23 Christmas Tree Theme Ideas to Try This Year

Picking christmas tree theme ideas before you unpack a single ornament makes the whole season easier. A clear theme turns a plain evergreen into a real statement piece, and it takes the guesswork out of shopping because you know exactly which colors and textures to buy. Below are 23 themes, each with the exact colors, ornaments, ribbon, lights, and topper to use.

Start with lights, add your ribbon or garland, then hang ornaments in groups of three for balance. Step back from time to time and check the tree from across the room so you can fix thin spots before you finish.

23 Christmas Tree Theme Ideas to Try

1. Classic Red and Green

The look that never goes out of style, and it works with almost any living room. If you need a solid starting point, our christmas tree decorating ideas guide covers the basics.

Colors: true red, forest green, warm gold
Ornaments: shiny and matte red balls, green glass finials
Ribbon: 2.5 inch red velvet in loose swags
Lights: warm white, 100 per foot of tree
Topper: classic gold star

2. Winter Wonderland

All snow, no color fuss. White, silver, and ice blue on a flocked tree give a calm glow straight out of a snow globe.

Colors: white, silver, icy blue
Ornaments: clear glass balls, crystal snowflakes, white birds
Ribbon: sheer white organza or silver mesh
Lights: cool white for frost, warm white for coziness
Topper: sparkling snowflake or white star

3. Rustic Woodland

Bring the forest indoors. Wooden ornaments, pinecones, and dried orange slices give this tree an earthy, collected feel.

Colors: browns, mossy greens, cream
Ornaments: wooden stars, pinecones, dried oranges, acorns
Ribbon: burlap or kraft paper ribbon
Lights: warm white, kept sparse for a gentle glow
Topper: woven twig star

4. Coastal Blue and White

A fresh, beachy take on the holiday tree. Navy and white with starfish and shells look crisp in a bright living room.

Colors: navy, coastal blue, white, rope tan
Ornaments: starfish, sand dollars, blue striped balls
Ribbon: white linen or thin rope garland
Lights: warm white for a soft seaside glow
Topper: large white starfish

5. Pink Blush

Soft pink, rose gold, and white make the sweetest, most romantic tree. A favorite for bedrooms and glam spaces.

Colors: blush pink, rose gold, white
Ornaments: pink glass balls, faux pink hydrangeas
Ribbon: blush pink velvet in diagonal bands
Lights: warm white so the pink stays soft
Topper: fluffy white bow or pale pink star

6. Farmhouse Frosted Neutrals

Cream, taupe, and soft champagne on a flocked tree. Quiet, elegant, and it never fights with your furniture.

Colors: cream, taupe, champagne
Ornaments: clear glass, cream ceramic balls, linen stars
Ribbon: oatmeal linen, wired to hold shape
Lights: warm white
Topper: simple champagne bow

7. Vintage Nostalgia

Pull out the family ornaments. Muted reds, soft golds, and mercury glass create a gentle, memory filled tree.

Colors: muted red, aged gold, clear glass
Ornaments: mercury glass balls, heirloom pieces
Ribbon: none, or thin gold cord
Lights: soft white or warm white
Topper: vintage style angel

8. Moody Jewel Tones

Deep and dramatic. Emerald, sapphire, ruby, and amethyst glow against dark green branches, especially after sunset.

Colors: emerald, ruby, sapphire, plum, antique gold
Ornaments: glossy and matte glass in jewel shades
Ribbon: emerald velvet over sheer gold
Lights: warm white to bring out the richness
Topper: gold star or jeweled crown topper

9. Metallic Gold Glam

All shine, all celebration. Layers of gold, champagne, and bronze catch every bit of light in the room.

Colors: gold, champagne, bronze
Ornaments: mixed finish gold balls, starbursts
Ribbon: wide gold satin or champagne mesh
Lights: warm white
Topper: large gold star or shimmering bow

10. Champagne on Flocked

Snowy flocked branches dressed only in champagne and gold: bright, soft, and endlessly elegant. Our flocked christmas tree decorating ideas guide has more ways to style a snow dusted tree.

Colors: champagne, soft gold, white
Ornaments: champagne glass balls, pearl garlands
Ribbon: white satin with gold edges
Lights: warm white
Topper: crystal star or champagne bow

11. Scandinavian Minimal with White Bows

Less is everything. A full green tree, warm fairy lights, and nothing but simple white bows.

Colors: green, white
Ornaments: white satin bows, a few white glass balls
Ribbon: the bows are the ribbon here
Lights: warm white fairy lights, generously strung
Topper: none, or a single white bow

12. Wine and Gold

Burgundy and gold is the sophisticated cousin of red and gold. Rich and festive without shouting.

Colors: burgundy, wine, antique gold
Ornaments: burgundy velvet balls, gold filigree
Ribbon: burgundy velvet, wide and wired
Lights: warm white
Topper: gold star or burgundy bow cluster

13. Copper and Rose Gold

Warm metallics with a soft glow. Copper and rose gold look gorgeous on a flocked tree and pair well with cream upholstery.

