The 13 Best Christmas Garlands of 2023

Christmas garlands are iconic holiday decorations. They provide instant warmth and elegance, whether you place them on your mantle, staircase, or draped over a doorway. If you use garland to enhance your home's festive ambiance, you have a wide array of garlands to consider.

Determining whether to purchase real or faux garlands can be a challenge. Liz Toombs, president and owner of PDR Interiors in Lexington, KY, says, "You will need to know your budget, time for maintenance, and desired aesthetic when choosing between real and fake garlands." She recommends choosing one based on the garland's durability, fullness, realism, and versatility.

When purchasing the best Christmas garland for your home, Kaylyn Hewitt, lead floral designer at The Bouqs Co., also offers some advice. "I think whatever makes your home feel cozy, festive, and inviting for the holidays is what you should go with it,” she says. “Just like your tree, your garland should be a reflection of what makes you excited about the season."

For the best Christmas garlands, we have our recommendations below, including various options based on material, style, and whether it's suitable indoors or outdoors.

Etsy

View On Etsy $125

Why You Should Get It

The plush cedar branches will bring a natural elegance to your Christmas decor.

Keep in Mind

The garland is at a minimum of 18 feet, so you may need to cut it down to size based on your needs.

If you prefer natural garlands, you'll love the fresh Wild Green Wreaths' Western Red Cedar garland. Cedar, an evergreen tree, is a great option for a Christmas garland. "Your evergreens are going to last the longest during the season and look the best for longer," Hewitt says.

The lush, dark greenery will complement your other festive decorations. However, the garland comes only in two lengths, 18 feet or 24 feet, which may seem daunting if you are hoping to decorate a small space with fresh greenery.

You can cut it into smaller lengths if necessary, but that may not be ideal if you prefer hassle-free decorating. Fortunately, this exceptional length does make it suitable to frame doorways, wind around stairwells, or drape across an outdoor fence.

Product Details: Length: 18 or 24 feet | Lights: Not Included | Location: Indoors or outdoors

Harry and David

View On Harry & David $55

Why You Should Get It

The fresh magnolia and seeded eucalyptus make it a fragrant addition to your home.

Keep in Mind

It won't easily withstand wintry outdoor conditions.

Selecting an indoor garland allows you to choose more versatile materials. "Inside, this is where you can experiment with eucalyptus and add more delicate ingredients like berries and orange slices," Hewitt says. Made with fresh magnolia and seeded eucalyptus, this Harry and David Rustic Magnolia Garland offers a versatile color palette and aromatic experience.

The dried quince slices, statice, artemisia, and tallow berries provide eye-catching pops of color. It also adds a rustic touch for those opting for a warm autumn aesthetic versus traditional Christmas decor. However, the eucalyptus and magnolia are not ideal for outdoor chilly or blustery air. Plan to use this garland inside your home, whether on your mantle or a festive table setting.

Product Details: Length: 72 inches | Lights: Not included | Location: Indoors only

Lights.com

View On Lights.com

Why You Should Get It

It includes decorative accents such as winter berries and lights.

Keep in Mind

It comes in only one length.

"Consider decorative indoor garlands with ornaments, pinecones, or berries for a festive touch," Toombs says. This Winterberry and Greenery Garland is one of the best Christmas garlands with those added niceties, so it will stand out amongst other holiday decorations in your home.

In addition, the garland is illuminated by 100 LED fairy lights, giving it a nostalgic ambiance that complements other seasonal decor, like your Christmas tree. The built-in battery box is discreetly hidden inside a burlap bag, so your guests won't notice obvious cords or electrical equipment.

The garland is 72 inches long; however, you'll need to purchase extra if you need an added length since that is the only size available. If you’re considering the garland for the outdoors, it's only ideal for covered outdoor areas, such as a porch with an awning. You'll avoid damaging it by limiting its exposure to damp or chilly winter weather.

Product Details: Length: 72 inches | Lights: 100 LED fairy lights | Location: Indoor or covered outdoors

Grandin Road

View On Grandinroad.com

Why You Should Get It

Although it's a faux garland, the varying lengths of the stems give it the appearance of lifelike foliage.

