While nothing beats those long-loved nostalgic ornaments passed down through the years, embracing this year's biggest Christmas trends will ensure your display stands out from all the years before.

Christmas decorating looks different in every household, and while much of this tradition is about bringing out those family-favorite decorations we all know and love, there's nothing wrong with letting timeless design trends guide your process.

From the history-rich Victorian Christmas trend that embraces wintry greenery and traditional rituals to the playful 'kitschmas' aesthetic that focuses on decorating to the absolute excess, these six unique trends might be different from one another, but each holds a quiet nostalgia and comfort that will make any Christmas display, big or small, stand out.

1. Victoriana

The Victorians transformed Christmas into an extravagant annual tradition. Paying homage to this era is a timeless way to decorate your home, whether that be decking your Christmas tree with handmade ornaments, scattering dried fruit garlands or placing taper candles across your dining table.

It was the Victorians who created the Christmas tree as we know it, popularized by Prince Albert, and traditional Christmas treats were created in this era too (think mince pies, Christmas pudding, and roast goose and turkeys). While not all Victorian traditions have stuck around, plenty have lasted, even centuries later, so leaning into this rich history is an enduring way to infuse your home with nostalgia and wintry charm.

A hearth decorated with hand-foraged greenery is a nod to how the Victorians once decorated, as is hanging a lush wreath on your front door. Making the most of the season will give your home a wintry, festive feel without straying into the tacky or 'overly decorated'. While the Victorian era was filled with grandeur, many decorated with produce available to them, from dried fruit to winter berries, sprigs of holly and ivy, and spindly willow branches.

2. Ralph Lauren Heritage

Everyone wanted a Ralph Lauren Christmas last year, and in 2026, the love for heritage-rich festive trends continues.

A timeless Christmas decor trend that has lasted for decades, this preppy look harks back to traditions of the past. 'I think the appeal lies in their timelessness and the nostalgia they evoke. The rich colors, classic patterns and layered textures feel elegant yet inviting, reminding me of traditional European interiors and Christmases past,' explains Salina Maria, founder of @salinamariahome. 'I’ve always been drawn to a collected-over-time aesthetic rather than anything overly styled or trend-driven. To me, the beauty of this look is that it celebrates tradition and creates a sense of home that can be enjoyed for generations.'

'My love of traditional Christmas decorating comes from a deep appreciation for family, nostalgia and the feeling of home,' explains Salina. 'My Italian heritage and memories of my Nonna have influenced my style, and I’m drawn to spaces that feel warm, welcoming and collected over time. I love incorporating natural greenery, rich colors and timeless decorations to create a home that feels both elegant and lived-in. At Christmas, it’s especially important to me to create that same sense of warmth and togetherness for my own children.'

3. Whimsical Nostalgia

'When I think of Christmas, I return to the vibrant Christmases of my childhood. I think most of us do!', says Brie Higginbotham of The Vibrant Dwelling. 'I think of the handmade ornaments my Gammy made when she was my age, papier-mâché-framed portraits of family, and brightly colored vintage bulbs that all but covered the branches of her Christmas tree. How could I forget the customized mini trees crafted for each grandchild, decorated in whatever character, show or theme we were obsessed with that year? (Mine was covered in jewelry and glittery make-up-themed stickers).'

'I think the reason we are seeing a rise in whimsical, nostalgic and handmade Christmas decorations, like paper chains, vibrantly colored bows and ribbons, dried oranges and more, is that we are all yearning for Christmas. The one(s) we remember, when all the most important people in our lives were present. A time when our troubles were truly miles away. Memories in technicolor, filled with smiles, laughter and voices we may now only be able to hear in home movies, if we were lucky enough to capture them.'

'Though we may never be able to return to Christmas we each remember so vividly and so dearly, we can all hold the love of the season in our hearts and continue to make whimsical decorations and memories that honor our past and inspire joy for future generations,' Brie says.

4. Folk

The folk style works particularly well alongside festive decorations. Nostalgic, rustic, and reminiscent of country Christmases, its artisanal, hand-crafted feel brings a real warmth and comfort to homes.

From paper decorations to hand-painted wooden ornaments, the folk Christmas trend is centered around homemade treasures and organic materials. 'I tend to approach Christmas decorating much like I approach decorating my home throughout the year: instinctively, with a love for things that feel collected rather than coordinated,' says Martina Casonato of The Venetian Pantry. 'I'm particularly drawn to natural materials, handmade ornaments and decorations that carry a sense of nostalgia. I like things to feel a little whimsical and imperfect, as though they've been gathered over many Christmases rather than bought all at once.'

'I think there's something incredibly comforting about folk-inspired decorations. They remind us of a time when Christmas was less about creating a perfectly styled home and more about the joy of making things by hand. Materials such as straw, wicker, felt and wood bring warmth, texture and a wonderfully tactile quality to a space. I also think their appeal lies in their timelessness: these are decorations that feel just as lovely today as they might have fifty years ago, and that you can imagine passing down through generations.'

5. Kitschmas

'' embraces the tacky, garish accessories that defined the holidays of our childhood. From hand-blown colorful glass ornaments to playful motifs, this Christmas trend is all about decorating to the absolute excess.

'I’m all for it,' says interior designer Sean Symington. 'A touch of tacky can be wonderfully charming as it brings personality into a room and stops interiors from feeling too serious. Character is what makes a home feel so special. I’d always suggest a sprinkle of kitsch rather than going all-in. The magic is in finding the right balance and contrast. For example, our own Christmas tree is filled with the most fun little critter ornaments, along with velvet ribbons, which add a sense of whimsy. Still, because it’s just one playful element within the wider space, it feels joyful rather than overwhelming.'

The opposite of minimalism in the best possible way, this love-it-or-hate-it look transports you back to the garishness of the '80s. Think tinsel, bright colors, and themed baubles.

6. Pared-Back Minimalism

While the less-is-more approach isn't the typical mindset for festive decorating, it's perfect if you want to keep things fuss-free. Contrary to popular belief, minimalism doesn't have to feel cold and clinical; in fact, decorating with a minimalist mindset can actually make the decorations you use feel far more impactful.

The minimalist Christmas trend blends Scandinavian design styles and modern room ideas into one. Think neutral tones and layers of soft organic textures. It's a restrained yet cozy look that builds upon the natural world. You'll find plenty of all the usual motifs in minimalist Christmas decor too, but instead of garish colors and tacky textures, these accessories embrace organic materials, from soft linens and rustic wood to hand-crafted techniques like needlepoint and embroidery.

Sparse, twig-like trees (also known as 'Charlie Brown' Christmas trees) lean into this aesthetic. They might be delicate and spindly, but they evoke a real wintry, seasonal feel that mirrors snowy landscapes. Anthropologie's illuminated alpine tree is a great example of these minimal Christmas tree styles, as is Target's Christmas Tree with Burlap Base.

Shop The Biggest Christmas Trends of 2026

These six timeless Christmas trends are expected to define the season. Each is packed with personality and creativity, and will beautifully blend into any home, of any style.

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