12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas with Vintage Charm

The 12 Days of Christmas traditionally begin on December 25th and run through January 5th, celebrating the days between Christmas Day and Epiphany. But when it comes to decorating, I like to think of it as a chance to stretch the magic of the season, one vintage-inspired moment at a time.

In this post, I’m sharing 12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas filled with nostalgic charm and easy inspiration. From vintage blue ice skates on the door to a trio of wreaths nodding to the classic carol, Swedish holiday bottles, winter berries, musical accents, a mini tree surprise, and even a vintage wagon wheel thrown in for good measure, these ideas are simple, thrifted, and full of heart. Whether you’re styling with snowshoes or sleds, these are the kinds of decorations that bring back memories and make new ones, all season long.

12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas to Try at Home

Here are 12 of my favorite vintage-style Christmas decorations that you can use to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas in your own home. Whether you’re just getting started or extending the season’s magic through New Year’s, each idea is easy to pull together and adds a layer of nostalgic charm. Think vintage snowshoes by the fireplace, a musical nod with antique instruments, or a scarf-wrapped buggy on the front porch. These simple and creative touches are perfect for decorating one day at a time, or all at once.

Day 1: Vintage Blue Ice Skates with Holiday Charm

These vintage blue ice skates trimmed with soft ankle fur were one of my favorite eBay finds, and they’ve quickly become one of the most-loved 12 days of Christmas decorations I’ve ever shared. Every year, I receive messages asking where to find a pair just like them.

While blue ice skates are harder to come by, patience pays off. Keep an eye out on eBay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace for unique vintage styles. In the meantime, vintage white ice skates are much easier to find at local thrift stores or secondhand shops, and they look just as festive when styled with holiday ribbon, fresh greens, or bells. A perfect way to kick off your 12 days of Christmas decorating ideas with a nostalgic twist.

Day 2: Vintage Snowshoes for Cozy Christmas & Winter Decor

Vintage snowshoes are one of my favorite 12 days of Christmas decorating ideas because they add so much texture and charm, and they transition beautifully from Christmas into winter. I love that I can style them once and enjoy them all season long.

Whether propped by the front door, layered by the fireplace, or hung on a wall indoors, vintage snowshoes bring that rustic, outdoorsy New England feel to any space. They’re the perfect nod to winter nostalgia and make a quiet, beautiful statement in your holiday home. Learn more in my Antique Snowshoes for Decoration: Seasonal Vintage Styling Ideas for Your Home post.

Day 3: Swedish Christmas Bottles as Nordic-Inspired Decor

These charming Swedish Christmas bottles are a new favorite of mine for the 12 days of Christmas decorating ideas. Simple, meaningful, and inspired by Nordic tradition, they’re often cherished as keepsake ornaments in Swedish homes.

They’re also incredibly easy to make, perfect for adding a personalized touch to your holiday decor. I shared the full story behind these vintage-style bottles in The Bottle Project DIY of a Winter Swedish Home, if you’d like to see how I created mine and how you can make your own.

Day 4: A Three-Wreath Christmas Tradition on the Front Door

One of my favorite ways to begin the 12 days of Christmas decorating is by hanging three wreaths vertically on the front door of our home in coastal Maine. It’s a tradition I started six years ago, and one I look forward to every holiday season.

The stacked wreath look is classic, eye-catching, and easy to recreate, whether you’re using fresh greenery or faux finds from the thrift store. You can read more about how this tradition started and see it styled on our vintage front door in How to Hang Three Christmas Wreaths on Your Front Door: A Timeless Holiday Tradition post.

5. 12 Days of Christmas Decorations with Cozy Winter White Decor

There’s something timeless and inviting about winter white decor. Soft whites, creamy neutrals, and cozy layers instantly brighten a room and create that peaceful feeling we all crave this time of year. From vintage crocks filled with white tulips to birch logs, textured throws, and glowing candles, these simple touches make any space feel calm, cozy, and beautifully understated in your 12 days of Christmas decorating ideas. Here are ten easy winter white decorating ideas to bring warmth and vintage charm to your home all season long.

Day 6: Mini Tree Magic for Simple Christmas Charm

Mini trees are one of the easiest additions to your 12 days of Christmas decorating ideas, and they look beautiful even without ornaments. Try placing a few bare mini trees on your porch, deck, or entryway for a natural, understated look that feels both festive and peaceful.

