Festive Christmas Tree Decoration Ideas and Photos

Now that the holidays are here, it’s time to find the perfect Christmas tree. Whether you prefer tall and slender or full and elegant, there’s one special tree out there that will complete your holiday decor.

Once you’ve found “the one,” it’s time to get the festivities rolling. Put on your favorite holiday tunes, whip up some hot cocoa and bust out the tree decorations. If you’re looking to shake things up with a new holiday theme, check out the mood boards we created with the following festive Christmas tree decoration ideas.

And don’t forget, you can add your family holiday photo or annual Christmas card to your Christmas tree with our personalized ornaments.

Add bright pops of color

Sources: Lines Across, U Create, Sugar Bee Crafts, Lines Across

Some of the most beautiful Christmas trees incorporate bold and unexpected pops of color. All it takes is a wild imagination and the desire to be different. To get started, choose warm colors like red, orange and yellow that transport your mind to sun-kissed days.

You can even get the kids involved by having them craft adorable DIY Christmas ornaments for your tree. Whether you’re inspired by a rainbow, floral or peacock Christmas tree idea, your home will be a dreamy escape that everyone is excited about this holiday season!

Colorful Ornament Decoration Idea:

Two versions of Shutterfly's light up ornaments.

Make sure your tree stands out in a big way with these light-up Christmas ornaments. Simply personalize with a photo and message of your choice and make sure it’s on full display on a visible part of your tree.

Play with metallics

Christmas trees with metallic ornaments

Sources: Giggles Galore, Craftaholics AnonymousJust DestinyPretty Providence

If you’re looking for some extra sparkle this Christmas, it’s time to venture into the world of metallics. The best part about playing with colors like gold, silver, and bronze is that they can be dressed up or down. But who are we kidding? The holidays are all about keeping it glam!

With either a silver Christmas tree or gold Christmas tree, you’ll captivate guests with the most elegant tree they’ve seen this season. To accomplish this look, mix and match gilded pine cones, glitter-covered ornaments, metallic ribbons and anything else that catches your eye.

Metallic Ornament Decoration Idea:

A photo ornament from Shutterfly.

This ornament style will help you bring a little glam and style to your Christmas celebration. The jewels and metallic frame helps highlight the family photo within, making it a beautiful keepsake for years to come.

Go for a preppy look

Sources: Kara’s Party Ideas, Positively Splendid, The DIY Playbook, U Create

Have you ever wondered how to decorate a Christmas tree with ribbons? If so, you should consider plaid. The holiday-appropriate red evokes a joyful sentiment reminding us of seasonal favorites like candy canes and Christmas stockings.

This Christmas tree idea is also great if you can’t decide between a traditional or rustic look. To create a cheery focal point, wrap the ribbon around the tree or tie into bows. Flocked branches, retro wooden ornaments, and antlers all make charming accents for cohesive Christmas tree decorating ideas.

Glitter Ornament Decoration Idea:

Christmas card ornaments from Shutterfly.

The color and glitter inside this cute ornament idea will help make your Christmas decor stand out from the crowd. Choose your favorite photo from the past year and consider ordering extras to gift to other family members.

Send a festive message

Sources: Lil’ Luna, Just Destiny, Tatertots and Jello

When guests come into your home, what do you want them to take away from your holiday decor? If you have a special message for the holidays, your Christmas tree is a wonderful place to display it! You can decorate with spirited words like “merry,” “joy” and “peace” to remind everyone what the holidays are about. Alternatively, try counting down the 12 days of Christmas. No matter the message you want to send, you’ll have a blast exploring the creative ideas!

Festive Ornament Decoration Idea:

A set of festive metal ornaments for Christmas.

Add a little festivity to your holiday celebrations with these cute ornaments. Not only do they make pretty, light-weight additions to your Christmas tree, but they also double as the perfect ornament exchange gift idea.

Create a modern winter wonderland

Sources: Little Inspiration, Kara’s Party IdeasU Create, WhipperBerryKara’s Party Ideas

If you’re dreaming of a White Christmas, make it a reality with a whimsical winter wonderland theme. Whether it’s snowing or not, you’ll have a snowy Christmas tree illuminated by the sparkly lights. It’ll be an ideal setting to snuggle by the tree as you watch your favorite holiday movies like “Frosty the Snowman.”

When it comes to decorating, mix up the colors for a modern twist. The all-white Christmas tree gives you the freedom to choose colors outside of the typical white, blue and silver. From gold, black and white to an ombre-inspired look, you’ll have one of the most unique Christmas trees this holiday season!

Modern Ornament Decoration Idea:

Photo on glass ornaments.

The sleek look and feel of these glass ornaments make them a great way to beautify a modern Christmas tree. These delicately designed decorations are guaranteed to become a much-loved memento in your home.

Stick to tradition

Sources: Tatertots and Jello, A Thoughtful Place, DIY Candy, Love the Day

What does a traditional Christmas look like to you? If your mind instantly wanders to images of Santa’s North Pole, peppermints and gingerbread cookies, these Christmas tree ideas are for you! By choosing playful decorations like oversized candy canes and strung popcorn, you can recreate the tree you had as a kid.

Nothing is more exciting than sharing your childhood traditions and creating new ones with your own family. Other fun decorations to include are ugly sweater inspired ornaments, giant lollipops, and tinsel. With a festive red, white and green tree, you’ll be sure to show off what the holidays mean to you!

Traditional Ornament Decoration Idea:

Two wooden photo ornaments from Shutterfly.

These wooden ornaments are the perfect mix of traditional and refreshed. Include your favorite photos from this year along with a sweet message for a rustic and festive holiday ornament.

Go for a homey rustic vibe

Rustic Christmas tree decoration ideas

Sources: Giggles GaloreThe Project Girl, Jaderbomb, WhipperBerry

Imagine spending Christmas in a picturesque forest covered in snow! The fresh crisp air, rustic cabins, and woodland creatures make a nice escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. If this how you wish you could spend your holiday season, these Christmas tree themes will help you design a charming look for your home.

With everything from deer ornaments to antlers, glitter-covered pine cones, and birch logs, you’ll have a Christmas tree that reminds you of the great outdoors. What better way to be inspired than by taking the beauty that surrounds you and using it in your holiday decor!

Rustic Ornament Decoration Idea:

Two ceramic ornaments from Shutterfly.

Ceramic ornaments are the perfect touch of vintage to add to a rustic Christmas display. Just make sure that you take extra care to package the ornament at the end of the season so it doesn’t break!

Resources Related to Christmas Tree Decorations

The holidays are such a fun time to spend with family creating memories that will last forever. From baking sweet treats to having snowball fights and playing Christmas games, there are so many ways to spend quality time. Even figuring out how to decorate a Christmas tree can turn into a timeless family tradition!

No matter what Christmas tree decorating ideas inspire you, make sure they show what the holidays mean to your family. You can also capture this same sentiment in a family Christmas card that you send to all your loved ones, wishing them a wonderful holiday season!