If you've ever looked at an empty wine bottle and thought it could be something more, you're not alone.
I still remember the first time I tucked a string of fairy lights into a green glass bottle, it turned into this magical little lantern that made the whole room feel warmer. That’s the charm of DIY Christmas bottle decorations.
With just a little paint, some ribbon, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create glowing pieces of holiday cheer that feel both personal and festive.
These 20 ideas are perfect for bringing soft light to your windowsill, table, or mantel, each one simple to make and absolutely beautiful when lit up.
Wow, these snowman bottles look like they’ve walked straight out of a winter cartoon. Their hand-painted faces beam with joy, complete with expressive eyes, warm grins, and carrot noses.
But what steals the show are those soft, oversized sock hats topped with fluffy pom-poms, tilted playfully to the side. Cozy sock scarves wrapped around the base give them an even cuddlier look.
Snowflakes add a final wintery sparkle. They’re ideal for tabletops, mantels, or even as heartwarming handmade gifts. You won’t stop smiling every time you walk by them.
Step 1: Paint the bottles white and let them dry completely before painting the faces. Then add expressive eyes, carrot noses, and cheery mouths using paint pens.
Step 2: Cut the socks into two parts including one for the hat and one for the base scarf. Next, slip the hat over the top and glue in place. Scrunch the tip and glue a pom-pom for that slouchy winter look.
Step 3: Glue the sock band around the base like a scarf, adding snowflake accents as you like.
Look at these elegant frosted bottles! They radiate warmth through their soft glow, turning any space into a gentle winter dream.
Specially, the frosted glass adds a magical touch, diffusing the fairy lights within for a cozy, candlelit effect. Topped with ornate silver and gold embellishments, they carry an air of timeless charm and sophistication.
Whether you line them up on a window sill or feature them on your holiday table, they bring an enchanting, peaceful glow to your Christmas décor.
Step 1: Clean and dry your bottles thoroughly. Then use a frosted glass spray if not already frosted.
Step 2: Cut out your chosen winter scenes and carefully glue them to the bottle using Mod Podge. Now, you smooth gently to avoid bubbles.
Step 3: Once dry, tie a festive ribbon around the neck of the bottle, then glue on mini ornaments or snowflake charms as embellishments.
Step 4: Insert fairy lights into the bottle and switch them on to illuminate your snowy village from within.
Tip: For a snowy effect at the base, you can dab on a bit of white acrylic paint or faux snow and sprinkle with iridescent glitter while wet.
You can see these reindeer bottles instantly bring holiday cheer to any mantel or shelf. Their wide-eyed charm and jingle bell belts make them look like they’re ready to prance into a Christmas parade.
The antlers are what really steal the show with jingle bells that give a subtle sparkle and sound. If you're decorating in pairs or groups, making a full trio like this adds a fun, storybook character to your space.
Plus, each reindeer has its own personality depending on nose size, eye position, and antler tilt, no two will turn out exactly alike, and that's part of the magic!
Step 1: Wrap the yarn tightly around each bottle, starting from the base and working your way up to the neck. Then secure with hot glue as you go.
Step 2: Attach a red pom-pom for the nose and glue on two googly eyes right above it, suddenly it comes to life!
Step 3: Cut out a pair of antlers from the felt and either stitch or glue two pieces together for sturdiness. Now you can add jingle bells to each antler tip.
Step 4: Glue the antlers behind the bottle top and tie the black ribbon around the bottle’s midsection, decorating it with mini bells.
If you want something plucked straight from the hearth of a country cottage, try these cozy Santa bottles.
Each bottle is hand-painted with a rosy-cheeked Santa face, complete with wide, twinkling eyes and an expression that says he just spotted cookies. The fluffy white beard and hat trim bring a heartwarming texture to the design.
Moreover, display them as a charming holiday centerpiece or line them up on your windowsill like two magical little sentinels keeping Christmas spirit alive.
Step 1: Start by painting the lower half of the bottle white for the beard. Then add soft curves and streaks for texture, letting it dry fully before painting the face above it (rosy cheeks, pink nose, and those big kind eyes).
Step 2: Once the paint is dry, wrap a strip of faux fur around the forehead of each Santa, securing it with hot glue. This becomes the brim of his hat.
Step 3: Top the cork or bottle cap with a cotton ball to mimic a winter hat puff. Then, tie a small red bow to one side of the fur trim for added cheer.
Step 4: Lastly, hang a mini wood slice tag with a snowflake detail around the bottle neck.
I bet these sharply dressed bottles will steal the spotlight with their formal holiday attire. Each one wears a color-themed suit and completes with gold-trimmed buttons, glittering belt buckles, and oversized bow ties that scream holiday cheer.
