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 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!
A Simple Cute Scandi Felt Christmas Craft For Your Home
This cute forest has all the elements of a Scandinavian Christmas decoration: Simple design, neutral colours, and natural textures of wool and wood.
Upcycled Scandi Woven Hearts Garland
Hearts are a cherished Scandinavian Christmas decoration, especially these woven variants. Discover a paper rendition of this craft within our collection of paper Christmas crafts.
Wine Cork Star
You can make this gorgeous Christmas star from all the wine corks left after making drinking Scandinavian Glögg.
Mini Wooden Houses - Christmas Cloche
I'm digging this, having your own miniature Scandinavian village in a cloche on your mantle.
Marimekko Nordic Christmas Decorations
Marimekko is probably the most famous Nordic textile design company. These Nordic decorations were made with natural wood slices and paper napkin decoupage.
DIY Scandinavian Wood Ornament
Create these easy DIY Scandinavian Wood Ornaments for a quick and personalized DIY hostess gift.
Cute Norwegian Christmas Gnomes
No sewing is required to make these cute Norwegian gnomes. They are called Nisse in Norwegian and Danish and Tomte in Swedish.
Swedish Paper Hearts
This is the paper version of the woven hearts. They are also little hanging baskets that can be filled with treats.
Painted Acorn Christmas Decoration
Real acorns are painted with simple Scandinavian patterns to make a lovely Christmas garland.
Upcycle Packaging Into A Gingerbread Garland
Another Scandinavian village, this time hanging in a garland. Also, this repurposed cardboard Christmas craft costs almost nothing to make. You might want to try the leather version of this craft for a more expensive look.
How To Make A Stylish Scandinavian Christmas Tree
The ones in the uber-cool Scandinavian interiors store Scandium inspired this simple alternative Christmas tree.
Denim Dala Horse Ornament
Dala horses are a classic Swedish decoration. They have been given a rustic look with this stencilled denim version (Check out these other denim Christmas DIYs).
Scandinavian Tomte Christmas Elf Ornament Tutorial
The Swedes call their little gnomes Tomte. This is a tutorial to make a cute little Tomte ornament or present topper.
Scrap wood Scandinavian Christmas Tree
The tall bits of wood were looking Scandi already but the white stickers took them to another level.
Handmade Felt Christmas Ornaments
The neutral colours and the simple stitching on felt give these Christmas embroidered ornaments that Scandi feel.
How to Make A Pinecone Heart Ornament (Video Tutorial)
Hearts are an essential part of Scandinavian Christmas decorations. These cute pine cone hearts fit in well with a Scandinavian theme, as they are a simple Christmas nature craft.
Beautiful Nordic Inspired Christmas Ornaments
Most things in miniature look cute, and these hanging plant ornaments are no exception.
DIY Scandinavian Style Metal Holiday Tree Accents
These metal trees look cold and frosty like a Norwegian forest in winter.
DIY a Rustic Wooden Reindeer Family
My favourite kind of Christmas craft made from upcycled scraps. I love this little herd of reindeer.
DIY Yarn Wrapped Yule Goat
This is a fun, colourful Scandinavian Christmas craft and a great one for the kids to do. You just need some wool scraps for this easy yarn craft.
Potato Stamp Tea Towels: Easy & Inexpensive DIY Gifts
Extend the Scandinavian theme into the kitchen with these gorgeous printed tea towels.
Beautiful Air Dry Clay Candle Holder
Candles are a big part of Scandinavian Christmas decor; these marbled air-dry clay candle holders look great on the Christmas table.
Mitten Ornament - Free Pattern
These cute mini mitten ornaments have a Scandinavian vibe. Check out these other Christmas sewing patterns.
DIY Driftwood Christmas Tree
With its simple pared-back look, this tree has a Scandinavian feel.
DIY Christmas Bead Garland
A simple natural wood bead garland wood looks great on any Christmas tree
Scandinavian Village Scrap Wood Houses
No Scandinavian Christmas mantle is complete without a village of snowcapped houses.
Scandinavian Crochet Pattern Advent Calendar
Inspired by beautiful holiday decor in Scandinavia, the Scandinavian Advent Calendar boasts elegant geometric trees and coordinated cross-stitch numbers. This crochet masterpiece is a décor highlight and features 24 pockets. Fill them with candies and treats, setting the stage for an eagerly awaited Christmas Eve.
How To Make A Decoupage Baubles Decoration
This is a fun alternative Christmas decoration. Use Marimekko paper napkins to make some decoupage bauble flowers.
DIY Wooden Christmas Tree
Use small natural wood slices to make Scandinavian-style tabletop Christmas trees for your mantle.
Make Your Own Simple Yarn Christmas Wreath
This simple wreath reminds me of a snowy Norwegian forest.
Minimalist Geometric Ornaments
These handmade ornaments tick several boxes for Scandinavian Christmas decor, simple minimalist design and made with natural materials.
DIY Advent Candles
Advent candles are a cherished Scandinavian Christmas tradition, and this post guides you through crafting your own.
DIY Christmas Advent Wreath
A minimalist Christmas wreath and DIY advent calendar in one!
FROEBEL Paper Stars
These woven Nordic paper stars may look challenging, but don't worry; there is an easy-to-follow video tutorial.
How To Make A DIY Branch Christmas Tree
Collect some branches from the garden or woods and tie them into a simple rustic Christmas tree; stand the tree in a pot or hang it flat against the wall.
Sweater Upcycled Christmas Ornaments
Use cookie cutters for these simple shaped upcycled Christmas ornaments. The heart and moose are particularly Nordic-inspired.
Air Dry Clay Christmas Ornaments 5 Different Ways
Another set of simple Nordic-style Christmas ornaments made with cookie cutters, this time with air-dry clay.
Scandinavian Inspired Paper Village
These paper house advent tea-light decorations look like the Norwegian huts you see all over the Fjords.
Eucalyptus Wreath
Make a fresh wreath with eucalyptus leaves, moss and pine foliage for your decor.
Dala Horse Snowflakes | Moose Snowflakes | Snowman Snowflakes
Make paper snowflakes with a Scandinavian feel by cutting out moose and Dala horse shapes using this free pattern.
Norwegian Paper Angels Craft
Make a simple Norwegian angel garland with folded paper.
Paper Straw Stars
With a contemporary twist on the classic Scandi straw stars, these chic decorations are crafted from metallic paper straws and thread. They're ideal for sprucing up Christmas and other special occasions!
Wall Paper Stars
More Nordic stars for your walls are made from paper bags, with three designs to choose from.
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.
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!