.
In one office, our gingerbread houses turned into a competitive sport—HR built a castle, Marketing built a skyscraper, and IT built something that looked suspiciously like a server rack.
12. Themed Cubicle Decorations
Encourage departments to decorate cubicles with their own themes. Finance might go with “Santa’s Workshop,” while Marketing could do “Winter Wonderland.”
It sparks creativity and gives employees ownership of the festive environment. Plus, it makes walking through the office a mini Christmas parade.
13. Christmas Photo Booth Corner
Set up a small corner with props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and fake snow. Employees can snap fun holiday pictures, which can also be shared on the company’s social media.
It’s not just fun—team bonding activities improve collaboration by 50%, according to Forbes.
14. Festive Table Centerpieces
If your office has a cafeteria or shared dining area, don’t leave the tables bare. Add simple Christmas centerpieces like candles, pinecones, or mini poinsettias.
This little touch makes lunch breaks feel special and festive.
15. Holiday Playlist with Decor
What’s decoration without sound? A Christmas playlist softly playing in the background adds atmosphere to your visual décor. Pair it with lights, and you’ve got an instant mood booster.
A 2021 study found that holiday music increases feelings of nostalgia and happiness in 73% of people surveyed. Just don’t overplay Mariah Carey—balance is key.
16. Candy Cane Jar Stations
Set up glass jars filled with candy canes around the office. They’re festive, tasty, and cheap. Employees (and clients) will love the little sugar rush.
In my old office, the candy jar mysteriously emptied faster on Fridays. No judgment—we all know deadlines pair best with peppermint.
17. Office Advent Calendar
Instead of individual calendars, create one giant office advent calendar. Behind each day, hide small gifts, vouchers, or holiday jokes.
This creates anticipation and daily excitement. It’s like giving your team 24 reasons to smile in December.
18. Inflatable Decorations
Large inflatables like Santa, snowmen, or reindeer can be placed in corners or lobbies. They’re whimsical and grab attention instantly.
Perfect for offices with open spaces where you want a big impact without spending hours on setup.
19. Christmas-Themed Office Supplies
Swap boring pens and sticky notes for holiday-themed ones. Think candy cane-striped pens, reindeer sticky notes, or snowflake paper clips.
It’s subtle but keeps the festive energy alive in even the smallest tasks.
20. Charity Donation Tree
Here’s a heartwarming idea: Instead of traditional ornaments, hang tags with donation ideas—like “$10 for a local shelter” or “Buy a toy for a child in need.” Employees can pick a tag and contribute.
Studies show that giving back increases happiness more than receiving. This transforms your office decorations into something meaningful.
Conclusion on 20 Office Christmas Decorations Ideas
Decorating your office for Christmas isn’t just about tinsel and lights—it’s about creating an environment that boosts morale, encourages teamwork, and spreads joy. From classic trees to charity donation ideas, every decoration adds a little sparkle to your workplace culture.
Think of it this way: the office is your workplace family’s living room during the holidays. By putting effort into thoughtful decorations, you’re not only brightening up the space—you’re giving your team the gift of shared joy, laughter, and maybe even a peppermint-fueled productivity boost.
So this year, don’t just stop at hanging a wreath. Turn your office into a Christmas wonderland and watch how the holiday spirit transforms the atmosphere. After all, happy employees aren’t just productive—they’re also the best gift an office could ever have.