Whether flocked, faux, or freshly cut, trees have a quiet magic all their own. Strip them down to the greenery and let their shape and texture bring that simple Christmas charm into your space.

Day 7: Winterberries in Your 12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas

Winterberries are one of my favorite additions to the 12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas. Simple yet striking, their bold red color adds a festive pop to any corner of your home, no ornaments or fuss required.

You can use faux stems for longevity or fresh-cut winterberries from your local nursery. I love them so much, I’ve planted two winterberry bushes in Vermont and one mature beauty at our home in Maine. Whether tucked into a wreath, gathered in a vintage crock, or styled in a pitcher, winterberries are a timeless and easy way to bring natural charm to your holiday decorating.

Find more winterberry inspiration in these posts:

Day 8: 12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas with Vintage Sleds and Toboggans for Classic Winter Style

No 12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas would be complete without an old-fashioned sled, or two! Vintage sleds, toboggans, and even a quirky Jack Jumper add nostalgic winter charm wherever you place them.

I use mine throughout the entire season, from Christmas through late winter. Lean them by the front door, layer them with greens and ribbon, or stack them on the porch with cozy throws. These vintage pieces are functional, full of history, and always spark a smile. Learn more in my How to Decorate a Vintage Sled, A Simple Styling Tip with New England Charm post.

Day 9: Get Creative with a Vintage Christmas Buggy

One of the most playful 12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas I’ve ever tried started with a vintage pedal car I found at a barn sale in Maine over Thanksgiving weekend. With a little holiday magic, it transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas buggy, perfect for front porch charm or indoor whimsy.

You can see the full transformation and more in Christmas Buggies & Go Karts Decoration Ideas: Get Creative & Enjoy The Ride. This is your invitation to think outside the box, because anything with wheels can become a festive holiday statement.

Day 10: Add a Scarf to It – Even the Dog!

Looking for an easy way to add personality to your 12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas? Just add a scarf! Whether it’s wrapped around a vintage sled, draped over a chair, or tied on your furry friend, it’s a cozy and playful touch anyone can try.

Ella, our Bernese Mountain Dog, loves to join in, especially when she’s wearing my father’s old plaid scarf. It’s a sentimental detail that brings the season full circle. If your pet has the holiday spirit like Ella does, don’t forget to include them in the fun!

Day 11: Thrift It or DIY Your 12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas

There’s no need to buy new when you can thrift it or DIY it! These 12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas can be as budget-friendly and creative as you like. I’ve rounded up 15+ Christmas and Holiday Thrift Store Makeovers that will inspire you to repurpose, refresh, and craft your way through the season.

From upcycled baskets to painted holiday signs and vintage-inspired centerpieces, these ideas are perfect for decorating one day at a time, or all twelve in a weekend burst of creativity.

Day 12: Finish 12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas with a Vintage Wagon Wheel (or a Peaceful Twist)

Rounding out these 12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas is one of my favorite statement pieces, a vintage wagon wheel. This year, I leaned it against our split rail picket fence and let it stand on its own, dressed simply with a seasonal ribbon and a few sprigs of greenery.

It’s the kind of piece that tells a story without needing much fuss. Whether you style it outdoors or bring it inside beside the fireplace, a vintage wagon wheel adds instant character and a touch of timeless, rustic beauty to your holiday decor.

This year, though, I gave it a peaceful twist by hanging a miniature grapevine peace sign wreath wrapped in soft white lights. I leaned it gently against our split rail picket fence, and it glows beautifully at night.

12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas to Make Your Own

Whether you try just one idea or all twelve, I hope these 12 Days of Christmas Decorating Ideas bring a little extra joy and meaning to your home this holiday season. From vintage skates and snowshoes to thrifted treasures and simple natural touches, each day offers a new chance to decorate with intention, nostalgia, and a whole lot of charm.

Your home doesn’t need to be fancy, just filled with pieces that make you smile, memories you cherish, and maybe even a scarf-wearing pup by your side.

Which of these vintage decorating ideas will you try first? Pin this post so you can come back to it throughout the season, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram when you style your own 12 Days of Christmas! I’d love to see how you make it your own.

If you’re looking for more cozy inspiration, I’ve linked a few more of my favorite Christmas posts just below. Let’s keep the magic going all season long.

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