What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
A Portal Christmas tree is a holiday display that makes a tree appear to pass through glowing portals. In the best-known reported version, one section of a three-part artificial tree hangs upside down from the ceiling while the other two sections sit inverted on the floor. Red and blue rope lights, dark circles and garland complete the illusion.
How the Portal Christmas tree illusion works
The design borrows its visual idea from Valve’s game Portal: a tree seems to enter one circular opening and emerge from another. Valve highlighted the decoration in 2011 and pointed readers to an explanation of how it was made (Valve’s Portal Christmas tree post).
The original reported construction used a three-section artificial tree. Its top section was suspended upside down from the ceiling; the other two sections were joined and placed upside down on the floor. The arrangement relies on perspective, colored rings and concealed gaps—not on an actual passage through the ceiling.
Materials in the reported build
- A three-section artificial Christmas tree
- Fishing line to pull branches into position
- Adhesive hooks for the suspended section and light ring
- Red and blue rope lights for the portal rings
- Black poster board beneath the lights to suggest dark openings
- Artificial garland to disguise the gap around the ceiling section
These are materials named in one build account, not a tested or universally suitable construction plan. The account does not establish load limits, ceiling compatibility, electrical safety or safety around pets for a different home or set of materials.
#1 Best Overall
- Embark on interdimensional adventures this holiday season with Rick and Morty. The fun Christmas ornament features the scientist grandfather and teenage grandson duo mid-portal.
- Great Christmas gift idea for fans of the animated sci-fi sitcom "Rick and Morty."
- Resin ornament is ready to hang on your Christmas tree with a hanger attachment.
- Purchase Includes: One Hallmark Christmas tree ornament packaged in a box.
- Ornament Size Approx.: 3.22 x 3.02 x 0.64
How the original arrangement was assembled
1. Arrange the tree sections
The top section was hung upside down from an adhesive ceiling hook. The remaining two sections were connected and placed upside down on the floor. The report says fishing line connected branches to what would normally be the tree’s base, pulling the branches upward because they otherwise fell outward under gravity.
2. Create the portal rings
The builders used rope lights to form the circles: red on the floor in a tight ring and blue in a ring suspended from the ceiling. Black poster-board circles underneath the lights made the openings appear dark. The account describes the blue rope light as wrapped into a circle, held together with tape and hung on additional adhesive hooks.
Rank #2
- ENESCO HANGING ORNAMENT: from the Coraline by Jim Shore collection
- DESIGN: combines characters from the film 'Coraline' with Jim Shore's signature style, evoking a sense of nostalgia with traditional themes, quilt patterns and design motifs inspired by American and European folk art
- HAND-CRAFTED: from high-quality stone resin material and hand-painted with intricate details by skilled artisans
- PACKAGING: includes an individual gift box with a product photo
- DIMENSIONS: 2.95" L x 1.5" W x 3.94" H
3. Hide the transition
Artificial garland was wrapped around the suspended tree section to cover the visible gap and make it look as if the tree continued into the ceiling. The creator-attributed account notes that the gaps needed adjustment to achieve a seamless appearance.
What to consider before adapting the idea
The reported setup attaches elements to the ceiling and changes how the tree branches are held. Before adapting it, assess your own room, tree, attachment surfaces and lighting rather than assuming the original materials will work in every home.
Rank #3
- Smooth Wood Feel: Made from boxwood, this ornament has a firm, smooth wooden feel and a lightweight shape that is easy to place among branches or other seasonal decorations.
- Double-Sided Printed Design: Artwork appears on both sides, so the decorative look remains visible from different angles when the piece turns or hangs freely on a tree.
- Compact Hanging Size: The wooden piece measures about 2.76 x 3.15 inches. A small top hole and an included jute cord of about 11.8 inches make it ready for simple hanging.
- Flexible Holiday Display: Hang it on a Christmas tree, wall, door, window, wreath, mantel arrangement, or party display to add a small seasonal accent without taking up much space.
- Printed Gift Accent: The Moonlit Forest Portal artwork gives the ornament a distinct festive personality for decorating or sharing with friends. Wipe dust with a dry cloth or paper towel. Customer service: We reply to all messages within 24 hours.
- Support: The report names adhesive hooks but gives no load ratings or ceiling-surface guidance. Do not treat that description as proof that a hook or ceiling can support your installation.
- Lighting: Rope lights formed the rings in the reported build. The account does not identify electrical specifications or establish that a particular lighting product is suitable for your setup.
- Space and finish: The design uses both ceiling and floor space. The builders used garland to disguise a gap, and the reported account says the alignment needed finessing.
- Pets: A 2018 article described keeping a tree out of pets’ reach as one motivation for some versions, but that report does not show that this arrangement prevents access or is safe around pets (El Siglo de Torreón’s 2018 report).
What the sources establish—and what they do not
Boing Boing’s 2011 account attributes the construction description to co-creator Ryan Kelly, who said the tree came apart in three sections. Valve’s post confirms the Portal theme and links to the how-to. Neatorama also reported the creator attribution and materials (Neatorama’s Portal Christmas Tree post).
The available reports describe an individual decoration and motivations such as limited space or keeping a tree away from pets. They do not provide standardized methods, measured popularity, cost estimates, or evidence of safety. Treat the original build as inspiration for a visual effect, not as an engineered plan.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Smooth Wood Feel: Made from boxwood, this ornament has a firm, smooth wooden feel and a lightweight shape that is easy to place among branches or other seasonal decorations.
- Double-Sided Printed Design: Artwork appears on both sides, so the decorative look remains visible from different angles when the piece turns or hangs freely on a tree.
- Compact Hanging Size: The wooden piece measures about 2.76 x 3.15 inches. A small top hole and an included jute cord of about 11.8 inches make it ready for simple hanging.
- Flexible Holiday Display: Hang it on a Christmas tree, wall, door, window, wreath, mantel arrangement, or party display to add a small seasonal accent without taking up much space.
- Printed Gift Accent: The Moonlit Forest Portal artwork gives the ornament a distinct festive personality for decorating or sharing with friends. Wipe dust with a dry cloth or paper towel. Customer service: We reply to all messages within 24 hours.
Rank #4
- Crafted from fine ceramic with a smooth, glossy finish, its delicate surface is perfect for showcasing our unique design "Sci-fi Gate Portal To The Stars Galaxies Watercolor"
- Elegant and timeless, this round ceramic ornament adds a touch of charm to any holiday décor.
- Measuring approximately 3 inches in diameter, it hangs gracefully from a satin ribbon, making it a beautiful addition to Christmas trees, wreaths, or decorative displays year-round.
- The ornament is decorated on both sides with the design shown, and customized with your text.
- Whether given as a gift or kept as a keepsake, this ornament captures memories in classic style. Sold individually.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
