Putting up the Christmas tree and decorating it is arguably the most exciting part of the festive season. Or at least one of the major highlights! But while we all know the traditional tree styles and decorating themes or colour schemes, each year there are new ideas and Christmas tree trends that define the season.
And this year is no different. Whether you opt for one of the best artificial Christmas trees or are planning on purchasing and decorating a real one, there are plenty of new and returning yet original themes to choose from.
So if you are looking for some inspiration and Christmas tree ideas then you’ve come to the right place – we’ve consulted Christmas and trend experts to give us the low-down on the Christmas decor trends that are set to dominate in 2024. And these 9 looks are what you’ll be seeing everywhere this Christmas season.
Christmas tree trends
Christmas tree trends often influence how we decorate our Christmas tree. And this year, some trends look to the past and scream nostalgia, while others are very experimental and putting a fun, playful spin on Christmas. So whichever way you lean, there will be something for you in this trend round-up, that we’re sure of.
1. Chrome decor
Earlier this month, Etsy’s Christmas trend report revealed ‘Chrome-mas’ as one of its leading predicted festive trends for 2024. A spin on last year’s very popular Christmas disco trend which is still going strong this season, the chrome trend celebrates everything shiny, reflective and metallic.
‘Shiny things just hit different in the glow of Christmas lights, and chrome is having a major moment this festive season,’ says Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s trend expert. ‘Etsy’s Chrome-mas trend is a natural evolution of summer’s playful and rebellious Brat Girl vibe, but with a festive twist. Where Brat Girl Summer brought us bold, unapologetic fun, Chrome-mas ups the ante with sleek, futuristic surfaces that feel fresh and unexpected for the holidays.’
She adds, ‘I particularly love this colour scheme as it really embodies the festive spirit. On Etsy, we’ve seen a +3,756% rise in searches for chrome decor. However, If you’re not ready to go full-on space cadet, ease into this trend with metallic ornaments that add instant cool to your cosy holiday decor.’
2. Pink Christmas
Pink is the defining Christmas colour scheme of 2024 as searches for ‘pink Christmas decorations’ on Pinterest have tripled.
‘People are shifting away from a more traditional colour palette,’ confirms Matt Siberry, head of home at Pinterest UK. ‘Pink decorations in particular are gaining interest, with searches for “pink Christmas decorations” up by 3x on the platform.’
But it’s not just the tree decorations that are getting the pink treatment this Christmas. The colourful Christmas tree trend is defining this Christmas season and pink trees are leading the charge.
‘This year, people are heading to Pinterest for Christmas inspiration that moves away from tradition, instead opting for trees in vibrant, unexpected colours such as bright pinks. These bright, playful trees add a fresh twist to holiday decor, making rooms feel more joyful and are the perfect dose of dopamine for the festive season,’ Matt says as searches for ‘pink Christmas tree’ are seven times higher.
If you're ever not sure as to where to go for colourful Christmas trees, then you really can't go wrong with Argos. Though this vibrant pink design is the standout style this year and for £60, it's a bargain.
It's all about bows still - a trend that started last year. And of course, pink and bows go perfectly together - especially when they look as pretty as these Anthropologie ones.
Rated as the best colourful Christmas tree in our best artificial Christmas tree round-up, this pink John Lewis tree is extremely realistic despite its unnatural colour. And we love the light white coating meant to look like snow but it reminds us more of delicious sugar coating instead.
3. Bow extravaganza
Christmas tree ribbon ideas defined last year’s Christmas season. But this year, it’s all about more polished and luxurious-looking bows – and the bigger they are, the better. But really, some influencers such as Chelsea Stonier of @thehousethatblackbuilt have already been making Christmas bows that take over the whole tree.
‘You can start by jazzing up your traditional Christmas tree decor by peppering bows amongst your ornaments,’ says Samantha Picard, the founder of Tablescapeluvr who is partnering with Balsam Hill this year.
Samantha points to ‘the ever-growing popularity of bows, with a particular focus on Pinterest’s trend prediction of bow-stacking – the art of piling bows on bows on outfits, shoes, hair and jewellery – which is one of the biggest trends of the year, with bow videos on TikTok being viewed more than 1bn times.’
4. XXL decorations
And it’s not just bows that are going extra large this year – it’s all the Christmas decor. This is just another manifestation of people’s quest for more playful and personalised homes.
‘It’s all about playing with scale,’ says Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography & film at Cox & Cox. ‘People are having a lot of fun with oversized decorations. and it only takes a couple of Oversized Light Up Glass Spheres to create a really impactful and stylish Christmas decorating scheme.’
