Christmas Playhouse Makeovers: How Real Families Transformed Their Playhouses for the Holidays
The holiday season is made for memory-making and a little “deck the halls” magic of your own. Transforming your child’s playhouse into a winter wonderland brings the joy of the season right to your backyard. With twinkling lights, mini wreaths, and a sprinkle of creativity, it becomes their very own North Pole hideaway.
Whether your child is pretending to run Santa’s workshop or relaxing in a winter cabin, a Christmas playhouse makeover turns everyday play into something truly merry and bright. Let’s look at some fun, festive decorating ideas and showcase a couple of amazing transformations from real families to inspire your own holiday project.
Christmas Playhouse Inspiration for the Holiday Season
A playhouse can become whatever your child dreams up. During the holidays, it can turn into a gingerbread house, Santa's headquarters, or a reindeer stable. Make decorating it together with your children a family tradition.
As you work side by side to hang lights and arrange decorations, you’re building memories that will be treasured for years to come. This shared project fosters creativity and teamwork, making the result even more meaningful.
Playhouse Decorating Ideas to Create Holiday Magic
Ready to dress up your outdoor playhouse for the holidays? Here are some tips.
Add Lights and Garland
Let's illuminate your playhouse! Few things capture the holiday spirit quite like shimmering lights and beautiful garland.
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Drape string lights: Use battery-operated string lights along the roofline, windows, and doorway. Choose classic white for a warm glow or multi-colored strands for a playful feel.
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Wrap with garland: Adorn pillars, railings, and windows with garland. Choose classic green garland for a natural look, or a pre-lit or flocked variety for extra flair.
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Add festive accents: Add small, shatterproof ornaments or red bows to your garland to instantly make the playhouse feel like a miniature holiday home.
Bring the Indoors Out With Cozy Decor
Give the playhouse the same inviting feel as your home with a few simple accessories:
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Welcome mat: Add a cheerful mat at the door for instant charm.
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Mini wreath: Hang a small wreath or door sign to make it feel lived-in.
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Soft rug: Lay down a durable outdoor rug for a warm, finished look.
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Decorative pillows: Use weather-friendly pillows in bright or seasonal colors to make the space feel comfy and fun.
Just make sure everything you add can handle a little sun, wind, and rain.
Incorporate Holiday Play Accessories and Toys
Enhance the atmosphere with seasonal additions that invite imagination and play:
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Mini Christmas tree: Set up a small artificial tree your child can decorate again and again.
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Pretend hot cocoa station: Add toy mugs and cotton balls as marshmallows for a sweet twist on make-believe play.
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Toy mailbox: Let your child “send” and receive letters to Santa.
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Holiday books or play baking tools: Create a snug reading corner or a pretend gingerbread bakery.
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Interactive elements: Make the space truly engaging with hands-on features like a chalkboard for drawing or writing “Santa, stop here!” messages.
Real Family Christmas Playhouse Makeovers
Need a little inspiration? Some of the sweetest playhouse makeovers come straight from real families who went all out for the holidays. Take a peek at three of our favorites.
Elizabeth Homen’s ‘Santa’s Workshop’ Playhouse Transformation
Elizabeth brought holiday magic to her KidKraft playhouse, giving it a merry makeover worthy of the North Pole. With paint, seasonal sparkle, and plenty of creativity and Christmas spirit, she turned it into the cutest Santa’s Workshop for her 5- and 2-year-old elves. See how her vision came together in the video below.
A Classic Christmas Welcome
Two adorable pups are all set for the holiday paw-ty, looking perfectly at home on the porch of a playhouse dressed in timeless Christmas style. Green wreaths with bright red bows adorn the double doors, while soft white lights twinkle overhead. On each side of the entrance, potted evergreens frame the scene, completing the picture-perfect setting.
Sugarplum Snowday
This dreamy setup features a white playhouse with a soft pink door framed by a balloon garland in wintry greens and blush tones. Snowflake cutouts dance across the garland and around the playhouse, adding a sprinkle of winter wonder, just right for a little pretty-in-pink princess. A fluffy wreath and welcoming doormat tie it all together, while a wooden reindeer out front complements the storybook scene.
Bring extra joy to the season with KidKraft’s outdoor playhouses. Explore creative ways to dress up your child’s playhouse and turn it into a family-friendly space for active play and imagination all season long. Looking for a special gift? Check out the KidKraft gift guide and discover something for every kid on your list.
