Looking for christmas lantern decor with a little something extra? Think big red bows, tiny snowy houses and ornaments tucked behind clear panels.
These pictures include decorated lanterns plus a few table, mantel and staircase displays that step beyond the lantern theme.
You can keep things simple or go all out with a miniature Christmas scene. I especially love the little trees inside the lanterns.
There are some pretty ribbon combinations here too!
Christmas lanterns and holiday displays worth saving
black lanterns and red bows
We’re starting off strong with these pretty black lanterns and oversized red bows. I love the long ribbon tails hanging over the fronts.
The greenery gives each lantern a little extra decoration without hiding its shape.
Group different heights together like this if you want to try the same arrangement.
gold leaves and red berries
How pretty is this Christmas table? A white pillar candle sits in a wide circle of greenery, with dark red berries and gold-colored leaves tucked between the branches.
Read also: 30+ Stunning Christmas Table Centerpieces That Steal the Show
This is a candle centerpiece rather than a lantern display. Save the red and gold pairing if you want a matching table idea.
orange slices and burgundy bows
I am obsessed with this garland. The orange slices and little burgundy bows look so pretty beneath the large mirror.
That tall nutcracker beside the fireplace is hard to miss!
Read also: 20 Thanksgiving Kitchen Decor Ideas With Pumpkins, Leaves and Little Turkeys
There isn’t a lantern in this mantel arrangement, but there’s plenty of ribbon inspiration. Try a narrow burgundy bow on your own lantern for a similar touch.
hanging bells on the banister
Don’t want to cover your staircase in ornaments? This greenery and bell combination keeps things simple.
The large gold-colored bells hang below a red bow with long trailing ends.
This picture shows a decorated banister, not a lantern. I’d keep it as a companion idea for an entryway display.
a glowing window star
If you’re looking for something different from a standing lantern, this hanging star is so pretty. Little dots of light cover its long points, with the whole shape reflected in the dark window.
Keep your windowsill decorations low if you want the star to be the main attraction.
ornaments and polka-dot bows
The black-and-white bows are so cute in this doorway display. Red, gold and silver-colored ornaments fill the lower parts of the tall gray lanterns, while greenery spills down from the tops.
Try a dotted ribbon instead of plain red if you want your lanterns to look a little different.
sparkling ornament-filled lanterns
I am obsessed with these glowing lanterns. The red and silver-colored ornaments look gorgeous with little lights running between them.
Pinecones and red berries decorate the tops.
For your own version, choose battery-powered lights suitable for decorative displays rather than adding a candle among the ornaments.
a tiny snowy village
How adorable are these little white houses? The tall green tree behind them and smaller gold-colored trees make this feel like a whole village tucked inside one lantern.
Read also: 30+ Gingerbread Christmas Decor Ideas That Melt Hearts
Arrange taller pieces toward the back if you’re putting together a similar scene. Don’t forget a little snowy-looking base.
a lantern nativity scene
This is such a lovely way to display a Nativity scene. Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus sit on a raised level, with more figures below and an angel above.
I especially love the hanging star. The tiny lights running around the scene make that tall lantern feel full from top to bottom.
a little cottage and trees
This miniature cottage may just be one of my favorites here. The green trees rise behind its snowy-looking roof, with a tiny snowman standing out front.
Keep the outside of your lantern plain if you want to follow this look. There’s already so much to enjoy inside.
a bright bow and pinecones
If you are looking for a classic red-and-green idea, this one is for you. A big red bow sits above the black lantern, with pinecones, berries and greenery hanging down one side.
The pale pillar candles look lovely behind the crossed frame. I’d choose flameless candles for a version with decorative greenery inside.
plaid ribbon and a cardinal
How cute is that little red cardinal? It sits right among the loops of the plaid bow, above shiny gold-colored ornaments and pinecones.
This lantern keeps the decoration mostly at the top. Let a few longer branches trail down one side if you want that same uneven arrangement.
a red ornament wall swag
Go all out with red around your wall lantern. This display has big bows, glossy baubles and greenery stretching above and below the light.
I love the smaller red ornaments near the bottom. If you decorate around an existing fixture, keep its light source and vents clear and follow its clearance instructions.
an ivory bow beneath the light
Don’t want to add bright red to your doorway? No problem!
This wall light has a pale bow beneath it, with a long greenery swag reaching down the wall.
The wide ribbon tails are my favorite part. They’re a pretty choice if you prefer a quieter color combination.
a tiny tree and presents
I am obsessed with this little Christmas tree inside the white lantern. It’s so cute, plus those tiny red checked presents make the scene even sweeter.
The star-shaped openings around the top are worth a closer look too. I’d leave this lantern without an extra bow.
snowy jars with little bows
These white textured jars are a pretty change from the larger displays. Each has a small bow around the neck, with greenery and a few little decorations hanging down the front.
No lights are visible here. To turn a similar pair into jar lanterns, you could use battery-operated tea lights inside.
red-and-white hanging decorations
Who says you have to stick to black lanterns and greenery? These round red-and-white hanging decorations look so fun beside the Christmas tree.
The matching folded fan is adorable too.
Try the same red-and-white colors for your gift wrap if you want to carry the look beneath the tree.
a silver-colored star light
If you are looking for a true eye-catcher, then this one is for you. There are so many pointed tips and little cutout patterns to look at.
I love the shapes of light scattered across the tabletop. Give a star like this a clear spot so those patterns can show.
a frosty outdoor glow
This is such a beautiful winter scene. A glowing candle sits inside a frosty-looking cylindrical lantern, raised above the snow on branches.
The golden light against all that blue is my favorite part. For your own outdoor display, choose a stable lantern and a light rated for the conditions.
navy plaid and a lantern wreath
Last but definitely not least, we have this gorgeous lantern wreath. I am in love with the navy-and-white plaid bows!
The patterned navy ribbon looks so pretty mixed in with them.
Pinecones, white berry decorations and little lights fill out the greenery around the open lantern frame. Choose flameless pillars if you want to recreate the candle detail.
Read also: 20 Cupcake Decorating Ideas With Flowers, Sprinkles and Cute Toppers
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