Colors: copper, rose gold, cream
Ornaments: rose gold balls, copper finials
Ribbon: rose gold satin
Lights: warm white
Topper: copper star

14. Icy Blue and Silver

Crisp and cool like a frosty morning. Silver and icy blue with lots of glass look striking in a modern room.

Colors: ice blue, silver, white
Ornaments: silver balls, blue glass finials, icicles
Ribbon: silver mesh or icy blue organza
Lights: cool white for maximum frost effect
Topper: silver snowflake

15. Alpine Lodge

Cozy mountain cabin energy. Forest green, burgundy, and cream with plaids, knit textures, and wooden ornaments.

Colors: forest green, burgundy, cream, wood
Ornaments: mini skis, pinecones, wooden stars
Ribbon: chunky knit or buffalo check ribbon
Lights: warm white
Topper: antler or pinecone cluster

16. Tartan Plaid Heritage

Classic American holiday style with rich plaids and mixed metals. Warm, nostalgic, and beautifully layered.

Colors: deep red, hunter green, navy, gold
Ornaments: plaid balls, brass bells, vintage baubles
Ribbon: tartan plaid, wide and narrow layered
Lights: warm white
Topper: tartan bow or gold star

17. Candy Cane Red and White

Playful and bright, like a candy shop at Christmas. The happiest tree on the list, and kids love helping.

Colors: cherry red, bright white
Ornaments: candy canes, peppermint swirl balls
Ribbon: red and white striped ribbon
Lights: warm white
Topper: oversized red bow or giant candy cane

18. Dried Floral

Soft, romantic, and totally unique. Dried hydrangeas and wheat stems create a full, textured look.

Colors: cream, sage, soft blush, tan
Ornaments: clear glass balls, pearl strands
Ribbon: ivory linen
Lights: warm white, glowing through the petals
Topper: dried hydrangea cluster

19. Garden Botanical

For the plant lover. Floral ornaments, bird figurines, and butterflies turn the tree into a winter garden.

Colors: sage, blush, cream, soft gold
Ornaments: bird ornaments, butterflies, floral balls
Ribbon: floral print or gauzy sage ribbon
Lights: warm white
Topper: bird figurine or floral bouquet

20. Rainbow Kitsch Maximalist

Joyful, over the top, and completely rule free. Group similar shapes together so it reads as festive, not messy.

Colors: every bright color, plus glitter
Ornaments: novelty baubles, glitter animals
Ribbon: colorful tinsel or rainbow velvet
Lights: multicolored for full effect
Topper: quirky oversized star

21. Citrus and Spice

A fragrant, old fashioned theme. Dried orange slices, cinnamon, and cranberry garlands look and smell like the holidays.

Colors: orange, cranberry red, cinnamon, green
Ornaments: dried orange slices, cinnamon bundles
Ribbon: natural twine or cranberry velvet
Lights: warm white
Topper: orange slice and cinnamon star

22. Nutcracker Ballet

Storybook charm. Mini nutcracker soldiers and red and white ornaments are a favorite in homes with kids. For more ways to carry the theme through the room, see our nutcracker christmas decor ideas.

Colors: red, white, black, gold
Ornaments: mini nutcrackers, red balls, toy drums
Ribbon: red velvet with gold trim
Lights: warm white
Topper: nutcracker king figure

23. Black and Gold Elegance

Bold and modern. Matte black with shiny gold creates striking contrast on a deep green tree.

Colors: matte black, shiny gold
Ornaments: black matte balls, gold geometric ornaments
Ribbon: black velvet, wide
Lights: warm white
Topper: gold geometric star

How to Pull Off Any Christmas Tree Theme

A few pro habits work no matter which theme you pick. Fluff every branch before you hang anything, since a full tree hides gaps. Hang your largest ornaments deep inside first, then work outward with smaller ones for real depth. Step back often and squint at the tree to spot bare patches your eyes miss up close.

FAQs

What is the most popular christmas tree theme right now?

Classic red and green is still the steady favorite, with winter wonderland and pink blush close behind. Kitsch maximalist and alpine lodge are the fastest growing trends this season.

Can I mix two christmas tree themes on one tree?

Yes, as long as you keep one clear color story. A woodland tree with alpine plaids works because both use natural greens and browns. Avoid mixing more than two palettes.

How many ornaments do I need for a themed tree?

A common guideline is ten to twelve ornaments per foot of tree height for a full look. Minimal themes need far fewer, while maximalist trees can use more.

Do themed trees work on artificial trees?

Absolutely. Every theme on this list works on real and artificial trees. Flocked artificial trees are especially good for winter wonderland, champagne, and candy cane looks.

Conclusion

A themed tree makes Christmas decorating feel intentional instead of random, and it turns the tree into the true centerpiece of the room. Pick the theme that matches your home and your mood, gather your colors before you shop, and give yourself an afternoon to layer it on. The best tree is the one that makes you smile every time you walk past it.