Looking for Christmas tree ideas for 2026? This year’s decorating trends are all over the place, and I mean that in the best possible way. We’ve got giant bows, moody burgundy ornaments, candy-colored trees that look like a sugar rush exploded, and nostalgic Christmas trees straight out of your childhood. Basically, whether your decorating style is elegant and sophisticated or “I found this ornament in a box in the basement and I’m keeping it,” there’s a Christmas tree trend for you. Here are six of my favorite Christmas tree decorating ideas for 2026, including ways to get the look without spending a ridiculous amount of money.
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6 Christmas Tree Looks That Are Taking Over Christmas 2026
Now that Halloween is over, I am gearing up for Christmas! I am already a festive person, but having a kid makes me even more excited about Christmas each year.
This year, the biggest themes are: nostalgia, rich colors, oversized bows, playful decorations, and a return to handmade ornaments.
Share your favorite Christmas tree idea in the comments!
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1. Burgundy and Moody Jewel Toned Christmas Trees
If you want your Christmas tree to feel as moody as your pre-teen, deep burgundy, emerald green, plum, and antique gold are big for 2026.
Think dramatic, sophisticated Christmas trees with velvet ribbons and warm lighting.
This is a beautiful and budget-friendly set of shatterproof jewel-toned ornaments if you want to hop on this Christmas 2026 trend.

2. Nostalgic 90s Christmas Tree Ideas for 2026
Multicolored lights, shiny tinsel, mismatched ornaments, and slightly over-the-top festive decorating. This is not your perfectly coordinated Christmas tree…this Christmas tree idea is all about the childhood nostalgia.
If you have cats, you might want to keep the tinsel to the top half of the tree. Or maybe just skip it entirely.
Here is cat-proof tinsel (we learned the hard way growing up with cats why you do not want to use regular tinsel on your Christmas tree!)

3. Oversized Bow Christmas Tree Ideas for 2026
Bows aren’t disappearing in 2026…they’re getting bigger! Oversized velvet and colorful fabric bows are a particularly noticeable decorating direction.
Check out this show-stopper of a velvet Christmas tree bow!

4. Whimsical Candy-Coloured Christmas Tree Trends for 2026
Candy-cane stripes, novelty ornaments, bright colors, and playful details. These trees are cheerful, a little over-the-top, and definitely not minimalist.
These ones are so cute and will definitely stand out!
This set has smaller ornaments, but they still have that bright candy-coated vibe.

5. Grannycore and Handmade Heirloom Christmas Tree Ideas
Crocheted decorations, handmade ornaments, paper chains, and thrifted treasures. This is one of my favorites for my frugal friends because the whole point is using meaningful things rather than buying everything new.
If you have a granny or millenial to crochet you some ornaments, that’s the best way to get them. If not, church sales have ’em, and I love these crochet balls here.

6. Natural Scandinavian Christmas Tree Ideas 2026
Rattan ornaments, wooden decorations, paper stars, warm white lights, and simple greenery.
This Christmas tree idea is a calmer option to 2026’s more extravagant decorating trends.
I love these simple straw tree ornaments so much and this Scandi Christmas tree topper.

Whether you’re going all-in on giant velvet bows, embracing your inner granny with handmade ornaments, or bringing back the chaotic Christmas trees of the ’90s, there’s no wrong way to decorate your tree this year. The best Christmas tree is one that makes you happy when you walk into the room. 🎄❤️
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