Keep in Mind

It requires some initial shaping to create that full look.

Choosing a faux garland doesn't have to mean you are missing out on the lushness of a real one. "Artificial garlands made of PVC [polyvinyl chloride], PE [polyethylene], or a combination of both are ideal and can mimic various types of foliage," Toombs says.

One of the best Christmas garlands that gives you that natural appearance is the Grandin Road Directional Garland. It's well-crafted with 286 tips and asymmetrical pieces of varying lengths, giving it the depth and intricacy of a real garland. In addition, it's made of polyvinyl chloride, which adds to the authenticity of your holiday decoration.

The garland is 6 feet long and can be used indoors and outdoors. However, it may need some arranging and shaping to create your desired fullness.

Product Details: Length: 6 feet | Lights: Sold separately | Location: Indoors or outdoors

Balsam Hill

View On Balsamhill.com

Why You Should Get It

The garland is safe for outdoor use and has UV protection so that the color won't diminish quickly.

Keep in Mind

You can only purchase one LED light color, so it may not match other outdoor lights.

Incorporating a faux garland in your outdoor Christmas decor means you want one that won't fade over time. The Balsam Hill Mixed Evergreen With Pinecones Foliage has UV protection included. Garlands with this protection "can withstand sunlight without fading," Toombs says.

Pinecones are nestled within the garland, giving it extra depth amongst the 170 faux pine and Fraser tips. In addition, it comes with 60 clear LED lights with the 6-foot option. Unfortunately, only one light color choice is available, which may not be compatible with other outdoor Christmas lights.

Product Details: Length: 6 feet | Lights: 60 clear LED lights | Location: Indoors or covered outdoors

Puleo International Flocked Berkshire Spruce Garland

Amazon

View On Amazon $88 View On Walmart $88 View On Kohls.com $73

Why You Should Get It

Create the ambiance of a white Christmas with this flocked spruce garland.

Keep in Mind

This option doesn’t have as much green showing as other garlands on our list.

The Puleo International Flocked Berkshire Spruce Garland is one of the best Christmas garlands if you want to evoke a sense of snow, even if snow isn’t in the forecast. It's made of polyvinyl chloride, the ideal selection for a faux garland, especially when prioritizing a lifelike appearance.

It's generously sized at 9 feet long, making it a festive choice for your staircase. Toombs recommends bows to "hide the zip ties or twine you’ve used to attach the garland to the banister."

However, the flocking on the garland is significant, giving it a lack of color balance. Depending on how you decorate your home, this may be your preference or a hindrance. While it is suitable for the outdoors, you will need to choose a covered outdoor space to protect it against the elements.

Product Details: Length: 9 feet | Lights: Not included | Location: Indoors or covered outdoors

Sugar Mountain Wreath Christmas Mix Fresh Garland

Etsy

View On Etsy $120

Why You Should Get It

Its mixed greens will provide a dynamic visual appeal and aroma.

Keep in Mind

It can be costly depending on how much garland you need.

You'll love the Sugar Mountain Wreath Christmas Mix Fresh Garland to complement your fresh-smelling real Christmas tree. It's made of a blend of boxwood, evergreen, Fraser fir, white pine, and cedar, providing a nature-friendly ambiance to your home.

The garland will only last a few weeks, which is fairly common for fresh options. However, Toombs advises, "If you choose a real garland, spray it down with Wilt-Pruf or a similar product to preserve it for as long as possible."

This particular garland can be expensive, depending on how much you need. For example, a garland at least 50 feet long will cost over $200. But the investment will be worth it if you prefer the natural scent and appearance.

Product Details: Length: 10 feet | Lights: Not included | Location: Indoors only

King Fraser Fir Garland with Warm White LED Lights

King of Christmas

View On Kingofchristmas.com

Why You Should Get It

Only a minimal effort is required to shape the garland upon arrival.

Keep in Mind

It's for indoor use only.