Their dapper top hats, covered in glitter and matched to their jackets, add a touch of drama. They look like little Santa’s assistants ready for a gala.
Plus, this trio brings an upscale twist to Christmas bottle crafts, perfect for your bar cart, entry table, or gift table display. They’re also great conversation starters at festive gatherings.
Step 1: Paint the bottles in your chosen base colors. Then let them dry completely before dressing them.
Step 2: Cut foam into suit shapes like lapels, vests, and collars. Then use contrasting colors to make each layer pop, and glue them onto the bottles neatly.
Step 3: Form glitter foam into tall top hats and attach to the bottle necks. You next add large bows, button details, and tiny accessories to give each bottle its own festive flair.
Hand-painted with whimsical tree silhouettes and accented with red dots and golden stars, these glowing glass bottles radiate charm without overpowering the room.
Bonus, the frosted glass softens the string lights inside, creating a cozy glow that feels like candlelight through a snowy window.
Each design is slightly different, giving them a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind appeal that’s perfect for mantels, nightstands, or even gift-giving.
Step 1: Clean your bottles thoroughly and let them dry. Then spray them with the glass frost evenly and let it sit overnight for best results.
Step 2: Use green paint to create flowing tree branches. You can add red dots for ornaments and swirl in gold stars on top. Let each color dry before layering details.
Step 3: Once completely dry, insert the cork lights and switch them on to see your trees shimmer in a soft wintery glow.
These radiant reindeer bottles light up the night with a playful sparkle. Each one looks like Rudolph got a holiday makeover that seem to glow from within.
When the fairy lights flicker through the clear glass, it gives the whole piece a magical warmth, perfect for a windowsill or mantel.
Additionally, you can add a tiny bow and you’ve got a couple of festive sweethearts ready to steal the show. It’s a simple yet enchanting way to reuse old bottles and add a little sparkle to your Christmas spirit.
Step 1: Make sure the bottles are clean and dry. If using vinyl, cut out your antlers, eyes, nose, and smile and gently stick them on using tweezers for precision.
Step 2: Pop in the string lights through the bottle’s neck, letting them coil naturally inside to create an even glow.
Step 3: Tie a red ribbon around the top of each bottle or stick on a small bow for extra holiday flair. Turn on the lights and enjoy the cozy twinkle.
Interestingly, this handcrafted wine bottle lantern brings a quiet, wintry charm to any space.
The green glass bottle is delicately painted with a frosty landscape such as snow-covered trees, bare branches, a glowing moon, and clouds drifting across a peaceful sky.
Inside, soft blue LED lights mimic the shimmer of moonlight on snow. At the top, a large burlap bow sits gracefully beneath pinecones, faux holly berries, and evergreen sprigs, all nestled around a cork light stopper.
Step 1: Clean the bottle and let it dry completely before painting. Then use white paint to sketch and fill in your winter scene like a snow-covered tree, bare branches, clouds, and a moon.
Step 2: Once dry, insert blue LED lights into the bottle and secure the cork top.
Step 3: Make a large bow from burlap and hot glue it to the neck of the bottle.
Step 4: Finish with pinecones, faux berries, and greenery nestled into the center of the bow.
Tip: Practice your painting on paper first as it helps get the brush strokes just right for the tree texture.
Each shimmering bottle glows from within thanks to string lights and glistens with a layer of glittery snowflakes. Of course, you can feel the holiday magic just by glancing at them.
Group them on a sideboard or windowsill and they’ll cast a colorful, cozy glow that instantly warms up the space.
They’re festive without being fussy and make a beautiful reuse of empty bottles. Mix up the glitter colors for a whimsical effect or stick to a monochrome palette for elegance.
Step 1: Stick snowflake decals randomly around each bottle. Then apply a layer of Mod Podge over the bottle, avoiding the decals.
Step 2: Sprinkle glitter generously over the sticky surface, then let dry.
Step 3: Peel off the decals to reveal clear snowflake shapes.
Step 4: Finally, insert LED string lights inside the bottles using a funnel or rolled paper cone.
This dapper fellow transforms a plain wine bottle into a whimsical Christmas guest you’ll want to keep year-round.
With his wild faux fur beard, checkered tie, and handmade shoes, this gentleman gnome brings both charm and personality to your holiday decor.
His soft ha, resting beside him like he just walked in from the snow, adds an extra storybook feel. And you can place him on your dining table or by the fireplace to watch over the festivities with quiet flair.
Step 1: Start by wrapping the bottle with your black yarn or twine. Then add a dab of glue every few inches to keep it snug as you go. You need to cover the whole body except the top part where the head will be.
