Christmas Tree Decorating Directions + Trends for 2025
The best Christmas tree decorating ideas and trends for 2025! With 30+ photos of Christmas trees to inspire your holiday decorating.
For the last couple years, I have published a roundup of Christmas tree decorating trends and ideas for the upcoming season, and it is always one of my most popular holiday posts. This year it is back and updated with the top trends I have been noticing for 2025. Let us dive in…
While our upstairs tree is typically reserved for our sentimental and handmade ornaments, coming up with a new theme for our living room tree is something I look forward to most each year. I am always saving inspiration and love sharing the creative ideas and patterns that catch my eye. Here are the standout Christmas tree trends and decorating for 2025.
Ralph Lauren Aesthetic
If you've been online at all in the last few months, you've probably seen the trending 'Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic' everywhere.
It is the epitome of classic, aspirational Americana Christmas: elevated, cozy, and refined.
While it is currently surging in popularity, this style is rooted in traditional elements of design: tartan plaid, bows, velvet, polished silver and brass, berries, rich reds, green and navy. You can also incorporate certain features while adding your own spin (like this elegant + rustic forest style below).
Ralph Lauren style embodies the “old money” vibe that is also trending in fashion. It is intentional, luxurious, and perfectly curated. Which brings me to the next trend…
1990s Christmas
Perhaps in response to the curated Ralph Lauren aesthetic, there has been a millennial outcry for a return to a simpler, more relaxed “90s Christmas” that we grew up with.
Think jumbo multicolor lights, tinsel, handmade and mismatched ornaments passed down from your grandparents. Letting the kids help pick out a tree to cut down and decorating it together, imperfectly and joyfully.
The 90's Christmas is about reusing what you already have, and unwrapping the same decorations each year that hold your family's unique story and memories.
In a world that feels anything but unfussy, it is no wonder we are longing for that kind of comfort again—before social media made everything a comparison game. I fully support this movement!
Fairy lights
Christmas is about creating magic, and nothing does that quite like twinkling “fairy lights”. These micro-lights took social media by storm a few years ago with their captivating sparkling effect, and the they continue to be the must-have tree feature.
It all started with the viral Home Depot tree which, not surprisingly, is already sold out again this year. Fortunately, I discovered an alternative that lets you keep your existing tree—these budget-friendly LED string lights with a variety of lighting modes. See them in action in my reel!
My kids and I loved the twinkle lights so much, I actually bought a new twinkle tree for our living room (see my comparison of 3 popular trees in this reel). If you are looking for a little extra magic on your tree this year, this trend is well worth trying.
Bows and ribbon
Yep, the bow trend is still going strong. There is just something endearingly sweet and classic about a bow on Christmas.
From oversized to small and dainty, you will not find many trees on Instagram these days without at least a few bows.
Bows can be a more cost effective alternative to ornaments and garland, as they just require a bit of ribbon. You can create them from any color, size or style ribbon, making them an easy and unfussy way to express your creativity.
Last year, I made an oversized bow for our back door, and I also made one for our daughter's bedroom tree. Retailers have caught on to the trend this year and you can now find plenty for sale, but they are also relatively easy and fun to DIY!
Red and burgundy Christmas trees
Red has been trending in interior design in recent years and it is also a Christmas classic, so this one just makes sense.
There is something so festive about the color red, along with its moodier sibling burgundy.
Red is also a quintessential Ralph Lauren color, so you can expect to continue to see lots of red ribbon, ornaments, gift wrap and more.
Florals & Botanicals
Florists and display designers have been adding flowers and stems to Christmas trees for ages, but it has become more mainstream lately.
Whether you go all in or add just a few accents, incorporating botanicals is an easy way to make your tree feel more natural and organic.
It helps to keep using fresh eucalyptus stems from Trader Joe's that stay green all season long, and mixing in faux berry and baby's breath picks.
Frozen Wonderland
Here is a Frozen obsession meant for grown-ups—icicle ornaments:
Similar to tinsel, these hanging crystal baubles reflect light and create a sparkling effect.
The style can range from glam to rustic, minimalist to maximalist, all while adding undeniable elegance. I used these on my “snowy forest” themed tree last year, and love the wintery effect.
Candlelit Trees
Once upon a time, families clipped real candles onto their (highly flammable) real trees. Thankfully, we now have the technology to achieve a similar effect without the fire hazard.
I started using these battery powered LED flicker candles on our tree a couple years ago, and I ordered these taper candles for our new tree. Now I am noticing them everywhere (it was also one of my most popular holiday reels!)
I cannot imagine our tree without them—they add such a nostalgic, old-world charm. The soft flicker of candlelight makes the whole room feel cozy and romantic. I am planning to add even more to my trees this year.
Dark and Moody Christmas Trees
The shift in popularity to dark and moody interiors has transitioned into holiday decor.
It helps to keep a good moody moment, so this is one trend I am here for.
Achieving this look is unfussy—stick with dark colored ornaments (brown, navy, black, burgundy) and darker accents like ribbon, garland and floral sprays.
The rich, deep tones allow the branches and lights to genuinely stand out, and create a cozy atmosphere.
Psst: You can find even more ideas and inspo on my Holiday Decor Pinterest board.
On the hunt for a realistic faux tree? Try these top rated favorites:
Find ornaments, ribbon, garlands and more at The Holiday Shop:
I hope you've enjoyed these inspiring Christmas trees and decorating ideas! Have you put up your Christmas tree yet this year, or do you wait until after Thanksgiving? Our family is coming into town for Thanksgiving, and we are starting our holiday decorating this weekend. Stay tuned for my Holiday Gift Guides, coming next week!
