Top 10 Christmas Decor Trends for 2026 (And How to Get the Look for Less!)
I don't know about you, but I'm one of those people who waits until the day or weekend after Thanksgiving to start decorating for Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas, but I also love fall and like to hold on to it for as long as I can. Especially here in Wisconsin, where our cold winters can sometimes last well past Easter! I'm in no rush to say goodbye to fall just yet.
But with Thanksgiving only a few weeks away, I figured it was probably time to start looking for a little Christmas decorating inspiration. As I was browsing Pinterest, scrolling through social media, and looking at holiday decor inspiration, I started noticing a few common threads. Some Christmas decorating trends from previous years are sticking around, while others are making a comeback.
So, I thought I'd round up 10 Christmas decorating trends I'm loving for 2026, along with a few affordable decorating ideas to help you get the look without spending a fortune. Maybe you'll find a little inspiration for your own home, too!
What Are the Top Christmas Decorating Trends for 2026?
Here's a little peek at what's trending this holiday season:
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Heritage Christmas: Traditional Decor Is Back
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Nostalgic Christmas: A Trip Down Memory Lane
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Merrymaxxing: More Is More!
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Handcrafted Christmas: The Beauty of Imperfection
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Oversized Bows: Making a Statement
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Moody Christmas: Rich, Dramatic Colors
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Nature-Inspired Christmas: Bringing the Outdoors In
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Whimsical Christmas: A Little Holiday Magic
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Holiday Tablescapes: Making the Table Special
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Unexpected Christmas Colors: Breaking Tradition
1. Heritage Christmas: Traditional Decor Is Back
If you love the look of a cozy English countryside home decorated for Christmas, this trend is for you!
Heritage Christmas is all about timeless decorations that look like they've been collected over generations. Think rich burgundy and forest green, tartan plaid, velvet ribbons, antique brass bells, and beautiful wooden accents.
It's a little bit traditional, a little bit vintage, and incredibly cozy.
What I especially love about this trend is that it doesn't require everything to match. In fact, mixing older decorations with newer pieces is part of what makes the look so beautiful.
How to get the look: Layer greenery with antique-inspired bells, add plaid or velvet ribbon to your tree, and incorporate warm metallic accents throughout your home. Even a few statement pieces can create that classic, collected Christmas look.
Shop the Look:
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Matted Holiday Gallery Wall Art, Set of 3
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Nutcracker Soldier Teddy Bear Figurines, Set of 2
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Tartan Plaid Holiday Trunk Boxes, Set of 3
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Oversized Tartan Plaid Wire-Frame Bow
2. Nostalgic Christmas: A Trip Down Memory Lane
This might be my favorite trend of the year!
Remember the Christmas decorations from your childhood? The colorful lights, vintage Santas, handmade ornaments, and decorations that came out year after year? Anyone find the pickle ornament in the tree?! Well, they're making a comeback!
We're seeing traditional nutcrackers, vintage-inspired Santa figurines, colorful ornaments, and old-fashioned Christmas decorations popping up everywhere.
And honestly, I think there's something special about a Christmas tree filled with ornaments that have stories behind them. Our family loves to share stories the ornaments remind us of as we decorate. We even have a singing snowman from my kiddos' great-grandmother that even though it's no working the best, we still put it up every year and talk about Oma.
How to get the look: Mix sentimental ornaments with vintage-inspired decorations, embrace colorful lights, and don't worry about creating a perfectly coordinated tree. Sometimes the most beautiful Christmas decorations are the ones that remind us of someone or something special.
Shop the Look:
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Wooden Nutcracker Wall Decor, Set of 2 Fir Wood Christmas Wall Hangings
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Needlepoint Christmas Valet Trays, Set of 5
3. Merrymaxxing: More Is More!
If you've ever been told you're putting too many ornaments on your Christmas tree, this trend is for you!
Merrymaxxing is exactly what it sounds like: embracing MORE when it comes to Christmas decorating.
More ornaments. More ribbon. More color. More personality.
Instead of sticking to one perfectly coordinated theme, this trend encourages mixing patterns, textures, colors, and decorations that make you happy.
Think oversized ornaments, layers of ribbon, whimsical figurines, and Christmas trees overflowing with personality.
Now, I'm not saying you need to cover every inch of your house in Christmas decorations (unless you want to!), but I do love the idea of having a little more fun with holiday decorating.
How to get the look: Start with your existing decorations and add a few unexpected statement pieces. Layer different ribbon textures, mix ornament sizes, and don't be afraid to combine something vintage with something new.
Shop the Look:
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Gold Metal Merry Christmas Sign 39 Inch Two Piece Wall Decor
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Nostalgic Metal Bell on Stand 13 Inch Farmhouse Tabletop Christmas Decor
4. Handcrafted Christmas: The Beauty of Imperfection
This year, we're seeing more hand-painted ornaments, carved wooden decorations, woven textures, paper stars, and imperfect finishes. And I love that!
Growing up, some of my favorite Christmas memories involved making ornaments and holiday crafts with my mom and grandma. Now, getting to do those same kinds of activities with my own kids makes this trend feel even more special.
The beauty of handcrafted Christmas decor is that it adds character to your home. Not everything needs to be shiny, new, or perfectly symmetrical.
How to get the look: Incorporate wooden elements, handmade garlands, woven baskets, and natural textures. Better yet, spend an afternoon making a few decorations with your kids or grandkids. Those might end up being the pieces you like the most.
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5. Oversized Bows: Making a Statement
Yes! And they're getting even bigger.
