We've been immersed in Christmas since the summer holidays, thanks to a packed schedule of 'Christmas in July' previews. They offered a first glimpse of the decorations set to fill our favourite high street stores this season. Some trends are returning just as we remember them, others have had a stylish update, and a handful feel brand new. So, what’s shaping Christmas 2026? Here are the biggest festive decorating trends this year.
Jump to:
- 1. Bows go bigger and bolder
- 2. Tinsel stages a glamorous comeback
- 3. Christmas kerb appeal comes into its own
- 4. Garden decorating goes big in small spaces
- 5. Kitschmas Maximalism breaks all the rules
- 6. Vintage Christmas brings back the magic
- 7. Country cottage charm feels cosier than ever
- 8. Disco decor gets a colourful update
- 9. Velvet chain garlands rise in popularity
- 10. Ceramic houses and miniature Christmas villages take over the mantel
1. Bows go bigger and bolder
After dominating interiors the past few years, bows are a mainstay for Christmas 2026. We're seeing bigger, bolder ribbons and more patterns (hello, checks and stripes), as well as double layered bows with two-tone colour (as seen at Cox & Cox). Bows are no longer limited to tiny tree decorations either. Go bigger and bolder, displaying statement bows as tree toppers, or on garlands, mantels, doorways, staircases and the backs of dining chairs.
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Garden centre Dobbies has named bright, oversized bows as one of its Christmas must-haves, while Rockett St George and B&M are taking the trend one step further with larger-than-life bows that are impossible to ignore.
Embellished bows are having a moment too, creating a Christmas look that feels oh-so-elegant. The pearl beaded bow tree topper from M&S tops our wishlist.
Cream Pearl Beaded Bow Tree Topper
2. Tinsel stages a glamorous comeback
When is it ever not a retro Christmas? We're bringing the tinsel back out again for Christmas 2026, adding shimmer, texture and a healthy dose of nostalgia to festive decorating.
Inspired by the return of lametta – the delicate metallic strands once draped over Christmas trees – retailers are finding fresh ways to reinterpret the sparkling material for a playful yet elevated look. Argos is selling a pack for £2.50 featuring crinkled strands that can we be woven throughout the tree.
Argos Home Red Crinkle Christmas Tinsel
Metallic fringes and foil curtains also offer an easy, fuss-free way to decorate plain walls for a maximalist aesthetic. Elsewhere, M&S is embracing the tinsel trend with its shimmering tinsel tree skirt, proving the nostalgic material can be reimagined as a stylish finishing touch for extra festive sparkle.
3. Christmas kerb appeal comes into its own
Christmas entrances are becoming bigger and more theatrical for 2026, with oversized decorations creating impact before guests even step through the door.
Giant glossy baubles, tartan bows, bell clusters and supersized paper decorations bring bold colour and exaggerated scale to traditional festive schemes. Cox & Cox is championing the look with statement pieces designed to transform porches and doorways into showstopping Christmas displays – and we're fully on board.
4. Garden decorating goes big in small spaces
Outdoor Christmas decorating is becoming more considered for 2026, with balconies, porches and front gardens styled as an extension of the home rather than treated as an afterthought.
The trend is all about layering outdoor lighting with seasonal greenery to spread festive cheer in even the smallest outdoor space.
Cox & Cox is embracing the look with everything from glowing pathways (anyone fancy an outdoor tree arch?) and illuminated trees to sparkling wreaths and outdoor lights in warm white, cool white and multicoloured designs. While this festive look from Suns Lifestyle is inspiring us to deck out a pergola with an oversized wreath, fairy lights and paper decorations.
5. Kitschmas Maximalism breaks all the rules
Kitschmas turns up the fun factor for 2026, with bold colour, unexpected patterns, nostalgic motifs and weird and wonderful decorations replacing restrained festive schemes.
The look is deliberately maximalist, mixing eclectic baubles with statement decor to create a Christmas that feels personal rather than polished.
'Maximalist, nostalgic decorating will be a key look for Christmas 2026,' says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village. 'This look is all about bold, fearless layering and a sense of joyful excess rather than restraint.'
