You can differ over Secret Santa amounts and whether you’ll have turkey or goose on the lunch table this year, but if you celebrate Christmas the one universal thing is having a Christmas tree.
The star of festive decorations, nothing builds festive excitement more than decorating your tree - real or faux - with your favourite decorations, strings of lights and tinsel alternatives (it’s cancelled; hadn’t you heard?).
When is it socially acceptable to put up your Christmas tree?
If you’re going by the book, trees should only be taken out of storage or arranged for delivery on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year, that makes it a neat December 1.
When should you take down your tree?
Again, if you’re doing things officially the Eve of Epiphany is when you should dismantle your tree. This day falls on January 6, the first Monday of 2025.
Since Christmas is a time of joy we’re unwilling to issue diktats on when your festive centrepiece should go up or come down. Set your own dates to draw as much enjoyment as possible from it. It only comes around once a year, after all.
How to decorate your tree
Again, this comes down to personal preference but if you’ve chosen an unlit real or artificial Christmas tree, threading fairy lights through it first means your ornaments will be uninhibited and can be showcased in all their glory. Arrange lights in a zig-zag across branches if you’re putting your tree in a corner - you’re only going to see three-quarters of it anyway, so no need to loop lights all the way around.
Baubles should be hung from the bottom up, with the bulk of them in the middle or eye level. Arranging too many on the lowest branches will only interfere with the piles of presents that will go underneath.
Top of the tee
Once you’re done, the last job is putting on the tree topper. Tradition dictates that an angel, star or a dove or peace sits at the literal top of the tree, but there are plenty of other options available if you fancy doing something different this year.
We’ve found the best arty, stylish and novelty toppers that will have you and visiting guests gazing upwards in wonder. Just make sure you’ve got enough space between the top of the tree and your ceiling, and you’re good to go.
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John Lewis Wisdom & Wonder Sun and Stars Metal Tree Topper
This celestial-themed topper is ideal for astrology fans featuring an arty sun surrounded by arcs of golden stars. The design sits on a sturdy coil that should sit snugly on the top spike.
Buy now £12.00, John Lewis
Rockett St George Milagro Heart Christmas Tree Topper
Inspired by a Spanish folk charm, this metal heart-themed topper is the perfect way to spread the love this Christmas. The engraved heart is surrounded by a starburst to add to its beauty, all in a delightful brushed gold that will catch the light.
Buy now £38.00, Rockett St George
Anthropologie Bow Tree Topper
Bows are reigning supreme this Christmas, so why not make it the star of your Christmas tree? Finished with clear faceted stones, this design really puts the kitsch in Christmas.
Buy now £86.00, Anthropologie
The Met x Anthropologie Gold Metal Tree Topper
So beautiful we would keep it on display long after Christmas, the gold-coloured topper is inspired by the elegance and decadence of the Gilded Age of America. A poppy sits in the centre, surrounded by the same winding florals that you’ll find on many of the books in the Met’s library. Unapologetically lavish.
Buy now £58.00, Anthropologie
Free People Clara Beaded Bow Tree Topper
We told you bows were a bonafide thing this year; Curried Myrrh’s tree topper proves it. The artisanally made piece uses fabric ties for a vintage feel, overlaid with mesh and a beaded trim. Fa-la-la-la-la-fabulous.
Buy now £88.00, Free People
Felt So Good Tree-rex Topper wool Christmas decoration 20cm
Introducing tree-rex, the fiercest (and sweetest) topper for your 2025 tree. Made by small business Felt So Good, the wool dino comes with a topper of his own: a star sitting on top of his head. Adorbs.
Buy now £22.75, NOTHS
Hogwarts Sorting Hat Tree Topper
Rewatching Harry Potter for the 489th time? A Sorting Hat topper will feel right on the money. The plush accessory is lightweight so won’t add lots of burden to your upper branches.
Buy now £20.00, Amazon
Oliver Bonas Velvet Patchwork Rainbow Star Christmas Tree Topper
Add a flash of colour to the top of evergreen branches with Oliver Bonas. The company has this charming multicoloured velvet topper that’s perfect for bringing cheer to your tree’s ensemble.
Buy now £22.50, Oliver Bonas
Mr. Christmas Animated Carousel Tree Topper
Little ones will delight in this musical tree topper, modelled on a classic carousel. Instead of painted horses though, four of Santa’s reindeer are in the spotlight. You’ll need a really sturdy top to set this topper up properly, but once down, it will bring a sense of childish delight all through the festive period.
Buy now £57.00, QVC
Habitat Disco Ball Christmas Tree Topper
Silent night? Not likely with Habitat’s disco-led topper ruling the top of the tree. A mirrorball to cast flecks of light all around the room, you’ll be rocking around the Christmas tree before you know it.
Buy now £8.00, Argos
Cox & Cox Supersized Candy Striped Bow Tree Topper
Go big this Yuletide with a red and white striped bow providing the icing on the cake of your Christmas tree. You’re getting double themes with this look with a bow and candy cane colours all in the mix.
Buy now £10.50, Cox & Cox
John Lewis Sugar & Spice Gingerbread Man Felt Tree Topper
Add a playful finish to Christmas tree decorations with this felt gingerbread man, complete with candy buttons and icing details. The sweet figure is ready to party with a festive hat and velvet bow-tie ensuring that he is suitably attired.
Buy now £10.00, John Lewis
Dolly Christmas Tree Topper
Who needs fantasy fairies when you can have the real thing (kind of) in this Dolly Parton-themed tree topper? The country legend is framed in an illuminated star, beaming goodwill to all from her position at the head of the tree.
Buy now £38.86, Etsy
Matilda Goad & Co Brass Sunburst Tree Topper
Space geeks know that the ultimate star is the sun. Give it pride of place this year; Matilda Goad’s chic design does it best.
Buy now £45.00, Matilda Goad & Co
Nicola Lebon Lobster Christmas Tree Topper
House full of seafood lovers? Start your own tradition with an appropriate topper - this lobster-themed topper is clawing for a piece of the action. Finished with a red tassel trim and a pendant banner reading Joy, there’s no way you can look at this thing without smiling.
Buy now £45.00, Holly & Co
