Every Christmas season feels a little bit like opening a storybook. Some years lean modern, while others feel bold and playful. This year, Christmas decor trends 2026 are all about happy, homemade charm and pretty color, with a few favorites from last year still hanging on.
As I’ve been digging through Pinterest, scrolling social media, walking store aisles, and decorating my own home, a very clear picture has emerged. Some of last year’s trends are still going strong, a few are fading, and one I predicted last year has really taken off.
Let’s take a walk through what’s still in, what’s new, and what to keep an eye on for next year.
Christmas Decor Trends 2026: Color and Style Overview
This year’s color story is a little richer than last year’s. You will still see soft, nature-inspired shades, but deeper tones like burgundy and chocolate brown are showing up everywhere.
Christmas Colors Trending in 2026
- Burgundy and berry tones
- Chocolate and warm browns
- Forest green
- Navy and powder blue
- Soft vintage pinks
- Warm neutrals: creams and tans
Studio McGee leaned right into these deeper colors this year, with burgundy, browns, and forest green throughout her Christmas collection. You can see my favorite pieces in my Studio McGee Christmas decor post.
These colors flow from trend to trend and help tie many styles together with ease.
Whimsical Christmas (The Biggest New Trend of 2026)
If there is one look that feels fresh this year, it is whimsical Christmas. Searches for whimsical Christmas decor on Pinterest are up 810 percent, and once you see it, you’ll understand why.
Think soft pinks mixed with deep berry tones, paper chains, paper stars, honeycomb balls, and colorful baubles tucked into fresh greenery. Overall, the look is happy and pretty, but never loud.
It reminds me of the homemade vintage Christmases of the 1960s, when so much was made from paper at the kitchen table. As a result, it feels nostalgic and joyful all at once.
Whimsical Christmas Ideas
- Pink and berry-toned bottle brush trees
- Paper chains in mixed patterns
- Scandi paper stars and honeycomb balls
- Colorful vintage-style baubles
- Long satin or velvet ribbon streamers
- Fresh cedar or pine garland
Scandi Paper Stars
Above all, paper stars are one of the easiest ways to bring this look home. My daughter Savanna has a bunch hanging in her kitchen bay window, and they are so pretty with the light coming through.
She found hers at IKEA, and you can find lots of styles on Amazon, too. If you’d like to make your own, my paper bag snowflakes give you the same layered look for almost nothing.
Paper Chains (Still Going Strong)
Paper chains are still showing up on Christmas trees, mantels, doorways, staircases, and even children’s rooms. In fact, they are even bigger this year than last.
What’s new this year, however, is the variety. People are making chains from patterned paper, velvet, and even lace, and pairing them with big bows on staircases.
Michaels has the cutest paper chain kits this year. The strips come in a mix of patterns with scalloped edges, so you can loop them together and hang them. Shop the Michaels paper chain kit here. Rifle Paper Co has a cute paper chain kit too.
The Little Women look still feels warm, country, and handmade. It includes simple fabrics, calicos, and soft natural tones that feel humble and comforting.
Little Women Color Palette and Ideas
- Country red, blues, calico yellows, neutral colors (creams and tans)
- Paper chains
- Tiny floral patterns
- Natural linens
- All nature greenery
- Homemade candles
- Cotton ribbons
- Vintage decorations
Looking for more inspiration? Check out my Little Women Christmas decor blog post.
Ralph Lauren Christmas (Still Here, but Changing)
Last year, the vintage Ralph Lauren Christmas look stood above the rest. This year it is still around, but I think it may be starting to fade.
However, its deep, rich colors are staying. Burgundy, forest green, navy, and brown are carrying right into this year’s trends.
Ralph Lauren Christmas Color Palette
- Deep forest green
- Navy
- Burgundy
- Blackwatch tartan
- Rich leather brown
- Antique brass and gold
How to Bring This Look Home
Start with layers of tartan, moody colors, and brass accents. Add framed nature prints featuring horses or deer, leather-wrapped pieces, greenery everywhere (layering different types), brass candle holders, and warm plaids to your tree or mantel.
My daughter Hannah decorated her tree in a Ralph Lauren style and tucked in some of our vintage sugared fruit. It gave the whole tree a soft, old-world glow.
If you want a more vintage take on this style, visit my farmhouse Christmas post from years ago.
Vintage Christmas Decor (Soft, Neutral and Collected)
Vintage Christmas remains a favorite, and the 2026 version is still grounded in nature. It feels a little like stepping into an old novel where time slows down and small details take center stage.
Vintage Christmas 2026 Color Palette
- Soft browns
- Tans
- Muted greens
- Dusty blues
- Faded rose pinks
- Warm creams
Why This Look Feels So Special
Vintage Christmas decor looks like it has been gathered over the years rather than purchased all at once. Antique ornaments, velvet or natural material ribbons like cotton, flickering candlelight, and greenery give your home a sense of story and depth.
Powder blue is trending again this year, and it was my main color the year I decorated for a Victorian Christmas. For a beautiful example of this look, my blue Christmas post blends vintage charm with warm, nostalgic details.
If you love decorating with thrifted and antique finds, my book Vintage Nest is full of ideas to help you get started.
Victorian and Little House on the Prairie Christmas (Last Year’s Prediction Came True)
Last year, I shared one prediction for this year: Little House on the Prairie Christmas decor was about to grow quickly. I’m happy to say it did.
Victorian Christmas is now one of 2026’s top trends. Think handmade ornaments, dried fruit garlands, taper candles, and foraged greenery.
Designers are also talking about a style called Modern Folklore. It is cottagecore mixed with a little Little House on the Prairie.
