Blog •November 9, 2026 •yasmine alami

Christmas Crochet Sleigh Lantern – Free Advanced Holiday Decoration Pattern

Christmas Crochet Sleigh Lantern – Free Advanced Holiday Decoration Pattern

Create a magical handmade Christmas decoration with this beautiful crochet sleigh lantern. Featuring an elegant ivory lace lantern, a festive red sleigh filled with miniature presents, Christmas trees, golden bells, holly leaves, and a decorative tassel, this enchanting design brings warmth and holiday charm to any home.

Inspired by the reference image, this advanced crochet project combines delicate lacework, structured crochet construction, dimensional appliqués, and intricate decorative details. The glowing lantern creates a cozy atmosphere when illuminated with battery-operated LED lights.

Whether displayed near a Christmas tree, hanging in a window, or decorating a festive living room, this handmade crochet lantern makes a stunning seasonal centerpiece.

Pattern Details

• Skill Level: Advanced
• Finished Size: Approximately 30 cm wide × 34 cm high, excluding hanging handle and tassel
• Handle Length: Approximately 25 cm
• Tassel Length: Approximately 12 cm
• Yarn Weight: Sport-weight cotton yarn
• Hook Size: 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm
• Construction: Separate crochet components assembled around a lightweight lantern frame
• Lighting: Battery-operated LED fairy lights only
• Terminology: US crochet terms

Materials Needed

• 200 g ivory cotton yarn
• 70 g Christmas red cotton yarn
• 50 g dark green cotton yarn
• 20 g gold-colored yarn or metallic embroidery thread
• Small amounts of brown and white yarn
• 2.5 mm crochet hook
• 3.0 mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Polyester fiberfill for miniature decorations
• Two small decorative gold bells
• Gold beads
• Lightweight circular lantern frame or rigid craft rings
• Flexible craft wire or plastic canvas for structural support
• Battery-operated LED fairy lights
• Fabric-safe craft glue, optional
• Small cardboard template for tassel making

Safety Note: Never place a real candle or open flame inside a crochet lantern. Use cool-running battery-operated LED lights, and keep electrical components accessible and away from loose yarn.

Crochet Abbreviations

• MR: Magic ring
• ch: Chain
• sc: Single crochet
• hdc: Half double crochet
• dc: Double crochet
• tr: Treble crochet
• sl st: Slip stitch
• inc: Increase
• dec: Decrease
• st: Stitch
• sp: Space
• FO: Fasten off
• BLO: Back loop only
• FLO: Front loop only

1. Crochet the Lantern Base

Begin with dark green yarn and a 3.0 mm hook.

Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)

Round 2: Inc in each stitch. (12)

Round 3: (Sc 1, inc) × 6. (18)

Round 4: (Sc 2, inc) × 6. (24)

Round 5: (Sc 3, inc) × 6. (30)

Round 6: (Sc 4, inc) × 6. (36)

Round 7: (Sc 5, inc) × 6. (42)

Round 8: (Sc 6, inc) × 6. (48)

Round 9: (Sc 7, inc) × 6. (54)

Round 10: (Sc 8, inc) × 6. (60)

Continue increasing by six stitches per round until the circular base matches the diameter of your lantern frame.

Work five rounds of single crochet without increasing to create the raised green base border.

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

2. Crochet the Ivory Lace Lantern Body

The lantern body features delicate openwork lace with a floral-inspired repeating pattern.

Using ivory yarn and a 2.5 mm hook, join yarn to the upper edge of the green base.

Round 1: Ch 3, dc in every stitch around. Join with sl st.

Round 2: Ch 5, skip 2 stitches, sc in next stitch. Repeat around to create chain arches.

Round 3: Work 5 dc into each chain arch, separated by ch 2.

Round 4: Ch 4, sc into the center of each shell, ch 4. Repeat around.

Round 5: Work 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc into alternating arches to create decorative lace fans.

Round 6: Ch 5, sc between fan motifs. Repeat around.

Repeat the lace sequence until the lantern body reaches approximately 23 cm in height.

Maintain consistent tension to keep the lace openings symmetrical.

