5 Contest-Winning Christmas Door Decorating Ideas That Will Stop Traffic

When it comes to Christmas door decorating contests, the competition is fierce. Whether you’re vying for the top prize in your neighborhood, office building, or school hallway, you need a door design that’s not just festive—it’s unforgettable. The key to winning? Choose a concept that’s visually striking, thoughtfully executed, and tells a story that resonates with judges and passersby alike.

This year, we’re sharing five show-stopping Christmas door decorating ideas that blend creativity, elegance, and that “wow factor” judges can’t ignore. Best of all, each design works beautifully both indoors and outdoors, making them perfect for homes, schools, and offices.

Winter Cardinals in Bare Branches: Nature’s Elegant Simplicity

The Concept: There’s something magical about spotting a bright red cardinal perched in winter branches. This design brings that natural wonder to your door with dozens of origami cardinals nestled in an artfully arranged tree of bare branches.

Why It’s Contest-Worthy: This design strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and impact. The stark contrast of vibrant red origami birds against natural brown branches and a white door creates a stunning visual that photographs beautifully—an important consideration for contest entries. The three-dimensional nature of the design creates depth and interest from every angle, while the handcrafted origami element shows the dedication and artistry that judges love to see.

How to Create It:

Materials Needed:

• 40-60 sheets of red origami paper (various shades from bright to deep red)
• 5-7 natural branches (birch, willow, or other decorative branches), 3-6 feet long
• Command hooks or over-the-door wreath hanger
• Floral wire or fishing line
• Hot glue gun
• Optional: small black beads for cardinal eyes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Branches: Clean and dry your branches. If using fresh branches, let them dry for 2-3 days. Spray with a clear sealant if desired for longevity.
2. Create Your Cardinals: Fold 40-60 origami cardinals using traditional origami bird patterns. Vary the sizes slightly by using 6″x6″ and 4″x4″ paper. YouTube has excellent tutorials for origami birds. Add tiny black bead eyes with hot glue for extra realism.
3. Arrange the Tree: Secure your branches to the door using an over-the-door hanger at the top and Command hooks strategically placed. Arrange branches to create a natural tree shape that’s fuller at the bottom and tapers toward the top. Cross some branches for visual interest.
4. Attach the Cardinals: Use fishing line or floral wire to attach cardinals to branches at various depths—some close to the door, some extending outward. Cluster some birds together while spacing others out to mimic natural roosting patterns.
5. Final Touches: Step back and assess. Fill any sparse areas with additional cardinals. Make sure the arrangement is secure, especially if placed outdoors.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Application

For indoor use, this design works beautifully as-is. For outdoor applications, consider weatherproofing your origami birds with a clear acrylic spray and using more durable attachment methods. If rain or snow is expected, create your cardinals from red felt or waterproof craft foam instead.

Ombre Ornament Tree: A Gradient of Holiday Magic

The Concept: Imagine a full Christmas tree made entirely of ornaments in a breathtaking color gradient—from deep burgundy at the base flowing through crimson, rose, coral, and blush to pure white at the top. This design is pure elegance with serious visual impact.

Why It’s Contest-Worthy: Color gradients are inherently eye-catching, and when executed well, they demonstrate planning and attention to detail. This design requires collecting or coordinating 200-300 ornaments in the perfect color progression—a commitment that shows judges you’re serious about winning. The luxurious white bow at the top adds a classic finishing touch that elevates the entire presentation.

How to Create It:

Materials Needed:

• 200-300 shatterproof ornaments in graduated colors (deep red, burgundy, crimson, red, rose, coral pink, salmon, blush pink, pale pink, white)
• Chicken wire or heavy-duty wire mesh cut to tree shape
• Command hooks or heavy-duty over-the-door hanger
• Floral wire
• Large white bow (12-18 inches)
• Fresh or artificial greenery (optional, for base accent)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Plan Your Gradient: Organize ornaments by color into 10-12 distinct groups. You’ll need more ornaments in darker colors for the wider base, fewer for the narrow top.
2. Create Your Armature: Cut chicken wire into a Christmas tree shape that’s as wide as your door at the base and tapers to a point. The tree should extend from top to bottom of your door. Secure it to your door with heavy-duty hooks.
3. Attach Ornaments: Starting at the bottom, wire ornaments to the chicken wire mesh, working in horizontal rows. Keep your color groups distinct—about 8-10 rows of each color before transitioning to the next shade. Mix matte, glossy, and glittered finishes within each color group for texture.
4. Fill Completely: Pack ornaments close together so no mesh shows through. Use smaller ornaments to fill gaps. The tree should look lush and full.
5. Add Greenery and Bow: Tuck small pieces of greenery around the base if desired. Attach your large white bow at the top point of the tree.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Application

For indoor use, you can use any ornament type. For outdoor applications, use only shatterproof plastic ornaments and secure them with galvanized wire that won’t rust. Consider the weight—this design is heavy, so ensure your door and hanging system can support it.

