Affordable DIY Wall Christmas Tree with Lights

Create an easy DIY Christmas tree on a wall using Command hooks, garland, and a string of lights—perfect as an Advent calendar or budget-friendly holiday decor.

wall Christmas tree with lights used as a DIY Advent calendar in a playroom

One of our favorite family traditions is creating a wall-mounted Christmas tree in the playroom. It’s fast, inexpensive, and takes up almost no storage space—an ideal option when a full-size tree isn’t practical. Whether you want a whimsical look for kids or a more classic pine appearance using green garland, this project adapts easily to any room, apartment, classroom, or waiting area.

finished DIY Christmas wall tree with colorful tinsel garland in a playroom

How to Make a Wall Mounted Christmas Tree With Lights

Supplies

  • Wire Command hooks (indoor or outdoor light hooks work well)
  • Thin Christmas garland in your preferred color or style (tinsel garland is a fun choice)
  • Battery-powered fairy lights or a plug-in string of lights if an outlet is nearby
  • Marquee star light or a DIY cardboard star painted to match your decor
  • Command picture hanging strip for securing the star
  • Small, shatterproof ornaments with hooks (dollar store finds are perfect)
  • Optional: Clothespins and numbered small bags for converting the tree into an Advent calendar
Command hooks in Walmart

Steps

Step 1 – Mark Spots for Hooks

Begin by marking the top point of the tree with a pencil. From that point, plan the triangular outline—decide whether you prefer a narrow or wide silhouette so the hooks form a balanced tree shape before you stick anything to the wall.

Hanging wall hooks in a triangle to make a tree shape

Step 2 – Place Hooks

Apply the Command light hooks along the pencil marks to form a triangle. Place hooks closer together near the top and farther apart as you move down to create the classic tree taper.

hanging garland on wall hooks to make a DIY Christmas tree on a wall

Step 3 – Weave Garland Through Hooks

Start at the top hook and secure the garland end there. Gently weave the garland through each hook, shaping it into the triangular tree form. Adjust the loops or drape to suit the look you want—tight and neat or loose and playful.

adding lights to a wall Christmas tree

Step 4 – Place Lights

Layer fairy lights over the garland using the same hook pattern. If using battery-powered lights, position the battery pack at the tree’s base so it’s hidden and easy to access. For plug-in lights, route the cord discreetly toward the nearest outlet.

hanging a star on top of garland on a wall

Step 5 – Attach Star

Secure a star at the top of the tree with a Command picture hanging strip. You can buy a ready-made marquee star or craft a lightweight star from cardboard and paint it to coordinate with your decorations.

Step 6 – Hang Ornaments

Hang small shatterproof ornaments from the garland using their hooks. Space them evenly or cluster a few for a playful look. Lightweight ornaments work best so you don’t pull the garland out of shape.

Adding ornaments to a wall Christmas tree

Step 7 – Hang Advent Tags or Bags

Turn the wall tree into an Advent calendar by clipping numbered bags or tags to the garland with clothespins. Fill them with small treats, notes, or activities for each day of December. You can also display holiday cards along the garland for a seasonal gallery.

kids' DIY Advent calendar on a wall in a playroom

That’s it—an adorable wall tree that’s quick to assemble and easy to remove without damaging the wall. No tools needed, minimal cost, and it’s ready in about an hour. You can change colors, lights, and ornaments each year for a fresh look.

How to create a wall Christmas tree using Command hooks, garland, fairy lights, and shatterproof mini ornaments

We use Command hooks and hanging strips all year long, so this method is a favorite for seasonal decor. It keeps things child-friendly, safe, and damage-free when the holidays are over. The result is cozy, festive, and perfectly suited for a playroom or small space.

wall Christmas tree made of garland and Command hooks

Do you decorate kids’ rooms or play areas for the holidays? Small, thoughtful touches like this make the season feel extra magical for little ones.

cheap DIY wall Christmas tree with lights in a playroom

More DIY Christmas Wall Decor Ideas

  • 18 Christmas Wall Decor Ideas and Holiday Art Printables
  • 5 Minute Christmas Bow Ribbon Art
  • Vintage Christmas Tree Gallery Wall Printable Set
  • Snow Cabin Art Printable
  • Winter Painting Free Art Printable to Frame Anywhere
  • DIY Large Wall Art and Winter Landscape Printable
  • Winter Botanical Gallery Wall Printables
sign off