14+ Creative Apartment Christmas Door Contest Ideas

Hey there! With the holidays around the corner, why not spread some cheer right from your apartment door? Whether you’re aiming for first place in a door decorating contest or just want to wow your neighbors, here are some fun and festive ideas to get you started.

Whimsical Winter Wonderland

Bring the magic of a winter wonderland to your doorstep.
Bring the magic of a winter wonderland to your doorstep.

Transform your door into a winter wonderland by draping it with faux snow, icicle lights, and a sprinkle of glitter. I tried this with a client, and the twinkle of the lights brought a magical touch that even had their neighbors stopping by just to take photos!

Consider these options:

  • Faux Snow Blanket: Create a snowy effect with ease, adding winter charm to your decorated door.
  • Icicle String Lights: Add a sparkling touch to your winter wonderland with twinkling icicle lights.
  • Hanging Snowflake Decorations: Enhance your door with elegant snowflake designs for a magical winter effect.

Enchanting Elf Village

Turn your door into a charming elf village this Christmas.
Turn your door into a charming elf village this Christmas.

Create an elf village by crafting tiny houses and trees from cardboard and placing them around your doorframe. One of my favorite projects involved adding little battery-operated lights in the ‘windows’ for a cozy evening glow.

A few helpful options:

  • Cardboard House Craft Kit: Create charming elf homes easily with pre-cut cardboard pieces. Perfect for festive decorations.
  • Battery-Operated String Lights: Add a cozy glow to your elf village with warm, battery-operated string lights around your door.
  • Artificial Mini Pine Trees: Decorate your elf village with adorable mini pine trees that stay green all season long.

Festive Tree Silhouette

A simple yet striking tree silhouette to bring holiday cheer.
A simple yet striking tree silhouette to bring holiday cheer.

Craft a Christmas tree silhouette using green paper or fabric, adorned with ornaments and a star on top. During an impromptu crafting session, I added a string of fairy lights for an inviting glow.

Some handy options:

  • Green Craft Paper Roll: Grab your green craft paper for creating stunning silhouettes on any festive surface, easily customizable.
  • Fairy String Lights: Illuminate your tree silhouette with warm fairy lights, giving your door a magical holiday glow.
  • Christmas Tree Ornaments Set: Add colorful ornaments to your paper tree for an eye-catching and festive decoration.

Holiday Character Cameo

Invite a holiday character to liven up your door decor.
Invite a holiday character to liven up your door decor.

Feature a beloved holiday character like a snowman or reindeer at the center of your door. When I did this with a reindeer theme, a red Rudolph nose (made from a shiny ornament) added a playful touch.

A few choices to try:

  • Decorative Christmas Reindeer Door Cover: Transform your door with a festive reindeer cover for an instant holiday charm!
  • Red Christmas Ornament for Rudolph Nose: Add a playful touch to your decor with a shiny ornament as Rudolph’s nose!
  • Light-Up Holiday Garland: Enhance your entrance with a light-up garland for a magical holiday glow.

Gift-Wrapped Door

Wrap up your door as the ultimate holiday present.
Wrap up your door as the ultimate holiday present.

Turn your door into a giant gift box with shiny wrapping paper and a big bow. It’s an easy project, and I recommend adding a gift tag with a welcoming message for an extra personal touch.

Products that could assist:

  • Shiny Wrapping Paper Roll: Give your door a festive makeover with high-quality, glossy wrapping paper. Elevate your decoration now!
  • Large Decorative Bow: Add a stunning focal point with a vibrant decorative bow. Make your door stand out!
  • Personalized Gift Tag: Enhance your gift-wrapped theme by adding a personal touch with a custom gift tag. Personalize it today!

Snowflake Spectacle

Let it snow with a door covered in delicate snowflakes.
Let it snow with a door covered in delicate snowflakes.

Adorn your door with a cascade of snowflakes made from paper, felt, or even wood. I once helped a neighbor create a snowflake curtain effect, which fluttered beautifully whenever the door was opened.

Possibly handy products:

  • Paper Snowflake Decorations: Create enchanting door decor with these intricately designed paper snowflakes for a magical look.
  • Felt Snowflake Garland: Enhance your Christmas charm. Easy-to-hang felt garlands perfect for holiday door decoration.
  • Wooden Snowflake Ornaments: Add rustic beauty with these wooden snowflakes, ideal for a festive yet elegant display.

Gingerbread House Delight

Create a sweet entrance with a gingerbread house theme.
Create a sweet entrance with a gingerbread house theme.

Make your door look like a gingerbread house, complete with candy cane stripes and gumdrop accents. This idea was a hit during a workshop I hosted, especially when we added a ‘roof’ made of brown craft paper.

