Fall decoration ideas & updates for your church lobby

October 20, 2025

A new season is here–the beautiful season of fall! 

Fall is a special time of year to cherish and enjoy. From the beautiful changing leaves, the cooler weather, the holiday get-togethers, and the festive food, there’s so much to love about this season!

Fall is also a special time of year in the life of your church. It’s an exciting time when small groups are launching, school is starting back up, fall festivals are taking place, and church members experience an anticipation towards the Christmas season of Advent

That means that fall offers a unique moment to welcome new guests and revamp one of the most important areas in your entire church building—your church lobby! 

To create an exciting and welcoming setting, your church lobby should reflect this exciting season, including important events and updates, eye-catching decorations, and clear communication towards your new guests. 

Here are 15 church lobby decor ideas and fall decor ideas everyone will be sure to love!

15 Fall church decor ideas to transform your church lobby 

1. Fall wreaths on the front door

If you’re looking for fresh fall decor ideas or church lobby decor ideas, start right with your front door! 

Your church entrance sets the tone for everyone who walks in, so it’s a great place to add a touch of seasonal beauty. Hanging fall wreaths is a simple way to bring autumn warmth into your space. Choose wreaths made with natural elements like dried leaves, pinecones, pumpkins, or wheat for a welcoming and festive look.

You can display your wreaths outdoors on your main entrance doors to greet guests as they arrive, or hang them just inside your lobby to extend that cozy, fall feeling indoors. If your church keeps its doors open during services or events, make sure your wreaths are secured and weather-resistant so they stay beautiful all season long. Pair them with matching garlands, lanterns, or potted mums to complete your fall church decoration entryway.

2. Welcome Center or Kiosk Upgrades

Your welcome center in your church lobby is an important place for new guests. Adding eye-catching fall decor like beautiful bouquets of fresh or fake flowers, pumpkins, and fresh signage is a great way to draw guests to the best place they should go to for answers when they walk through your doors!

If your church is small, it’s less likely that you’ll have a large welcome center or kiosk. In that case, decorating a table is a great option! Assign greeters to your table who can offer your guests important information, answer their questions, and connect them to your church members. 

To truly delight your guests, consider upgrading your check-in system to be as quick and convenient as possible! It’s important to be able to gather information easily from your visitors, as well as offer information that’s up-to-date in a unified digital platform for churches.

3. Fall welcome gifts for visitors 

Next, updating your welcome gifts at your welcome center for the fall season can be a great addition to your fall decor for church! 

Consider using bright orange bags, and filling them with gift cards to a local coffee shop, adding a new mug, tickets/invites to your upcoming fall festival, and a pumpkin cookie or seasonal treat. It’s sure to delight your guests!

4. Beautiful fall leaves 

Faux fall leaves are one of the easiest and most versatile fall decorating ideas to bring the beauty of autumn into your church lobby. They capture all the cozy colors of the season—rich reds, golden yellows, and burnt oranges—without the mess or maintenance of real leaves. Plus, you can reuse them year after year.

Start by draping faux leaf garlands along welcome tables, windowsills, bulletin boards, doorframes, or even hanging garlands from the ceiling to instantly add warmth and color. Consider pairing the leaves with string lights, pumpkins, or rustic wooden accents for a cozy, inviting atmosphere that helps guests feel right at home in your church lobby. 

5. New Church Signage ideas to refresh your church lobby 

A great fall church decoration idea for your church lobby is to update your church signs with new and fresh designs. Many church leaders approach their signage as one-and-done. However, fall church signs help your new guests feel welcomed and right at home, communicating in a way that meets their needs and gets them to the right place! 

For the fall season, consider: 

  • Bright orange signage in your church lobby
  • Utilizing fall imagery like pumpkins or leaves
  • Combining your traditional church branding with fall imagery for a fun seasonal look

6. Harvest-themed Bible verses for fall church decor 

The fall season is a time for harvesting. And as it turns out, the Bible has a lot to say about this time of year, especially the harvest season.

For your fall church decorations in your lobby, consider putting up harvest-themed Bible verses to celebrate the season and highlight the importance of reaching the lost. Post and share your Bible verses around your lobby, such as on your new church signage or banners, as your wall art or wall decor, and on your church programs. 

Church leaders can even tie in a new sermon series to the theme of reaching the harvest with the Gospel.

7. “Thankfulness” or “Gratitude” wall: A creative fall church decoration idea

Gratitude is an important part of the Christian life–and an especially prominent topic during the holiday season. For your fall church decorations, create a “thankfulness” or “gratitude” wall in your church lobby to inspire your congregants this year!

