The Ultimate Guide to Festive Holiday Decor for Airbnbs

It’s officially that time of year again—the magical, cozy, cinnamon-scented season that makes us want to curl up and enjoy the holiday vibes. For many guests traveling during this festive period, this is exactly the feeling they’re hoping to find in their Airbnb. 🎄✨🎁

But let’s be honest: the weeks before the holidays are hectic for most of us. If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t have a lot of time to dress up your rental in full holiday style. The good news? Decorating your Airbnb doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With just a few simple, budget-friendly touches, you can create a festive atmosphere your guests will love—without overwhelming your space or your schedule. Let’s see how to make it happen!

1. Focus on Key Areas

My first and most important advice when decorating your Airbnb for the holidays: less is more. It’s important to keep it simple and tasteful. Focus on a few key areas of your rental to add cozy, festive touches without cluttering the space.

• Entryway: Start with a welcoming neutral holiday wreath on the door. If you have an outdoor area, consider adding LED string lights to the porch or balcony. First impressions matter, so set the holiday mood the moment your guests arrive!
• Living Room: Add a few decorative pillows and a cozy, fluffy throw blanket in seasonal colors and patterns (think red, green, or gold—whatever matches your rental’s palette). To elevate the festive vibe, you may include one or two decorative items if it suits the style of your space. Think about a nutcracker, a ceramic holiday house, or a small tabletop tree.
• Dining Table: Create a simple centerpiece with a bowl of ornaments, pine cones, and holiday candles. Natural elements like evergreen branches, or red berry sprigs look especially lovely this time of the year. Arrange them in a bowl or a vase for a rustic, festive vibe. If you’re looking for an easy option, small faux evergreen garlands also work beautifully. 🌿🌲

2. Keep It Budget-Friendly

Creating a warm and festive Airbnb doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Here are some creative ways to decorate on a budget while making your space cozy and welcoming:

• DIY Decorations: Add a personal touch with handmade decorations! Use simple materials like twine, mason jars, or even paper to make unique decor items. Try hanging paper snowflakes on windows or framing printable Christmas-themed wall art for a simple, budget-friendly touch. ❄️✨
• Second-Hand Treasures: Thrift stores are a goldmine for holiday decor! Look for festive items like candle holders, wreaths, or garlands to add character and charm to your space.🕯️🎄
• Nature-Inspired Accents: Add fresh, natural elements to your decor, like pine branches, eucalyptus, or holly. For an extra touch, make a dried orange garland—its rustic look and lovely scent will surely awe your guests!
• Shop Smart After the Holidays: I know, that this won’t help with your current decor, but think about the next season! Post-holiday sales are the perfect time to find high-quality decorations for less.

3. Stick to Neutral Holiday Themes

Avoid overly Christmas-specific decorations, like Santa figurines everywhere.🎅 Instead, make sure your decor feels versatile and appealing to a wide range of guests. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, but most people appreciate the cozy, warm, and festive vibes of the season. You can’t go wrong with winter-inspired elements like snowflakes, stars, garlands, and fairy lights—decor that feels seasonal rather than exclusively tied to Christmas. ✨❄️

Choose tasteful, elegant, or rustic decor—depending on your Airbnb’s style—that creates a warm, inviting ambiance without overwhelming the space.

Pro Tip: Unsure about decorating or want to be extra considerate? Reach out to the guest who books your rental for the holidays. A quick message like, “I’m planning to add some festive touches to the space for the season and wanted to check if that works for you,” can help ensure everyone feels comfortable and welcomed.

4. Don’t Overdo It

It’s so important to keep holiday decor moderate and balanced. Festive touches should contribute to the unique style of your vacation rental, not give it a shopping mall vibe. Focus on thoughtful, impactful pieces rather than trying to decorate every corner of your space. You can easily achieve a simple yet cozy festive mood with just a few well-chosen items.

For example, a lovely centerpiece with candles, a vase of branches adorned with a few ornaments, a wreath on the entrance door, or a touch of greenery with garlands can work wonders. These small details create a homey atmosphere that feels festive without being “too much”.

5. Add Seasonal Treats

Welcome your guests with a small basket of festive goodies as a thoughtful gesture. Gingerbread cookies, hot chocolate packets, or mulled wine spices are all simple but delightful options.🍪☕🍷 A box of holiday-edition chocolates or some local seasonal specialties can also make a big impression. For an extra cozy touch, stock your coffee and tea station with winter-inspired flavors like apple-cinnamon or spiced chai, and include honey, lemon, and a sprinkle of winter spices to complete the experience. Guests always appreciate small, personal touches.

While you’re already there, why not add a touch of holiday spirit to the kitchen too? It will help tie the whole space together. Add a few delicate garlands, a winter-themed table runner, or lovely  holiday kitchen accessories like seasonal towels, oven mitts, or mugs.