Step 2: Cut a triangle or loose tie shape from your checkered fabric and glue it to the front to make a cute necktie.
Step 3: Fluff out your faux fur and glue it just below the bottle’s neck to create a thick beard. Then stick the wooden ball right in the middle for the nose.
Step 4: Cut little sleeve shapes from the checkered fabric and glue on your tiny gloves or felt hands underneath each arm area. Let them peek out like he’s ready to greet guests.
Step 5: For the feet, shape two ovals from black felt and glue them to the bottom as shoes. You can add your jute laces for a cozy handmade touch. If you made a hat, you can perch it on top or set it beside him like he just walked in and took it off.
Tip: If you're gifting a bottle of wine, leave the cap accessible so the recipient can still open it, your gnome becomes part of the present!
Painted bright white and wrapped in cozy red plaid scarves, these jolly little snowmen wear top hats with festive flair, topped with faux holly and berries for that magical winter touch.
Bonus, their carrot noses and painted expressions give each one a unique personality, making them feel like they waddled right off a Christmas card.
You set them by your fireplace or gift them to a friend who loves handmade décor. They’re sweet, nostalgic, and surprisingly easy to make.
Step 1: Spray the bottles white and let them dry completely, at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Paint or draw on the eyes, smile, and carrot nose. Then add blush dots for a touch of charm.
Step 3: Glue on the buttons down the front and tie a plaid ribbon around each neck.
Step 4: Cut felt into a cylinder and circle base to form the hat. Now you can glue together and embellish with faux holly and berries.
In the next winter, you must try doing this project! These sparkling bottles look like they’ve been plucked straight from an icy forest dream.
Covered in faux snow and topped with glittered silver branches, they make an incredible centerpiece for a holiday table or mantel. The texture on the bottles adds depth, and the shimmer from the twigs catches every light in the room.
You can pair them with silver baubles and votive candles for a complete winter scene, it’s all drama, all elegance, no extra effort.
Step 1: Spray each bottle with white paint and let dry completely.
Step 2: Apply a generous layer of spray adhesive or Mod Podge on the lower half of each bottle.
Step 3: While it’s still tacky, roll or sprinkle on faux snow until the bottle is fully coated. Let it sit to cure.
Step 4: Insert silver branches into each bottle and secure with hot glue if needed.
What about decking your shelf with a little sass and a whole lot of green?
These Grinch-inspired bottles capture the sneaky spirit of the holiday antihero with bold lime-green paint, expressive hand-drawn faces, and feathery fluff that screams naughty but festive.
Plus, the matte red tops add a sharp contrast, pulling in that classic Christmas palette with a twist. These make hilarious hostess gifts or funky holiday centerpieces that’ll get everyone smirking.
Step 1: Clean your bottles and spray the base green and the necks red. Let them dry thoroughly before moving on.
Step 2: Sketch or trace the Grinch face using a black marker, start with the eyes, then eyebrows, nose, and smile. Then fill in the eyes with yellow.
Step 3: Cut feather boa pieces to fit around the neck and glue them in place to create that signature fuzzy collar.
These bottles channel the jolly spirit of Santa Claus with bold red coats, glittery belts, and snowy white frost drips that look freshly sculpted by winter magic.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the look, they feel like the kind of craft you’d stumble across at a holiday fair and instantly fall in love with.
Bonus, the textured white paint gives the impression of snow melting down the bottle neck, while pearl-like buttons add a classy finish to the Santa suit design.
Step 1: Spray or brush your bottles with red paint. Let them dry fully, it’s best to give them at least 1-2 coats for a smooth finish.
Step 2: To create the snowy top, use textured white paint or drip hot glue in layers along the bottle neck. Let it set before painting over the glue with white if needed.
Step 3: Wrap the black ribbon around the base of each bottle, gluing the ends neatly at the back. Then attach a gold buckle to the front center to complete the belt.
Step 4: Stick on 3-4 pearl buttons vertically down the front for that signature Santa look. Now, you can adjust placement so they’re evenly spaced.
This glowing bottle captures that cozy cabin-in-the-woods vibe without going overboard. A string of warm fairy lights glows from within the clear glass, while the bottle neck is dusted in faux snow for a frosty effect.
Also, the red ribbon and pine sprig, complete with berries and a small pinecone, tie everything together in a classic woodland style. It looks magical tucked onto a mantel, nightstand, or sideboard, especially in dim light.
Step 1: Spray or dab the neck of the bottle with faux snow. Let dry completely.
Step 2: Insert fairy lights inside the bottle, letting the battery pack hang out if it’s cork-style or hide it behind the setup.
Step 3: Tie a red ribbon around the neck and hot glue the pine sprig, berries, and pinecone for decoration.
