“When it comes to choosing a wreath, it needs to stay consistent within the design of the home so that it flows,” says Suzy Kloner, founder of Suzy Kloner Design. “Especially as a wreath is often hung on the front door, it’s essentially an introduction to the space and sets the overall tone.” To find the best Christmas wreaths we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind dimensions, material, weight, lighting, and whether or not it was outdoor-safe. We also consulted Kloner for additional insight.  Overall, the best Christmas wreath was the Balsam Hill BH Fraser Fir Wreath, an artificial option that comes in five different sizes and four lighting types, and looks just like the real thing.  Here, are the best Christmas wreaths. Keep in Mind: Not every lighting option is available for every size. The wreath is offered in five sizes and four lighting types: battery-powered clear LED, clear LED, clear, and unlit. It’s worth mentioning that not every lighting style is available for every wreath, but if you’re concerned about consistency, each one does have an LED option.  The battery-operated lights feature a built-in timer for six hours of use. You can place this wreath indoors or outdoors when covered, thanks to the built-in UV protection. Plus, if you want a cohesive look, there’s also a matching garland and tree as well.  Price at time of publish: From $79 Product Details: Dimensions: From 26 inches | Material: Injection-molded PE needles | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: Yes | Outdoor Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: It’s only offered in one size and doesn’t have any decor, so it’s only ideal if you prefer a minimal style. There is also an expensive shipping fee. The wreath is only offered in one standard size that will sit pretty on your door without overpowering the space. It also doesn’t feature any lighting or decor, offering the opportunity to either go for a minimalistic look or add your own flair to it. It’s worth noting that while the wreath is less expensive than other styles, there’s an $18 shipping charge that adds to the cost.  Price at time of publish: $55 Product Details: Dimensions: 24 inches | Material: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: No | Outdoor Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: Live wreaths require care to last through the season. The classic style is offered in two sizes: 22 inches and 30 inches. Whether you use it inside or outside, keep in mind that because it’s made with real materials, it requires a bit more maintenance than faux styles. According to Williams Sonoma, it can last up to three months with proper care.  Unlike some other styles, the wreath comes with a battery to make setup even easier. Plus, there’s a power switch on the back of the wreath, so you don’t have to keep it illuminated at all times.  Price at time of publish: From $110 Product Details: Dimensions: From 22 inches | Material: Fresh noble fir, cedar, and juniper sprigs with dried spruce pinecones | Weight: From four pounds | Lighting: Yes | Outdoor Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: Batteries are not included, so you’ll have to purchase them separately. The LED globe lights are battery-operated, meaning it runs on a 24-hour cycle of eight hours on, and 16 hours off. The look of faux cedar, bay laurel, and cypress leaves with white berry sprays offers a classic yet fresh look. If you want to spread the look around your space, you can also get a garland, swag, and even a potted tree in the same style.  Price at time of publish: From $89 Product Details: Dimensions: From 18 inches | Material: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: Yes | Outdoor Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: It doesn’t include the necessary batteries to set it up, so you’ll have to purchase them separately. The wreath is designed with convenience in mind as it features shatterproof ornaments and battery-operated lights. The lighting can be set manually or set on a timer depending on your preferences. Just keep in mind that the wreath doesn’t come with batteries, so you’ll have to purchase them separately.  While the wreath certainly makes a statement on its own, you can go for a maximalist look with a matching garland, urn filler, door swag, and window box filler as well.  Price at time of publish: From $120 Product Details: Dimensions: From 24 inches | Material: Grapevine, plastic, and metal | Weight: From 2 pounds | Lighting: Yes | Outdoor Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: It’s more expensive than other similar styles. The wreath is offered in two larger sizes, so you can choose which suits your space best. Although the wreath is a bit more expensive than other styles, it appears lifelike and can be used inside or outside. The lights operate on a timer of eight hours on and 16 hours off, but can also be manually turned on and off as well as programmed to your own schedule. Price at time of publish: From $136 Product Details: Dimensions: From 28 inches | Material: Polyethylene, PVC, wire, and lifelike pine cones | Weight: From 4 pounds | Lighting: Yes | Outdoor Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: It doesn’t feature any lighting or other decorative details. The wreath is ideal for indoor use, but you can use it in a sheltered outdoor space as well. The design doesn’t feature any lighting or other decorative details, so it’s ideal if you prefer a minimal look or want to add your own design style to it. If you like the look of it, however, there are also matching 60-inch garlands, 180-inch garlands, a tree, and branches as well.  Price at time of publish: $68 Product Details: Dimensions: 24 inches | Material: Plastic, natural grapevine, and wire | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: No Keep in Mind: It’s not meant to be used outdoors. The wreath has a traditional, simple look and doesn’t feature any lighting or decorative elements. Thanks to its size, it can be placed on a window, styled as a centerpiece with candles in the middle, or hung on a bookshelf. Since it’s less expensive than other styles, you can even stock up on a few and style them however you see fit.  Price at time of publish: $28 Product Details: Dimensions: 10 inches | Material: Plastic | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: No | Outdoor Safe: No Keep in Mind: The snow detail could shed, so you’ll want to be mindful of where you place it. In addition to a snow-like appearance, the tree features subtle lighting throughout for an added decorative element. Each light operates individually, so the other lights will continue to operate even if one cracks and stops working.  