The King of Christmas offers one of the best Christmas garlands available. Their King Fraser Fir Garland comes with 70 warm LED lights, saving you time and effort when preparing for the holidays. Plus, since it arrives ready to display right out of the box, you won't need extra time reshaping it.

The garland has over 300 tips made with a polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene blend, giving you the most realistic style. Unfortunately, it is ideal for indoor decorating only, so plan to decorate it above your entryway or along your fireplace.

Product Details: Length: 9 feet | Lights: 70 LED lights | Location: Indoors only

Macy's

View On Macy's $60

Why You Should Get It

As bay leaves dry once the holiday season ends, you can use them in recipes.

Keep in Mind

The minimalist design may not align with your style preferences.

If you are looking for a distinctive and natural material, one of the best Christmas garlands is McFadden Farm's Fresh Bay Leaf Garland. It's 6 feet long, giving you sufficient length to display on a table or mantel. Like most fresh garlands, it remains fresh for about two weeks. However, one of the best features is that as it starts to dry, you can store the leaves in a jar and use them in future recipes.

Depending on your style preferences, it's one of the more low-key garland choices. It may not be ideal if you prefer a garland with far more festive touches, such as lights or ornaments. However, you can easily incorporate your own if you love this distinctive fresh garland.

Product Details: Length: 6 feet | Lights: Not included | Location: Indoors only

Wayfair

View On Wayfair $94

Why You Should Get It

The red holly berries and flocked pine cones make it a classic choice for the holidays.

Keep in Mind

It requires six D batteries to stay lit.

If you decorate with traditional reds and greens, you'll love the impressive Anderson Mill's Lighted Faux Garland. At 9 feet long, the red holly berries and flocked pine cones rest along deep green artificial pine needles.

The stems of this garland are bendable, which is ideal depending on where you are placing it. “The malleability is key when decorating a mantle around a TV or other decor items where you want the garland to weave through the space," Toombs says.

There is an array of 50 LED lights that require six D batteries, so you'll want to purchase extra batteries. Fortunately, it has a built-in timer, which will help preserve the battery life.

Product Details: Length: 9 feet | Lights: 50 LED lights | Location: Indoors or covered outdoors

Pottery Barn

View On Pottery Barn $109 View On Havenly.com $109

Why You Should Get It

The garland can last up to a year, even after the olive leaves and myrtle have dried.

Keep in Mind

It can be challenging to store once dry.

You may not be thinking of the olive leaf in terms of garlands, but this Pottery Barn Olive Leaf and Myrtle Garland encourages a natural calmness with its soft beige and lush green colors. Made by a California farm, this serene Christmas garland will evoke a sense of peace for every guest who arrives in your home this holiday season.

It's simple in design, so you will need to purchase lights, ornaments, and bows separately. However, one of the more notable benefits is that even after the holiday season is over, the garland can last up to a year. Unfortunately, storing the dried leaves can be challenging because they may break or shed if moved.

Product Details: Length: 6 feet | Lights: Not included | Location: Indoors or covered Outdoors

Bloom Room Christmas Blue Bauble & Silver Bow Garland

Joann

View On JOANN

Why You Should Get It

It creates a winter ambiance with blue and silver colors.

Keep in Mind

The ornaments may not be ideal for the outdoors.

If you prefer winter blue for your decoration theme this holiday season, you'll love Bloom Room's Christmas Blue Bauble and Silver Bow Garland. The ornaments are various shades of blue, making them complementary to a white Christmas or a winter decor theme. The flocking on the faux pine needles and pine cones harmonize with the silver bows tied prominently throughout the garland.

Although this garland would look eye-catching over your front door, the ornaments may not withstand harsh weather. You can preserve your garland the longest by decorating it indoors, along your fireplace or table.

Product Details: Length: 6 feet | Lights: Not included | Location: Not listed

Three Posts Crestwood Lighted Faux Spruce Garland

Wayfair

View On Wayfair $43

Why You Should Get It

The pine cones and red berries will go well alongside various seasonal embellishments.

Keep in Mind

It’s not as full as other options on our list.