Grapevine Rudolph with LED Nose: Rustic Charm Meets Whimsy

The Concept: A life-sized Rudolph head crafted from grapevine with his famous glowing red nose taking center stage. This design combines rustic natural materials with playful holiday spirit.

Why It’s Contest-Worthy: Three-dimensional sculptures always catch judges’ eyes. This design showcases craftsmanship and creativity while being universally beloved—everyone loves Rudolph. The LED-lit nose adds that interactive element that makes people smile, and it looks spectacular in photos, especially evening shots.

How to Create It:

Materials Needed:

• Grapevine wreath forms or grapevine garland (substantial amount)
• Heavy-gauge wire for structure
• Large red LED ornament or red globe light (6-8 inches)
• Battery-operated string lights (warm white)
• Black felt or foam for eyes
• Hot glue gun and floral wire
• Over-the-door wreath hanger

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Create the Head Structure: Form an oval shape for the head and a longer triangular shape for the snout using wire. Connect them securely.
2. Wrap with Grapevine: Wrap grapevine around your wire structure, securing with floral wire as you go. Build up layers until you have a solid, dimensional head shape. Leave space for the nose.
3. Form the Antlers: Create two antler shapes from wire and wrap with grapevine. Make them proportionally large—antlers should extend beyond the top of your door for drama. Attach securely to the head.
4. Add Features: Cut large oval eyes from black felt (12-15 inches) and attach with hot glue. Position them wide-set on the head. Weave battery-operated string lights throughout the grapevine for subtle sparkle.
5. Install the Nose: Attach your red LED ornament or globe light at the end of the snout. If using a battery-operated ornament, ensure you can access the battery compartment. Consider using a timer so the nose glows automatically each evening.
6. Mount to Door: Use a heavy-duty over-the-door hanger and additional Command hooks for support. This is a substantial piece, so ensure secure mounting.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Application

This design works equally well indoors and outdoors. For outdoor use, ensure all electrical components are rated for outdoor use and protect battery compartments from moisture with plastic wrap or waterproof tape.

Snow Globe Scene with Photo Faces: Personalized Magic

The Concept: Transform your door into a life-sized snow globe complete with a cozy cabin, snow-covered trees, and figurines featuring the actual faces of your family, students, or coworkers. It’s whimsical, heartwarming, and completely unique.

Why It’s Contest-Worthy: Personalization sets this design apart. Judges love entries that tell a story and showcase creativity beyond store-bought decorations. The three-dimensional layered scene creates depth, while the photo faces add a personal touch that resonates emotionally with viewers. It’s Instagram gold, which often factors into modern contest voting.

How to Create It:

Materials Needed:

• Silver or white tinsel garland or rope lights (for globe outline)
• Printed photos of faces (8×10 size works well)
• Wooden peg dolls or cardboard cutout people (4-6 figures)
• Miniature log cabin (purchase or build from craft sticks)
• Small artificial trees (bottle brush trees work perfectly)
• White batting or cotton for snow
• White paper snowflakes (various sizes)
• Silver poster board or foam core (for base)
• LED string lights or small spotlights
• Hot glue gun and Command strips

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Create the Globe Outline: Form a large circle/dome shape with tinsel garland or rope lights on your door, leaving space for the base. The dome should take up about 2/3 of the door height.
2. Build the Base Platform: Cut silver poster board into a rectangular base shape (about 1/4 of door height). Add text like “Winter 2025” or “The [Name] Family” in elegant script. Attach to door at the bottom of your globe outline.
3. Layer the Scene: Start with the background (cabin) toward the back. Position it on a raised platform (foam core pieces) so it sits above the snow base. Place trees on either side at varying distances from the cabin.
4. Create Photo Figurines: Print faces and carefully cut them out. Attach to wooden peg dolls painted in winter clothing colors, or create full cardboard cutout people wearing scarves, coats, and hats. Add fabric scraps for scarves and dimensional clothing.
5. Arrange Figures: Position your photo-faced figures across the front of the scene at different depths. Some should stand close together (family gathering), creating that warm, togetherness feeling.
6. Add Snow Elements: Spread white batting across the base platform and around tree bases. Hot glue white paper snowflakes throughout the scene and on the inside of the globe outline to create the effect of falling snow suspended in the globe.
7. Light It Up: Add battery-operated tea lights behind cabin windows for a warm glow. String small LED lights along the globe outline for a magical shimmer.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Application

This design is ideal for indoor settings where the delicate elements are protected. For outdoor use under a covered porch, weatherproof all paper elements with clear contact paper or lamination, and ensure photos are sealed against moisture.

Victorian London Street Scene: A Christmas Carol Comes to Life

The Concept: The most ambitious and artistic of all our designs—a hand-painted Victorian London street scene straight from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Cobblestone streets, glowing gas lamps, snow-dusted buildings, and Tiny Tim in the foreground create an evocative, literary masterpiece.

Why It’s Contest-Worthy: This design is a true showstopper that demonstrates serious artistic skill and commitment. It’s sophisticated, nostalgic, and tells a beloved story. Judges appreciate entries that take risks and showcase genuine artistry. This design also has strong emotional appeal—everyone knows and loves A Christmas Carol, and the hopeful message of “God Bless Us, Every One” resonates across generations.

