If you’ve ever dreamed of Santa’s elves working away right in your yard, this DIY workshop is the perfect project.

With inflatable elves, a candy-striped booth, and colorful lights, you can create a scene that looks straight out of the North Pole.

It’s interactive, eye-catching, and a great way to make your home the most festive spot on the block.

Materials Needed

• 2 candy cane poles (plastic, approx. 5 ft tall each)
• 1 wooden or cardboard booth frame (36”-40” wide, painted brown)
• “North Pole Workshop” sign (wood or painted foam board, 24” wide)
• 3-4 inflatable or plastic elf figures (3 ft tall each)
• Miniature wrapped gift boxes (6-10, various sizes: 6”-12”)
• String lights (50-100 count, multi-colored)
• Hot glue gun and paint
• Optional: vinyl or foam cutouts

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Set up the booth frame in your yard. If you’re using cardboard, reinforce the back with wooden stakes to keep it upright outdoors.

Step 2: Attach the candy cane poles on either side of the booth, securing them with garden stakes or weights so they stay upright.

Step 3: Hang the “North Pole Workshop” sign across the top between the poles. Then use twine or screws depending on the material.

Step 4: Place your elves in front and behind the booth, arranging them as if they’re busy making toys and gifts.

Step 5: Add miniature wrapped gift boxes and candy props across the booth counter for detail.

You can also scatter a few at the base to give the scene a playful feel.

Step 6: Wrap string lights around the booth and candy poles. Next, turn them on at night to bring your elf workshop to life.

Step 7: For a finishing touch, cut out footprints from vinyl or foam and place them in a trail leading up to the booth, it looks like elves have been walking in and out.

Tip:

Add a speaker nearby playing cheerful workshop sounds or holiday jingles to make the display even more immersive.