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The Spruce / Zackary Angeline
A garland can complement your Christmas tree or bring a touch of holiday cheer to your fireplace mantle, staircase, or front door.
We researched the best holiday garlands available online, evaluating quality, length, embellishments, and value. Our favorite, the Frontgate Christmas Cheer Garland, is extra-long, realistically full, and accented with pinecones, berries, and lights.
Here are the best holiday garlands.
Best Overall
Frontgate Christmas Cheer Cordless Garland
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Frontgate
Made with molds of real branches
Suitable for indoors or outdoors
Matching wreath available
Lights may burn out quickly
For a festive, bright, and durable Christmas garland you'll use season after season, we recommend Frontgate's 12-foot Christmas Cheer Garland. The combination of faux Scotch pine (the national tree of Scotland), pistol pine, and fir branches—all made using molds of live branches and needles—looks full and lush. Pinecones, bright red berries, and warm white lights add additional flair to this stunning holiday decoration.
The garland is suitable for indoor or covered outdoor use, so you can drape it across the fireplace mantel, run it along a staircase railing, or hang it over the front door. You can even add lights, bows, or other accents to increase the holiday aesthetic. Complete the look with the matching wreath and chair back swag (both sold separately).
The greenery feels sturdy and meant to last for years to come. Just hang on to the shipping box to use for storage and fluff the garland to restore its shape when it's time to decorate. One drawback is that the lights may not last as long as the life of the garland.
Price at time of publish: $279
Length: 12 feet | Power Source: 6D Batteries | Number of Lights: 240 | Outdoor Safe?: Yes, when covered
Best Budget
Amenon 9 ft. Prelit Christmas Garland 50 Lights Frosted Xmas Garland Battery Operated
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Courtesy of Amazon
Affordable
Can be used as a wreath
Eight light settings
Lights are a bit sparse
If you don't want to break the bank on holiday decorations, add some festive cheer with this affordable pre-lit garland that's decorated with pine cones and red berries. You’ll find that it’s full and bushy wherever you perch it, whether you hang the garland on your mantel or on furniture (it's flexible enough to be shaped to fit your furniture—or, as the manufacturer points out, it can also be bent into the shape of a wreath).
It comes with 50 warm, battery-powered lights which can either be left on or adjusted so they flash on and off. This budget-friendly option is beautiful, durable, and ideal for a wide range of decorating situations.
Price at time of publish: $38
Length: 9 feet | Power Source: 3 AA Batteries | Number of Lights: 100 | Outdoor Safe?: Yes, when covered
Best Flocked
Balsam Hill Frosted Fraser Fir Foliage
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Balsam Hill
Realistic look and feel
Rustic appearance
Can add multiple garlands together
Short
If you want to avoid flocking a Christmas garland yourself, opt for this faux-flocked garland from Balsam Hill. The branches appear to be dusted with snow, and the warm LED lights help accentuate the natural green foliage. Complete the rustic-chic look with birch logs, white pillar candles, and a cozy throw blanket.
This product features Balsam Hill's True Needle technology for unmatched realism in both look and feel. Though this garland is on the shorter side, it features "end-to-end" plugs so you can easily attach multiple garlands together.
Price at time of publish: $129
Length: 6 feet | Power Source: 4 AA Batteries | Number of Lights: 50 | Outdoor Safe?: Yes, when covered
Best Realistic
Pottery Barn Pre-Lit LED Faux Mixed Pine Glitter Garland, 9'
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Pottery Barn
Shimmering and shiny
Realistic look
Matching wreath available
Fragile
Why fuss with strands of lights and a garland when you can combine the two with a pre-lit version? This plug-in garland also features frosted faux evergreen branches, glitter, and berries for a solid dose of festive cheer.
This festive garland comes with 50 lights and can be used indoors and outdoors (in covered areas). It’s quite large and plush and looks quite authentic as well. Be careful putting it up, though, since the glittery berries are a bit fragile. You can also purchase the matching wreath for a cohesive holiday spread.
