This holiday season, bring something extra special to your home by crafting a tee pee Christmas tree—a creative fusion of cozy childhood fun and timeless holiday charm. Unlike traditional trees, this whimsical creation offers a magical space where children can read, play, and celebrate the season together. Whether placed in the living room or tucked into a quiet corner, it will quickly become the heart of your holiday festivities.
What Is a Tee Pee Christmas Tree?
A tee pee Christmas tree combines the structure of a teepee tent with the decorative elements of a classic Christmas tree. It serves as both a cozy hideaway and a festive focal point. Adorned with garlands, ornaments, and lights, it invites little ones into a world of wonder, offering a space for quiet play, storytime, or simply soaking in the holiday glow.
How to Build Your Tee Pee Tree
Start with a Stable Frame
Begin by setting up a frame using tall wooden dowels, bamboo poles, or a center pole anchored in a tree stand or large pot. Form a teepee shape by securing the tops of the poles together with sturdy twine or a decorative ribbon.
Wrap with Greenery
Drape the frame with artificial pine garlands or real greenery, letting the branches cascade downward in a conical shape. This gives your teepee the full, festive look of a Christmas tree while maintaining the open, welcoming structure of a tent.
Secure and Layer
Use zip ties or wire to hold garlands in place. For added dimension, layer in evergreen sprays, light strands, or mesh ribbon. The more texture, the more magical it will feel.
Decorating the Tee Pee Tree
Ornaments and Color Schemes
Choose lightweight, kid-friendly ornaments to prevent injury or damage. Felt ornaments, wooden cutouts, and soft plush characters are perfect choices. Stick with a color palette—whether it’s traditional red and green, soft pastels, or metallics—to keep the look cohesive.
Personal Touches
Involve your children in creating handmade decorations. Paper snowflakes, popsicle-stick stars, and personalized name tags add sentimental value and make the tee pee feel like their own special hideout.
Topper and Tree Skirt
Consider topping the tree with a large bow, fabric star, or oversized ornament. Use a tree skirt or faux fur rug to wrap the base and hide supports, giving the teepee a polished, finished look.
Make It Cozy and Inviting
Inside the Teepee
Add soft touches to create a relaxing environment: pile in plush pillows, fleece blankets, and a thick mat or rug. Twinkling battery-operated fairy lights can line the interior walls, casting a soft, magical glow. For extra fun, include small baskets filled with books, crayons, or puzzles.
Create Special Moments
This space is ideal for meaningful family moments. Use it for evening storytime, a place to open early holiday gifts, or even a quiet corner for your child to write their letter to Santa.
Activities to Enjoy Around the Tee Pee Christmas Tree
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Holiday Crafts: Set up a small crafting station nearby for ornament-making or coloring.
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Movie Night: Bring in a tablet or portable projector and host a holiday movie night from inside the teepee.
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Photo Sessions: Use the space as a backdrop for family holiday photos or pictures of your children in their pajamas with cocoa in hand.
Turn It Into a Family Tradition
One of the best parts of building a tee pee Christmas tree is turning it into a yearly tradition. Let your kids help decorate it every December, and make a new ornament each year to add to the tree. Document their growth by taking annual photos in front of the teepee and writing holiday messages to store inside a memory box tucked under the tree.
Important Safety Tips
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Use LED or battery-powered lights instead of candles or hot bulbs.
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Ensure all garlands and decorations are securely fastened to prevent collapse.
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Avoid choking hazards by keeping small ornaments and decor out of reach of toddlers.
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Always supervise young children when they are playing inside or around the teepee.
A tee pee Christmas tree is more than a decoration—it’s an experience. It invites imagination, family bonding, and a new twist on holiday cheer. By blending the structure of a cozy tent with the magic of seasonal lights and trimmings, you’re crafting not just a festive centerpiece but a memory-making hideaway your kids will treasure year after year.
Looking for even more festive inspiration? Don’t miss our tips for creating magical outdoor displays in Lighting Up Love: The Best Valentine’s Day Outdoor Light Displays.
