Tips to decorate your vacation rental for Christmas
July 2026
Christmas is coming. Have you got your holiday rental ready for the festive season yet? Decorations don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, yet they’re a great way of adding some Christmas cheer to your holiday rental. Follow these guidelines to ensure happy holidays.
What kind of Christmas decorations are right for your property?
The golden rule of Christmas decorations for a holiday home is that they should still fit your brand. You’ve worked hard to create a particular atmosphere in your holiday rental, and your Christmas decorations should fit that. If your property is all about tasteful, understated luxury, then a garish light-up Santa will simply look extremely out of place.
Think about how you advertise your holiday home and the kind of people in your target audience. How do you want them to feel when they rent your holiday apartment and walk through the front door for the first time? Your answer shouldn’t change at Christmas.
Here are some ideas that might help you choose the right decorations for your property:
Sophisticated, luxurious holiday rentals
Choose elegant Christmas decorations. It’s a good idea to opt for natural holiday icons, like snowflakes, trees and stars, instead of images of Santa, elves, Rudolph and snowmen.
Think of a simple, classy colour scheme. Bright red and green will probably not fit this kind of holiday rental, but silver or gold is a good starting point.
Rustic holiday rentals
If your property is all about natural charm, then that shouldn’t change at Christmas. DIY-type Christmas decorations work especially well for holiday home rentals, and you can find kits at Christmas markets in your area — or, if you’re feeling brave, look online for free patterns for crochet Christmas decorations and try stitching stockings.
Focus on wood and other natural materials rather than plastic for a warm, welcoming environment.
Family-friendly holiday rentals
Want families with kids to rent your house for the holidays? Then, go nuts! This is your chance to make a fun, colourful Christmas scene. Santa and his elves, snowmen, and Rudolph should all feature prominently in your Christmas decor.
Remember, kids love the magic of Christmas, and your holiday rental should reflect this.
Must-have Christmas decorations for the house
You don’t need to spend a fortune on your Christmas decorations. Here are the most important pieces to consider:
- A wreath for the front door. Wreaths are always classy and elegant and will help set the right festive tone.
- A Christma tree. This can be very small, with just a few decorations, so it doesn’t overwhelm your living room. Plastic trees are easier to take care of, while natural trees will appeal to eco-conscious guests.
- Fairy lights. These go a long way to creating a festive mood. Choose a couple of strings of lights, either plain for adult guests or multicoloured for kids.
- A festive centrepiece on the table. Have a look at your local craft markets and choose one that fits your style.
You may also want to consider baubles, table runners, blankets, cushions, window decorations and other ornaments, but with the four above, you’ll have the basics of a very festive Christmas for the guests who rent your holiday home.
Things to avoid when looking for Christmas decorations in 2024
There are so many beautiful Christmas decorations out there, but it’s still easy to make a mistake when choosing yours. Here are some pitfalls to be aware of when you decorate your holiday home for Christmas:
Don’t go too religious
Avoid religious decorations depicting Mary, Jesus, and other biblical figures. Of course, Christmas is a Christian holiday, but today, it is celebrated by people of all faiths and cultures. Your holiday home should be welcoming to a diverse range of guests from a variety of backgrounds, and prominent religious images may put some people off.
Even Christian guests may be sensitive about religious decorations since different denominations of Christianity have their own beliefs. Given the potential for problems, it’s best to avoid these symbols altogether.
Don’t go over the top
When it comes to Christmas decorations, there’s a fine line between cheerful and tacky. Even if your own home is a temple to all things Christmas, it’s best to keep things a little more simple at your holiday rental. Your guests have certain expectations after viewing your property on a holiday rental portal. If they arrive and find a giant blow-up Santa waving to them from the roof, they may be shocked.
In particular, take care when placing outdoor Christmas decorations. These are often visible from windows, and flashing lights in the corner of a guest’s eye while they’re trying to relax and watch TV will drive them crazy.
Don’t be offensive
You have no idea what kind of guests are coming to your property over Christmas. Decorations that may seem cheeky and playful to you could be deeply offensive to your visitors, so always play it safe.
Be careful with candles
Candles —whether scented or unscented— can seem like a great way to set the mood at your holiday rental. However, remember that they pose a fire risk. Even a small candle can cause a catastrophe if it is knocked over near the curtains. Be particularly careful if guests have children or dogs.
As an alternative to scented candles, consider using a plug-in diffuser with a festive aroma. If you want the visual elements, like the flickering flame, try battery-operated candles instead. They’re still festive and fun, but they’re far safer.
Other ways to spread Christmas cheer at your holiday rental
Apart from decorations, there are a few great ways to set a festive mood in your rental:
- Use background music. Set up a playlist with popular Christmas hits and have it softly playing when guests check in. Just make sure they know how to turn it off, as some guests don’t appreciate Mariah Carey’s warbling.
- Add a pleasant scent. There are lots of Christmas-scented plug-ins available, which help create a cosy, festive atmosphere in your living room.
- Christmas food. Leave a plate of mince pies and Christmas crackers in the kitchen.
- Create a welcome basket of goodies. These could include festive treats and locally-made products. Chocolates, candy canes, a few festive cheeses and baked goods are all great choices.
- Set up a hot chocolate station. Set up jars of marshmallows in the kitchen and offer hot chocolate to get guests in the Christmas spirit.
With a little work, your holiday rental will soon be jolly, bright and ready. With these helpful Christman tips, you’ll be ready to welcome guests to enjoy this magical season in your holiday home.