Bows have been everywhere in holiday decorating, and they're showing no signs of disappearing.
From oversized velvet bows on Christmas trees to plaid ribbons tied around wreaths, chairs, and even candleholders, this is one of the easiest trends to incorporate into your home.
How to get the look: Try tying a large bow to the back of your dining chairs, adding ribbon to your mantel greenery, or using an oversized bow as a Christmas tree topper. Velvet, gingham, and traditional plaid are especially beautiful this year.
Shop the Look:
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Gingham Christmas Bow Tree Topper or Tree Clips Set of 6 Choose Your Style
- Tartan Plaid Holiday Trunk Boxes, Set of 3
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Christmas Tree Bows, Choose Your Style Resin Metal Clip On Topper or Set of 8
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Holiday Wall Sconce with Bow, Set of 2
6. Moody Christmas: Rich, Dramatic Colors
Traditional red and green will always have a place in Christmas decorating, but this year we're seeing a moodier, more sophisticated take on those classic colors. Think deep burgundy, plum, emerald green, navy, and antique gold.
These richer colors create such a warm, cozy feeling, especially when paired with dark wood, candlelight, and natural greenery.
And the best part? You don't have to change your entire color scheme to try this trend.
How to get the look: Add burgundy velvet ribbon to your existing tree, incorporate antiqued brass candleholders, or layer deep green greenery with gold accents. Mixing different textures is what really makes this look feel special.
Shop the Look:
7. Nature-Inspired Christmas: Bringing the Outdoors In
Nature-inspired Christmas decor continues to be popular in 2026. Greenery, pinecones, wooden accents, dried oranges, and natural textures create a warm, welcoming look that never really goes out of style.
This trend is especially beautiful if you love farmhouse, cottage, or Scandinavian-inspired decorating.
Living in Wisconsin, we're surrounded by beautiful evergreens, pinecones, and natural textures that make their way into my decorating inspiration every year.
How to get the look: Fill a wooden bowl with pinecones, drape greenery across your mantel, add dried orange slices to a garland, or mix woven baskets with rustic Christmas decorations.
And don't forget, faux greenery can be just as beautiful and can be used year after year!
Shop the Look:
8. Whimsical Christmas: A Little Holiday Magic
Christmas decorating should be fun, right? That's exactly what this trend is about!
Whimsical Christmas decor is bringing a little extra personality into our homes with gingerbread houses, candy-inspired decorations, playful Santas, colorful ornaments, and unexpected holiday accents.
I especially love this trend for kitchens, breakfast nooks, and spaces where families gather.
How to get the look: Create a festive hot cocoa station using a tiered tray, decorate your kitchen with gingerbread-inspired accents, or add a few playful ornaments to your Christmas tree.
You don't have to go all out. Sometimes one whimsical piece is enough to make everyone smile.
Shop the Look:
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Santa Claus 3-Tier Metal Serving Stand | 42 Inch Festive Showstopper
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Gingerbread Candle Sticks, Set of 3 Resin Taper Holders Christmas Decor
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Bronze Mrs. Claus Serving Bowl | Brilliant Centerpiece Collection
9. Holiday Tablescapes: Making the Table Special
One thing I've noticed about holiday decorating lately is that it's not just about the Christmas tree anymore.
People are putting more thought into the spaces where memories are actually made, especially around the dining table.
And I love that shift.
Holiday tablescapes are becoming more layered and personal, with beautiful table runners, vintage-inspired dishes, candleholders, greenery, and little details that make guests feel special.
The good news? You don't need expensive dinnerware or a perfectly styled table to create something beautiful.
How to get the look: Start with a simple table runner, add a few candleholders at varying heights, and incorporate greenery or small Christmas decorations down the center.
Mixing old and new pieces can make your table feel even more inviting. And don't be afraid to use decorations you already own in new ways!
Shop the Look:
10. Unexpected Christmas Colors: Breaking Tradition
Who says Christmas has to be red and green?
While traditional holiday colors aren't going anywhere, 2026 is bringing some unexpected combinations into the mix.
We're seeing powder blue paired with burgundy, soft pink mixed with traditional red, and even pastel accents combined with antique gold.
It might sound a little unusual at first, but when done right, these combinations can be absolutely beautiful.
I especially love how mixing unexpected colors can make Christmas decorations feel a little more personal and unique.
How to get the look: You don't have to start from scratch. Try incorporating a few ornaments or ribbons in an unexpected color into your existing decorations. Sometimes adding just one new shade can completely change the look of your tree or mantel.
Shop the Look:
Which Christmas Decorating Trend Will You Try This Year?
If there's one thing I hope you take away from this year's Christmas decorating trends, it's that your home doesn't need to look like it came straight out of a magazine to be beautiful. Some of my favorite holiday decorations are pieces we've collected over the years, things my kids have made, or unique finds that just make me happy.
And that's what I love about the Christmas trends for 2026. Whether you're drawn to traditional heritage Christmas decor, nostalgic decorations, or something a little more whimsical, there's room to make it your own.
You also don't need to spend a fortune to create a home that feels festive and welcoming.
At Decor Steals, we're always on the lookout for unique, affordable home decor that helps you create a home you love without the outrageous price tag. Our honest pricing makes it easier to add a few special pieces to your holiday collection without completely blowing your decorating budget.
Looking for a little Christmas decorating inspiration?
Be sure to explore the Decor Steals Journal for more holiday decorating ideas, styling tips, and inspiration.
And don't forget to check out our Daily Deals! We reveal four new deals every day at 10 AM ET, available for just 24 hours or until they sell out.
Happy decorating!
