Give your yard decor a magical upgrade this year with a pretty DIY Tomato Cage Christmas Tree! Go pickup some tomato cages and let’s get started!

Then… be sure to also try making this fabulous DIY Wooden Christmas Tree with Lights, too!

Yard decorated with red and white Christmas lights.

DIY Tomato Cage Christmas Tree

When it comes to outdoor Christmas decorations, the more the merrier, right? 🙂

Creating magical twinkling light displays is such a fun holiday tradition. But decor can be so pricey, so I’m always on the hunt for more Christmas Decorating Ideas on a Budget.

That’s why I was so excited to add a DIY Tomato Cage Christmas Tree to the yard this year!

Well actually not just one… but four!

Renee writes: "We live in the country on 40 acres. I've made 20+ of these and set them up in groups of three at varying heights. At night they add such an impact to our display. Easy and very inexpensive."

Tomato cage Christmas trees are budget friendly, such a cinch to make, can be customized to any color of your choice, and look AMAZING all lit up at night!

You can even use them for indoor Christmas decor.

I made them for about $15 – $20 each, and I even saw some much smaller ones selling for over $60 shipped on etsy.

Yikes!

So yes… just make them yourself. You won’t believe how fast and easy they come together!

So are you ready to add some fun new decorations to your yard this year?

Here are simple step-by-step instructions to make your very own Tomato Cage Christmas Light Tree…

Related: DIY Christmas Decorating Ideas

Can You Make a Christmas Tree Out of a Tomato Cage?

Yep, you sure can!

You’ll start by flipping the tomato cage over, tying up the stakes, and wrapping with lights!

How Many Lights Do You Need for a Tomato Cage Christmas Tree?

That depends on what size of tomato cage you’re using.

  • For 42″ tomato cages, you’ll need 200 mini lights.
  • For 54″ tomato cages, you’ll need 300 mini lights.
Twine, zip ties, Christmas lights, and stakes.

Supplies Needed for Small Tomato Cage Christmas Trees

Here’s what you’ll need…

  • 42″ Tomato Cage {I got mine at Lowe’s}
  • 2 strands of 100 lights {I got mine at Home Depot}
  • One 8″ Clear Zip Tie or Twine
  • Three or Four 6″ Galvanized Garden Stakes
Tomato Cage Christmas Tree Supplies including zip ties and twine.

Supplies Needed for Large Tomato Cage Christmas Trees

  • 54″ Tomato Cage {I got mine at Lowe’s}
  • 3 strands of 100 lights {I got mine at Home Depot}
  • One 8″ Clear Zip Tie or Twine
  • Three or Four 6″ Galvanized Garden Stakes

How Do You Make A Light Christmas Tree Out of Tomato Cages?

It’s easier than you might think.

This is how to make a Tomato Cage Christmas Tree in just minutes…

1. First, unbox your lights and stretch out each strand to remove any tight kinks in the cords.

2. Then, flip your tomato cage upside down, with the feet facing up.

End of a string of Christmas lights zip tied to a tomato cage.

3. Grab the flat end of your Christmas light cord without prongs, facing up, and cinch the upright feet around it.

Christmas lights on the top of a tomato cage.

Zip tie it all together and cut off the end of the zip tie.

Note: If you don’t have zip ties you can use twine, but I’ve found that zip ties work best for holding everything in place.

Christmas lights with tape over the female plug.

4. Then place a small piece of tape over the open, upward facing holes on the Christmas light cord to protect your light strand from any rain storms that may come.

How Do You Wrap A Tomato Cage With Christmas Lights?

5. Now begin wrapping the lights around the tree, and connect the additional strand {or strands} as needed.

Tomato cage partially wrapped in Christmas lights.

I like to leave about 8 – 12 inches of cord at the bottom, so it’s easy to plug in.

Tomato cage fully wrapped in Christmas lights.

6. Place the tree in your yard where you’d like to display it.

Secure it to the ground with garden stakes, plug into a power source or extension cord, and enjoy your beautiful new Christmas yard decor!

Yard decorated with red and white Christmas lights.

More Frugal Christmas Decor Ideas

So are you in the mood to decorate and craft even more for Christmas?

Get ready to load up on more fun DIY Christmas Decorating Ideas that are easy on your budget too…

DIY Wooden Christmas Tree with Lights

Add more Christmas cheer to your front yard when you create some of these festive Wooden Christmas Trees!

Two wooden Christmas trees lit up outside a house.

DIY Plastic Hanger Star with Lights

Give your front yard Christmas decor a frugal upgrade this year when you make this fabulous plaster hanger star strung with lights!

Star made from plastic hangars and Christmas lights.

DIY Plastic Hanger Snowflake with Lights

This easy DIY Plastic Hanger Snowflake project is the fabulous, budget friendly Christmas decoration you’ve been looking for!

Snowflake made from plastic hangars and lights.

DIY Stocking Wreath

This cheerful Christmas DIY stocking wreath will make such a fun statement on your front door!

Green stocking filled with greenery hanging on a door.

DIY Hydrangea Wreath for Front Door

Check out this EASY step-by-step tutorial to make a gorgeous hydrangea wreath for your front door!

Red, white, and green wreath handing from a white bow.

How to Make Free DIY Fresh Wreaths & Garlands

You’ll love this tip for how to make a beautiful live wreath… for FREE! When the price is FREE, decorating for Christmas becomes even more fun!

