One of the simple joys of warmer weather is filling your outdoor planters with dreamy pastel blooms. It's a joyful ritual that makes everything seem a little more magical and whimsical. But as the cold of autumn arrives toward the end of each year, many people leave their once-vibrant planters empty and forgotten. However, there are actually cute and festive ways to keep them looking great both at Christmas and during the rest of the colder months leading up to the start of spring. To help you, we've rounded up 18 winter planter ideas that will breathe life into your outdoor space all year round.
If you're unsure how to make your planters look pretty and decorate them this winter, this way you'll have plenty of inspiration to get you started. Think holly boughs, fresh pine branches, twinkling lights and hardy plants that don't mind the cold, or artificial plants! Whether you're drawn to a bold holiday vibe, want to create something unique, or are more into minimalist and modern designs, you'll find the idea to suit your style here. With just a few creative touches, your outdoor space can feel warm, inviting and full of charm – even on the chilliest of days.
Check it all out below. You might even be surprised at how many of our outdoor winter planter ideas you like.
18 winter planter ideas that will breathe life into your outdoor space
1. Use artificial winter poinsettias
Use artificial winter poinsettias to add a bold pop of color to your winter planter without having to worry about the cold. These bright, weather-resistant blooms look festive during the holiday season, but are also wonderful to transition into the weeks after, ensuring your outdoor space stays cheerful and bright all winter long.
2. Have a berry winter planter
Instead of looking for winter blooming flowers, try adding berry stems to your planters like @laurenjiggettstv. Red berry stems in particular look striking against the snowy background. They also pair beautifully with pine, cedar, eucalyptus or other evergreen stems, providing texture and color that lasts all winter long.
3. Add ornaments
You can also get crafty and turn your winter planter into a mini Christmas decoration by mixing in classic Christmas decorations with pine branches and pine cones. Tuck shiny balls into the greenery or place a few oversized ornaments in the center for a playful, eye-catching touch.
4. Focus on wooden details
@Textured.living.interiorsecorative shows how logs or bundled sticks can add rustic woodland charm to your winter planters. Arrange them upright in the center or to the side and surround them with fresh pine branches for a cozy, forest-inspired look.
5. Combine winter elements
Try a mix of short artificial leaves, berry stems and pine cones to create a charming window planter that will last all winter long. These elements are easy to arrange and can withstand the cold without fading or wilting.
6. Walk great
For a great winter and holiday display that really makes a statement, don't be afraid to be bold with scale and abundance like @mapletonacres did. Use tall pine branches or even small evergreen branches as a dramatic base, then build layers of rich textures around them
7. Holly Vibes
If you have hanging planters on your porch, don't forget to decorate them this winter because they deserve a little seasonal love too! A great idea for winter outdoor planters is to fill them with holly leaves like @garden_therapy did to add rich green colors and pops of red from its berries to your outdoor decor. You can even add a battery-operated candle in the center.
8. Bring in blue accents
Blue and silver are perfect winter colors that will add a cool, fresh vibe to your outdoor winter planter. For a fun DIY touch, try painting an artificial berry branch blue to add a festive touch of icy charm!
9. Make it whimsical
Make your outdoor planter whimsical by adding long green and red branches that cascade gracefully over the sides for a stunning look. It will look especially beautiful standing in your driveway or on your front door.
10. Mix in the decor
Getty Images dmf87
Start with a base of pine branches for the classic winter foundation, then layer neutral woven wood balls and other natural elements on top to add texture and warmth. These accents create a cozy, rustic atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
11. Use Spanish moss
If you really want to plant something, consider Spanish moss. It is a fantastic addition to outdoor planters as it thrives all winter long, adding a soft, silvery-green texture that beautifully complements your seasonal decor.
12. Add an artificial shrub
Weather-resistant plastic shrubs are a smart choice for outdoor planters any time of year. They stay vibrant all year round and you can make them even sweeter by adding a festive bow for an adorable touch!
13. Pine Inspo
Go green by mixing different pine wood textures to give your planter a rich, natural look. @Mapletonacres even added some brown or neutral dried elements to add warmth and depth, creating a wonderfully balanced winter arrangement.
14. Mix bamboo and pine branches
You might think bamboo and pine don't mix, but this winter outdoor arrangement proves otherwise. It's a great reminder that you can experiment with unexpected combinations to create unique and eye-catching displays!
15. Add mini pine trees
Of course, planting mini pine trees in your outdoor planters is a must. While one looks great on its own, grouping several together makes for an even more glamorous and lavish winter decoration!
16. Consider Sting Lights
Create a festive holiday display in your outdoor winter planter by layering evergreen branches, bright red berries, and cheerful ornaments. Don't forget to add string lights at the end to make your arrangement sparkle and glow beautifully after dark!
17. Create a pine branch arrangement
If you want to fill your outdoor planters without spending a lot of time, simply use different sizes of pine branches – real or artificial – and arrange them in your planter. You can even visit stores that sell Christmas trees and ask if they have any leftover branches you can pick up for free! It's an easy and inexpensive way to create a full, festive look.
18. Embrace faux snow branches
After adding some pine branches, you can add a touch of winter magic by adding snow-covered branches! You can easily create this look yourself by using fake snow spray – just spray a few branches to create the fresh, snowy effect that will add a magical touch to your planter.
This story was originally published by Dengarden on November 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the Gardening section. Add Dengarden as a preferred source by clicking here.