23 Christmas Tree Themes Designers Are Obsessed With This Year
I love that magical moment each year, the scent of pine fills the room, and the box of treasured ornaments comes out. It’s when I start brainstorming new Christmas tree theme ideas.
This year, designers are really getting creative.
They’re moving beyond classic red and green. Instead, they’re crafting unique stories with branches and baubles. I am so excited to share what they’re loving.
Let’s dive into some truly beautiful inspiration!
23 Christmas Tree Theme Ideas
1. A Quiet Shoreline Morning
Imagine waves gently lapping the shore.
This theme captures that serene feeling. We’re talking ornaments in sea glass colors, pale blues, soft greens, and cloudy whites. It is so calming.
Wrap the tree base in a soft, chunky-knit blanket. Weave in strands of delicate wooden beads. A few ceramic sand dollars complete the look.
Designer’s Touch:
For an extra layer of texture, tuck small pieces of real, smooth driftwood deep inside the branches. They add a rustic, authentic touch.
2. A Cozy Library Holiday
This one feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket.
It’s perfect for book lovers. Ornaments are shaped like tiny books or made from rolled paper from old novels. The vibe is quiet and studious.
A dark plaid wool throw replaces a traditional tree skirt. Deep red velvet ribbons tied in simple knots add a touch of warmth.
My Little Secret:
I love to create small “scroll” ornaments by rolling up aged paper strips and tying them with twine. They look incredibly charming and elegant.
3. A Candy-Colored Sugar Rush
Get ready for pure, unfiltered joy.
This tree is a happy explosion of color. Think bubblegum pink, sunshine yellow, and bright mint green. It’s impossible not to smile at it.
Add in some quirky shapes. We love glittering rainbows, mini disco balls, and frosted doughnut ornaments for a fun and energetic feel.
Pro Tip:
Don’t be afraid to mix different candy textures. Combine glossy gumball-like ornaments with sugary, glitter-dusted pieces for a multi-sensory sugar rush.
4. An Enchanted Forest at Twilight
Step into a magical woodland scene.
This tree uses deep greens and rich browns as its foundation. It’s like a little piece of a fairy tale right in your living room.
Add delicate glass mushroom ornaments. Fuzzy, felted foxes and owls peek out from the branches. Tiny, warm white fairy lights twinkle like fireflies.
Designer’s Touch:
Use two types of lights. Weave one strand of steady lights deep inside the tree and a second strand of twinkling lights on the outer tips.
5. A Groovy Seventies Get-Together
This theme is all about retro fun.
It brings back a warm, nostalgic vibe. Start by draping the tree in shimmering silver tinsel. More is definitely more with this look.
The color palette is warm and earthy. Burnt orange, avocado green, and mustard yellow shine. Look for simple, round glass ornaments with graphic patterns.
My Little Secret:
Find a big, shimmery starburst tree topper. It’s the perfect retro finishing touch that screams 1970s glamour and fun.
6. A Warm Nordic Winter
This style is simple, clean, and incredibly cozy.
It’s all about creating a sense of calm. The focus here is on natural textures and a minimalist approach. It feels so peaceful.
Ornaments are made from light-colored wood. White ceramic bells and soft, wool-felt shapes add gentle texture. A simple string of warm white lights keeps it bright.
Pro Tip:
For a garland, try a simple string of unfinished wooden beads. It adds a beautiful, organic line without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic.
7. A Gatsby-Inspired Holiday Soiree
Time for some pure glamour and elegance.
This tree sparkles with Art Deco style. Think geometric, fan-shaped ornaments in shimmering gold and matte black. It’s sophisticated and bold.
Deep jewel tones stand out. Emerald green and sapphire blue pop against the metallics. A few strands of faux pearls add a touch of luxury.
Designer’s Touch:
Instead of a star, top the tree with a large plume of white ostrich feathers. It’s dramatic, unexpected, and completes the lavish 1920s feel.
