The fireplace is the heart of a Christmas living room, and what you hang above it sets the tone for the whole space. The right print turns an ordinary mantel into the holiday focal point everyone gathers around.
Here's what to hang above a fireplace for Christmas, how to style the mantel around your art, and which looks work best for different homes.
Key Takeaways
One large print does more than lots of small decorations. Let the art be the focal point.
Keep mantel styling below the frame so garland and candles frame the art instead of covering it.
Choose a winter scene if you want art that can stay up through February.
Repeat colors from the print in your garland, ribbon and candles for a pulled-together look.
What to Hang Above a Fireplace for Christmas
A Snowy Christmas Village
A snowy village with glowing windows is one of the most popular choices above a mantel, because it feels warm and inviting from across the room. Our Vintage Winter Village print is made for this spot. For more nostalgic options, see our vintage Christmas wall art ideas.
A Classic Santa Scene
Santa by the fire is a natural fit above a real fireplace. Our Santa Reading by the Fireplace print mirrors the scene below it, and our Santa Reading by Lantern print pairs beautifully with a flocked tree beside the mantel.
A Christmas Wreath Print
A wreath print gives you the classic wreath-over-the-fireplace look without needing to hang a heavy real wreath. Our Christmas Wreath print with red berries and a tartan bow works on its own or with real greenery on the mantel below.
A Christmas Tree Print
If your real tree sits elsewhere, a tree print brings the same feeling to the mantel. Our Golden Christmas Tree print glows under warm streetlights, and our White and Gold Christmas Tree print suits neutral and modern rooms.
A Winter Landscape That Stays Up After Christmas
Want art you don't have to take down in January? Choose a winter scene rather than a Christmas one. Our Starry Winter Night print of snowy mountains and pines feels festive in December and still right in February.
A Nativity Scene
For a meaningful centerpiece, our Nativity Scene print of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus under the Star of Bethlehem creates a peaceful mantel display.
A Vintage Train or Carriage Scene
A wide horizontal scene suits the long shape of a mantel. Our Vintage Christmas Train print and Horse and Carriage print both look striking above a fireplace with candles and garland.
A Pair or Set of 3
For a wider fireplace, hang two or three smaller prints side by side. Our Vintage Christmas Bells, Plaid Christmas and Christmas Wreath prints share the same red, green and gold palette, so they work as a matching set. Our Christmas gallery wall ideas show more ways to group them.
See every design in our Christmas Wall Art Collection, all made to order and shipped free across Canada and the U.S.
How to Style a Christmas Mantel Around Wall Art
Start with the art. Hang or lean your print first, then build the mantel around it.
Keep everything below the frame. Garland, candles and small trees should frame the art, not cover it.
Vary the heights. Mix tall candlesticks, small trees and low greenery so the eye moves across the mantel.
Repeat the art's colors. Pick two colors from your print and echo them in ribbon, candles or ornaments.
Lean for a relaxed look. Leaning a print on the mantel makes it easy to layer greenery and candles in front.
Christmas Mantel Ideas by Style
Vintage Christmas Mantel
Pair a snowy village or carriage print with brass candlesticks, real garland and a few vintage ornaments.
Tartan Christmas Mantel
Hang a plaid or wreath print, then add plaid ribbon to the garland and a few red candles. Our guide to Ralph Lauren Christmas decor shows the full tartan look.
Neutral Christmas Mantel
Choose a white and gold tree or snowy pine print, then style with eucalyptus, cream candles and wood beads.
Modern Christmas Mantel
Go minimal: one large winter landscape, a single strand of greenery and two simple candlesticks.
For this year's colors and looks, see our guide to Christmas decor trends for 2026.
What Size Art Goes Above a Fireplace?
Choose art about two-thirds the width of your mantel, and hang it 6 to 12 inches above the mantel shelf. For most fireplaces, a 24x36 print is the right size. For the full guide to measuring and placement, see our post on wall art above a fireplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you hang above a fireplace at Christmas?
Above a fireplace at Christmas, hang one large holiday print as the focal point, like a snowy village, a classic Santa scene or a winter landscape, then frame it with garland and candles on the mantel below.
Can you hang a wreath over a picture above the fireplace?
You can hang a wreath over a picture above the fireplace by looping ribbon over the top of the frame, but it covers part of the art. A wreath print or a real wreath hung slightly lower, in front of the mantel, keeps the art fully visible.
How do you decorate a mantel with a picture above it?
To decorate a mantel with a picture above it, keep everything on the mantel lower than the bottom of the frame. Drape garland along the edge, add candles or small trees at different heights, and repeat one or two colors from the art.
Should you lean or hang art on a Christmas mantel?
You can lean or hang art on a Christmas mantel. Hanging works best for one large statement piece, while leaning feels more relaxed and makes it easy to layer a smaller print, candles and greenery in front.
What colors work for a Christmas mantel?
The colors that work for a Christmas mantel are the ones already in your art. Forest green, deep red and gold suit a traditional look, while cream, sage and soft gold suit a neutral one.
Make the Fireplace Your Christmas Focal Point
A Christmas mantel doesn't need dozens of decorations. Start with one print that sets the mood, whether that's a snowy village, a Santa scene or a winter landscape you can leave up until spring. Keep the mantel styling below the frame, repeat two colors from the art, and vary the heights of your candles and greenery.
Measure your mantel before you order, and aim for art about two-thirds its width. Order by late November so your print arrives in time to style for the holidays. Shopping for someone else? See our Christmas wall art gift ideas.
Ready to style your mantel? Browse our Christmas Wall Art Collection to find the print for your fireplace.
