Christmas decoration trends for 2026

What are the top Christmas decoration trends for 2026?

If you're short on time, here's the quick rundown. 2026 is leaning into 90s nostalgia, deep berry and burgundy tones, and heritage tartan patterns. All three trends are about warmth, familiarity, and the more traditional festive feel of the past.

90s nostalgia & vintage Christmas

Retro is back, and it’s here to stay. This year's nostalgia trend brings back glass-look baubles in jewel tones, colourful multi-action lights (the kind that flash, twinkle, and chase), bright tinsel draped through branches, and classic ornaments - your snowmen, your reindeer, your ever so slightly wonky Santas.

It's an easy trend to lean into because it doesn't need too much forward thinking. Mix finishes and colours, and don't worry too much about everything matching perfectly - that was never really the point of a 90s Christmas tree in the first place. If you've got children or pets around the tree, our plastic baubles capture the retro glass look without the risk of one falling and shattering ahead of the big day.

Check out the Festive Funhouse collection for that 90s Christmas feel.

Burgundy & deep berry tones

Where the 90s trend is loud, this one's a tad more sophisticated. Deep wine and plum tones paired with warm white lights and brushed brass accents create a look that’s rich and festive, without feeling overly dark or heavy - as long as you get that balance right.

We’d suggest pairing around 70% deep berry or wine-toned ornaments with 20% warm gold or brass accents, and finish with 10% cream or frosted pine foliage to give the look a lift. Skip cool-white LEDs here - warm-toned lights bring out the depth of burgundy and berry shades far better than a cooler light temperature.

Shop the Merry Moments collection to grab this vibe for yourself!

Heritage tartan & cosy cabin checks

There's something about a tartan ribbon or a checked table runner that instantly makes us think of a certain classic Christmas film, and it looks just as good in person as it does on the screen. This trend leans into traditional festive patterns (tartan bows, plaid table runners, and foliage garlands) for that timeless feel.

This is also one of the easiest trends to bring into your home, and a little can go a long way. A length of tartan ribbon can dress up plain baubles, tie around a wreath, or drape on a mantelpiece, all for the cost of a single roll. Our festive table decorations range is a good place to start if you want the look to carry through to the dinner table too.

Shop the Snowdrop Lodge collection to get the look.

How to mix trends without overspending

Just remember, you don't need to commit fully to any one trend, and you don’t need to replace your existing decorations to do it. A useful way to think about it is the 80/20 rule for decor. Keep around 80% of your core, classic ornaments as they are year to year, and update the remaining 20% with trend-led accents - a handful of burgundy velvet bows, a length of tartan ribbon, a few retro baubles - to refresh the look without the spend or the waste.

Frequently asked questions

Will my Christmas decoration trends still look good next year?

Unlike more fleeting trends, nostalgia, heritage colours, and traditional patterns tend to have staying power precisely because they're rooted in familiar, classic styling rather than anything fast-moving. Sticking to the 80/20 rule above also means you're never overly reliant on any one trend.

How do I pair colours without my tree looking cluttered?

Pick one dominant tone - burgundy, gold, or a classic 90s multicolour - and let that lead. Everything else, from ribbon to accents, should support that colour rather than compete with it.

Are vintage-style decorations safe for homes with kids or pets?

Genuine vintage glass can be fragile, so if you love the retro look but have little ones or pets around the tree, plastic baubles in the same jewel tones and finishes give you the same look with a lot less risk.