Christmas decorating is looking a little different this year. We’re seeing plenty of the classics still going strong, but there are also some more unexpected combinations creeping in, from deep burgundy and chocolate brown to colourful 90s inspired decorations.
Oversized bows are still going strong too, while Christmas trees are becoming less about buying a matching set of baubles and more about mixing different colours, textures and pieces you’ve collected over the years.
And that’s what we like about the Christmas trends for 2026. You don’t need to completely change your decorations or pick a particular theme. A few well chosen additions can give the Christmas decorations you already have a completely different feel.
So, what should you be looking out for this year? We’ve picked out 10 of the Christmas decorating trends we’re seeing everywhere in 2026, along with some simple ideas for bringing them into your own home.
-
Oversized bows
If you’ve been looking at Christmas decorating ideas lately, you’ll probably have noticed one thing appearing everywhere: bows.
They’ve been becoming more popular over the last few years, but for Christmas 2026 they’re getting bigger. We’re talking oversized bows that become part of the decoration rather than a small finishing touch.
And you don’t need loads of them to get the look.
One large bow at the top of your tree can make a real difference, especially if you have kept the rest of the tree fairly simple. You could also use one over a mantle piece or on your front door, or even added to a wreath.
If you’re decorating a traditional green tree, a deep red or burgundy bow works beautifully. For something slightly softer try cream, champagne or a muted pink
Striped bows are another lovely way to play with the trend. A classic red and white strip gives you a nostalgic christmas feel, while a softer stripe can work with a more neutral or woodland theme. Try using a striped now on a wreath or christmas tree, then repeat the stripe in a few smaller decorations or ribbon around the room so it feels intentional.
You don’t need to put bows everywhere either, one or two bigger ones will usually have much more impact than lots of little bows dotted around.
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/40954677859135393/
-
Burgundy is giving Christmas red a new look
There’s not really one single colour taking over this year, but if you’re looking for a shade that feels particularly current, we would look towards burgundy, cranberry and deeper berry reds.
They’re still festive, but feel a little richer than a bright christmas red.
Burgundy works especially well with green, which makes it easy to introduce into a traditional christmas scheme, try burgundy baubles and ribbon with a real or faux green tree, then add warm gold for a little sparkle.
Or take it in a slightly different direction and pair burgundy with chocolate brown, cream or even blush pink.
You don't need to replace your existing decorations either. A new ribbon, a few statement baubles or an oversized bow can be enough to bring the colour into your current Christmas scheme.
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/5418462047857520/
-
Chocolate brown is coming into christmas
Brown probably isn’t the first colour you’d think of when decorating for christmas, but we’re expecting to see much more of it this year.
Chocolate and mocha shades work surprisingly well with christmas greenery and warm white lighting, and then they can make a room feel much cosier.
You could bring brown into your christmas tree through ribbon or baubles, or use it elsewhere in the room with cushions, candles and tableware.
It works particularly well with burgundy.
Try: a green christmas tree, chocolate brown ribbon, burgundy decorations and a few antique gold details.
If that sounds like too much change, start small. One roll of ribbon or a handful of new decorations can be enough to see whether you like the combination.
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/1055599908969766/
-
The 90s Christmas is back
If your idea of the perfect christmas tree involves colourful lights, tinsel and decoration that definitely don’t all match, you’ll probably love this one.
90s Christmas decorations are back, bringing with them plenty of colour and nostalgia.
Think bright baubles, multicoloured christmas lights, novelty decorations, tinsel and those decorations you’ve had tucked away in the loft for years.
And honestly, you don’t need to make it look perfect. That’s part of the appeal.
Bring out some of your older decorations and mix them with newer pieces. Add a strand of colourful lights to a more traditional tree or let a few novelty baubles sit alongside your glass decorations.
If you don't want to go all the way with the 90s look, just pick one element, multicoloured lights are probably the easiest place to start.
It’s a nice way to make your christmas tree feel a bit more fun without having to buy everything again.
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/351912466960880/
-
Christmas trees are becoming less matchy-matchy
For a long time, Christmas trees seemed to be all about matching bauble sets. This year, we’re seeing more variety.
Different shapes, finishes and textures can all work together, and your tree doesn’t have to look as though everything was brought from the same collection.
In fact, mixing things up usually makes a tree much more interesting.
Try combining shiny and matt baubles, glitter with natural textures, smaller decorations with a few larger statement pieces, and old favourites with something you’ve bought this year.
How to make it all work together
Pick two or three colours and repeat them throughout the tree.
For example, if you’ve chosen burgundy, green and gold, it doesn’t matter if the decorations themselves are all still slightly different. Repeating those colours will make everything feel connected.
Start with your largest decorations, then fill in the gaps with smaller baubles. Finish with ribbon, bows or a few decorations that really stand out.