A few things you might like:

  • Candy Cane Striped Wrapping Paper: Transform your door into a candy land with easy-to-apply candy cane striped wrapping paper.
  • Artificial Gumdrop Decorations: Add a sweet touch to your door with these colorful, reusable gumdrop decorations.
  • Brown Craft Paper Rolls: Create a gingerbread roof effect effortlessly with durable brown craft paper rolls.

Wreaths Galore

Triple the wreaths for triple the cheer.
Triple the wreaths for triple the cheer.

Why stop at one when you can have a trio of wreaths stacked vertically? I once designed a set with different themes—one with ornaments, one with greenery, and one with lights.

Try these:

  • Set of Christmas Ornaments Wreath: Enhance your holiday decor with colorful ornaments wreath, creating a festive and vibrant entrance.
  • Evergreen Base Wreath: Add natural charm with a lush greenery wreath, perfect for a warm, inviting seasonal look.
  • Battery-Operated Lighted Wreath: Brighten your door with a lighted wreath, offering a magical glow for your holiday welcome.

Rustic Charm with Pinecones

Bring rustic warmth with pinecone decorations.
Bring rustic warmth with pinecone decorations.

Bundle pinecones with ribbons for a natural and rustic look. For a client who loved earthy decor, we used cinnamon-scented pinecones, which made the whole hallway smell like Christmas.

You might like:

  • Cinnamon Scented Pinecones: Add a festive aroma to your decor with cinnamon-scented pinecones. Enhance your holiday ambiance!
  • Decorative Plaid Ribbons: Wrap your pinecones with plaid ribbons for a classic, rustic holiday touch. Elevate your decoration!
  • Door Pinecone Garland: Hang a pinecone garland on your door for a rustic charm. Welcome guests warmly!

Candy Cane Lane

Step into a candy cane wonderland.
Step into a candy cane wonderland.

Line your door with large, homemade candy canes for a sweet and festive vibe. We once added a peppermint swirl doormat to complete the look, and it was a big hit with guests.

These products might help:

  • Large Candy Cane Decorations: Enhance your festive decor with large candy cane decorations to create a cheerful holiday entrance.
  • Peppermint Swirl Doormat: Welcome guests with a peppermint swirl doormat, adding charm and warmth to your entryway.
  • Christmas Wreath with Red and Green Accents: Add a traditional touch to your door with a Christmas wreath featuring red and green accents.

Festive Monogram

Showcase your unique style with a monogram wreath.
Showcase your unique style with a monogram wreath.

Create a personalized monogram wreath with your family’s initials, decked out in holiday colors. A friend of mine added small LED lights around the letter, making it a standout piece.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Monogram Letter for Wreath: Personalize your wreath with a stylish monogram. Add elegance and charm to your door instantly.
  • LED String Lights: Illuminate your monogram wreath with warm LED lights. Create a cozy and festive ambiance today.
  • Artificial Pine Wreath: Design a beautiful holiday wreath with this lush artificial pine. Perfect for any seasonal decoration.

North Pole Post

Invite holiday magic with a North Pole mailbox.
Invite holiday magic with a North Pole mailbox.

Set up a North Pole mailbox by your door for collecting Christmas wishes. I once helped make one with a slot for letters and a little elf figurine guarding the mail.

Explore these options:

  • Christmas Mailbox Decoration: Transform your doorway with a festive mailbox perfect for collecting holiday wishes and letters.
  • Elf Figurine Decor: Add a whimsical touch with a cute elf figurine guarding your North Pole mailbox.
  • Holiday Wreath: Enhance your festive door display with a beautiful holiday wreath featuring seasonal colors.

Santa’s Workshop Entrance

Step into the magic of Santa's workshop.
Step into the magic of Santa’s workshop.

Make your door the entrance to Santa’s workshop, complete with toy tools and a ‘Santa’s Workshop’ sign. I added little elves’ feet peeking out from under the door, which gave it a playful twist.

Some ideas to consider:

  • Christmas String Lights: Illuminate your door and welcome guests with warm, festive string lights this holiday season.
  • Artificial Christmas Wreath: Add a traditional touch with a vibrant wreath to enhance your Santa’s workshop theme.
  • Elves’ Feet Door Decoration: Create a playful twist with peek-a-boo elves’ feet from beneath your door.

Holiday Photo Gallery

Share cherished memories with a holiday photo gallery.
Share cherished memories with a holiday photo gallery.

Display a gallery of family holiday photos on your door with decorative frames and festive embellishments. I once added a string of lights around the frames, making it a heartfelt and glowing tribute to family moments.

Check these products out:

  • Battery-operated String Lights: Brighten your holiday door display effortlessly with battery-operated string lights for a magical touch.
  • Decorative Photo Frames: Showcase your family moments in style with festive photo frames, perfect for holiday decorations.
  • Christmas-themed Door Decor: Enhance your entryway with Christmas-themed door decor, adding a festive charm instantly.
Text: Joyce Peterson