8. A Sunset in the Desert
Bring the warm, earthy glow of the desert indoors.
This is one of my favorite new Christmas tree theme ideas. It’s so unique. Decorate with terracotta-colored ornaments and dried orange slices.
Simple, woven straw stars add a natural texture. A cream-colored linen ribbon cascades down the sides, mimicking the soft desert sand.
My Little Secret:
Tuck a few small, faux air plants or succulents into the branches. They add a surprising touch of life and perfectly match the desert theme.
9. Blue and White Chinoiserie Dreams
This look is absolutely classic. It’s so lovely.
It feels timeless and grand. Use beautiful round ornaments that mimic the iconic look of blue and white ginger jars. They’re simply stunning.
Weave a wide, navy blue velvet ribbon through the tree. Finish with big, floppy bows on the tips of the branches for a soft and polished look.
Pro Tip:
Group your chinoiserie ornaments in clusters of three. This creates a stronger visual impact than scattering them evenly around the tree.
10. A Pastel Winter Wonderland
This theme is soft and sweet as an iced cookie.
The palette is a dreamy mix of blush pink, baby blue, and soft lavender. It feels like a beautiful frosted fantasy.
Look for iridescent glass balls that shimmer. Add chunky, glitter-dusted snowflakes. A feather boa used as a garland adds a playful, fluffy texture.
Designer’s Touch:
To make the pastels pop, use a white or heavily flocked tree. The snowy background makes these soft colors look even more magical.
11. A Midnight Rose Garden
This one is moody and deeply romantic.
It has a little bit of beautiful drama. The tree features deep burgundy glass ornaments. Faux silk roses are tucked right into the branches.
Add touches of black for contrast. Matte black balls look so chic. Use thin, black satin ribbons to tie it all together. It’s mysterious and elegant.
My Little Secret:
Secure the faux roses to the branches with green floral wire. This allows you to position them perfectly just peeking out from behind the pine needles.
12. A Sky Full of Stars
This one is for all the dreamers out there.
The tree is covered in deep navy blues. Sparkling gold and silver accents glitter like distant galaxies. It’s truly magical.
Hang star and moon-shaped ornaments in different sizes and finishes. Wrap constellations of tiny, twinkling fairy lights around the branches.
Pro Tip:
Layer at least two different sizes of star ornaments. Use larger ones deep inside the tree and smaller, more delicate stars on the outer tips.
13. A Parisian Patisserie Christmas
This delightful tree looks good enough to eat.
It’s inspired by a charming French bakery. Use ornaments shaped like macarons, croissants, and tiny frosted cakes in pretty pastel colors.
A beautiful ribbon in blush pink or mint green completes the look. Tie it in perfectly crafted bows for that extra touch of Parisian charm.
Designer’s Touch:
Find a tree topper shaped like the Eiffel Tower or a glittery “Bon Appétit” sign. It’s a whimsical nod to the theme’s inspiration.
14. A Storybook Toymaker’s Shop
This theme is full of childhood wonder.
It is so sweet and nostalgic. The tree features classic wooden soldier ornaments, tiny spinning tops, and small, stuffed teddy bears tucked into the branches.
A simple popcorn and cranberry garland gives it that timeless, handmade feel. This is a look that brings back so many happy memories.
My Little Secret:
To make a popcorn garland last, use stale, air-popped popcorn. It’s less likely to crumble when you’re stringing it.
15. A Cloud of Winter White
Looking for something simple yet elegant?
This tree is all about texture, using only one color: white. The effect is stunning and serene, like a fresh snowfall. It feels so clean.
Use a mix of white ornaments in different materials. Fluffy wool balls, smooth ceramic stars, and delicate paper snowflakes all work together beautifully.
Pro Tip:
To add warmth to an all-white theme, use warm white Christmas lights instead of cool white LEDs. It creates a cozier, more inviting glow.
16. A Naturalist’s Holiday Collection
This is for the collector of beautiful things.
