Christmas trees, right? They're like, the king of the holiday decorations. But sometimes, you gotta shake things up a bit. Pine needles getting everywhere? "Bah humbug!" to that, I say!

A ladder Christmas tree? Now that's what I call thinking outside the box! It's like, "Hey, I'm a ladder, but I can be festive too!" Plus, imagine all the cool stuff you could do with it. Hang ornaments on the rungs, string lights all over – it's like a blank canvas for holiday cheer.

And get the kids involved! They'll go bonkers for it. "Let's build a Christmas village on the ladder, Dad!" You could even turn it into a game. "Whoever finds the goofiest ornament gets to put it on the top rung!

1. Whimsical Ladder Tree in the Entryway

Who says a Christmas tree has to be traditional? This tall A-frame ladder is wrapped in deep green tissue paper, giving it that "pine tree" vibe. Each level becomes a miniature holiday scene, with ceramic houses , snow-dusted boards , and teeny faux trees nestled in for a cozy Christmas village. It’s a cheerful welcome that feels like stepping right into a holiday movie!

2. Four-Tier Ladder Wonderland

Source: Tina Kolstad

Four levels of holiday magic! This ladder doubles as a whimsical little town, with tiny figurines and all the charm of a storybook winter village . Each level tells its own story , making the whole scene feel like it’s alive with holiday cheer.

3. Sparkling Fairy Light Frame

Source: Kathy Hower

Sometimes, all you need are some fairy lights to bring out the holiday spirit . Drape your ladder in a simple string of lights , outlining each step in a soft glow. It’s the perfect touch to make this alternative tree shine like magic.

4. Ladder with Matching Tiers

Source: David Moulton

For a more unified look, use identical boards on each level of your ladder tree . Covering each tier in a fluffy wool layer adds a wintry feel that makes each tiny house and figurine look right at home in a snow-covered scene .

5. Ferris Wheel Topper Twist

Source: Peggy Barebo

Who needs a star when you can crown your ladder tree with a mini Ferris wheel ? It’s a playful, eye-catching topper that adds a pop of color and a little extra holiday cheer. This tiny amusement ride lights up , bringing even more brightness to your village scene!

6. Kid-Friendly Short Ladder Tree

Source: Debbie Jones Lowrance

For a smaller space or little hands, go with a shorter ladder for a kid-friendly tree that’s easy to reach. Let them arrange the village just how they imagine , with houses , characters, and all the holiday magic they can dream up.

7. Festive Ladder Entryway Tree

Source: Joannie J Ereno

This charming ladder tree turns any entryway into a Christmas haven! Using whiteboards as display levels, create a cheerful scene with village houses, a nutcracker as a “guard,” and a tiny Santa figure on top. It’s all the holiday vibes right when you walk through the door.

8. Upcycled Painter’s Ladder

Source: Chris Lyzenga

Don’t toss that old paint-splattered ladder—>turn it into a rustic Christmas tree! Wrap the legs in festive ribbon to disguise any marks, then add fairy lights and your favorite mini decorations. It’s a creative twist on holiday décor that adds character to your space.

9. More Lights, More Joy!

Source: Missy Hulke

Once you flick on the fairy lights and the tiny lights in each house , your Christmas ladder village truly comes to life. The soft glow adds a magical touch that might make this your favorite holiday decor yet!

10. Floating Bauble Ladder Tree

Take your ladder tree to the next level! Stretch out your step ladder, then hang ornaments from fishing cord at varying lengths to create a “floating” look. It’s a mesmerizing , minimalist take on a Christmas tree , turning simple materials into a holiday masterpiece.

11. Frosted Ladder Look

Give your ladder’s tiers a “snowy” look with white fabric for that frosty winter feel! Cut pieces to fit each tier, leaving an extra couple of inches around the edges, and trim the ends to look like icicles. It’s like bringing a snowy scene indoors—minus the chill.

12. Wooden Star Topper Style

Nothing completes a Christmas tree quite like a topper, and a ladder tree is no exception! Create a woodsy feel by suspending ornaments at different heights with fishing cords for a cascading effect. Top it off with a wooden star that has built-in lights for a finishing touch.

