Christmas trends are a tricky topic. For such a traditional holiday steeped in nostalgia, with quite clear rules on the color palette and motifs, it is a wonder we keep managing to come up with new ways to make it feel fresh.
But manage it we do, and it is my job to listen and take notes. For 2024, I've noticed a shift in Christmas tree ideas toward decorations that exude a certain sense of sophistication and style – think glass teardrops, luxurious velvet bows, and vintage-inspired baubles that make Christmas tree decor look more expensive.
And here's the best part – you don't need a high-end budget to shop for expensive-looking Christmas tree ornaments. Here, you'll find some of my favorite finds that I'm personally shopping and adding to my tree this year to make it feel all the more lavish.
Expensive-looking Christmas tree ornament trends
The great thing about Christmas decor trends is that you can mix and match them to find something that works for your own style and personality. You can either take one of these ideas away or adopt a combination of them all to create an on-trend and well-curated tree. From clip-on candles that evoke old-world charm to vintage-inspired picture frame ornaments, these styles feel as luxurious as they are meaningful.
As a Style and Trends Editor, I have spent countless hours uncovering the trends that define the holiday season, and these are some of the most elegant and expensive-looking ornament styles I've found.
1. Clear teardrops
You'll notice that 2024 seems to be the year of vintage Christmas decor. This means we're throwing traditional tinsel out the window and looking to more retro styles like the lametta tinsel trend or more timeless designs like teardrops.
These elegant, almost ethereal tree ornaments look instantly timeless. They can be added to a minimalist tree, like the above, or as seen in the tour of designer Shea McGee's home decorated for the holidays use them with a mix of on-trend decorations for a more maximalist take.
Glass ornaments like these always feel high-end because of their handcrafted quality, but the magic of them is really the way they catch and reflect light, giving your tree a shimmering effect. They work beautifully with warm white lights to create a soft glow, but they also pair well with colored or twinkling lights for a more playful look.
Create a truly standout tree with this set of 22 glass raindrop ornaments. With four different sizes in the set, they're all handmade in real glass which will last a lifetime – as long as you're careful.
Made from beautifully delicate glass, these icicles from West Elm have a more modern shape to create a shimmering effect on your tree. Pair with icicle lights for a really frosty look.
For something a little different, these antiqued finial-style teardrops are made in retro mercury glass with a snowy effect to create a wintery glow. Try layering them with traditional plain glass ones.
2. Clip-on candles
If you're bored of the same old and are wondering how to decorate a Christmas tree in 2024, the answer has to be these charming clip-on candle lights.
Also beloved by Shea McGee (McGee & Co.'s viral candle lights with brass clips sold out way before December), these whimsical alternatives to traditional fairy lights have become a firm favorite among those seeking a softer, cozier, vintage-inspired aesthetic this Christmas.
Giving off a warm glow, they hark back to days when tree trees with lit with real candles (fire safety was less of a thing back in the day). But the modern iterations, whether battery-operated or LED, give you all the style without the risk.
Made to look like they're nestled into traditional candle holders, complete with a finger holder, these 17th-century-inspired candle lights will certainly add a traditional touch to your tree.
Looking like something out of Harry Potter, these magical floating Christmas tree candles come with either fishing line or clips so you can hang or display them to suit your style. Plus, they're controlled by remote.
USB-powered, these string lights feature 20 little candles each with their own LED light that emits a warm white glow for a romantic feel to your tree or garland. Suitable for use both in and outdoors.
3. Flocked baubles
Velvet-covered or flocked baubles are also everywhere this Christmas, adding a soft and fuzzy texture to your tree that sets them apart from traditional glass or metallic ornaments.
Their frosted finish mimics the look of snow, making them a great choice for anyone aiming to create a cozy, wintry aesthetic. Whether in soft neutrals or rich jewel tones, velvet always feels luxurious at Christmas time.
Plus, they work beautifully in contrast with more reflective ornaments. Their matte, textured surface absorbs light in a way that feels warm and inviting. No matter your decor style, flocked baubles offer a timeless style.
A staple of the McGee & Co. holiday collection for 2024, Shea has designed various color combos of these flocked baubles but this set of 8 gets you the most varied palette.
In more traditional colorways, this set of 4 ornaments from CB2 are wrapped in soft velvet to add touches of red, scarab green, silver blue and ivory to the Christmas tree.
Available in a pack of 'warm' or 'cool' colors, Joanna Gaines' Magnolia has designed this set of 6 felt-finished bulb ornaments to offer a simple yet striking appearance.
4. Thick velvet bows
Of course, the bow Christmas trend isn't showing any sign of letting up this year either. But there's a way to do bows that feels expensive rather than playful, if that's more your jam.
Large, luxurious velvet bows have such a sumptuous appearance on a tree, bringing a sense of grandeur and softness too. You can create a bold statement with 100s of them, as an over-the-top tree topper, or use a few dotted throughout your tree nestled among other decorations.
Look for thicker, well-structured bows to add volume and drama, and opt for classic Christmas colors like deep red, emerald green, or gold for a traditional vibe, or experiment with blush pink or navy for a more contemporary take. Beyond the tree, velvet bows can also adorn wreaths, garlands, or even gifts for a coordinated holiday aesthetic.
Pre-wired bows give you so much versatility as you can mold them into shape so that they don't appear floppy. Use this set of two big red bows to top your tree or finish off a foliage wreath.
These on-trend velvet bows are each hand folded and tied using strong cotton thread so they will keep their shape year after year. I love that they're in this year's must-have burgundy Christmas trend.
For a multi-color selection, these 10 beautiful bows come lovingly handmade and wrapped in a box featuring 2 red, 2 green, 2 yellow, 2 blue, and 2 pink for a fun addition to your Christmas.
5. Vintage picture frames
Retro picture frame ornaments are the perfect way to add a personal and nostalgic touch to your Christmas tree. In fact, even Martha Stewart is a fan of these vintage Christmas tree ornaments.
These delicate and ornate miniature picture frames were super popular in the '80s and '90s, and are back in the limelight for this Christmas thanks to their timeless charm. The key is to let them shine and be seen, so be sure not to overcrowd them with lots of baubles nearby.
Whether you use them to display family photos, children's illustrations, handwritten holiday messages, or holiday-inspired artwork, they add a personal touch to the tree.
With an ornate vintage feel, this bow-topped picture frame ornament was designed exclusively for Pottery Barn Teen by LoveShackFancy to add a fanciful touch to your tree.
When two trends collide you get this wine red velvet picture frame from Target. Finished with a gold "2024" charm, this ornament will create a special memento to hang for years to come.
Finished with a burnished brass tone, this beveled picture frame will show off your cherished memories on the tree. You can even add a customized inscription to the base for a beautiful gift.
Investing in ornaments that feel special to you will create a look you’ll love year after year. This year's most popular Christmas tree trends blend timeless nostalgia with personal touches, and is the best way to make a Christmas tree feel rich with elegance and personality.
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