If you’ve ever wished your home could feel like one of those cozy Christmas movies… this is the holiday decor hack to try. A Christmas window projection is one of the easiest ways to make your home look instantly magical. Think twinkling snowfalls, Santa sightings, glowing fireplaces, dancing gingerbread… all happening right in your windows.
And the best part? It takes minutes to set up, works on any window, and looks like you spent hours creating a full-blown holiday display. It’s perfect for last-minute decorating, neighborhood fun, and adding a little extra magic to your home this Christmas.
Let’s walk through exactly how to set one up.
What You’ll Need to Create the Christmas Window Projection
- Plastic drop cloth (not clear)
- Command Picture Strips
- Projector
- Projector stand
- Bluetooth speaker
- Your computer/iPad
- Christmas Video – You can find some on YouTube or head to AtmosFX
Step 1: Pick a Window and Place Command Strips
Start by choosing which window (or windows!) you want to turn into your festive holiday scene. This could be a single window or a full set for a bigger moment. Make pairs of Command Strips and place them around the edges of your window frame with one in each corner and a couple along the sides. Add extras if your window is wider.
Step 2: Attach the Drop Cloth
Once your strips are in place, peel the backing and attach your plastic drop cloth. Press firmly so it sticks, and gently pull it tight so the surface is smooth. The best part? You can pop the drop cloth off during the day and stick it right back on at night with no wall damage and super quick to reset.
Step 3: Cut the Plastic Drop Cloth
With your screen fully secured, trim away any extra material so it fits cleanly within the window space. This gives you the neatest, brightest projection from the outside.
Step 4: Set Up the Video + Sound
Download your Christmas projection video of choice. Maybe Santa peeking through the window, falling snow, or a cozy fireplace scene and set it to loop on your laptop or media device. If you want sound, connect a Bluetooth speaker and place it near the window or outside so the audio carries. I’m a huge fan of getting my videos from AtmosFX!
Step 5: Project the Magic
Set your projector on the projector stand or a stable surface facing the window and adjust until the image fills the entire space. Tweak the angle, focus, and size until everything looks crisp. Then hit play and watch your home transform into a glowing Christmas moment that feels straight out of a holiday movie.
And that’s it! Truly one of the easiest, most magical holiday DIYs you can set up. The first time you see that Christmas scene glowing through your windows, you’ll instantly realize how much charm it adds to your holiday decor. You can see it in action here on my Instagram!
If you try this, tag me @WithintheGrove on socials so I can see your festive setup! I love seeing how you bring the magic to life. 🎄✨
Christmas Window Projection FAQ
Do I need a special projector for this?
Nope! Any small home projector will work. The brighter the projector (measured in lumens), the better your projection will look, especially if you have outdoor street lights.
What kind of fabric works best for the window?
An inexpensive plastic drop cloth works perfectly. You want something light-colored that lets the light shine through but still holds the image clearly. Clear plastic drop cloths won’t work.
Can people see the projector from outside?
Nope! When the room lights are off, the fabric glows and looks like a real scene happening behind your window. From the outside, no one can see your setup, just the magical projection.
When should I turn the projection on?
It looks best at dusk and nighttime. I usually pop mine on when the sun starts to set so the house is glowing right when people begin walking or driving by.
Will this work if I don’t have curtains or blinds?
Yes! That’s what the sheet/drop cloth is for. You’re essentially creating a temporary “screen” inside the window frame.
Does it matter how far the projector is from the window?
A little! The further back you place the projector, the larger the image will be. But most standard projectors can fill a window from just a few feet away. If your image looks too small, just pull the projector back.
Can this be done on multiple windows?
Definitely. It actually looks incredible when you do the same projection across two or three windows for a bigger display. Just repeat the same steps for each window.
What if the image looks blurry?
Try these quick fixes:
- Turn the focus wheel slowly
- Make sure your fabric is pulled tight
- Move the projector closer or farther back
- Check that the room is fully dark
You’ll be surprised how quickly it sharpens up.
Does the sound have to be loud?
Not at all! Sound is totally optional. A lot of Christmas projection videos look beautiful on their own, especially falling snow or fireplace scenes. If you do want sound, keep it low so it feels like gentle background ambiance.
Is this safe to run for several hours?
Yes! Most modern projectors are designed to run for long periods. Just make sure the projector has plenty of airflow around it and isn’t covered by blankets or decor.
Where can I find good Christmas projection videos?
There are tons of cute, magical options YouTube for free! AtmosFX also offers some great ones that you can buy.
Do you have more Christmas blog posts?
I sure do! Check out all my Christmas posts and inspiration here!