Little House Christmas decor feels simple, meaningful, and rooted in tradition. Think handmade ornaments (gingerbread cookies), dried fruit garlands, wood elements, quilts, creams, tans, and faded blues.
You can see how I decorated my whole home this way in my Little House on the Prairie Christmas home tour. Or learn how to make the tree in my Little House on the Prairie Christmas tree post.
Fruit and Nature Decor (Timeless)
Fruit is showing up everywhere this year: on trees, in garlands, and across tablescapes. Sugared fruit is especially pretty, with a soft frosted look that feels straight out of an old Christmas card.
I believe fruit and nature decor will never go out of style. In addition, they blend easily into the new whimsical look.
Natural handmade decor is one of the coziest and most affordable trends this season. It brings a nature-inspired simplicity that works with almost every Christmas style. The best part is that these decorations often come from your own yard or pantry.
Fruit and Nature Decor Ideas for 2026
- Sugared fruit and pears
- Dried oranges and other dried fruit
- Fruit ornaments or centerpieces
- Pinecones
- Acorns
- Cedar or pine clippings
- Magnolia leaves and red berries
- Brown paper
- Cotton ribbon and twine
If you enjoy decorating with natural elements, my pine cone swag wreath tutorial is a fantastic project to try, or learn how to dry orange slices.
Homemade Christmas Decor (Bigger Than Ever)
Handmade decor is one of the biggest trends of 2026. With money a little tighter for many families, people are making meaningful pieces at home instead of buying new.
Bobble Garland
In fact, this is the homemade project I’m seeing everywhere. Some call it bobble garland, and it is so simple.
Lay a bauble between two long strips of fabric and tie off the ends with string. Add another bauble, tie again, and keep going until your garland is as long as you want.
Finally, use leftover ornaments or thrifted ones, and pick a fabric that matches your colors. Ticking stripes look so pretty for a farmhouse look.
Handmade Clay Ornaments
Clay ornaments are still popular, in all shapes and sizes. Many people are making them with air-dry clay or polymer clay, using cookie cutters or pressing in botanical patterns for a natural look.
For more inspiration, visit my clay ornament tutorial.
Bows (A Classic That’s Here to Stay)
Bows are still everywhere this year, and they’re bigger than ever. You’ll see them on trees, mantels, staircases, and tabletops.
In fact, I think bows have become a classic. Velvet, satin, or plaid, they will keep showing up for years to come.
Christmas Villages (Coming Back)
Christmas villages are trending up on Pinterest, and this one makes me smile. I have village pieces that belonged to my mom, and I honestly can’t remember the last time I brought them out.
So this might be the year I set them up again. There is something so sweet about a little lit-up town on a mantel or windowsill.
If you want an easy version, my printable Christmas village centerpiece has been a reader favorite.
Tree Skirts, Stockings, and Tree Collars as Focal Pieces
The base of the tree is getting a lot more attention this year. Tree skirts, stockings, and tree collars are being treated as focal pieces, not afterthoughts.
For example, statement tree collars are big this year, including ones with tassels. Baskets, woven planters, and clay pots remain favorites for their warm, collected look.
One fun idea I spotted is covering an old tree collar with fabric, just like we used to recover lampshades. It’s an easy way to give a tired base a whole new look.
I also think quilt tree skirts will be popular next year. They fit right in with the homemade and Little House looks.
Looking for more ideas? Check out my Christmas tree base ideas here.
Gingerbread (Fading but Timeless)
Gingerbread was huge last year, and it is quieting down a bit in 2026. Still, I don’t think it will ever go away.
I even spotted gingerbread paper stars on Amazon, which are a cute way to mix gingerbread with this year’s paper star trend.
Another reader-favorite idea to try is these DIY gingerbread candle holders for an easy centerpiece that adds a sweet gingerbread charm to your table.
The New Farmhouse and Rustic Christmas (Warm, Antique, and Cozy)
Farmhouse Christmas is still going strong, and it looks very different from the bright white farmhouse trend we remember. The 2026 farmhouse look is warm, antique, and inviting, with a focus on handmade items and natural materials.
Warm woods, greenery, stoneware, old books, lanterns, and collected antiques bring this look to life. It feels calm and familiar, almost like visiting a favorite family farmhouse during the holidays.
Trends to Watch for Next Year
Here is what I think will grow even more next year:
- Whimsical Christmas. I think this happy, colorful look is just getting started.
- Homemade decor. Bobble garland, paper chains, and fabric-covered tree bases are easy and meaningful.
- Christmas villages. More people are pulling out family pieces, and I expect to see many more on mantels.
Christmas Decor Trends 2026 FAQ
What are the biggest Christmas decor trends for 2026?
The biggest Christmas decor trends for 2026 are whimsical Christmas, paper chains, Victorian and Little House style decor, fruit and nature decor, and homemade pieces. Bows and Christmas villages are popular too.
Is Ralph Lauren Christmas still in style?
Yes, but it is starting to fade. Its deep colors like burgundy, forest green, and navy are what’s carrying into this year.
What Christmas colors are trending this year?
Burgundy, chocolate brown, forest green, navy, and powder blue are trending. In addition, soft pinks are big, especially in the whimsical look.
Final Thoughts on Christmas Decor Trends 2026
This year’s Christmas decor feels happy, homemade, and full of heart. Whether you lean toward whimsical pinks, deep berry tones, or simple prairie charm, there are so many beautiful ways to decorate your home this season.
I hope this guide fills you with ideas and inspiration as you plan your own holiday decor. If you’d like to explore more Christmas decorating posts, here are a few favorites:
- Studio McGee Christmas Decor
- Little House on the Prairie Christmas Home Tour
- Christmas Tree Base Ideas
- How to Make Snowflakes Out of Paper Bags
Happy Decorating!
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