Christmas tree themes: 12 on-trend decorating schemes to try in 2023

From bold rainbow brights to Scandi minimalism, we reveal the best Christmas tree themes for this year

collage showing three of the biggest Christmas tree themes for 2023
(Image credit: John Lewis | Next | Dunelm)

If you’re already thinking about your festive decor, look no further for inspiration than our curation of the must-have Christmas tree themes for 2023. 

Decorating your Christmas tree is a fun and joyful experience to get you feeling festive, and whether you choose the best real Christmas trees for your home or opt for an artificial Christmas tree in bright and bold hues, the possibilities are endless.

These suggestions bring together the latest Christmas tree colour trends along with our favourite Christmas tree decorating ideas for 2023 but remember, the most important thing is to pick a festive theme that you love and adore and will return to for years to come.

 12 Christmas tree themes to try in 2023

The biggest Christmas tree themes for this year take into consideration the latest coordinated colour schemes, stylish baubles, and luxe lighting to decorate the tree like a professional.

1. Candy cane delights

Candy cane Christmas tree theme

(Image credit: Matalan)

Good enough to eat, quite literally in some instances, sweeten the deal this festive season with a candy cane-themed Christmas tree. 

"Christmas trees are looking fun this year with a nod to lifting our spirits," says Emma Morton-Turner, an interior stylist, writer and founder of Inside Stylists. "There are tons of brightly coloured sweetie decorations and oversized candy canes - think what a tree would look like if Willy Wonka went mad at this time of year. Oversized and over fun. I'm so here for it."

Think of a red and white colour scheme, over-the-top ornaments, and plenty of real candy canes, lollipops, and hanging sweet treats for good measure. Of course, if you're worried about little hands helping themselves to real treats you could opt for sweet-themed decorations instead of the real thing.

2. Rustic charm

Traditional living room with elegant green decor with rustic christmas tree theme and matching garland draped across the fireplace

(Image credit: Future)

Modern country and rustic home decor have remained a top interior design trend in 2023, so it’s no surprise that this simple, laid-back style will lend itself to the Christmas tree themes of the 2023 festive period. 

Incorporate this trend with homespun accessories like handmade garlands, rattan Christmas tree topper ideas, and plenty of earth-toned, muted hues. Warm lights are a must for this look, to emulate the soft glow of ambient candlelight and roaring fires which are synonymous with country style. 

3. Glam gold

Gold Christmas tree theme in traditional decorated living room

(Image credit: Future)

For a classic festive decorating scheme that exudes sophistication, opt for a gold Christmas tree theme. If you're wondering how to decorate a Christmas tree with this metallic scheme, consider glass ornaments, metallic ribbons, stars, and hints of sparkle.

For most, a gold look is unapologetically glam but you can also make it feel more muted if you choose matt gold finishes, rather than shiny attention-grabbing gold Christmas decorations.  

4. Scaled-back Scandi style

Scandi christmas tree scheme

(Image credit: Marks & Spencer)

When the minimalist style is too little but the other schemes feel too much there are always Scandi influences to set the scene with ease.

"The casual Icelandic retreat trend is perfect for those who favour a reduced colour palette and natural textures," says Claire Douglas, an interior stylist and regular contributor here at w&h. 

"I love linens and rustic ceramics, so this calm aesthetic really appeals to me. The trend will work well in a neutrally decorated room and is a great way to create a cosy feel despite the pared-back styling. It's subtle but stylish and is sure to be a popular one for Christmas 2023".

5. Natural wonder

Barn-style living space with exposed beams with dining table and christmas tree theme to show a natural woodland style

(Image credit: Wayfair)

Inspired by nature, this year’s emerging festive trend celebrates the natural beauty of winter woodland, keeping decoration colors neutral or derived from nature.

"This Christmas tree theme captures the essence of woodland charm, but is simplistic and accessible in nature," explains Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill. "Introducing fresh natural foliage, and mixing earthy neutrals and touches of frosty snowy whites to create a soothing and enchanting look.

"Incorporating classic festive greenery into decorating schemes will instantly lift a room, but the complementary tones of oatmeal, verdant greens, and pale woods will elevate the look and make it feel instantly more contemporary."

6. Merry, bright and bonkers

Christmas tree with brightly colored baubles

(Image credit: Future)

Some would say that Christmas is the ideal time to be bold with colour choices because it's not permanent, so for those people, there are merry and bright Christmas tree themes to embrace bold hues for the holidays. Amongst the celebration of colour are the novelty characters too.

"Novelty is still key for Christmas 2023," says Emma. "With glass decorations in the shape of everything from sushi to knitting needles and balls of wool. More things to make us smile."