Plus, the branches themselves are created with the brand’s Feel Real technology, which means they used real tree branches as a mold to make the wreath appear more authentic. Just keep in mind that the show detail could potentially shed, so keep that in mind when you’re choosing where to hang it.  Price at time of publish: $41 Product Details: Dimensions: 24 inches | Material: Polyethylene | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Lighting: Yes | Outdoor Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: Dried flowers are delicate, so you’ll need to handle the wreath with extra care. It’s also only offered in one size and is more expensive than other styles. The asymmetrical design features a variety of natural materials, like quail brush twigs, artemisia, sweet annie, white larkspur, and German statice. You can use it inside or sheltered outside, but you’ll want to be mindful that it’s made of more fragile materials than other wreaths.  The design is a bit of a splurge compared to other wreaths. However, given its non-traditional style, you may want to keep this one hanging all year long, so you’re sure to get a ton of use out of it.  Price at time of publish: $128 Product Details: Dimensions: 22 inches | Material: Quail brush twigs, artemisia, sweet Annie, white larkspur, and german statice | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: No | Outdoor Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: It’s only offered in one size and is not meant to be used outdoors. Battery-operated with a built-in timer, this wreath is programmed to come on for six hours and shut off for the next 18. However, you can turn it on and off manually too. It’s only offered in one size and rated for indoor use however thanks to the nontraditional design, you may want to keep it hanging in your home all year long.  Price at time of publish: $35 Product Details: Dimensions: 24 inches | Material: Iron, craft paper, and glitter | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: Yes | Outdoor Safe: No Keep in Mind: The preserved wreaths make it a more fragile style.  Part of what makes this style one of the best Christmas wreaths is you can choose from three sizes: 18, 20, and 24 inches. Each should fit on a standard exterior door, though you’ll want to make sure that it’s protected behind a storm dorm to prevent damage. There’s no lighting in this handmade style but thanks to the striking colors and textures you won’t miss them.  It’s worth noting that since it’s made with natural materials it may be a bit more fragile, so be sure to handle it with care when hanging it and storing it.  Price at time of publish: From $89 Product Details: Dimensions: From 18 inches | Material: Styrofoam, caspia, salal leaves, bell grass with pods, and grabia flower | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: No | Outdoor Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: It’s only offered in one size. The 24-inch diameter is ideal for an exterior door. If used outside, however, it should be used in a covered area to keep it safe. Although it’s a more expensive option, it does have a year-round appeal and versatility that makes it an even better investment.  Price at time of publish: $120 Product Details: Dimensions: 24 inches | Material: PVC and iron wire | Weight: 1 pound, 4 ounces | Lighting: No | Outdoor Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: Since it’s handcrafted, sizes may vary from wreath to wreath. The wreath is decorated with real pinecones, faux crab apples, and holly berries, as well as a weather-resistant bow, so you won’t have to worry about damage from the outdoors. It’s offered in a 24-inch size, though it’s worth noting that since it’s handcrafted the sizes may vary.  Price at time of publish: $55 Product Details: Dimensions: 24 inches | Material: Maine and Canada balsam, real pinecones, weather-resistant bow, faux crab apples, and holly berries | Weight: Four pounds | Lighting: No | Outdoor Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: It’s only offered in one size and it has a nontraditional style, so it depends on your preferences. Although the 24-inch diameter is fairly standard, the 5.75” depth is a little bigger than most traditional wreaths, which might create the illusion of being oversized for your space. Like many wreaths, it can be used outdoors as long as it’s covered. Instead of hanging it the day after Thanksgiving like most Christmas decorations, you can use this one throughout the fall and then add a bow later to make it more festive.  Price at time of publish: $80 Product Details: Dimensions: 24 inches | Material: Pinecones and twigs | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: No | Outdoor Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: It’s not safe for outdoor use. Whether you choose the larger singular pick or the set of three smaller ones, the minimal style of this wreath will seamlessly blend into your space. The smaller eight-inch size even comes with an ivory mesh ribbon for added holiday flair and easy hanging.   Overall, these wreaths are meant for indoor use. If you live in a dry climate, however, be aware that these wreaths should be lightly misted with water from time to time.  Price at time of publish: From $99 Product Details: Dimensions: From eight inches | Material: Preserved boxwood greenery and ivory mesh ribbon (small rounds only) | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: No | Outdoor Safe: No Keep in Mind: The white wreath doesn’t come in the mini size. The wreath is available in three sizes: 14, 30, and 32 inches. Just keep in mind that the smallest style is only available in red. Regardless of which size or color you choose, you can hang this wreath outdoors. Just make sure it’s in a covered area to prevent any damage.  Price at time of publish: From $40 Product Details: Dimensions: From 14 inches | Material: Polyfoam, twigs, and wire | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: No | Outdoor Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: They’re on the small side, so they’re not ideal if you want to cover a larger space. Each of the four felted wool designs is striking and sophisticated, elevating the thick and soft material typically associated with art projects from crafty to craftsmanship. It also retains its shape very well and adds another dynamic texture to your decor.  Ranging from 11-15 inches in diameter, they’re not ideal if you’re trying to fill a large wall space. However, the designs—pine, pinecones, winter whites, and poinsettias—are sure to make a statement in your space.  Price at time of publish: From $44 Product Details: Dimensions: From 11 inches | Material: Felted wool | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: No | Outdoor Safe: Not listed

