Should You Decorate Your Short-Term Rental for the Holidays? Pros, Cons, and Smart Alternatives

Here it is, the middle of September.

And for me, it feels like fall and the holidays will be here in the blink of an eye.

When the holidays roll around, it’s tempting to deck out your short-term rental with twinkling lights, festive garlands, and seasonal cheer. After all, who doesn’t love walking into a cozy, decorated space? But before you buy a 10-foot inflatable snowman, let’s weigh the pros and cons of holiday décor in an STR, and talk about simpler, guest-friendly ways to acknowledge the season.

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Pros of Decorating Your STR for the Holidays

1. Creates a Warm, Memorable Experience

Guests love walking into a property that feels festive. A few seasonal touches can make your STR stand out and lead to glowing reviews.

2. Marketable Photos

Holiday décor makes for eye-catching listing photos, particularly for folks looking to book around Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s. A festive touch can draw more clicks when people are booking holiday trips.

3. Builds Repeat Business

Families often return year after year to the same vacation rental for holiday gatherings. Décor helps your place become part of their tradition.

Cons of Decorating Your STR for the Holidays

1. Religious Considerations

Not all guests celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or other holidays. Religious-specific décor (nativity sets, menorahs, angels, etc.) could make some visitors feel excluded.

Tip: Stick to neutral, seasonal décor: pumpkins, greenery, twinkly white lights, rather than overtly religious symbols.

2. Safety Concerns

Fire hazards from real candles or dried garlands.
Trip hazards with extension cords or cluttered decorations.
Child safety if breakable ornaments or small items are within reach.

3. Logistics Headaches

Who sets up the décor? Who takes it down?
Do you ask your cleaner to handle this, and compensate them?
Where do you store decorations during the off-season?

These details add up, especially if you manage multiple properties.

Who Handles Holiday Décor in an STR?

Cleaners: You can ask cleaners to handle small décor items, but only if they agree and you pay them extra for the time. Installing a tree or outdoor lights is usually beyond the scope of normal cleaning.
Owners/Hosts: If you live nearby, you can rotate décor yourself.
Property Managers: Some full-service managers offer seasonal décor as part of their package.

Ways to Acknowledge Holidays Without Going Overboard

Not ready to go full-on Santa’s workshop? Here are easy, neutral décor ideas:

Spring/Summer: Fresh flowers, potted plants, or pastel throw pillows.
Autumn: A couple of pumpkins on the front step, a fall-colored wreath, or a plaid throw blanket.
Winter: A string of white lights woven into garland, evergreen branches in a vase, or cozy blankets in a basket.

These touches nod to the season without alienating guests or causing storage headaches.

a vase of flowers and two small pumpkins on a table

Key Takeaways

Holiday décor can delight guests and make your STR memorable, but it also adds costs, risks, and potential sensitivities.
Stick with neutral, seasonal decorations to appeal to the widest audience.
Make sure logistics are clear: if your cleaner or manager is involved, compensate fairly.
A few simple touches (pumpkins, white lights, cozy throws) go a long way without overwhelming you or your storage closet.

For me personally as a host, I do not generally add seasonal decor. In year’s past when I have had a larger than expected crop of pumpkins from my garden, I’ll put a couple on the step right by the front door.

As an alternative, I love the idea of a wreath on the front door. You could change it out seasonally to offer a little nod to the season. A few months ago my husband re-painted our front door and I knew it needed a wreath to feel complete. I felt strongly that I didn’t want something that looked plastic-y and artificial, and with some trial and error, I found just the perfect option. It works well year-round, in fact! This is a photo of my actual front door, and you can find this Green Eucalyptus and Boxwood Wreath on Amazon.

Final Thought: Décor can be a nice cherry on top of your STR hospitality, but it’s not a must. Guests care most about comfort, cleanliness, and good communication. If you do decide to add festive touches, keep it simple, safe, and inclusive.

I’d love to see photos of your seasonal decor!