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43 DIY Scandinavian Christmas Decorations: A Nordic Wonderland in Your Home

Get inspired by the serene beauty of the North with our DIY Scandinavian Christmas decor guide. Craft decorations that are both elegant and cosy.

Get ready for a Nordic adventure wrapped in tinsel and fairy lights! Our DIY Scandinavian Christmas Decorations are a delightful mashup inspired by the heartwarming cultures of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.

And we’ve added a sprinkle of Finnish magic, too – because while it’s not technically Scandinavian, it’s 100% Nordic, and we’re all about that festive flair.

Confused? Don’t fret! While all Scandinavian nations are nestled under the broader Nordic umbrella, not all Nordic countries are Scandinavian. I’m not trying to play Santa with your geographical knowledge, but I know the difference matters to some. (Like my fiercely proud Norwegian mother-in-law!)

Speaking of which, ever experienced a Norwegian Christmas? Thanks to my amazing mother-in-law, I’ve had the pleasure. Across Scandinavia, the main bash is on Christmas Eve.

Envision decorating the tree, feasting by candlelight, and then (the best part) unwrapping gifts. And those decorations? They ooze Scandinavian charm. Think hearts, straw ornaments, heaps of candles, and of course, those flag garlands. Because let’s be honest, what’s a Scandinavian tree without its national flags dancing around?

Now, here’s a holiday trivia tidbit for your next Christmas party: ‘Christmas’ is “Jul” in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, “Jól” in Iceland, and “Joulu” in Finland. And if you want to impress someone with a Norwegian festive greeting, it’s “God Jul“.

Oh, before you go, take a peek at Pictureboxblue. They’ve curated a dazzling collection of free vintage Scandinavian Christmas cards. Many of them sport the cheerful “God Jul” on the front – a delightful touch to any festive occasion!

The best scandinavian Christmas crafts

The Scandinavian Christmas Decorations and Craft Ideas

Ready to deck the halls with a touch of Scandinavian magic? Dive into these tutorials tailor-made for Christmas crafts sprinkled with that Nordic allure.

Get ready to meet some iconic figures of Scandinavian Yuletide – the playful gnomes and the legendary Christmas goats!

The Yule goat, a beloved Scandinavian Christmas emblem, is often spotted as a straw ornament adorning Swedish trees.

And those adorable bearded gnomes you’ve seen popping up in recent years? They’ve got their roots deep in Scandinavian legends. Known as Nisse in Norwegian and Danish and Tomte in Swedish, these festive friends bring gifts and joy on Christmas Eve right to your doorstep!

What gives these crafts their Scandi charm? It’s the mix of simplicity, earthy tones, and the embrace of natural materials like wood and wool. Many of these crafts are genius upcycles, making them both budget-friendly and eco-conscious. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just love trying something new, there’s bound to be a craft here that sparks your festive spirit.

Every festive season, I sprinkle my blog with fresh Scandinavian Christmas crafts. While my heart loves the Nordic vibe in decor, we lean into the classic English tradition when it comes to celebrating. That means feasting and gift-unwrapping on Christmas day.

The Tomte and the yule goat appear on Christmas Eve, knocking on the doors of people’s homes and handing out presents.

Scandinavian Slow TV

Crafting by the TV, I love tuning into Norwegian slow TV during Christmas prep. It’s relaxing and requires no focus.

My top picks? The captivating Arctic Circle train ride and the stunning reindeer migration in Norway showcase the week-long 160-mile journey of Sami herds in Finnmark.

Scandinavian Christmas Crafts You'll Want To Make

From wooden ornaments to simple wreaths, DIY Scandinavian Christmas decorations are all about celebrating the season in style. Explore our favorites now!

If you enjoyed these DIY Scandinavian Christmas decorations, you would probably love this collection of Marimekko and Nordic-inspired crafts.

There is also a very cute Scandinavian Halloween felt craft here.

43 DIY Scandinavian Christmas Decoration ideas pin

DeAnna Cooley

Wednesday 24th of November 2021

I'm trying some of the scandanavian traditions ,I found out this past year my grandpas family is from Sweden ,but I'm also in love with the knomes and I'm trying to find a traditional knome for my home .

Claire Armstrong

Wednesday 24th of November 2021

I have some Norwegian gnomes in the list, which are very similar to the Swedish ones. My in-laws are from Norway and I have Norwegian ancestry which is probably partly why I love the Scandinavian asthetic.

Donna @ Modern on Monticello

Wednesday 2nd of December 2020

These are all so wonderful I can't pick a favorite. Thanks for sharing the traditions of other countries and these beautiful decorations. #HomeMattersParty

Claire Armstrong

Friday 4th of December 2020

Thank you, there is something about Scandinavian Christmas decorations, the Scandis just does them so well.

Michelle Leslie

Saturday 21st of November 2020

What a lovely collection of Skandi decorations Claire. Isn't it wonderful how we're all starting to appreciate meaningful and often homemade Christmas decorations again.

Claire Armstrong

Saturday 21st of November 2020

Thank you, Michelle. Homemade decorations are always my favorite, often there is a story behind them or they have some special meaning.

Allyson

Friday 20th of November 2020

So many great diy projects for inspiration ~ my favorites are the marimekko decor and the gingerbread garland!

Claire Armstrong

Saturday 21st of November 2020

Thank you, Allyson. I think if Marimekko is in the mix then it will always be my favorite!