What to Know About Christmas Wreaths Before Shopping

Size

Just like with any other design decision, the scale should always be a consideration. Part of this is about eyeing it and personal preference.  “I always say bigger is better, as it makes a grander statement,” says Suzy Kloner, founder of Suzy Kloner Design. The other part of it, in the case of something like a door, has more to do with ratio. Though Kloner does prefer larger wreaths, she also acknowledges that “if your front door is narrow (three feet or less), stick with 22-inch or 24-inch  wreaths.”

Material

Each kind of wreath—fresh, preserved/dried, or artificial—is defined based on the materials and their care/longevity. Fresh wreaths have the shortest lifespan, and for the most part, the difference between types of greenery is fragrance (Kloner recommends cedar or Norfolk pine).  Preserved wreaths do better indoors unless protected by a storm door, and there are a lot of dried materials so you can choose from based on your design taste.  “I love using graceful foliage like dried eucalyptus, dried quail brush, and boxwood,” Kloner says. “Wreaths that have neutral tones can fit right in with the decor in my home, without standing out and detracting.”  Finally, artificial wreaths are durable and have the most flexibility in use and design, but run the risk of looking distractingly fake.

Weight

Knowing the weight of the unit, which is usually dependent on size and decorative elements, helps determine how it should be hung. For some, a simple ribbon may do the trick, while others could require an actual nail to hang on.

Lighting

When it comes to wreaths, you’ll be able to find plenty of options with battery-powered lights which often come with timers so you’re not turning them on and off all the time. While plug-in lights are more clunky, they do come with the benefit of not having to replace batteries once they die. You can also choose between LED and incandescent lights, the former of which are warm and energy efficient while the latter is designed so that even if one bulb burns out, the others stay lit.

Outdoor Safe

Putting an indoor-only wreath outside can lead to deterioration such as fading, rust, mold, and dye bleeding, which is why it’s critical to make sure your chosen outdoor wreath is actually outdoor safe. Quality also determines a wreath’s longevity, so as Kloner says, “always make sure the manufacturer is one that carries well-made items, as it will show.”

Your Questions, Answered

Can artificial wreaths go outside?

For the most part, they can, however, you should always check the product description before purchasing if you’re looking for an outdoor-friendly option. Artificial wreaths are designed not only to last one season but many seasons. They do require some level of care to ensure their longevity though, which is basically just hanging it somewhere that’s sheltered from the direct force of elements like sun, rain, and snow.

How long will a fresh wreath last outside?

Fresh wreaths will last much longer outside than they will inside. While you can get two or three weeks of life from them indoors (if properly cared for), outdoors they could last for up to three months.

How do you spruce up a fake wreath?

Whether you want to flex your craft skills or prefer more simple methods, there are a lot of ways to customize a wreath. Wide, decorative ribbon made from natural materials, like burlap or linen, or materials like vintage velvets make for a beautiful addition,” Kloner says. “I love to tie a loose bow at the top, and then hang antique copper bells and attach them to the bow.” In addition to bows and bells, you can add lights, berries, ornaments, and more to make a plain fake wreath uniquely yours.

Who We Are

Quincy Bulin is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To make this list, she researched a variety of wreaths with consideration to size, material, weight, lighting, and outdoor safety, as well as quality and longevity. She also consulted with Suzy Kloner, founder of Suzy Kloner Design, for additional insight.