The Three Posts Crestwood Lighted Faux Spruce Garland is a stand-out option for those looking for a garland that captures the essence of nature and Christmas. The 9-foot garland is adorned with small pines and brownish-red berries, which will go well alongside decor such as nutcrackers or a Christmas tree.

The garland may not appear as full as other choices, so you may not appreciate its presentation outside your home. However, it does come with 50 LED lights to enhance the appearance. Plus, the thin quality gives you plenty of opportunity to add ornaments and provides the flexibility to weave around dishes on your holiday table.

Product Details: Length: 9 feet | Lights: 50 LED lights | Location: Indoors or outdoors

What to Know About Christmas Garlands Before Shopping

Type

When determining the best Christmas garland for you, you should select one based on how much you are willing to invest in time and money. "The higher quality [faux] garlands can be an investment, but they last for several years," Toombs says.

On the other hand, a real garland "offers a natural scent and appearance, but requires maintenance,” Toombs says. “It may shed needles and will need to be replaced each year. However, replacing may not be a big issue if you like to change up your holiday look annually."

Whichever you choose, select the one that aligns with the overall style choice for your Christmas decorations. "I’m partial to firs and pines, your typical evergreens, because I think they pair with the textures of a tree well," Hewitt says.

Length

When selecting the best Christmas garlands for your home, knowing exactly how much you need will make shopping and decorating easier. Consider measuring the space it will be placed before making a purchase. You can use this information to determine whether you need to purchase an additional amount or if you'll have more than enough for your home.

Lights

Having a garland with Christmas lights is ideal to draw attention to your space. "If you want a pre-lit garland, energy-efficient LED lights are very popular and readily available,” Toombs says. “If there isn’t an outlet accessible, use battery-operated lights.”

A wide variety of faux and real garland options come with lights. However, not all are included, so you may need to purchase them separately. You can also consider putting a spotlight on it, Toombs suggests. Doing so is a functional alternative if lights are not built into the garland.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

If you are selecting an indoor or outdoor faux garland, make sure they are made of polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene, as they are the most realistic and durable materials. "These materials are weather-resistant and can endure outdoor conditions better," says Toombs.

You'll also want to consider UV-protected garlands, as they won't fade so quickly when exposed to sunlight. It's especially important for those who live in sunnier locales during the holiday season.

An outdoor garland made with ornaments or other small items may not hold up well if you deal with more extreme temperatures during the winter. According to Toombs, a weather-resistant ribbon will easily enhance your outdoor garland.

Toombs recommends you spray natural outdoor or indoor garlands with products such as Wilt-Pruf. It will help them retain moisture so they won't diminish too quickly.

Your Questions, Answered

What type of garland lasts the longest?

Faux garlands made of polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene last the longest and will endure harsher weather conditions. Hewitt says they can last for years if stored and cared for properly.

However, if you prefer the aroma and atmosphere provided by a real garland, Hewitt suggests selecting an evergreen, such as pine, spruce, firs, and cedars. As Toombs recommends, use a product like Wilt-Pruf to lengthen the life of the garland during the holiday season.

Should I buy real garland or fake garland?

Deciding whether you want a real or faux garland comes with numerous factors. A real one will add a welcoming, fresh scent to your home. However, maintaining it can require more effort, and it will only last for the season.

On the other hand, a faux garland can be ideal if you want one that can endure for several years. They can be more costly, especially if you are selecting one that is of higher quality.

How much does garland cost?

The cost of the garlands will vary based on materials, length, and quality. The well-made faux Christmas garlands are typically between $60 and $100. However, they will last you the longest.

Natural garlands are also an investment, starting at $100 or more, depending on how much you need. There are lower-cost garlands that may be suitable for your needs, especially if you love changing up your holiday decor regularly.

Who We Are

Nicole Pyles is a freelance writer who loves finding products that she can talk about with others. She considered each pick's type, length, lights, and location for this article. She also consulted Liz Toombs, president and owner of PDR Interiors in Lexington, KY, and Kaylyn Hewitt, Lead Floral Designer at The Bouqs Co.