A Little House on the Prairie Christmas tree isn’t about sparkle or trends. It’s about simplicity, handmade details, and quiet warmth.
This year, my tree at Summerhill was inspired by the Christmases of Walnut Grove — humble, practical, and full of heart. I focused on texture instead of shine, natural materials instead of glitter, and ornaments that feel like they could have been made by hand on the prairie.
Here’s how I created my Little House on the Prairie Christmas tree using one simple tree and thoughtful details.
Little House on the Prairie Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
Start With a Simple Tree
A prairie-style Christmas tree should feel natural and unfussy. Choose a tree that isn’t overly full or perfectly shaped. The charm comes from its simplicity.
In today's day and age, you can shop for a fresh tree or go artificial. I went with a prelit King Noble Fir tree from King of Christmas. The more humble the better.
For Christmas tree lights, warm lights work best. They create a soft glow that feels candlelit and old-fashioned rather than bright or modern.
Use Handmade and Natural Ornaments
The ornaments set the tone for the entire tree. Think homemade and nostalgic.
I used small hanging baskets tucked into the branches, just like something Laura or Mary might have helped make. I found some at Hobby Lobby, but the rest are Longaberger minis I have been collecting from vintage and thrift stores.
Popcorn garland winds through the tree, adding texture and nostalgia. This is a great family project to do while sitting and watching Little House on the Prairie.
Did you know you can buy real popcorn garlands on Etsy or go with faux popcorn that will last for many years to come?
Air-dry clay gingerbread men bring in that homemade bakery feel. They’re imperfect in the best way and smell gently of cinnamon, which makes the tree feel even cozier.
Add Fabric Bows Instead of Ribbon
Instead of shiny ribbon, I used torn ticking fabric bows in soft white and dusty blue. It is really simple to make ribbon from fabric, and I share it all in this How to Make Ribbon from Fabric post.
The torn edges matter. They keep everything from feeling polished or store-bought. Ticking fabric feels very Little House — practical, humble, and familiar.
After making your ribbon, tie it into a bow and use a bobby pin to attach it to the tree branches. It is easy and straightforward!
I spaced the bows throughout the tree so they feel collected over time rather than carefully styled.
Incorporate Candles for a Period Look
And the icing on the cake is the small, real candles clipped onto the branches. If the Ingalls family had lit their tree, they would have used real candles.
Real candles clipped onto the branches give the tree its authentic old-world charm. This detail alone instantly transports the tree back in time. Simply add this clip and this candle and attach them to the branches.
If you prefer a safer option, battery-powered candle clips can give the same look while keeping things worry-free.
Side note: I don’t recommend lighting real candles. It’s far too dangerous and can easily cause a house fire. I never light these candles. They are for looks only.
Keep the Tree Skirt and Gifts Simple
The tree skirt looks like an old wool blanket — nothing fancy, just texture and warmth. You can also use a quilt, a perfect period piece, or opt for a large basket. It is a more modern prairie look, but still fits into the style.
Presents are wrapped in brown paper and tied with a string. This simple wrapping reinforces the handmade, thoughtful feeling of a Little House on the Prairie Christmas tree and keeps the focus on the tree itself.
A Simple Wood Star for the Tree Topper
At the top of the tree sits a simple wooden star from Hearth & Hand. It felt like the only choice for a Little House on the Prairie Christmas tree.
There’s a scene in Little House on the Prairie Christmas where Charles explains to Carrie what Christmas is really about. The star she chooses for the tree becomes a quiet reminder of that moment — pointing back to the Star of Bethlehem and the three wise men who followed it to find the newborn savior – Jesus.
I love that it isn’t shiny or elaborate. It’s humble and meaningful, which feels exactly right for a prairie Christmas. Sometimes the simplest piece carries the most heart.
Let the Tree Tell a Story
This tree isn’t meant to impress. It’s meant to comfort and remind us what Christmas is all about – the Birth of Jesus.
Every detail — from the popcorn garland to the baskets and gingerbread ornaments — works together to tell a story of simple living, family traditions, and Christmases filled with meaning rather than excess.
If you’re decorating your own Little House on the Prairie Christmas tree, remember this: you don’t need more, you just need intention.
- A few handmade touches.
- Natural materials.
- Elements that remind us of the Birth of Jesus, like the star
- And the joy of creating something that feels timeless.
Final Thoughts
Decorating a Little House on the Prairie Christmas tree is really about slowing down. It’s choosing handmade details, natural materials, and simple traditions that feel meaningful instead of trendy.
You don’t need a perfect tree or a house full of antiques. A few thoughtful touches — popcorn garland, fabric bows, humble ornaments, paper chains, and soft light — are enough to create that cozy prairie feeling.
If you’d like to see how this tree fits into the rest of my home, you can take the full Little House on the Prairie–inspired Christmas home tour here.
That tour shows how the same simple elements repeat from room to room, telling one quiet Christmas story throughout Summerhill.
Happy Decorating and Merry Christmas!