Price at time of publish: $159
Length: 2 feet | Power Source: 3 AAA Batteries | Number of Lights: 50 | Outdoor Safe?: Yes, when covered
Best Decorated
Haute Decor 9 ft. Pre-Lit LED Artificial Frosted Garland with Ornaments
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Courtesy of Home Depot
Bright and colorful
Shatterproof ornaments
Long-lasting lights
Not as realistic as other options
For something that's extra bold and bright, Haute Decor's Artificial Frosted Garland with Ornaments is sure to fit the bill. The snowy greenery is decorated with faux berries and shatterproof red and silver ornaments, so you won't have to add additional decorations. Purchase one garland as the pièce de résistance, or attach multiple garlands for a stunning arrangement (each end of the garland has a plug so you can connect multiple strands).
The dimensions of this garland are 9 feet x 12 inches, and it has long-lasting LED lights that illuminate the rich greenery (the needles are made from PVC, which is a synthetic plastic that is soft and flexible). No matter where you drape this accessory, the rich colors and shiny ornaments are sure to impress guests.
Price at time of publish: $77
Length: 9 feet | Power Source: Plug-in | Number of Lights: 100 | Outdoor Safe?: Yes
Best Cascading
Grandin Road 6' Cascading Christmas Garland
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Courtesy of Gardin Road
Blank slate for decorating
Cascading appearance
Lush and full-looking
Branches need to be fluffed before hanging
This cascading garland offers more than a single big strand of greenery—from the main strand, there are varying drops of greenery, perfect for hanging down your mantel. Once decorated, you’ll find that this garland adds a festive, warm, and inviting look to your holiday décor.
The 6-foot garland comes wrapped with 70 lights which you can plug into a standard outlet or extension cord (the included cord is 36 inches long). It's important to note that the branches will need to be fluffed and adjusted when the garland arrives for a more voluminous look. You can also add your own decorations in addition to the lights—keep it seasonal with reindeer or ornaments, or highlight other celebrations with pumpkins and other motifs.
Price at time of publish: $80
Length: 6 feet | Power Source: Plug-in | Number of Lights: 70 | Outdoor Safe?: Not Listed
Best Tinsel
PEPPERLONELY 100 FT Commercial Length Christmas Garland Classic Christmas Decorations
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Courtesy of Amazon
Extra-long
Suitable for outdoor use
Tarnish-proof
Not as sturdy as other options
If you have a large space to decorate, this shiny 100-foot-long tinsel garland is sure to do the trick. Available in two festive colors, this garland is ideal for wrapping around a massive tree or draping around the outside of your house (it's safe for both indoor and outdoor use).
Because it is made from plastic and doesn't have delicate accessories hanging on the "branches," it can handle more wear and tear than other options. If 100 feet seems excessively long, just use scissors to cut the garland and save the scraps for a crafting project with the little ones.
Price at time of publish: $21
Length: 100 feet | Power Source: None | Number of Lights: None | Outdoor Safe?: Yes
Best Natural
Pottery Barn Fresh Olive Leaf & Myrtle Garland
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Pottery Barn
Can be used year-round
Fresh aroma
Hand-made in the USA
Not as durable as faux options
Needs to be protected from weather
If you prefer a more rustic look, this natural garland will make a stunning addition to your home. Hand-crafted in California from olive leaves and fresh myrtle, this arrangement is unique both in its fragrance and its appearance. The garland produces a comforting and fresh aroma that's fitting for the holiday season and beyond.
The simplicity of the natural elements can easily be dressed up or left more minimal, depending on your personal preference. Before buying, it's important to note that this garland is about 6 feet long, which is shorter than other options on this list, and is best for indoor use. However, the manufacturer says that the garland can be displayed outdoors as long as it's protected from wet weather and humidity—but it may not last as long. Also, keep in mind that dried garlands will shed when being handled or transported, so expect a little fallout from this one.