13. Minimalist Ladder Tree Elegance

For a sleek, modern twist, go with a white ladder, white ornaments, and soft LED lights. A few sprigs of real pine at the top bring a gentle touch of nature to this minimalist take on holiday decor. It’s simple, chic, and oh-so-stylish.

14. Rustic Ladder Against Brick

If you’ve got a brick wall, lean your wooden ladder tree against it for that perfect rustic , farmhouse look. The red brick backdrop makes the wood pop, creating a cozy holiday feel that’s both homey and effortlessly stylish.

15. Tiny Faux Pine Trees as Decor

Love the idea of a ladder tree but don’t want to leave the “tree” part out completely? Scatter a few small faux pine trees across each tier. Pick them up at the dollar store, add some fairy lights and red ornaments, and voilà! It’s like a mini Christmas forest on a ladder.

16. Candy Cane Color Combo

Source: salvagesisterandmister

Go classic with red and white, adding a candy cane theme across each tier. The white ladder itself becomes part of the decoration , letting the festive red elements take center stage in your little holiday village setup.

17. The Magic of Christmas Village

Sometimes, it’s not just about the decor but the whole vibe. Arrange a mini Christmas village on your ladder, complete with glowing lights , tiny houses , and a splash of festive cheer. This ladder tree will steal the spotlight—and maybe even your heart.

18. Santa Claus Topper

For a whimsical touch, top your ladder tree with a Santa figure. Kids especially will love spotting Santa at the top , and it’s a sweet nod to everyone’s favorite Christmas hero. It adds a warm, playful touch that’s pure holiday fun.

19. Wrapping Paper on Tiers

Turn each ladder tier into a gift in itself by covering it with Christmas wrapping paper! Choose festive prints that match your holiday color scheme, and let each level shine as a backdrop for the tiny ornaments. It’s the ultimate in festive flair.

20. Cozy Rug at the Base

Just because it’s not a traditional tree doesn’t mean you can’t keep the cozy vibes going. Lay a small rug or soft fabric at the base of your ladder to make it feel even warmer and inviting. It’s a small touch, but it makes the whole display feel complete and festive.

3 Ladder Christmas Tree with Garland Ideas

1. Rustic Ladder Christmas Tree

Source: Beverly Adamire

If your home has a rustic vibe, why not let your ladder tree match? Use a wooden ladder with the same finish as your other furniture. Just add a few touches—a bit of garland, some warm lights, and a few baubles—>and you’ve got a holiday centerpiece that feels just right.

2. Rope and Fairy Lights Twist

Source: Sarah Joachim Reznik

Swapping out pine for a ladder? Why not trade garlands for a simple rope! Wrap a long strand of fairy lights around it, and watch your DIY tree shimmer with cozy holiday charm. It’s rustic, it’s festive, and it’s a fun twist on the classic.

3. Repurposed Ordinary Ladder Magic

Got an ordinary ladder lying around? Transform it with the ornaments you’d usually hang on a pine tree. A bit of garland with pine cones, a few berries, and some twinkling fairy lights create a refreshingly simple Christmas statement that’s all about understated elegance.

3 Christmas Tree with Red Ladder Ideas

1. Simple Step Ladder Tree

Source: Judy Corell Stackpoole

Turn a basic step ladder into a festive tree with a coat of red or green paint and some twinkling lights ! Hang a few ornaments from the rungs to add a touch of charm, and you’ve got an easy , charming holiday display.

2. Ladder Tree with Mini Boards

Take your ladder game up a notch with mini boards that create a tiered village scene. Start with the widest board at the bottom and stack upward to mimic a Christmas tree shape. Add ceramic houses , trees , and maybe even a few festive characters to complete the scene. A tiny faux pine on top ties it all together.

3. Traditional Colors, Rustic Feel

Source: Danny Thompson

Blend rustic charm with classic Christmas colors to make your ladder tree the center of attention. Whether it’s red , green, or gold, each tier can be decorated with a mix of these hues for a rich, holiday-inspired look that’s cozy and inviting.