10 Festive Ideas for Above Kitchen Cabinets: Creative ways to decorate above kitchen cabinets for Christmas

Last year, I almost set up a six-foot inflatable Santa above my cabinets — until I realized my ceiling wasn’t high enough. Lesson learned: sometimes less is more, especially in the kitchen. Over the years, I’ve found the above-cabinet space is a hidden stage for some of the most charming holiday scenes. Small spaces can spark big creativity, and those gaps above the cabinets deserve their moment to shine. Today I’m sharing 10 ideas I’ve used (or rescued from near disaster) to give that spot a proper Christmas makeover. And yes, one of them involves a clever room planner to visualize it before climbing the ladder.

1. Evergreen Garland with Twinkle Lights

A classic move. Drape a lush faux (or real) garland along the top, then weave in micro LED lights. It’s simple, timeless, and instantly festive. Just remember to check the clearance to avoid heat from cabinet lights.

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2. Mini Christmas Village

Arrange a tiny snowy village scene with ceramic houses, miniature trees, and soft white lights. It makes your kitchen feel like it belongs in a cozy winter storybook. It may require dusting after the season, but the charm is worth it.

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3. Oversized Ornaments

Giant baubles can make a bold statement up there. Choose colors that match your kitchen palette for a cohesive feel. I once used matte gold and deep red, and the contrast with my white cabinets was picture-perfect.

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4. Vintage Sled or Skis

Lean a small vintage sled or a pair of decorative skis against the wall above the cabinets. It’s a quirky twist that adds rustic winter vibes. I planned mine in a free floor plan creator to check proportions before sourcing the pieces.

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5. Festive Signage

“Merry & Bright” signs or light-up marquee letters can fill the space with personality. Just keep the typography and colors simple so it doesn’t feel cluttered from below.

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6. Winter Botanicals

Eucalyptus, pinecones, and dried berries in simple arrangements give a natural, sophisticated look. They also smell incredible, which is a bonus while cooking holiday meals.

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7. Soft Fabric Touches

Drape plaid or knitted throws loosely to add warmth and texture. It’s unconventional, but it softens the look of the upper space beautifully.

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8. Nutcracker Parade

A row of nutcrackers standing tall above the cabinets always makes guests smile. From classic wooden designs to glittery modern ones, they bring tradition into the kitchen.

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9. Faux Snow Blanket

Laying down faux snow can be the perfect base for other decor like trees, figurines, or even gingerbread houses. I used this trick in my last project planned in an kitchen layout planner to ensure it complemented the rest of the décor.

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10. Coordinated Gift Boxes

Wrap empty boxes in festive paper and ribbon, stack them in varying heights, and you have an instant, cost-effective display. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover wrapping paper.

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FAQ

1. What is the easiest way to decorate above kitchen cabinets for Christmas?

The easiest is to add a garland with battery-powered lights. It’s quick, affordable, and creates instant holiday cheer.

2. How do I keep above-cabinet decor from getting dusty?

Use faux greenery or decor items that can be wiped clean, and store them in boxes after the season to reduce buildup.

3. Can I mix modern and rustic decorations?

Absolutely. Blend sleek metallic ornaments with natural textures like pinecones for a balanced look.

4. Are LED lights safe above cabinets?

Yes, as long as you choose low-heat LEDs and keep them away from heat sources or flammable materials, per U.S. Fire Administration guidelines.

5. How do I make the space look taller?

Use vertical elements like tall figurines or signage to draw the eye upward.

6. Should the above-cabinet decor match my tree?

Not necessarily, but complementary colors will help your holiday theme feel cohesive.

7. Can I decorate above cabinets in a rental kitchen?

Yes, just use lightweight, removable decor and avoid drilling or attaching anything permanent.

8. What’s a budget-friendly idea?

Wrap empty boxes in leftover gift wrap and arrange them for a colorful, low-cost display.