Price at time of publish: $89
Length: 6 feet | Power Source: None | Number of Lights: None | Outdoor Safe?: Yes, when covered
Best for Mantle
West Elm LED Metal Leaf Garland
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West Elm
Timer function
Available in set of two
Wires make it easy to arrange
Plain compared to others
Turn your mantle into the most festive space in your home with this light-up garland from West Elm. The embedded wire makes it easy to fit around curves and edges, so it fits perfectly in your space. Simple in design, this one also has less of a holiday feel, so you can keep it up as decor year-round.
After hours of coziness by the fire, you won't have to worry about forgetting to turn the lights on your garland off or the lights burning out thanks to its 6-hour auto time feature. The battery-powered garland also ensures no tangled chords can be seen—only your gorgeous winter mantle-scape. It's also available as a set of two for extra-long mantles or railings.
Price at time of publish: $45
Length: 10 feet | Power Source: 3 AA Batteries | Number of Lights: 30 | Outdoor Safe?: Not Listed
Best Outdoor
Laurel Foundry 9' Carolina Pine Pre-Lit Garland with 100 Warm Lights
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Comes with extra bulbs and fuses
Can be used outdoors
Flocked pine cones
Short power cord
For another beautiful option that can be used to decorate staircases, doorways, and more, check out Laurel Foundry's Carolina Pine Pre-Lit Garland. Similar to our pick for best overall, this garland comes with clear white lights and can be used indoors and outdoors.
Each 9-foot garland boasts 100 white lights that will continue to burn brightly even if individual bulbs blow out, although it also comes with extra bulbs and fuses to help extend the lifespan of the lights. The flocked pinecones lend a rustic touch to this piece, so traditional pine or evergreen wreaths will pair well with this decoration.
Price at time of publish: $63
Length: 9 feet | Power Source: Plug-in | Number of Lights: 100 | Outdoor Safe?: Yes
Best Saying
World Market Felted Wool Be Merry Garland
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World Market
Bright and cheery
Spreads a message
Great for a mantle or staircase
Nontraditional colors
Spread a festive holiday message with your garland this year with this colorful pick from World Market. The bright felted wool spells out "Be Merry" in shades of blue, green, and red for a whimsical take on holiday decor. Add to your mantle for a welcoming message for guests, hang on the wall as a cute photo background, or drape along your stairs for a cascading effect. Combine with a traditional green garland or embrace the color for a nontraditional winter scene.
Price at time of publish: $17
Length: 4 feet | Power Source: None | Number of Lights: 0 | Outdoor Safe?: No
Best Colorful
Home Accents Holiday 9 ft. Fantasleigh Battery Operated Pre-Lit LED Artificial Christmas Garland
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Home Accents Holiday
Playful and colorful
Timer-operated lights
Festive colors
May be gimmicky for some tastes
Upgrade a simple garland with colorful bulbs for a unique and playful addition to your holiday decor. This option from Home Accents Holiday features bright white LED bulbs throughout that are battery operated. Red, green, and gold ornaments are strung throughout for a fun touch that is easy to match with other festive decorations.
The 9-foot garland is recommended for indoor or covered outdoor use, and the lights operate on a timer for worry-free lighting. Wrap around your railings, windows, or mantel for a more whimsical option this winter.
Price at time of publish: $60
Length: 9 feet | Power Source: 4 AA Batteries | Number of Lights: 50 | Outdoor Safe?: Yes, when covered
Best Modern
CB2 Ball Garland 72''
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CB2
Modern take on garland
Interesting texture and shine
Can be used year-round
Doesn't look like a traditional garland
Speaking of nontraditional holiday decor, we love this modern take on a garland for CB2. Made from high-quality plastic balls, the garland mimics ornaments for a textured addition to your mantle or table settings. The stunning bronze color makes for a unique decor piece that can be used year-round. The differently-sized details make for a super interesting piece around your tree, on a shelf, or going up a staircase. They also reflect light beautifully for a shiny and glowing sight.
