Remember when Christmas decorating meant a tasteful white tree in the corner and maybe—maybe—a single string of warm white lights if you were feeling adventurous? Yeah, we’re officially breaking up with boring.
This year’s festive collections are hitting shelves with a message: more is more, baby. Retailers and brands aren’t whispering about Christmas anymore, they’re shouting it from the rooftops in glitter and baubles.
So what’s driving this shift? After years of playing it safe with muted palettes and “minimalist chic” (read: two ornaments and a prayer), we’re collectively saying “enough.” Christmas 2025 is about embracing the chaos, the sparkle, and yes, even that slightly gaudy reindeer your nan gave you in 2003.
The question is: are you ready to go big, or are you still clutching your tasteful neutrals for dear life?
This year’s trends are serving up a delicious cocktail of nostalgia and creativity. Think of it as your childhood Christmas memories had a baby with your grown-up design sensibilities. The result? Holiday displays that actually tell a story—your story. Not your Pinterest board’s story. Not your neighbor’s story. Yours.
When was the last time your Christmas decorations made someone gasp when they walked through your door? This year, that’s exactly what we’re going for.
1. Deep Wine Tones
Burgundy stands as the dominant colour choice for Christmas 2025. This rich wine shade brings warmth and elegance to your holiday decorations. You can easily incorporate this trending hue throughout your home.
Why Burgundy Works
- Pairs beautifully with gold accents
- Complements traditional green foliage
- Creates a sophisticated atmosphere
- Works in both modern and classic settings
Your Christmas tree becomes the perfect canvas for burgundy elements. Deep red baubles catch the light whilst burgundy ribbons add texture. Pre-lit burgundy bauble trees work well for smaller spaces like sideboards or console tables.
Popular Burgundy Items:
| Decoration Type | Best Use | Style Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Velvet bows | Garlands and wreaths | Add jingle bells for sound |
| Matte baubles | Tree ornaments | Mix with metallic finishes |
| Ribbon | Tree wrapping | Choose wide widths for impact |
Burgundy bows deserve special attention this year. Traditional velvet versions gain new life when transformed into garlands with bells. You can drape these across mantels or doorways.
Search interest for burgundy Christmas trees has doubled compared to last year. This shows how popular the colour has become. You might consider investing in burgundy-themed decorations as they blend traditional charm with contemporary style trends.
The colour works particularly well with warm lighting, creating cosy atmospheres throughout your home.
2. Nordic Paper Star Decorations
These oversized paper star decorations have become the standout trend for Christmas 2025. Retailers across the UK are stocking these statement pieces in fresh designs and colours.
The appeal lies in their connection to simpler traditions. Paper decorations remind us of handmade Christmas crafts from childhood. They bring warmth without the complexity of modern decorative schemes.
Popular Design Options:
| Style | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Striped patterns | Bold lines in festive colours | Modern homes |
| Neutral tones | White, cream, kraft paper | Minimalist spaces |
| Jewel tones | Deep greens, rich blues | Traditional settings |
| Metallic accents | Gold or silver details | Luxury looks |
You can find these stars in various sizes, from small accent pieces to large focal points. The XL versions work particularly well as ceiling features or window displays.
Styling Tips:
- Group different sizes together for visual impact
- Mix textures by combining matte and glossy finishes
- Layer with lighting – place fairy lights behind translucent designs
- Coordinate colours with your existing colour palette
The beauty of these decorations is their versatility. They complement both traditional and contemporary interiors whilst maintaining that distinctive Nordic simplicity.
3. Bow Variations and Creative Applications
Bows continue to dominate Christmas décor with fresh approaches that go beyond traditional ribbon styles. You can now find versions crafted from luxurious faux fur that add warmth and texture to your holiday displays.
These furry alternatives bring a cosy winter feel that works brilliantly on mantels or wreaths. The soft texture creates visual interest whilst maintaining the classic bow silhouette you love.
Size makes a significant impact this year. Extra-large bows measuring up to 90cm have become statement pieces rather than subtle accents. You can position these oversized versions as focal points on your Christmas tree or use them to transform ordinary spaces into festive showcases.
Material choices have expanded considerably:
- Velvet creates rich, luxurious finishes
- Organza offers delicate, translucent effects
- Faux fur provides cosy winter textures
- Metallic fabrics catch and reflect light
Delicate organza bows work particularly well when you want subtle elegance. Their translucent quality allows tree lights to shine through whilst adding gentle colour washes. These work best in multiples rather than single statement pieces.
Placement opportunities extend beyond trees. You can attach bows to:
- Window frames and sills
- Stair banisters and railings
- Door handles and knockers
- Light fixtures and chandeliers
- Picture frames and mirrors
The key lies in mixing sizes and textures throughout your space. Combine large velvet bows with smaller organza versions to create layered visual interest that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
4. Nutcracker-Inspired Décor
You’ll find nutcracker decorations taking centre stage this Christmas season. This trend brings theatrical flair to your holiday decorating scheme.
