10 Fun Holiday Office Door Decorating Contest Ideas: Spark Creativity and Festive Spirit with These Office Door Designs

One December, I once walked into an office where someone had turned their door into a life-sized fireplace scene — complete with stockings and a fake kitten peeking out. I’ll admit, my jaw dropped. That moment reminded me how creative door decor ideas can completely change the atmosphere at work, especially during the holidays.

1. Winter Wonderland Theme

White paper snowflakes, frosted garlands, and a snowy doorframe can transform your office entrance into a cozy winter escape. It’s easy to DIY, though cutting dozens of snowflakes can test your patience.

save pin

2. Santa’s Workshop

Bright reds, toy patterns, and a little “elf on duty” sign instantly boost the holiday mood. Great for teams that want to involve kids’ artwork for an authentic, whimsical feel.

save pin

3. Gingerbread House Door

Brown craft paper as the base, candy cutouts, and faux icing details will make your door look good enough to eat. The challenge? Resisting the urge to snack afterward!

save pin

4. Ugly Sweater Design

Use fabric remnants or patterned paper to make your door mimic a cheerful, tacky sweater. Bonus points for adding 3D trimmings or lights — just watch the power cords.

save pin

5. Holiday Movie Tribute

Whether it’s “Home Alone” or “Elf,” pick your favorite holiday movie and bring it to life. I once helped recreate Buddy the Elf’s apartment using the layout planning approach to scale the decor perfectly.

save pin

6. Interactive Door Calendar

Turn your door into an advent calendar with small notes or treats for coworkers. It builds anticipation, but you’ll need to keep it stocked daily.

save pin

7. Recycled Holidays

Craft your decor from office paper waste, cardboard boxes, and leftover ribbons. It’s budget-friendly and tells a green holiday story — though it takes some extra crafting time.

save pin

8. Snowman Stack

Three paper circles stacked vertically with scarves and hats instantly create a cheerful greeter. I once used spatial layout tricks to make sure the snowman proportions fit the door without looking squashed.

save pin

9. Cozy Cabin Feel

Think faux wood textures, plaid patterns, and a little “welcome to our lodge” sign. Perfect for adding warmth during cold office mornings.

save pin

10. Global Holiday Traditions

Celebrate diversity by incorporating symbols from different cultures’ winter holidays — from Hanukkah to New Year festivals. It sparks conversations and inclusivity across the team.

save pin

FAQ

1. How do I start planning an office door decorating design?

Begin by choosing a theme everyone enjoys, gather materials, and make a quick sketch or mood board to guide the build.

2. What materials work best for holiday office door decorations?

Lightweight items like craft paper, felt, and cardboard are safer and easier to secure than heavy objects.

3. How can we make decorations more sustainable?

Use recycled materials, biodegradable glitter, and reuse decor from previous years to reduce waste.

4. Are there safety rules for office door decor?

Yes, check with building management — avoid blocking handles or using flammable materials. OSHA recommends ensuring exits remain clear (source: OSHA.gov).

5. Can door decorations be 3D?

Absolutely, but ensure nothing protrudes dangerously into walkways and all items are securely attached.

6. How to make a competition fair?

Create judging categories like “Most Creative,” “Most Festive,” and have diverse judges to balance tastes.

7. Is it okay to include lights on doors?

Yes, as long as they’re LED (low-heat), battery-powered, and cords don’t create trip hazards.

8. How far in advance should we prepare?

At least a week ahead to allow for idea refinement, sourcing materials, and assembling the display under less stress.