How to Create It:

Materials Needed:

• Acrylic paints (soft grays, warm browns, ivory, amber gold, dusty blues)
• Various paintbrushes including fine detail brushes
• Pencil for sketching
• Canvas drop cloth or large sheets of paper (if painting on removable surface)
• Battery-operated tea lights
• Translucent vellum paper
• Black silhouette cutouts for window figures
• Stencils for cobblestones (optional)
• Clear sealer spray

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Plan Your Perspective: Sketch your design lightly in pencil. Create a street that recedes into the distance using one-point perspective. Streets should line both sides, creating depth.
2. Paint the Buildings: Start with the background (lighter, hazier buildings in the distance). Work forward, making closer buildings more detailed and darker. Use warm browns and grays for brick buildings. Add architectural details—window frames, doorways, chimneys.
3. Add Windows: Paint windows with warm amber/golden light glowing from within. Behind some windows, attach silhouette cutouts of families gathered together. This adds depth and storytelling.
4. Create Gas Lamps: Paint black iron lamp posts along the street. Behind the lamp tops, attach translucent vellum paper with battery-operated tea lights behind them to create actual glowing lamps.
5. Paint the Street: Add cobblestone texture to the street using a sponge technique or stencil. Make cobblestones more detailed in the foreground, hazier in the distance.
6. Add Snow: Use white paint to add snow to rooftops, windowsills, and cobblestones. Use a dry brush technique for falling snow. Keep it soft and atmospheric rather than heavy.
7. Paint Tiny Tim: In the foreground (lower portion of door), paint Tiny Tim with his crutch and scarf. Paint him looking hopefully up the street, capturing that sweet, optimistic spirit. Use soft watercolor-style painting rather than harsh lines.
8. Add Carolers: Paint a small group of Victorian carolers in the middle ground, bundled in scarves and coats.
9. Include the Message: At the top of the door, add “God Bless Us, Every One” in elegant script.
10. Seal Your Work: Once completely dry, spray with clear acrylic sealer to protect the painting.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Application

This painted design works beautifully indoors on an interior office or classroom door. For outdoor use under a covered porch, paint on a weather-resistant surface and use exterior-grade acrylics sealed with marine-grade varnish. Consider painting on a large canvas or board that can be attached to and removed from the door rather than painting directly on the door surface.

If time is short, have a print shop print out this image, or one similar, on a large format printer. You can “touch up” the image with your own brush strokes to add dimension and realism to your creation. Think about adding spot LED lights to each of the lamp posts for a magical night-time effect.

Contest-Winning Strategies: Tips to Take Home the Prize

Beyond choosing a great design, here are strategies to maximize your chances of winning any Christmas door decorating contest:

Consider Your Audience:

• School contests: Choose designs that students can help create (origami cardinals, snow globe with classmate faces)
• Office contests: Opt for sophisticated designs that reflect professionalism (Victorian street scene, ombre ornaments)
• Neighborhood contests: Go big and bold with designs visible from the street (grapevine Rudolph)

Think About Lighting: Many doors are judged in the evening. Incorporate lights strategically—glowing windows, LED noses, string lights along snow globe outlines. Make sure your design looks magical both day and night.

Pay Attention to Details: Judges notice craftsmanship. Clean edges, secure attachments, well-executed color transitions, and thoughtful finishing touches separate winning entries from the rest.

Tell a Story: The best contest entries evoke emotion. Whether it’s the warmth of family gathered in a snow globe, the literary nostalgia of Victorian London, or the simple beauty of cardinals in winter branches, create a narrative that resonates.

Document Your Process: Take photos during creation. Some contests award prizes for creativity or effort, not just the final product. Having before, during, and after photos can help you win these categories.

Ensure Durability: Contest entries often stay up for weeks. Use quality materials and secure attachment methods. Nothing undermines a great design faster than elements falling off or fading.

Weather Considerations for Outdoor Displays:

• Use weatherproof materials or seal paper elements with clear contact paper
• Secure lightweight items that could blow away
• Position delicate elements under eaves or protected areas
• Have a backup plan for extreme weather

Bringing Your Vision to Life

Whether you’re decorating a front door for neighborhood acclaim, an office door for workplace bragging rights, or a classroom door to delight students, these five designs offer something for every skill level and setting. The origami cardinals and snow globe provide accessible options that look impressive without requiring painting skills. The ombre ornament tree and grapevine Rudolph combine purchased materials with thoughtful arrangement. The Victorian street scene challenges those ready to showcase true artistry.

Remember, the most successful contest entries balance visual impact with personal meaning. Choose the design that speaks to you, gather your materials, and set aside time to execute it with care. Whether you’re crafting alone or enlisting family, friends, or colleagues to help, the process of creating something beautiful for the holidays is a gift in itself.

So pick your favorite design, gather your supplies, and get ready to create a Christmas door that doesn’t just compete—it wins. Happy decorating, and may your door bring joy to all who see it this holiday season!