14+ Easy & Festive Holiday Guest Bathroom Ideas to Wow Visitors This Season

It doesn’t take a full-on remodel to make your holiday guest bathroom feel festive and inviting. Little touches—think scented candles, a wreath, some holiday towels, even a string of twinkly lights—can turn a regular powder room into a seasonal spot that guests actually notice and appreciate.

Here’s a bunch of easy, doable ideas to bring holiday cheer to your guest bath—whether you’re working with a tiny space, a tight budget, or just want something that feels like you. Pick and choose whatever fits your vibe.

1. Add a framed holiday-themed mirror for instant seasonal charm

Try swapping in a framed mirror with a holiday look, or just add a removable frame that fits your style. It’s easy to switch back later, no major changes needed.

Hang it where guests will spot it first—usually above the sink or by the door. A garland or mini wreath on the frame brings in a pop of seasonal color but won’t block the mirror.

Stick with moisture-resistant frames (metal or sealed wood works) so your handiwork doesn’t get ruined by bathroom steam.

2. Incorporate a wreath made of evergreen branches on the bathroom door

Hang a simple evergreen wreath on the bathroom door for an instant dose of color and that fresh, woodsy scent.
Pine or cedar hold up best in humid rooms—no one wants a droopy wreath halfway through December.

Go for a smaller wreath so it doesn’t get in the way, and use a rustproof hook.
A few berries or a ribbon add contrast; skip heavy ornaments since they might slide off if it gets steamy.

3. Use red and white striped hand towels for a festive touch

Red and white striped towels? Classic. They’re cheerful and work with almost any bathroom style—modern or traditional, doesn’t matter.

Just fold or hang them so the stripes are front and center. Pair with crisp white soap and maybe a tiny sprig of greenery for a look that’s festive but not fussy.

4. Place a small vase of fresh pine or holly on the countertop

Pick a simple vase that fits your counter—no one likes a cluttered sink. Fresh pine or holly brings in color and a subtle, natural scent, no fancy arranging required.

Trim stems so they don’t flop everywhere, and swap out wilted greens before company comes. Easy win.

5. Install scented candles with cinnamon or pine fragrances

Set out a couple cinnamon or pine-scented candles on a shelf or counter—just keep them away from towels and water. You can dial up or down the scent by picking bigger or smaller candles, and only lighting them right before guests arrive.

If you’re worried about allergies or open flames, try a reed diffuser instead. A quick burn before guests show up is usually enough to make the whole room smell cozy, not overwhelming.

6. Display miniature Santa figurines on open shelves

Line up a few little Santa figurines on open shelves for some instant holiday spirit. Three to five is usually enough—don’t overcrowd it.

Mix up the heights and materials so it doesn’t look too uniform, but leave some empty space so the shelf doesn’t feel jammed. Look for figurines that can handle a little steam if your bathroom gets humid.

7. Replace soap dispensers with frosted glass winter-themed ones

Trade your basic soap dispenser for a frosted glass one with snowflakes or pine details. It’s a subtle switch but makes the sink area feel way more festive.

Pick a neutral color like white or gray so it matches what you already have. Try to coordinate the pump finish with your other fixtures for a pulled-together look.

Seasonal-scented soap is a bonus, but keep it light. Frosted glass wipes down easily and you can use it every year if you want.

8. Use festive guest soap bars with holiday scents like peppermint

Set out a few small, wrapped soap bars by the sink. They add a pop of color and a fresh scent without taking up much space.
Peppermint, holly, or pine scents are classic—nothing too heavy, just enough to notice.

Go for simple packaging that fits your bathroom, or just toss them in a clear dish.
Swap them out every so often during the holidays so they stay fresh and don’t get mushy.

9. Add a small string of battery-operated fairy lights around the mirror

Wrap a thin string of battery-powered fairy lights around your mirror for a soft, cozy glow. No hunting for outlets or hiding cords—battery packs make this easy.

Use clear tape or those tiny stick-on clips to keep the wire in place. Hide the battery pack behind the mirror or in a cabinet for a cleaner look.

10. Hang a holiday-themed wall art print or canvas

Pick a festive print or canvas that fits your wall space and color palette. Go playful in a powder room, or pick a calm winter scene if you want a spa vibe.

Frame it for a finished look and choose moisture-resistant materials if it’s near the shower. Swap in new art each season to keep things from getting stale.

11. Switch out regular bath mats for plush red or green ones

Change out your usual bath mat for a plush red or green one—super quick, super effective. It gives the whole room a holiday feel with almost no effort.

Look for non-slip backings and something you can throw in the wash. Sometimes one bold mat does more than a bunch of tiny decorations.

12. Decorate shelves above the toilet with Christmas ornaments

Turn the shelf above your toilet into a mini holiday display with a few ornaments and a little greenery. Keep things shallow so nothing gets knocked off when the lid moves.

Match your color scheme to your towels or whatever theme you’ve got going. A battery tea light or a short string of lights adds a gentle glow—no need for complicated wiring.

13. Include a holiday-themed shower curtain in subtle neutrals

Pick a shower curtain with a low-key holiday design in soft whites, grays, or muted greens.
That way, it feels festive but doesn’t clash with your usual decor.

Patterns like pine sprigs, soft snowflakes, or subtle plaids work well.
The vibe is seasonal but not chaotic, so guests won’t feel overwhelmed.

Choose a fabric that won’t mildew and matches your towels and mat.
Honestly, a small change like this can make the whole space feel quietly festive.

14. Set out a bowl of pinecones with a light dusting of artificial snow

Grab a shallow bowl or glass dish, fill it with pinecones, and sprinkle on a bit of artificial snow or flocking—just enough for a frosted look, not a blizzard.

This simple display adds texture and a wintry touch without hogging counter space. It pairs nicely with white towels or a little candle for a cozy, pulled-together feel.

15. Place a holiday-scented reed diffuser near the sink

Set a reed diffuser on the vanity or maybe a little shelf by the sink, and let it work its magic. Go for seasonal oils—think cinnamon, pine, or a hit of citrus—so the scent actually matches the holiday vibe you’re aiming for.

If you’re tight on space (aren’t we all?), pick a slender glass bottle or something a bit festive to keep things neat and still leave some counter space. Swapping out the reeds or topping up the oil now and then keeps the fragrance from going stale, which is honestly what your guests will notice most.

16. Add cozy flannel hand towels inspired by festive plaid patterns

Honestly, there’s something about classic plaid flannel towels that just feels right for the season. They’re soft, warm, and, let’s be real, they look pretty charming draped over a towel rack or stacked on a shelf. It’s a small thing, but it makes guests feel like you went the extra mile.

If you want to keep things from getting too busy, try mixing a plaid or two with some solid colors. Red and green are the obvious choices—no shame in that—but honestly, a cozy neutral plaid can look just as festive, depending on your vibe.