Your wall can be a place where church members, visitors, and leaders write what they’re grateful for. You can use it as a place to share stories, testimonies, or simply write one word that describes what they’re most thankful for this year. To create your gratitude wall, here are a few ideas: 

  • Add a large chalkboard to the wall that goes all the way to the ground. Decorate it with autumnal artwork and add the words “Gratitude Wall” at the top. Encourage congregants to write what they’re thankful for. Even children can write at the bottom and participate. 
  • Hang large art paper rolls to the wall to create your Gratitude Wall. Choose an appropriate color like orange or yellow to optimize on the seasonal theme, and add baskets of colorful markers nearby for easy access. Whether they write one word or paragraphs, it gives visitors and members an opportunity to praise God for what they’re grateful for, and showcase their gratitude to the church. 
  • Church leadership can encourage members to write on the Gratitude Wall specifically what they’re grateful for about your church and community. 

This interactive fall church decor idea engages your congregation and creates a meaningful visual impact. Whether it’s a testimony, an answered prayer, a volunteer experience, a community connection, or listening to a sermon, members can describe how your church has touched their life and heart—creating a large testimony wall for all to see! 

8. Fall-themed photo booth 

This year, your church can upgrade your fall church decor with a fall-themed photo booth. It’s an easy way to encourage community, capture joyful memories with your congregants, and add a creative touch to your church lobby.

Start by choosing a cozy backdrop—think burlap fabric, wooden pallets, or a faux barn door covered with autumn garlands, pumpkins, and twinkle lights. Add props like plaid blankets, straw bales, rustic crates, and signs with cheerful fall sayings such as “Give Thanks” or “Thankful & Grateful”. 

Encourage guests to share their photos on social media and tag your church—it’s a great way to spread joy, build connection, and invite others to join in your upcoming events. A photo booth is one of the most fun fall decor ideas for church lobbies!

9. Fall church banner 

If you’re looking for simple church lobby decor ideas, you can put up a fall-themed banner with an encouraging saying or Bible verse. Some ideas for your church banner include: 

  • “New Season, New Start” 
  • “Thanks be to God!” 
  • “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” —1 Corinthians 15:57
  • “Give Thanks to the Lord”
  • “Thankful & Grateful” 
  • “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good” —Psalm 118:29

10. Fall church lobby display: Small groups snapshots 

Small groups are another important part of the life of your church, and fall is the perfect time to kick off your groups and encourage new visitors and those who’ve been on the fence to get plugged in. This fall, you can showcase your small groups in your church lobby through small group snapshots! 

Decorate a large wall in your church lobby with photos from your different small groups. Provide information about age ranges, times and locations, frequency of meetings, favorite activities, testimonies, quotes, Bible studies, and more. 

Offering a “small group snapshot wall” is a creative and relational way to help people see what community looks like at your church. When people see the beauty of community on display, they’re reminded that church isn’t just a place to attend—it’s a family to belong to. As the leaves change this season, let your church be a place where lives change too—one small group connection at a time.

11. Pumpkins: A classic fall decor for church 

Who doesn’t love fall pumpkins? Their bright, cheery colors are perfect for fall church decor! Consider placing large pumpkins on your church steps, at your photo booth, or at your welcome desk. You can also place baskets of pumpkins throughout the church lobby. 

Want to make it even more meaningful? Purchase small pumpkins and gourds in bulk and give them away to members and visitors. Write a Bible verse about the harvest season or a short, encouraging message on each one. Not only does this add a personal, faith-filled touch, but it also gives people a tangible reminder of God’s provision and the joy of the season.

12. Gratitude jars: Simple fall decorating idea for church 

There is so much to be thankful for as Christians, and the fall season is a great reminder of this truth. During the season of thanksgiving, you can invite your congregation into a season of gratitude by placing gratitude jars throughout your church lobby. 

Add a special label on each jar (perhaps with your church logo added to it) and place bright colored paper with each jar. Encourage your congregation to fill the jars up with what they’re grateful for over the remainder of the year. Come January, you can put together a banner or work of art filled with the words of encouragement, showcasing what your members are most thankful for at your church. 

13. Fall church wall art ideas  

Many churches have artwork hung on their walls. However, oftentimes this artwork hasn’t been intentionally updated in a long time. If you’re looking for fall decorating ideas for your church, consider updating the artwork in your church lobby to coincide with the autumn season.

Take it a step further and announce during the summer that you are looking for artwork to showcase in your lobby this fall. Your congregation can submit original pieces related to the autumn season and the life of a Christian. By displaying artwork created by members of your congregation, you not only refresh your lobby with beautiful, seasonal visuals but also celebrate the talents and creativity within your church family, making everyone feel more connected and inspired this fall.

14. Large cross with decorated base  

A large cross can serve as the centerpiece of your fall church decor—both a beautiful visual display and a powerful reminder of the heart of your ministry. By decorating the base of the cross with fall-themed accents, you can create a stunning focal point that draws attention while pointing hearts back to Christ.

Start by surrounding the base with natural, seasonal elements like hay bales, pumpkins, gourds, and baskets of autumn leaves. Add touches of texture with burlap, wooden crates, or lanterns to give it a warm, rustic feel. You can also weave in soft lighting—such as twinkle lights or candles in glass jars—to create a peaceful glow that highlights the cross.