Wow, this stunning set of three hand-painted wine bottles captures the serene beauty of the Nativity scene in a rich, meaningful way.
Painted in deep midnight blue, each bottle forms a piece of the full tableau from the shepherds and their sheep to Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus under a golden stable, and the three wise men offering gifts.
This trio isn’t just decoration, it’s a heartfelt tribute to the season and a gentle reminder of its spiritual roots. Perfect for a mantle, windowsill, or holiday centerpiece.
Step 1: Wash and dry all three wine bottles. Then paint them entirely in dark blue and let them dry fully.
Step 2: Lightly sketch the Nativity elements with a pencil across the bottles if desired for guidance.
Step 3: Paint the figures on each bottle including one with shepherds and sheep, the middle with the holy family under the stable and star, and the third with the wise men.
Step 4: Let each bottle dry before sealing with a clear spray (optional) for lasting protection and a polished look.
See also: 25 DIY Nativity Scene Ideas That Add Heart and Warmth to Christmas
This is the kind of DIY that feels joyful in every brushstroke, and once you finish, you'll likely want to make a whole tuxedoed penguin family.
Specially, the contrast of black and white, the dainty painted buttons, and the bright orange felt feet create a whimsical character that feels straight out of a storybook.
Plus, the red glitter hat makes it feel dressed for a holiday ball. It’s a perfect centerpiece, especially when placed alongside a few pine branches or mini faux snowballs.
Step 1: Paint the entire bottle black and let it dry completely. A matte or satin finish gives it that elegant look.
Step 2: Using white paint, create a soft oval starting at the neck and ending near the base, this will be the penguin’s belly. Let dry.
Step 3: Add the details: paint on eyes, a tiny orange triangle beak, black bowtie, and three button dots down the center.
Step 4: Cut orange felt into two oval shapes and glue them at the base for feet. You make sure they peek out from under the belly!
Step 5: Finish by attaching the glittery top hat and embellish it with mini berries or pine accents.
These decoupage-style bottles tell a nostalgic holiday story through vibrant detail and painterly charm.
One bottle showcases a peaceful snowy village tucked among fir trees with cozy chalets glowing under a wintry night sky. The other brings in the magic of childhood with a colorfully decorated Christmas tree surrounded by toys, stars, and swirling ribbon patterns.
Topped with faux snow and glittering accents, they look like they belong in a storybook window display. Each bottle is a mini scene of holiday wonder and works beautifully as a pair.
Step 1: Clean the bottles and coat them with white acrylic paint or gesso to prime the surface.
Step 2: Carefully cut out the main designs from the holiday napkins or decoupage paper.
Step 3: Use Mod Podge to apply the cutouts, smoothing gently to avoid wrinkles. Let dry completely.
Step 4: Add dimension using faux snow or puffy paint around the top and bottom edges. Optional, you can add glitter for extra sparkle.
You can bring woodsy charm with the help of a repurposed wine bottle. This craft is called as the little reindeer.
The warm brown paint gives it a cozy, woodland vibe, while googly eyes and a red pom-pom nose instantly transform it into a cheerful Rudolph.
What makes this one stand out is the mix of patterned ribbon, gold jingle bells, and those fabulous fuzzy antlers made from pipe cleaners, easy to shape, but full of character.
Step 1: Start by spray painting the bottle brown and let it dry completely, at least a few hours or overnight for a smooth finish.
Step 2: Twist and bend your pipe cleaners into antler shapes, then wrap two around the neck of the bottle to secure them in place.
Step 3: Glue on the eyes and red pom-pom nose. Then add the ribbon around the neck and bottom of the bottle, then top it off with bells for a festive jingle.
These cheerful wine bottles light up both literally and emotionally. Each green glass bottle is wrapped in twine at the neck and topped with a jolly snowman head, complete with a glittery top hat, red bowtie, and festive sprigs.
Furthermore, the bottles are nestled in white holiday buckets and filled with LED string lights that twinkle in yellow, blue, and green.
Some even spell out “JOY” across the front, adding that heartfelt seasonal touch. They’re part centerpiece, part light fixture, and completely full of charm.
Step 1: Wrap the bottle necks tightly with twine and secure the ends with glue.
Step 2: Attach the snowman heads on top, adding mini hats, painted faces, and accessories. Then add pine picks or berries behind the snowmen using glue or tape.
Step 3: Fill each bottle with multicolored LED lights and arrange them inside a festive tin.
Step 4: Fill around the bottles with shredded paper for extra flair and add lettering if desired.
Here's my tip: Use command hooks or floral tape to keep the snowman picks secure while still removable after the season.
Read more: 20+ Cute Christmas Crafts from Egg Cartons for All Ages
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