Shelley recommends combining jewel tones – vivid fuchsias, teals, deep blues and purples – with brass to create depth and contrast, alongside plenty of sparkle. As she puts it: ‘Think Quality Street wrapper and you're halfway there.’
As ever, John Lewis is embracing the trend with quirky baubles. Think retro cassette tapes, singing felt pop star mice and frosted fruit – from apples to pomegranate – that deliver festive fun and frivolity to the home. While Oliver Bonas is going big with leopard print, with the animal pattern covering everything from advent calendars to stockings.
Divine Savages is championing the trend with a characteristically bold take on festive decorating, with one non-negotiable: There should always be 'a healthy dose of whimsy,' say founders Jamie Watkins and Tom Kennedy. ‘Christmas should never feel like a departure from your style, it should be a gloriously festive extension of it.’
6. Vintage Christmas brings back the magic
Vintage Christmas continues to charm for 2026, with nostalgic decorations and heirloom-inspired pieces at the forefront. This look celebrates timeless festive traditions and decorations that feel as though they've been collected over generations.
To get the look, lean into classic Christmas characters, painted wooden ornaments, glass baubles, velvet bows and striped ribbons – it all lends to a layered, characterful aesthetic, where every decoration tells a story.
Dunelm's Vintage Christmas collection brings together heirloom-inspired pieces that capture the warmth, nostalgia and enduring appeal of a traditional festive home. 'We’ve paired classic colours and motifs with flashes of fuchsia and gold to create a collection that has a sentimental, collectable feel,' says Emma Anthony, head of design & development at Dunelm.
7. Country cottage charm feels cosier than ever
Cosy country style is finding its way onto Christmas trees for 2026, with gingham, ruffles and woven fabrics bringing a softer, homespun feel to festive decorating.
Rather than glitter and glass, fabric decorations are taking centre stage, adding warmth, texture and a handcrafted look that pairs perfectly with traditional red, cream and woodland green.
M&S is tapping into the trend with woven gingham bows and a matching tree topper, proving that classic country patterns can feel just as festive as sparkle. Meanwhile, quilts, bunting and stockings from Emma Bridgewater bring the rustic theme to life.
8. Disco decor gets a colourful update
Disco balls are the perfect segue between Christmas and New Year, bringing instant sparkle to festive schemes while keeping the party mood going beyond 25 December.
For 2026, classic silver is being joined by pink, jewel-toned alternatives (Rockett St George are leading the way) and iridescent finishes giving the retro favourite a brighter, more playful update. We're seeing more pearlescent surfaces and rainbow-like reflections that catch the light beautifully on trees, tables and party displays.
9. Velvet chain garlands rise in popularity
Velvet chains are emerging as the more polished alternative to traditional paper chains for Christmas 2026, bringing richer colour and texture to festive schemes. We love the gorgeous tones on this velvet loop from Cox & Cox, which is a current bestseller.
These oversized links have all the handmade, nostalgic charm of the childhood classic, but the soft fabric finish makes them feel more luxurious and design-led. They’re an instant way to add character and depth. Drape them across mantels, staircases and doorways for a simple but striking festive update.
10. Ceramic houses and miniature Christmas villages take over the mantel
Miniature Christmas villages are driving the nostalgia trend for 2026, from ceramic houses and buildings to snow-covered village scenes transforming console tables, windowsills and the space beneath the tree.
You can decorate with individual ornaments or create layered scenes that can be added to year after year, making each display feel personal.
Lights4Fun leans into the trend with light-up mini houses, while Dobbies has launched the Lemax collection, featuring everything from festive shops and cottages to market squares and fairgrounds.
'A Christmas village is a wonderful way to add personality and festive charm to your Christmas decor,' says Rebecca Stanton, stylist at Dobbies. 'The secret to creating an impactful village is building layers and depth. Position larger buildings towards the back of your display and use snow blankets, moss and miniature trees to create different levels and landscapes. Small boxes hidden beneath snow can also help add height and create a more realistic scene.'
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The Christmas Decorations Edit
