25 Creative Christmas Tree Theme Ideas That Will Inspire You
Your Christmas tree is the perfect place to have a little fun with your holiday decorating! These creative Christmas tree theme ideas take traditional holiday decor in some unexpected directions, with clever ornaments, unusual color combinations, and imaginative details that make each one worth a closer look.
I love finding new ways to decorate for Christmas, and one of my favorite ways to do that is with unusual Christmas tree themes.
There are some really creative ideas out there that use everything from favorite movies and hobbies to animals and Christmas characters as the inspiration for the decorations.
I think that’s what makes decorating a themed tree so much fun.
Once you’ve chosen an idea, you can get creative with the ornaments, ribbon, and tree topper to bring it to life.
And you don’t have to limit yourself to traditional Christmas decorations. Almost anything that fits your chosen design can become part of the tree.
I’ve gathered some of my favorite examples here, including some that are elegant and sophisticated and others that are colorful, whimsical, or just plain fun.
Hopefully, they’ll inspire you to try something new with your Christmas decorating this year.
Some of the images below are not mine and cannot be pinned from this page. Please click through to the original source to save them.
Red, white and pink ornaments give these candy cane Christmas trees a sweet peppermint look, with swirled decorations and layered ribbon adding plenty of color.
The gingerbread house accents and matching tree skirts carry the candy theme all the way down to the floor.
I couldn’t do a list of themed Christmas tree ideas without including the Grinch. It’s my all-time favorite Christmas show!
Decorated with red, green and white ornaments and lots of tree picks, you can’t help but smile when you see this tree.
I have always had a thing for flamingos.
So when I decorated my screened-in porch with flamingo accents, I decided a flamingo tree was the way to go.
All of the pink and teal ornaments, with beach-y accents and (of course) flamingo decorations create an eye-catching addition to my holiday decor.
For a traditional Christmas theme that isn’t the same-old thing, try a nutcracker-themed Christmas tree.
Combining plaid ribbon with ornaments and (of course) lots of nutcrackers keeps this tree looking interesting while creating an elegant vibe.
And all those nutcrackers are sure to bring some good luck for the upcoming season!
The next addition to my list of Christmas tree theme ideas is the Santa Claus tree.
It uses a traditional red and white color scheme but is put up on a non-traditional white Christmas tree.
The white background really makes the red (and bits of green) in the ornaments stand out.
And the Santa hat topper and belt tree skirt add some extra fun.
I did my own version of this tree and took it a little further by hanging red fabric on the walls. Which really makes the red and white decor stand out.
The next tree on my list of creative Christmas tree theme ideas is a contemporary color scheme that would make Kate Spade proud.
Black and white stripes with gold and bright pink accents really make this tree stand out.
I used this as the inspiration for my own Kate Spade inspired Christmas tree, and I love how glam it is!
Image credit: Susan Flemming @ Super Mom – No Cape! This tree is full of clever details for anyone who loves to sew, from vintage thread spools and measuring-tape ornaments to silver rickrack garland.
There are even tiny sewing-machine decorations and ornaments that say “Let It Sew,” with lots of handmade ideas to borrow for your own tree.
8 | The top hat tree
The Top Hat Christmas tree theme is traditional with a twist.
The green and red color scheme, poinsettias, red berries and candles are all traditional elements of Christmas decor.
Adding in the top hats keeps with the traditional idea but uses them in an unexpected way. Which is what makes the tree more interesting.
9 | The musical Christmas tree
If your family is a musical one, then this Christmas tree theme may be the one for you!
Using music notes, instruments and bells for ornaments lets you know immediately what this tree is all about.
Winding some musical note ribbon through the branches adds to the musical portion of the tree.
Then fill in the gaps with gold and silver ornaments and tree picks to complete the elegant look.
10 | The coastal Christmas tree
If you are one of the many people that loves the sand and water colors of coastal decor, this coastal Christmas tree theme is for you.
It uses shells, faux coral and manzanita branches to give the idea of the beach without going too over the top.
And the colors are perfect for bringing in that beachy feel!
11 | Winter woodlands Christmas tree
The Winter Woodlands Christmas tree theme brings the outside indoors.
With its silver, white and brown color scheme, it certainly looks and feels like winter.
But the earthy elements and furry owls prevent it from feeling too cold.
12 | Snowy Christmas tree
The snowy Christmas tree theme is another variation on the white color scheme.