Ballet references have made their way into Christmas décor. Rich jewel tones and ornate details create a whimsical atmosphere in your home. The nutcracker theme connects childhood memories with modern design elements.
Traditional meets contemporary in this decorating approach. Classic nutcracker figures now come in updated colours and finishes. You can choose from various styles that match your personal Christmas theme.
Key design elements include:
- Bold jewel-tone colour schemes
- Ornate decorative details
- Theatrical styling choices
- Mix of classic and modern finishes
Modern interpretations offer fresh takes on familiar designs. Clear acrylic nutcrackers suit minimalist decorating styles. Pastel versions provide softer colour options for your space.
Popular nutcracker decoration styles:
| Style Type | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Rich colours, classic design | Heritage-themed décor |
| Modern | Clear materials, sleek lines | Contemporary homes |
| Pastel | Soft colours, large scale | Whimsical themes |
| Fold-out | Paper construction, unique shape | Budget-conscious decorating |
Size variations let you create visual impact. Extra-large pieces work as statement decorations. Smaller versions suit table displays and shelf arrangements.
You can incorporate nutcracker elements throughout your home. Table decorations add festive touches to dining areas. Larger pieces become focal points in living spaces. The theatrical nature of these decorations brings drama and sophistication to your Christmas styling choices.
5. Tinsel’s Making a Return
Shimmery strands are having their moment again. This sparkly decoration brings back memories of Christmases past for many people.
The return of tinsel fits perfectly with the bigger nostalgia trend happening this year. Many families remember using these reflective decorations in the 70s and 80s. Now they want to recreate those special holiday feelings.
You can use tinsel in several ways to update your Christmas decorating:
On Your Christmas Tree:
- Layer fringe tinsel between your regular baubles
- Mix it with traditional lights for extra sparkle
- Drape it loosely through the branches
Around Your Home:
- Add it to mantelpieces as an accent
- Use it to highlight doorways
- Incorporate it into garlands
The key is finding the right balance. Too much tinsel can make your space look overwhelming. Start with small amounts and build up slowly.
Popular Tinsel Options This Year:
| Type | Best For | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Fringe garland | Trees and mantels | Modern retro |
| Silver lametta | Creative displays | Classic vintage |
| Striped tinsel | Statement pieces | Contemporary twist |
You can buy quality tinsel from many retailers now. Some shops are even making entire Christmas trees from tinsel material. These create eye-catching displays without traditional ornaments.
The best part about this trend is how creative you can get. Use tinsel to highlight your favourite decorations or create completely new looks. It adds instant glamour and that special Christmas sparkle many people remember from their childhood.
6. Dark and Moody Christmas
This year’s Christmas decorating takes a dramatic turn towards darker palettes and sophisticated elegance. You can create a striking festive atmosphere by embracing rich textures and mysterious colours that feel both romantic and luxurious.
Key Elements for Dark Christmas Decor:
- Black ornaments with satin or velvet finishes
- Deep burgundy and charcoal tones mixed with metallics
- Candlelight to create intimate ambiance
- Lace textures for romantic touches
- Antique-inspired decorations with vintage appeal
You’ll want to focus on premium materials like velvet, satin, and glossy finishes when selecting your decorations. These textures catch light beautifully and add depth to darker colour schemes.
Your tree can become the centrepiece by using black baubles alongside deep jewel tones. Consider adding pearl-detailed accessories or oversized satin bows as tree toppers for extra glamour.
Colour Combinations That Work:
- Black with gold accents
- Deep burgundy with bronze
- Charcoal grey with silver
- Storm blue with copper highlights
The beauty of this trend lies in its sophistication. You’re moving away from traditional bright reds and greens towards something more mature and dramatic. Paper star decorations in black with metallic trim can add geometric interest whilst maintaining the moody aesthetic.
This approach works particularly well if you prefer understated elegance over bright, cheerful Christmas themes.
7. Simple Branch Framework Trees
Branch-style trees offer a fresh approach to traditional Christmas decorating. These trees use basic wooden frames or natural branches instead of full evergreen foliage.
You can find these trees in various sizes and styles. Some feature straight wooden posts with minimal branches. Others use curved natural wood pieces.
Popular branch tree options include:
- Wooden ladder designs
- Single-post trees with horizontal branches
- Natural driftwood arrangements
- Metal wire frameworks
These trees work well in modern homes. They take up less space than traditional trees. You can hang just a few special ornaments on each branch.
The minimal design lets your decorations stand out more. Each ornament gets proper attention without competing with dense foliage. This creates a clean, organised look.
Branch trees suit people who prefer simple decorating styles. They also work for small flats or rooms with limited space. You can easily store them after the holidays.