Whether decorating alpine spruce or a snowy white tree, add bright and colourful ornaments and accessories to bring a playful pop of colour to your festive space. A bohemian mix of jewel-toned brights to welcome a kaleidoscope of festive colour, all of which will omit a warm glow when illuminated by the tree lights.

7. Frosted silver

snowy Christmas tree theme in an all grey dining area that feels elegantly understated

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

On the opposite side of the metallic colour scale is silver for an icier approach to using gilded tones. From frosted silver trees to glitzy decorations and cold-hued lights, a silver Christmas tree theme gives a more polished look ideal for contemporary glam decor. 

From matt pewter tones to high-shine silver baubles and glitter-covered ornaments a mix of silver touches adds depth to this effortlessly cool theme. Silver can be effortlessly supported by white decorations that add to the snowy, iced aspect of the colour palette.

8. Traditional red and gold

traditional red gold and green christmas tree theme

(Image credit: Matalan)

Another traditional Christmas tree theme, red and gold Christmas trees are a classic choice that provides a timeless style that will look great in any space. Some of the best Christmas decorations come in these colorways too, so you won't be short on choices. 

This colour scheme is best suited to a natural-looking fir tree to welcome a touch of green foliage which acts as an accent colour. And because the look is more traditional you can add woodland touches via the decorations to create a cosy cabin feel that adds to the ambience. 

9. Understated minimalism

minimalist christmas tree themes

(Image credit: Future | Lights4fun)

With the busy world outside, many of us have come to embrace the “less is more” mindset when it comes to our homes. Incorporate this into your holiday decorating and opt for a minimalist Christmas tree theme that makes just the right style statement without overwhelming your living space. 

A deep green fir tree is best, decorated with simple ornaments, neutral colors, and a wicker Christmas tree skirt to add a stylish yet simple finishing touch.

10. Snowy sophistication

elegant neutral living room with snowy Christmas tree theme

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

Snow-tipped Christmas trees will ensure that a white Christmas is a reality whatever the weather. With a snowy Christmas tree, it’s best to keep things simple – just add warm string lights and white or pastel ornaments to bring everything together. 

You can also work this Christmas tree theme into your Christmas centrepiece ideas too, for a pulled-together holiday decor scheme. 

11. Floral fancy

Christmas tree theme with boho feathers and faux flowers

(Image credit: Wayfair)

Get in bloom this holiday season with a floral Christmas tree. Add your favourite faux flowers and bring a touch of spring blooms to winter with this unique tree style. 

Simply place faux flower heads of your best cottage garden plants such as roses and hydrangeas in between the branches of your festive tree to welcome a floral touch to your decorating. You can still add complimentary coloured feathers, baubles, and ornaments to enhance the flowers and fill out the tree.

12. Rainbow colour schemes

rainbow coloured Christmas tree theme in a teal living room

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

This Christmas, consider a kaleidoscope of color placed in order of a rainbow to really make a statement. Create a gradient effect with different hues of your favorite shades, or go all out with bold and brights. Finish the look with fairy lights and an oversized tree topper. 

How to choose a Christmas tree theme for your home

When choosing a Christmas tree theme, you should consider your overall design aesthetic, and opt for pieces that you can use year after year, minimizing overall cost and waste. Rachel Epstein, design specialist and creative director of CARME Home says that it's important to think about existing themes when choosing a tree.

"Christmas trees are a standout feature of the home and so you'll want to choose a theme that complements your interiors without clashing with your décor. The main things to consider when choosing a theme are the colour and lighting," she tells Woman & Home. "The colour of the decorations should complement your tree as well as the rest of the room.

"For lighting, stick with your current lighting tones, so if you have warm lighting go for warm lights. Contrasting lighting is a big no!"

Rachel says that a fashionable and cosy Christmas tree is "essentially a balancing act". Each time you place a decoration try to coordinate where the next one will go and think about the size, color, and texture of the items.

"Start with your standout decorations and place them in the prime locations making sure that each section of the tree has a good standout bauble. A great tip to make your tree look taller is to hang any large decorations at the bottom and keep going smaller towards the top," she notes. 

"A classic mistake people always make is forgetting about the tinsel or lights! Place these on first and then your decorations, there's nothing worse than weaving lights in and out of your filled-up Christmas tree."

Tamara Kelly
Lifestyle Editor

Tamara is a highly experienced homes and interiors journalist, with a career spanning 22 years. Now the Lifestyle Editor of womanandhome.com, she has spent the last 17 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, and it’s with these award-winning interiors teams that she gained a wealth of knowledge and honed her skills and passion for styling and writing about every aspect of lifestyle and interiors.


A true homes and interiors expert, Tamara has served as an ambassador for leading interior brands on multiple occasions, including appearing on Matalan’s The Show and presenting at top interior trend forecasting events such as the Autumn Fair and Spring Fair.

With contributions from