DIY Wood Christmas Tree Decor Projects

Building your own wooden Christmas tree decor is not just about being crafty—it's a clever move too. First off, it's budget-friendly. You can whip up some amazing stuff with simple materials and tools without breaking the bank. Plus, you're in control! You get to tailor your decorations to match your style and vibe, which beats the mass-produced stuff any day. And hey, it's eco-friendly too! Upcycling wood, using up some scraps adds an extra dose of goodness to your holiday cheer. We went out searching for the best plans the internet has to offer and here are some of our favorites. So grab your tools and make the holiday season extra special this year!

FUN FACT: For many, the Christmas tree represents Jesus Christ's birth and resurrection. The tree branches and bushes are regarded as a sign of immortality and are thought to represent Christ's crown of thorns on the crucifixion.


 

 


1. $2 Nesting Wood Christmas Tree Decor

Christmas tree decor diy plans

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level:  Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Miter Saw, Brad Nailer, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x board, brad nails, wood glue

 

These gorgeous trees can be made for $1-$2 each!  Make your home festive with a wooden tree display.  These trees are also designed to nest for easy storage.  Free step by step plans with video tutorial from Ana-White.com

 

 


 


 

 


2. Christmas Tree Hanging Shelf

 

wood tree shelf

 

Image Credit: Jaime Costiglio

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses, Stud Finder
Materials: 1x material, plywood and hooks

I made this Christmas Tree Shelf with just 1x3s and cuphooks.  It turned out amazing! I love that is can be decorated so many different ways. Don't want to hang it on the wall, no problem, just leave off the bottom shelf and it can be set on a tabletop surface!

 

 


 


 

 


3. Christmas Tree Cupcake Stand

tree cupcake stand

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

Here's a great way to save space and create a dessert display.  This easy to make tiered Christmas cupcake tray holds about three dozen cupcakes.

 

 


 


 

 


4. Christmas Tree Tray

 

Christmas tree tray plans

Image Credit: Family DIYnamic

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level:  Intermediate Advanced
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Miter Saw, Jig Saw, Brad Nailer, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x2 furring strips, 1/4" plywood, brad nails, wood glue

 

At under $5 to make, this beautiful wood Christmas tree tray makes the perfect hostess gift, cookie tray, or decor item!  Super fast and simple, sure to make anything more presentable and festive!  

 


 


 

 


5. Christmas Tree Card Holder

christmas tree card holder

Image Credit: Jaime Costiglio

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

Here's a gorgeous way to display Christmas Cards - and it can even double as your Christmas tree for small spaces!  Freestanding - so just set out and display your cards! Build your own Christmas Tree Card Holder with our free DIY plans.

 

 


 


 

 


6. DIY Modern Tree with Ornaments

wood tree decor with ornaments

Image Credit: Jaime Costiglio

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material and wood dowel

Want to put some ornaments on display? This modern tree is a great way to add a festive feel if you don't have a real tree, or just want some extra Christmas tree decor on a tabletop, mantle or by the fireplace! It can be painted or stained to customize it further.


 


 

 


7. Minimalist Scrap Wood Trees

triangle wood tree

Image Credit: Garrison Street Design Studio

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Table Saw, Sander, Nailer Safety Glasses
Materials: Scrap lumber ripped to any dimension 

Very similar to the last tree, this one takes on a more minimalistic style. Here's a great way to rip down some scrap lumber and put it to good use! 

 

 


 


 

 


8. Christmas Tree Forest

scrap wood tree

Image Credit: Pine and Poplar

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material

Using just scrap wood and glue, create a unique and attractive forestscape for the holidays!

 

 


 


 

 


9. Tiered Candy Stand

tree shaped dessert stand

Image Credit: Woodshop Diaries

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Jig Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material and plywood

This tree shaped candy goody stand is a great way to display holiday treats!

 

 


 


 

 


10. Wood Dowel Tree

dowel christmas tree

Image Credit: Homey Oh My

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: wood dowels, birch log

When one tree isn't enough for all the ornaments, build another charming tree out of dowels to display them!

 

 


 


 

 


11. DY Christmas Countdown

christmas tree countdown

Image Credit: Pine and Poplar

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, stencils, decorative nails

Have a little fun with this project. Build the tree and get creative with the countdown options!