It looks as if you gathered treasures on a nature walk. It’s one of the most personal Christmas tree theme ideas I know.
Think delicate glass butterfly ornaments. Add dried floral bundles tied with twine. You can even use vintage bird illustrations decoupaged onto wooden discs.
Designer’s Touch:
Empty birds’ nests can be found at craft stores. Tuck a few into secure branches for a lovely, unexpected detail.
17. A Treasure Chest of Jewels
Rich, deep, and incredibly luxurious.
This tree shines with a royal palette. Decorate with ornaments in deep jewel tones like ruby red, amethyst purple, and emerald green.
Use glass balls with a high-gloss finish. This makes them shine like actual gems. A few polished gold accents will make the colors pop even more.
My Little Secret:
Don’t be afraid to go big. Use oversized jewel-toned ornaments as your base and fill in the gaps with smaller, coordinating baubles.
18. A Mossy Woodland Floor
This is a very specific and earthy look.
It feels like a little piece of a damp, magical forest. Tuck bits of preserved green moss into the branches for an incredibly natural texture.
Add rich, brown velvet mushroom ornaments. You can also find tiny, faux birds’ nests to nestle among the pine needles. It is very enchanting.
Pro Tip:
To keep the moss from making a mess, buy it in sheet form from a craft store. You can cut it into pieces and place it easily.
19. A Cozy Handmade Holiday
This tree feels just like a warm hug.
It’s completely covered in handmade treasures. This theme is all about personal touches and the love that goes into making things by hand.
Think chunky-knit garlands. Add salt dough ornaments you stamped with simple patterns. Strings of dried apple slices look and smell amazing.
Designer’s Touch:
Ask family and friends to each contribute one handmade ornament. The tree becomes a beautiful collection of memories and a true reflection of love.
20. A Simmering Pot of Spices
Warm, fragrant, and so inviting.
The main decorations here are wonderfully aromatic. Garlands made of dried orange slices and cinnamon stick bundles look absolutely beautiful.
Use twine to tie everything together. Deep green velvet ribbons woven through the branches complement the warm orange tones perfectly.
My Little Secret:
Hang small muslin bags filled with whole cloves and star anise hidden deep in the tree. The warmth from the lights will release their lovely scent.
21. A Bold Black and White Statement
Modern, graphic, and super chic.
This tree is a lesson in contrast. It uses a strict palette of only black and white for a sharp, sophisticated appearance.
Think ornaments with bold stripes. Add some checkerboard patterns and playful polka dots. You can find so many great options for this look.
Pro Tip:
To prevent the look from feeling flat, use a variety of finishes. Mix matte black ornaments with glossy white ones and glittery striped patterns.
22. Elegant Peacock Feathers
Dramatic and stunningly beautiful.
The color palette is inspired by the bird itself. Deep teal, royal blue, and shimmering gold create a look that is pure luxury.
Tuck real or high-quality faux peacock feathers into the branches. Let them fan out for maximum impact. They are the stars of this show.
Designer’s Touch:
Add teardrop-shaped glass ornaments in deep blue and teal hues. Their shape mimics the “eye” of the peacock feather, tying the theme together perfectly.
23. A Cozy Alpine Ski Lodge
This tree makes you want to sip hot cocoa.
It feels like you’ve just come in from the cold. The vibe is rustic, cozy, and a little bit retro. It’s so charming.
Hang tiny wooden skis. Add vintage-style lift ticket ornaments. Small, plaid wool bows tied to the branches are a perfect touch.
My Little Secret:
Instead of a traditional tree skirt, wrap the base in a plush, white faux-fur throw blanket. It looks just like a fresh pile of snow.
I truly hope these ideas have sparked some joy for you.
Decorating the tree is about expressing yourself. It’s about creating a little bit of magic in your own home for the season.
So have fun with it!
Which of these Christmas tree theme ideas was your absolute favorite? Let me know in the comments below