Secure the lace to the lantern frame at evenly spaced points.

3. Crochet the Circular Window Frames

The reference lantern features three prominent circular windows: one large central window and two smaller side windows.

Large Central Window

Using ivory yarn:

Round 1: Ch 90 and join into a ring, ensuring the chain is not twisted.

Round 2: Sc in each chain around.

Round 3: Hdc in each stitch around.

Round 4: Work reverse single crochet around the outer edge for a raised decorative finish.

Fasten off.

Side Windows

Make two smaller rings using the same method, beginning with ch 65.

Attach the rings to the lantern body using a tapestry needle and matching yarn.

Position the large ring in the center and the smaller rings symmetrically on each side.

Stitch the rings securely to the lace without pulling the fabric out of shape.

4. Crochet the Upper Red Lantern Rim

Using Christmas red yarn and a 3.0 mm hook:

Ch enough stitches to fit around the upper lantern opening.

Join into a ring.

Rounds 1–5: Sc in each stitch around.

Round 6: Hdc in each stitch around.

Round 7: Work reverse single crochet around the edge.

Fasten off.

Secure the rim around the upper lantern frame.

The red rim should be firm enough to maintain its circular shape.

5. Crochet the Hanging Handle

Using ivory yarn and a 3.0 mm hook:

Ch approximately 90 stitches, or enough to create the desired handle length.

Row 1: Sc in the second chain from the hook and across.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc across.

Rows 3–5: Repeat Row 2.

Fasten off, leaving long sewing tails.

For additional strength, insert a flexible cord inside the crocheted handle.

Attach both ends securely to opposite sides of the upper lantern rim and supporting frame.

Test the handle before hanging the completed lantern.

6. Crochet the Large Red Bow

The large red crochet bow sits at the top of the lantern handle.

Using red yarn and a 2.5 mm hook:

Bow Loops

Make two identical pieces.

Row 1: Ch 21.

Row 2: Sc in second chain from hook and across. (20)

Rows 3–10: Ch 1, turn, sc across.

Fasten off.

Fold each rectangle into a bow loop and sew the short edges together.

Bow Tails

Make two.

Row 1: Ch 13.

Row 2: Sc across. (12)

Rows 3–15: Ch 1, turn, sc across.

To create pointed ends, decrease one stitch at each edge over the final rows.

Fasten off.

Bow Center

Ch 8 and work five rows of single crochet.

Wrap this small strip around the center of the bow loops and tails.

Sew securely.

Attach the completed bow to the top of the lantern handle.

7. Crochet the Christmas Holly Leaves

Make approximately eight dark green holly leaves.

Using dark green yarn and a 2.5 mm hook:

Row 1: Ch 13.

Row 2: Starting in the second chain from the hook, work sc, hdc, dc, tr, tr, dc, hdc, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc.

Work along the opposite side of the foundation chain using corresponding stitches.

To create the pointed holly shape, add small chain picots along the outer edges.

Fasten off, leaving a sewing tail.

Make leaves in slightly different sizes for a natural arrangement.

8. Crochet the Red Holly Berries

Make approximately twelve small berries.

Using red yarn:

Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)

Round 2: Inc in each stitch. (12)

Round 3: Sc around. (12)

Round 4: Dec around. (6)

Add a tiny amount of stuffing before closing.

Fasten off.

Arrange the berries in clusters of three and sew them between the holly leaves.

Attach the completed holly decoration around the upper front edge of the lantern.

9. Attach the Golden Bells

Position two small gold-colored bells directly beneath the center holly berry cluster.

Using strong thread or matching yarn, attach the bells to the red lantern rim.

Ensure the bells hang evenly and remain securely attached.

These decorative bells create the festive focal point above the central sleigh window.

10. Crochet the Miniature Christmas Trees

Make two identical green trees for the side windows.

Tree Body

Using dark green yarn and a 2.5 mm hook:

Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)

Round 2: Sc around. (6)

Round 3: (Sc 1, inc) × 3. (9)

Round 4: Sc around. (9)

Round 5: (Sc 2, inc) × 3. (12)

Round 6: Sc around. (12)