 

 


 


 

 


12. Shadow Box Trees

shadow box trees

Image Credit: Organize Your Stuff Now

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material and a wood tray

This charming shadow box forest is sure to add a festive touch for the holidays. Dress it up with some lights and glitter. The trees look great painted, but you could also stain them for a more rustic feel. 

 

 


 


 

 


13. 3-D Plywood Trees

3d plywood trees

Image Credit: Pneumatic Addict

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Sander, Router, Jig Saw, Safety Glasses
Materials: mdf

Add some dimesnsion to your holiday decor. Create these darling 3-D trees to complete your tablescape or mantle!

 

 


 


 

 


14. LED Christmas Tree Wall Decor

light up led christmas tree wall decor

Image Credit: Anika's DIY Life

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Jig Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, mdf, led lights, nails

There's just something about adding lights, that gives a Christmasy feel. This is a great way to add some wall decor or set it up on the mantle to add to the soft glow of Christmas!

 

 


 


 

 


15. Marquee Trees

marquee light up trees

Image Credit: The DIY Dreamer

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Jig Saw, Stapler, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, wood base, fairy lights

More lights but a different look! This is a darling way to add lights right into your cut out trees. I love that this method would work for many designs. Easy to modify for size and style!

 

 


 


 

 


16. Rustic LED Tree Sign

rustic lighted tree sign

Image Credit: Lolly Jane

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: plywood, painters tape, lights

To make it even easier, just paint a tree on a piece of scrap plywood, punch some holes in it and add lights, BRILLIANT! Make it as big as you like, hang on the wall or set on the mantle. 

 

 


 


 

 


17. Christmas Tree Mason Jar Sconce

christmas tree candle holder

Image Credit: Angela Marie Made

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials:     1x material

Elevate the glow of the season with this charming mason jar sconce! I love that you can change out the mason jar for a vase with some greenery or another decor item.

 

 


 


 

 


18. Open Style Tree Candle Holder

christmas tree candle holder

Image Credit: 100 Things 2 Do

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, battery operated candles

We're going to recommend battery operated candles on this one. Such a cute holiday decor item that can be added just about anywhere! Better yet, I bet you have the wood in your scrap pile right now!

 

 


 


 

 


19. Scrap Wood Christmas Tree Ornaments

diy christmas tree ornaments

Image Credit: Her Toolbelt

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, string

These little Christmas tree ornaments are so cute and make a fun addition to the family tree! 

 

 


 


 

 


20. Light-up Christmas Tree Art

light up christmas tree wall art

Image Credit: Woodshop Diaries

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Intermediate 
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Jig Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x material, plywood, and lights

Get fancy with some holiday wall art, or give this beautiful holiday artwork as a gift!

 

 


 


 

 


21. Scrap Wood Tree Village

scrap tree village

Image Credit: Funky Junk Interiors

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: reclaimed scrap wood

There are no rules here, so gather up your scraps and get creative! Absolutley love this tree village placed in a vintage display cabinet, so much rustic charm in one piece.

 

 


 


 

 


22. Large Wooden Outdoor Tree

wooden outdoor christmas tree decor

Image Credit: Angela Marie Made

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material

Set the holiday tone before you even walk into your house. These outdoor trees are heavy duty so they won't blow away and are perfect for the front porch. Add a lantern. lights or a wreath to give it a more festive look!

 

 


 


 

 


23. Chistmas Tree Advent Calendar

christmas tree advent

Image Credit: Chantelle Lourens

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses
Materials: 1x and 2x material, decoratve bags

YES, you can make your own advent calendar to count down the days to Christmas with this adorable set up!

 

You have time to pick one or a few of these as the holidays approach, enjoy the process and have a very Merry Christmas!

 

 


 


 

 


24. $3 Simple Fence Picket Wood Christmas Trees

cedar fence picket Christmas tree decor wood diy

Image Credit: Ana White

Download Plans Here

 
Skill Level: Beginner  Advanced
Tools Needed: Tape Measure, Saw, Brad Nailer, Safety Glasses
Materials: Fence picket, 1x3, 1-1/4" brad nails, wood stain

 

For about $3 each, you can make this beautiful wood Christmas tree decor!  This beautiful tree shape made from wood adds rustic wood texture to your space, creating warm and interest.  Paint or stain any color.  Save money by building your own, or even build to sell!

 


 

DIY Wood Christmas Tree Decor Projects