20 Christmas Decor Ideas for Above Kitchen Cabinets
Alright, let’s talk about that awkward space above your kitchen cabinets. You know the one—too small for storage but too big to ignore.
It’s the no-man’s-land of the kitchen world. And when Christmas rolls around? Oh, it’s basically begging for a little festive magic.
So, if you’re ready to make that upper cabinet space finally earn its keep, here are 20 Christmas decor ideas for above kitchen cabinets that will turn your kitchen into a cozy holiday dream.
1. Add a Lush Green Garland
Let’s start with the obvious—but classic—move: a Christmas garland.
Go for a lush faux pine garland or mix it up with eucalyptus, cedar, and berries for a more organic vibe.
Drape it loosely so it looks effortless, and don’t forget to tuck in twinkle lights for that magical glow.
Pro tip: If your cabinets go all the way to the ceiling, you can attach the garland to the edge or even drape it slightly down one side. Instant cozy charm.
2. Mini Christmas Village
You know those cute little ceramic houses that light up? Yeah—those belong up there.
Arrange a mini Christmas village scene with snow blankets, fairy lights, and maybe a few bottle brush trees.
Every time you turn on the kitchen light, you’ll feel like you’re peeking into a winter wonderland.
Bonus: If you have kids, let them help set it up—they’ll love adding tiny figurines or “snowy” animals.
3. Twinkle Light Wonderland
Sometimes, simple lighting does the heavy lifting.
String warm white fairy lights above your cabinets and let them twinkle away. It’s subtle but so atmospheric.
You can even go for battery-operated fairy lights if outlets are an issue—no one wants cords hanging everywhere.
Ever noticed how lighting can make everything instantly cozier? Exactly.
4. Oversized Christmas Ornaments
If you’ve got tall ceilings, big ornaments are your best friend.
Go for oversized baubles, sparkly stars, or even rustic wooden snowflakes. Cluster them in groups of three or five (odd numbers look more natural, IMO).
This creates an effortless festive look without much clutter.
5. Santa’s Sleigh Display
Want to get a little whimsical? Add a mini sleigh and a few reindeer figurines up there.
It doesn’t have to look kitschy—go for wooden or metal finishes instead of plastic.
Toss in some faux snow or twinkling lights, and suddenly, your kitchen has its own little North Pole scene.
6. Christmas-Themed Signage
Nothing says “festive kitchen” like a bold Christmas sign.
Try phrases like:
- “Baking Spirits Bright”
- “Merry & Bright”
- “Hot Cocoa Served Daily”
You can find tons of farmhouse-style wooden signs on Etsy or make your own with stencils. It’s budget-friendly and adds personality to the space.
7. Rustic Lanterns
Place a few decorative lanterns filled with battery candles or ornaments on top of your cabinets.
Rustic, farmhouse, or even glam—there’s a lantern style for everyone. I did this one year with gold lanterns and red berries inside—looked chef’s kiss above my white cabinets.
8. Christmas Wreath Trio
Who says wreaths only belong on doors?
Hang a trio of small wreaths evenly spaced above your cabinets.
Choose matching ribbons for a cohesive look, or mix and match textures—like pine, berry, and eucalyptus—for extra flair.
9. Faux Snow and Trees
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas (and your weather says otherwise), create your own snow scene up there.
Use faux snow blankets, tiny Christmas trees, and LED candles to give that wintery sparkle. It’s soft, cozy, and oh-so-magical at night.
10. Gingerbread House Display
This one’s for my fellow baking enthusiasts.
Line up gingerbread houses (real or faux) above your cabinets for a sweet, nostalgic touch.
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar “snow,” and boom—your kitchen smells like sugar and cinnamon heaven.
FYI: if you go with real ones, keep them away from heat vents unless you enjoy gingerbread crumbles all over your counter.
11. Baskets with Holiday Touches
If your kitchen leans rustic or farmhouse, try wicker baskets with festive touches.
Tuck in pinecones, ornaments, ribbons, or mini wreaths inside each basket.
It’s simple but looks so intentional—like you hired an interior decorator who just “gets it.”
12. Garland and Ribbon Combo
Want to make your garland pop? Pair it with ribbons.
Go for bold satin red, plaid, or velvet ribbons intertwined with the greenery. It adds depth, texture, and that perfect Pinterest-worthy charm.
13. Cozy Christmas Candles
Place a few flameless candles (safety first!) across the top of your cabinets.
Use different heights for visual interest, and surround them with greenery or ornaments.
When the kitchen lights dim, they’ll give off that soft, golden glow that just feels like Christmas.
14. Holiday Cookbook Display
If you’re anything like me, your kitchen gets extra busy in December—cookies, pies, hot cocoa galore.
So why not display a few festive cookbooks up top? Stack them with the covers facing out, add a small ornament or greenery accent, and suddenly it’s a mini culinary display.
15. Red and Gold Color Theme
If you want a timeless look, stick to classic red and gold decor.
Think gold garlands, red ornaments, and maybe a few touches of greenery. It’s elegant, warm, and never goes out of style.
Plus, it works with nearly every kitchen color palette.
16. Scandinavian Minimalism
If your style leans clean and modern, skip the overload and go minimal Scandinavian.
A few wooden trees, white ceramic houses, and neutral-toned garlands will keep the space festive without feeling cluttered.
Add a few candles, and voilà—you’ve got cozy, minimalist Christmas vibes.
17. Metallic Magic
Bring in metallic tones—think silver, gold, and champagne—to give your kitchen a chic, modern feel.
Cluster metallic ornaments in bowls or vases, or line up gold candleholders for a bit of sparkle.
It catches the light beautifully and makes even small kitchens feel more luxe.
18. DIY Hanging Stars
Feeling crafty? Try hanging a few DIY paper or metal stars from the top of your cabinets.
Let them dangle slightly in front—it adds movement and whimsy. You can spray-paint them gold, silver, or white to match your theme.
It’s simple, cheap, and totally photo-worthy.
19. Family Heirlooms or Vintage Finds
I love mixing in a few vintage pieces—old Santa figurines, antique tins, or even a vintage cookie jar.
They tell a story and make your kitchen feel personal. Every time I see my grandmother’s old cookie tin up there, I can almost smell her cinnamon rolls again. 🙂
20. A Touch of Nature
Lastly, bring in natural elements.
Add pinecones, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and wooden accents. Not only does it look rustic and inviting, but it smells amazing.
A few drops of essential oils like clove or pine, and your kitchen will feel like a cozy log cabin.
Pro Tips for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
Before you grab your ladder (carefully, please), here are a few quick tips:
- Keep it balanced. Too much clutter can make the space feel chaotic.
- Stick to a color palette. Choose two or three main colors and repeat them.
- Layer heights. Mix tall and short pieces to create visual interest.
- Light it up. A few twinkle lights go a long way.
- Don’t overdo it. Less is sometimes more—especially when you’re decorating near ceilings.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—20 Christmas decor ideas for above kitchen cabinets that can turn even the most forgotten corner into a holiday highlight.
I always say, your kitchen deserves as much Christmas love as your living room. After all, that’s where the cookies are baked, the cocoa’s stirred, and the holiday music plays nonstop.