Christmas wreath made from fresh greens, pinecones, and red berries.

How to Make a Bow for a Wreath with Wired Ribbon

Wondering how to make a bow for a wreath with wired ribbon? This simple step by step tutorial will show you just how fast and EASY it can be!

Red bow on a white surface.

DIY Snowy Winter Wonderland Pine Cones

These beautiful pine cones add such a wonderful touch to any wreath or garland. They also look amazing all by themselves!

Two pinecones with white tips.

DIY Cinnamon Pine Cones

You won’t believe how EASY it is to create your own Cinnamon Pine Cones, and they smell AMAZING!!

Pinecones in a basket.

Orange Slice Garland

This pretty garland is so simple to make, and will add such a pretty pop of color to your Christmas decor!

Dried orange slices strung from a thin rope.

DIY Glitter Ornaments

Are you wondering how to make Glitter Ornaments? They’re actually a cinch to make, and so easy to customize with your favorite colors!

Three colorful glittery ornaments.

DIY Photo Ornaments

Deck the halls and trim the trees this Christmas with more fun photo ornaments!

Collage of photo ornaments.

10 Easy Christmas Ornament Crafts for Kids

Nothing beats homemade ornaments by the kids. These are my favorite ornaments that I’ll treasure forever!

Collage of ornaments made by children.

27 Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Don’t Forget to include your Elf! Have a blast trying some of these funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas this Christmas!

Elf sitting on the arm of a couch eating popcorn.

How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Alive Longer (6 Easy Tricks)

Keep your live tree looking gorgeous all season long with these easy tips and tricks for how to keep your Christmas tree alive longer!

Christmas trees on display outside.

50 Easy Christmas Crafts to Make at Home

Got the itch to craft? These craft ideas for kids adults will keep you busy all throughout the holiday season!

45 Christmas Decorating Ideas on a Budget!

Let me help you turn your home into a cozy Christmas Cottage and gorgeous Winter Wonderland with these inexpensive and frugal Christmas Decorating Ideas!

Red, white, and green flowers and plants.

55 Fun Christmas Activities for Families, Couples, Kids & Adults

Whether you’re looking for festive new Christmas traditions for families, December date nights for couples, holiday party ideas for adults, exciting activities for friends, or magical ideas for kids… I’ve got you covered!

Wreath decorated with hearts and ornaments.

So have you tried making a DIY Tomato Cage Christmas Tree yet?

Leave a comment & share!

About Heidi Miller

Heidi Miller is the creator of The Frugal Girls, where she shares easy recipes with massive flavor! She has been creating and sharing recipes online for over 15 years, and brings warmth, expertise, and a personal touch to every recipe. Her work has been featured on Today.com, NBC, Fox, Parade, People, Country Living, Woman’s World, and more!

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41 Comments

  1. MARIETTE VANDENMUNCKHOF-VEDDER says:

    Dearest Heidi,
    What a clever idea!
    We don’t decorate anymore but for so many people this is great.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    1. Heidi says:

      Thanks, Mariette… I’m so glad you like the idea! Have a lovely week! 🙂

  2. Mami Made It says:

    So cute and so easy to make. Thanks for the instructions 🙂
    Petra

    1. Heidi says:

      You’re very welcome, Petra… I’m so glad you like these little trees!

  3. Molly Pisula says:

    These are so cute! Never would have thought that you could repurpose a tomato cage this way! Thanks for the inspiration.

    1. Heidi says:

      Thanks so much, Molly! They really are such a simple way to repurpose your tomato cages in the Winter.

  4. somewhereinireland says:

    What a wonderful DIY project. They look great and are very festive.

    1. Heidi says:

      Thank you so much! They were really fun to make. 🙂

  5. Jordanne || Ofaglasgowgirl says:

    Wow! What a great idea for Christmas decorations. We’ve never had any outdoor ones but I’d love to put them up, and I live getting crafty so I’d like to have a go at making some myself. The idea to use a tomato cage is brilliant! Thank you for sharing.

    1. Heidi says:

      Of course… you’re very welcome, Jordanne! Have fun making your tomato cage trees this year! 🙂

  6. Josiah - DIY Thrill says:

    This is such a brilliant DIY project, they look amazing!

    1. Heidi says:

      Aww… thank you so much!! 🙂

  7. CoCo says:

    This is such a great idea, Heidi! We don’t usually put out lights and stuff outside because it always seems really complicated but this I can totally do! Thanks for the simple instructions and for making it easy. Hugs, CoCo

    1. Heidi says:

      You’re very welcome, CoCo! And you’re right… these really are such a simple way to add some lights to the yard. 🙂

  8. Katherine | Love In My Oven says:

    Beautiful tree, Heidi! It is getting me so excited for the Christmas season!

    1. Heidi says:

      Thank you, Katherine! I can’t believe Christmas is almost here already!!

  9. Judee says:

    The lights looks so festive and beautiful. What a great idea!

    1. Heidi says:

      Thank you, Judee! They really do give off such a pretty glow!

  10. Caleb - Never Ending Journeys says:

    Such a great tutorial for this time of year! Love homemade Christmas decorations.

    1. Heidi says:

      Thank you… and so do I, it’s so fun to be able to make your own unique yard decor while saving money, too! 🙂