15. Generate excited for your fall festival 

Do you have a church fall festival coming up? For a fall church decor idea, use your church lobby fall decor to generate excitement for your fall party! 

You can set up a large fall display around your fall festival sign-ups that will draw attention and get people excited. Showcase images from last year, and get people excited about attending and participating. Use your table to hand out flyers, share important information, and recruit volunteers. This way, your fall decor for church works doubly to remind members to volunteer, as well as help visitors know about your upcoming festival. 

Other church lobby decor ideas & upgrades for the fall

If you’re looking for additional church lobby ideas and updates for the fall, here are a few more ideas to improve your space and welcome new visitors. 

Upgrade your coffee table

Offering coffee is frequently an integral part of your Sunday morning routine. In fact, it’s so common to provide coffee on Sunday mornings that almost every congregant will expect your church to have it. 

Taking a second look at your coffee table/beverage stand this fall provides a great opportunity to refresh it with seasonal touches—like autumn-themed mugs, fall-flavored creamers, or decorative accents—making it feel welcoming, cozy, and festive for everyone who stops by. Consider updating your snacks with doughnuts or new treats that your visitors will appreciate.

Offer new fall merch 

The fall brings cooler weather–which means it’s time to offer new church merch! 

From sweatshirts to beanies to long-sleeve shirts, updating your church swag is a great way to connect with new visitors. Additionally, Gospel-themed apparel  is a trending market. Teenagers, college students, and young adults love wearing oversized hoodies and sweatshirts, and your church merch can offer a great conversation starter for them to share their faith and invite people to your church. 

That being said, you may want to consider taking a design poll and asking your church which designs they like best! This way you can generate excitement and be sure to offer designs they will love to wear. 

Upgrade your fall church graphics 

Fall is the perfect time to refresh your church’s visual identity and make your messaging feel seasonal, inviting, and relevant. From digital screens to printed materials, updating your church graphics this fall can help your church feel cohesive and welcoming while celebrating the beauty of the autumn season.

Start with your main lobby screens, welcome slides, and social media banners. Incorporate warm fall colors like deep oranges, golden yellows, and rich browns, along with autumn-themed imagery such as leaves, pumpkins, harvest scenes, or cozy textures like wood and burlap. You can also update bulletin covers, signage, and posters throughout your church to match the seasonal theme, creating a consistent and visually appealing environment.

Fall and holiday-themed graphics aren’t just about decoration—they can also highlight important events like small group sign-ups, fall festivals, Giving Tuesday campaigns, or special sermon series. Thoughtful, seasonal visuals help your congregation engage more deeply and make visitors feel like they’ve stepped into a church that’s vibrant, active, and intentional in its care for the community.

New church tech innovations

Are you hoping to grow your church this fall and beyond? Fall is also the perfect time to explore new church technology that can help your church connect, engage, and grow in more powerful and meaningful ways. 

There are many updates you can make to your church lobby that can improve digital connections at your church. Some opportunities include: 

  • Child Check-ins - Simplify and secure your children's ministry with Subsplash's seamless check-in system. Integrated with Subsplash One, it allows for easy setup of events, supports kiosk check-ins via iPads, and offers real-time analytics to ensure a smooth experience for families and staff alike.
  • Giving - (include Subsplash Tap) - Make generosity effortless with Subsplash Giving. Support multiple giving methods, including in-app donations, SMS, and during live streams. Features like recurring giving, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and instant ACH ensure a seamless and secure donation process. 
  • Subsplash Tap - Did you know you can easily place discs and stands in your lobby that can easily link to wherever you want? Utilizing NFC technology, individuals can tap their phones on strategically placed Tap Discs and Stands to access any link you need, including your church app, giving, sign ups for events, or downloading your custom app. It’s that easy!

Fall decor for church goes beyond the surface 

While we all love pumpkins, leaves, and the beautiful colors of fall, your fall decor for church goes beyond just the surface. Your fall church decor and updates offer greater opportunities for intentional ministry, outreach, and the celebrations of the season of gratitude in your church life. 

People are hungry for the truth of the Gospel during this season. In fact, churches are reporting that thousands of new faces are walking through their doors this fall. Now is the time to be bold in your efforts to welcome new guests and disciple them at your church

As Christians, we’re continually called to sew into the harvest for the growth of God’s Kingdom. Your lobby can be beautiful, welcoming, and also clearly communicates how visitors belong, extending the Kingdom by turning your lobby into a place for purpose, connection, beauty, and innovation for the Gospel. 

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Author

Lyndsi Bigbee, Marketing Copywriter

Lyndsi is a lover of words, books, and poetry, and is passionate about the local church. Originally from Nashville, she has served in Methodist, Presbyterian, and nondenominational churches across the U.S. and loves to use her experience to help churches through her work at Subsplash. Lyndsi received her M.A. from Asbury Theological Seminary and is deeply committed to the local church’s role in transforming hearts and lives.

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