The Christmas 2026 decorating trends we're already spotting at John Lewis, M&S, Dunelm and more

It’s August, temperatures are high and the school summer holidays are in full swing, but here at House Beautiful, we’ve been knee-deep in Christmas.

The seasonal flurry of ‘Christmas in July’ previews gave us an early look at the decorations arriving at some of our favourite high-street stores this year. Some familiar trends are returning, others have come back around in a fresh guise, and a few feel entirely new.

So, what’s shaping Christmas 2026? Here’s a first look at the trends set to define the festive season.

After dominating interiors the past few years, bows are a mainstay for Christmas 2026. We're seeing bigger, bolder ribbons and more patterns (hello, 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.

Dobbies is among the retailers championing the look, naming bright, oversized bows as one of its Christmas must-haves. Meanwhile, Rockett St George and B&M are taking the trend one step further with larger-than-life bows that are impossible to ignore.

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.

M&S is embracing the trend with its shimmering tinsel tree skirt, proving the nostalgic material can be reimagined as a stylish finishing touch for extra festive sparkle.

Christmas colour is getting richer for 2026, with vivid fuchsias, teals, deep blues and purples creating a bold, saturated look that feels warm, nostalgic and visually abundant.

'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 these jewel tones with brass to create depth and contrast, alongside plenty of sparkle. As she puts it: ‘Think Quality Street wrapper and you're halfway there.’

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.

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 boost kerb appeal and spread festive cheer beyond the front door – even in 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.

Kitschmas is dialling up the fun for 2026, with bold colour, nostalgic motifs and weird and wonderful decorations replacing restrained festive schemes.

The look is deliberately maximalist, mixing quirky baubles, whimsical patterns, statement pieces and unexpected details to create a Christmas that feels personal rather than polished.

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.

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.’

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.

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.

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.

Velvet chains are emerging as the more polished alternative to traditional paper chains for Christmas 2026, bringing richer colour and texture to festive schemes.

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.

Miniature Christmas villages are driving the nostalgia trend for 2026. Think illuminated buildings, tiny figures and snow-covered scenes transforming console tables, windowsills and the space beneath the tree into magical winter displays.

Rather than decorating with individual ornaments, the key is creating layered scenes that can be added to year after year. Rather than decorating with individual ornaments, the key is creating 'layered scenes' that can be built upon 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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