And font hide all the decorations you’ve had for years. Those are often the pieces that make a christmas tree feel like your tree.
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/563018699249669/
-
Woodland Christmas, with a little more colour
Woodland-inspired Christmas decorations are still a favourite, particularly if you like a more traditional Christmas.
This year, though, we’re seeing the look move away from being entirely rustic and natural.
Instead, try mixing woodland elements with deeper colours and a little bit of sparkle.
Think:
-
Forest green
-
Burgandy
-
Chocolate brown
-
Warm cream
-
Natural wood
-
Aged gold
Pine cones, berries, woodland animals and greenery all work well here, but adding velvet ribbon or a few gold decorations can give the whole thing a little more depth.
Our winter woodland Christmas collection is perfect if this is the sort of Christmas you like.
And you don’t have to stop at the tree. A woodland wreath on the front door or a simple garland across a mantelpiece can bring the same look into the rest of the house.
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/140806233430477/
-
Christmas is getting a bit more playful
Not everyone wants a sophisticated green and burgundy Christmas, and that’s absolutely fine.
One of the other big Christmas trends for 2026 is colour, fun and a little bit of maximalism.
Think bright pinks, reds, candy colours, unusual decorations and plenty of things that make you smile.
If you’re drawn to this look, try choosing colours to work with rather than simply buying every colourful decoration you see.
Pink, red and white can give you a lovely candy inspired scheme, while brighter reds, greens and golds can feel more traditional with a playful twist.
This is where our Merry & Sweet collection comes in particularly well, with lots of colourful, fun decorations that can be mixed into your existing christmas decorations.
And if you like decorations with a bit more character, our Holiday Heroes theme has plenty of unusual pieces to add some personality to your tree.
Don’t worry too much about whether every decoration matches. Sometimes the slightly unexpected piece is the one that makes the tree.
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/41165784091253650/
-
Don’t forget about outdoor Christmas decorations
Christmas decorating doesn’t have to stop when you leave the living room.
We’re seeing much more thought going into outdoor christmas decorations, particularly around front doors, porches and entrances.
Your front door is the first thing you see when you come home, and it’s a lovely place to start that Christmas feeling.
You could keep it simple with a wreath and an oversized bow, or go further with Christmas lights around trees, hedges or a porch.
A few ideas to try:
-
Hang a large wreath on your front door
-
Add an oversized bow
-
Wrap lights around a tree
-
Add lights along a pathway
-
Decorate a porch
-
Use greenery in planters
-
Add festive figure
-
Wrap lights around a fence or hedge
Warm white lights are a good choice if you want something simple and classic. If you’re going for that 90s Christmas feel, multicoloured lights can be much more fun.
Just make sure any lights you’re using outside for outdoor use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/41165784091253650/
-
Give your christmas table a little more attention
Christmas table decorations don’t have to mean buying an entirely new dinner set.
Start with what you’ve already got and build from there.
Think about the colours you’re using elsewhere in the room and bring one or two of them onto the table. If you’ve gone for burgundy and green on the tree try burgundy napkins or ribbon with some greenery down the middle of the table.
Candles are an easy way to make the table feel more special, particularly in the evening, and a few small decorations can be dotted between them.
One of our favourite ways to bring in the bow trend is with small bows tied around napkins or cutlery. It’s a tiny detail, but it can make the table feel much more finished.
And you don’t necessarily need one huge centrepiece.
A few smaller arrangements along the middle of the table are often easier to manage, particularly when you’re actually trying to eat and talk across it.
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/3025924747284370/
-
Use decorations that actually mean something to you
Perhaps the nicest thing about christmas decorating in 2026 is that there doesn’t seem to be as much pressure for everything to look perfectly coordinated.
Your Christmas decorations can be a mixture of things.
Maybe you have a bauble you’ve had since you were child, maybe your children have made decorations over the years. Perhaps you collect something specific, or you pick up a new decoration whenever you go away.
Keep them, mix them with the newer pieces you love.
This is particularly nice if you collect Christmas villages. Our Lemax collections can be built up over time, adding new buildings, figures, and little details each Christmas.
You don't need to create the whole village in one go. Start with a few pieces you really like and add to it over the years.
That is what makes Christmas decorating feel special. It isn't just about how it looks: it is about the thing you recognise when you get the decorations out every year.
Whether you’re planning a completely new look for Christmas or simply fancy adding a few new pieces to the decorations you’ve already got, there’s plenty to choose from at Almondsbury.
Our Christmas shop is filled with Christmas trees, Christmas tree decorations, baubles, bows, wreaths, garlands, Christmas lights and festive homeware, with different themes to suit all sorts of styles.
You might find that one oversized bow is all you need to refresh your tree or you might come away with a completely new colour scheme.
Either way, have a look around, find the pieces you love and make christmas your own this year.