Price at time of publish: $25
Length: 6 feet | Power Source: None | Number of Lights: 0 | Outdoor Safe?: No
Best Bead
Lindye Galloway Shop Natural Wood Bead Garland
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Lindye Galloway Shop
Works for year-round
Perfect for rustic decor
High-quality wood pieces
Not suitable for outdoor use
A beaded garland makes the perfect addition to your tree or mantle for those looking for a rustic or natural color scheme. This pick from Lindye Galloway features natural wood beads to string along an empty wall space or gather together for a textured centerpiece. We love that you can repurpose this garland for use year-round, but also make it super fun and festive for the holidays. Add in some traditional greenery and some red ornaments or embrace the natural color and pair it with tan and brown wreaths and decor pieces.
Price at time of publish: $34
Length: 6.2 feet | Power Source: None | Number of Lights: 0 | Outdoor Safe?: No
Best Long
Northlight 50' x 10" Commercial Length Canadian Pine Artificial Christmas Garland - Unlit
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Northlight
Extra-long
Classic look
Flame-retardant
Plain when not decorated
If you’ve got a lot of ground to cover—say, a long staircase with a banister that’s looking bare—then you’ll want a longer garland. This one extends a full 50 feet and is suitable for use both inside your home and on your home’s exterior.
The green garland has a classic look—for even more festivity, you can add bows, beads, and other decorative elements to the garland. While this pick doesn't come with lights, it's quite simple to drape a strand (or two) of tiny white lights around the length of the garland. It’s made from durable flame-retardant materials with a bendable wire and metal hooks for easy shaping and hanging.
Price at time of publish: $58
Length: 50 feet | Power Source: None | Number of Lights: None | Outdoor Safe?: Yes
Our best overall pick, the Frontgate Christmas Cheer Garland, comes fully decorated with lights, berries, and pinecones. Plus, it's extra long and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. For those on a budget with traditional taste, we recommend the 9-foot relit artificial Christmas garland from AMEMON. It's bright and colorful with warm white lights, perfect for cozy winter nights.
What to Look for When Buying a Christmas Garland
Size
Before committing to a strand of garland, ensure it’s the right fit for your space. Measure the space you intend to decorate—a banister, a mantel—and add a buffer to let the garland hang or wrap around railings. To be extra safe, opt for too long over too short—especially if you intend to wrap the garland around multiple times.
Quality
As much as we appreciate faux garland, you don’t want it to look faux, especially from far away. Select one that's as realistic as possible, with properly-sized greenery. The most popular varieties of faux greenery are pine evergreen, cypress, boxwood, eucalyptus, short-needle evergreen, and juniper. Fluff out any flattened branches, and store them carefully so they’re not crushed between holiday seasons.
Lights
While a pre-lit garland is ultra-convenient, once the lights inevitably fry, your use for the garland may be over, too. Do you want a pre-lit garland, or would you rather decorate with your own ornaments or lights? That’s up to you, but it's something to consider.
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What are Christmas garlands made out of?
Most store-bought garlands are synthetic, allowing you to use them year after year without much of a mess. If you prefer the fragrant charm of fresh or preserved garlands, those are most often made out of pine, holly, fir, and cedar branches, then decorated with pinecones, holly leaves, and ornaments.
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How do you put a garland on a Christmas tree?
There are a few rules to decorating a Christmas tree, but oftentimes it’s best to decorate in this order: lights, garland, ornaments. Drape the garland as you like, though often it’s easiest to start at the top and work your way down. Don’t worry about it being too perfect. In fact, garland looks best when it’s loosely draped, so step back and assess as you’re wrapping it around your tree. Plan to use about 9 to 10 feet of garland per foot of your tree’s height.
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Can you make your own Christmas garland?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Where do you even start? There are so many ways to personalize garland, starting with decorating a store-bought one with ornaments and twinkle lights to make it your own. With a bit of a green thumb and a few gardening tools, you could string garland together yourself, too. Or you could go in an entirely different direction.
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How do you hang Christmas garland around a window?
The easiest way to hang a Christmas garland around a window is using command hooks. They are self-adhesive and designed to be installed and removed without damaging the surface beneath. Make sure you buy the outdoor series.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She's also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product roundups, expert-focused articles, and more.