Whether it’s huge paper fan decorations or oversized candy cane ornaments, anything goes!
5. Candy land
Speaking of candy canes, Wonkacore was one of the biggest Christmas tree trends last year thanks to the release of the Wonka movie around Christmas time. But the theme of sweets as festive decor remains for another year.
‘We also think the whimsical "candy land" more traditional Christmas will retain popularity this year as it brings back childhood memories. It’s certainly our most nostalgic view of Christmas full of sweet treats and child-like wonder from classic candy stripe bow tree toppers to patisserie-themed baubles, sweeties and gingerbread galore,’ Danielle at Cox & Cox says.
6. Wicked-core
In fact, it seems that another much-anticipated movie release is set to define this year’s Christmas tree decor styles and more importantly, the colour choices. We’re, of course, talking about Wicked and the rise of Wicked-core.
‘The “Wicked-core” trend is shaping up to be a huge hit - it has something for everyone, whether you’re drawn to Elphaba’s fierce greens or Glinda’s soft pinks and glamour. This theme lets people bring a bit of Wicked magic into their decor, and with searches for “Wicked musical” already doubling, we expect its popularity to keep growing,’ Matt at Pinterest UK says.
7. Paper trees
Apart from pink trees, another popular alternative Christmas tree idea this year comes in the form of paper Christmas trees. They’re sleek and minimalist, inspired by the Scandi style and easy to store – what’s not to like? The only downside is that you can’t really decorate them with your favourite ornaments.
‘Eco-friendly options are also set to be popular this year, for example paper trees, a great alternative to a traditional fir tree. Our Supersized Honeycomb Paper Tree is a great economical choice, it pops up and down easily and is secured by magnets making it a great option for homes where storage space is limited. When flat, this will slide easily under the bed ready for next year,’ Danielle at Cox & Cox says.
At 74 centimetres, this makes a great Christmas tree alternative if you don't fancy picking up pine needles all season. And it even comes in the traditional deep green colour.
This paper Christmas tree might be slightly more pricey than most but it is also larger and feels and looks luxurious. So we think £50 is worth it.
Dreaming of a blue Christmas? After all, blue Christmas trees are currently trending along with the pink and red variety. At almost 50cm, these are perfect for any small alcoves, stairways or as extra decor.
8. Back to nature
‘As more people seek deeper connections with the world around them, we are seeing shoppers gravitate towards all things nature in a big way,’ Dayna at Etsy says. ‘From upcycled wood pieces to dried fruit displays, this Christmas we predict that shoppers will be celebrating the beauty and tranquillity of nature. This aesthetic brings the calm and simplicity of the outdoors inside, creating a peaceful, grounded holiday atmosphere.’
Danielle at Cox & Cox agrees, ‘Tree decor themes are leaning toward styles that evoke warmth, nostalgia and a connection to nature, with options that cater to both traditionalists and modernists. Minimalist decor complements modern interiors and creates a sense of calm, focusing on quality over quantity. Scandinavian-inspired trees typically feature a natural look with wooden & paper decorations, neutral colours, and clean lines.’
9. Vintage flair
Similarly to the traditional Christmas style, indulging in vintage Christmas decorations is another way to embrace nostalgia and look to the past.
‘Nostalgic and vintage decor are the festive themes we expect to be huge this year. People are loving retro ornaments, classic Santa figurines, and vintage-style lights, with searches for “nostalgic Christmas tree” up by 4x and “vintage Christmas tree” by 14x as people turn to Pinterest to recreate the magic of their childhood,’ Matt at Pinterest says.
FAQs
What colour Christmas tree is in this year?
Coloured Christmas trees are having a major moment this year, especially the pink tree variety, closely followed by red trees.
'In the past three months, searches on Pinterest for “blue Christmas tree” have multiplied 11x, and “red Christmas tree” doubled as Pinterest users look to embrace a little extra cheer and colour,' says Matt Siberry, head of home at Pinterest UK.
What is the Christmas craft trend in 2024?
'DIY decor is a big hit this year, with searches up by 15x, as people look for ways to make their trees more personal,' says Matt Siberry at Pinterest UK. 'Unique textures like crochet and clay decorations are trending too, with “crochet Christmas decorations” up by 9x and “clay Christmas decorations” by 5x, adding a handmade feel that brings warmth to the season. Searches for “Christmas crafts for adults” are up by 5x as more people head to Pinterest to find creative ideas and craft projects that help them make the season extra memorable.'
Merry Christmas and happy Christmas tree decorating!
