Deck the Halls: 20 Holiday Decorating Ideas From Across Canada
We challenged you to capture the prettiest holiday decorating ideas on camera, and you delivered! Here's how Canadians deck the halls, from coast to coast.
Holiday Decorating Ideas
Set With Style
A festive feast never looked so good! This incredibly creative table setting was captured by Paula Brown of Ottawa, who writes, “I decided that a change was in order for Christmas dinner. Do you like it?” We LOVE it, Paula!
The Pup and the Planter
We’re not sure what’s sweeter—the holiday planter with its gorgeous variety of evergreens, dogwood branches and ornaments, or the precious pup! Norma Keith of Baltimore, Ontario, sent in this shot of her festive decor and her sadly departed Monty.
Check out more of Canada’s most adorable pets.
A Christmas Kaleidoscope
Talk about merry and bright! We’re loving the light show captured by Innisfil, Ontario’s Cheryl Power.
Compiling your Christmas playlist? Here are the 20 best Christmas songs—ranked!
Outdoor Decor
Bare branches, begone! Even after they’ve lost their leaves, the trees at Joyce Stolte’s in Edmonton are treated to some festive flair.
Check out more of Joyce’s creative captures in this gallery of beautiful boat photography.
Mantel Peace
Edith Beerda of Smithers, B.C. gives her mantel a very merry makeover with the help of festive trees, reindeer figurines, and a white feather boa to stand-in as snow. So creative! A hand-painted winter canvas hanging on the wall above serves as a seasonal backdrop.
Add festive flair to your own home with these DIY holiday decorations anyone can make.
Home For the Holidays
“Every year my husband always puts his very best effort into decorating our home for the holidays,” writes Tammy Green of Harrington Harbour, Quebec. “Our children always look forward to seeing it.”
Kick off your own holiday countdown with one of these unique advent calendars.
Dare to Dazzle
Alexandra Fontaine of Mission, B.C., adopts an old Eastern European tradition with her upside-down Christmas tree. The look is quite striking!
Would you believe this is the best time to buy a Christmas tree in Canada?
Santa’s Little Helper
One of the cutest decorations at Linda Sweeney’s in Miramichi, New Brunswick? Her little dog, Charlie!
You’ll find more of Linda’s photography in this gallery of Canadians enjoying winter activities.
All is Bright
There’s no missing this brilliant display! This striking shot captured by Marg Newton of Port Coquitlam, B.C., showcases the brighter side of those long December nights.
Take a virtual cruise through Canada’s best drive-through holiday light displays.
Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Here we come a-caroling! Danny Heath of Toronto sent in this shot of a very festive vignette.
Read the heartwarming story of an Irish immigrant family’s first Christmas in Canada.
Wreath Easy
Do not adjust your screen! Although this may look like a pixellated image of an evergreen wreath, it’s actually a wreath (and chimney stack) made entirely out of LEGO bricks! Thanks to Alan Cheng of Scarborough, Ontario, for sending in this playful picture.
Discover 13 Canadian Christmas facts most people don’t know.
Festive Spirit
It looks like Santa’s upgraded his sleigh! This festive front yard captured by Deb Sandau is a holiday hit in Red Deer, Alberta. (Check out that full moon trying to photo-bomb!)
You can spy more of Deb’s striking snaps in this gallery of “in the backyard” photography.
Nutcrackers Sweet
“Nutcrackers at attention!” writes Russ Hayes of Sherbrook, Quebec. Keep an eye out—it looks like they’re ready to take over a fireplace mantel near you!
Read up on seven quintessentially Canadian holiday traditions.
Let There Be Lights
Christmas in the Park in Morinville, Alberta, is a colourful affair! Thanks for sharing this very merry photo, Frank Koenig.
Merry Montage
“It’s hard to submit just one photo so I created a photo collage,” writes Elizabeth Shaw-Pickard of Ottawa. “I love to decorate the house for Christmas and enjoy all the twinkling lights. It’s magical!”
Don’t miss this collection of funny Christmas stories shared by our readers.
Away in a Manger
This is one of the most beautiful nativity scenes we’ve ever laid eyes on. Is it any wonder it’s a particular favourite Christmas decoration of Lethbridge, Alberta’s George Vanderberg?
How extensive is your holiday vocabulary? Test your knowledge of Christmas words!
Inside Out
Donald Zurakowski of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, takes a pretty—and practical—approach to holiday decorating. “When it’s difficult to put lights outside, I do this from the inside,” he writes. “It’s the safest for seniors.”
Not feeling festive yet? This countdown of the best Christmas movies of all time should get you in the spirit!
Light Fantastic
This showstopping light display was snapped by Nicole Watson of Kingston, Ontario, who came across it on her drive home one evening. “It drew lots of attention—there were lots of cars pulling over for photos,” she writes.
Next, check out the most magical places to spend Christmas in Canada.
White Christmas
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Although it’s already gorgeous, the front door decor at the home of Paula Brown gets a further festive flourish from what looks to be a full foot of snow. “Decorating for Christmas is an annual ritual for me and I love it,” says Paula. “The wreath is my creation!”
Want to shake up your holiday decor? Consider these festive Christmas flowers that aren’t poinsettias!
Peace on Earth
Talented shutterbug Alan Cheng also sent in this glittering detail shot, along with a sentiment we no doubt all share: “I hope these decorative doves on a Christmas tree will bring peace to earth.”
Next, check out this gorgeous gallery showcasing the best Canadian winter photography.