Polar bears and penguins are the animals on this version of the tree.
And it has lots of white ornaments, snowflakes and white tree picks to give it a wintry feel.
Image credit: Alexandra @ Eye Love Knots Crocheted baubles give this little Christmas tree a handmade look, with buffalo plaid and Celtic weave patterns in red, gray and white.
The mix of stitches and metallic accents makes the ornaments interesting up close, and you can use the free patterns to crochet your own.
14 | The candy land Christmas tree
Candyland tree from razchristmas.blogspot.com</a> could be the perfect Christmas tree theme for you.
Hang candy canes from the branches.
Stick large lollipops, or candy-shaped tree picks into the branches.
Then add some gingerbread house and cupcake ornaments…or make some cookies in the shape of gingerbread houses if you really want to go with the candy theme.
Finally add some twisted pipe cleaners, a few colorful ornaments and some berry sprays to finish the look off.
Image credit: Angela @ Simply Beautiful By Angela Owls, squirrels, deer and birds bring a woodland theme to this tree, along with pinecones, berry picks and snowflakes.
Brown and silver ornaments keep the colors understated, while a galvanized bucket and rustic wooden star finish off the look.
via Pier1.com (link no longer available) Peacocks have such pretty colors that it’s easy to build a tree around them.
This one uses peacock ornaments and cascading tree picks that mimic the look of feathers.
Add in a few brightly colored ornaments and you’re done!
I did this theme one year but used a black Christmas tree instead of a white one which gives a completely different look.
Image credit: Jamie H @ As For Me and My Homestead Miniature metal pitchers, buckets, tin cups and flour sifters make surprisingly charming Christmas ornaments on this rustic tree.
Paired with rusty jingle bells and stars, they give it the look of a collection of vintage finds rather than a set of matching decorations.
Image credit: Nikki @ Tikkido A photo memory tree is all about the ornaments you’ve collected over the years, especially the ones that remind you of people and Christmases past.
This one includes yearly photo ornaments of the blogger’s daughters and other treasured keepsakes, with pale gold ribbon bringing the whole collection together.
Image credit: Alli @ An Alli Event Vintage camper decorations, buffalo plaid and burlap ribbon give this Christmas tree a cozy glamping theme.
The cascading ribbon and pine cones bring in that outdoorsy feel, while the red and black accents keep it festive enough for the living room.
Image credit: Allison Robertson @ Upright and Caffeinated Disney fans will love the Mickey-shaped garland on this Christmas tree, surrounded by red and white decorations and berry accents.
There’s even a Walt Disney World Monorail running beneath the tree, which is such a fun detail for anyone who loves the parks.
Image credit: Jennifer @ Oh Fiddle Dee Dee A red, white and blue Christmas tree is a festive way to show your patriotic spirit during the holidays.
The bold color scheme gives the tree an Americana feel and makes a fun choice for anyone who loves decorating with the stars and stripes.
Image credit: Erlene @ My Pinterventures Animal Crossing fans will recognize the villager faces, money bags and floating presents on this colorful Christmas tree.
Most of the ornaments are handmade, including felt leaves and glittery baubles, with plenty of ideas for turning favorite details from the game into Christmas decorations.
Image credit: Christene Holder @ Christene Holder Home The miniature railway circling the base is what makes this traditional fresh Christmas tree especially charming.
Paired with twinkling lights and a collection of treasured ornaments, the train brings a nostalgic touch to the whole display.
Image credit: Trisha LeBaron @ Crafting Is My Therapy Bright sunflowers turn a small Christmas tree into something you can display from fall right through the holidays.
The burlap-wrapped base and plaid ribbon give it a rustic look, and the customized ribbon adds a personal touch.
Image credit: Marie @ Craft Rocker This candy Christmas tree goes big on homemade sweets-inspired decorations, including oversized candy ornaments made from paper plates and tissue paper.
Colorful pompom garland, paper candy and a homemade topper give it a playful look without needing to buy every ornament.
Have comments or questions about our Christmas tree theme ideas? Tell us in the section below.
This post was originally published on December 6, 2016 but was updated with new content on September 23, 2026.
I love your ideas. I always put 2 trees up one regular sized one and use homemade ornaments and the other a smaller one with mice ornaments. I used to do color themed ones when the kids were little and would try to make each year special for the kids using their favorite color. I’m sure they do not remember them. But that was fun.