These 8 Themed Christmas Trees Will Inspire You to Take Your Decorating to the Next Level This Year

There are so many ways to customize a Christmas tree to fit your style. Some people may prefer a classic look with white lights and simple globe ornaments, while others can’t resist incorporating trendier touches using, for example, hot pink disco balls and gold tinsel. Then there are others who truly take their trees to the next level by decorating with a specific theme in mind. Whether it’s a favorite book, food, color, or even a place that serves as inspiration, the results can be pretty amazing.

Want to give a themed tree a try? Take a look at these eight themed Christmas trees below, all of which are full of festive, creative elements. The decorating possibilities are truly endless, and if there were ever a year to embrace a tree that’s truly you and makes you smile, it’s 2020.

Why not customize your tree to showcase a favorite hobby or activity? Blogger Christina Guan styled a travel-themed tree to reflect her love of exploring. Her clever decorations include snapshots from various cities, adorable faux luggage tags bearing airport codes, and even some maps. On the very top she put an old passport instead of the typical star or angel tree topper. Whether you print out photos to display or use actual ephemera from your own trips, this is an easy look to recreate in your home and may just help you satisfy a little bit of that 2020 wanderlust you may be feeling right about now.

In a similar vein, if you’re dreaming of warmer weather, transport yourself to your favorite beach with a coastal-themed tree like blogger Courtney O’Dell did. She DIYed a variety of seashell and starfish ornaments and even strung some rope and burlap ribbon around the tree to complete the nautical look. I also love her use of a buoy and rattan baskets, which stand in for presents underneath the tree, in lieu of a traditional tree skirt.

If you want to focus in on a specific theme without veering too far from traditional Christmas decor, you can always choose to highlight a favorite holiday element. In blogger Sherry Cole’s case, this meant showcasing various Santas. Her tree features a mix of Santa ornaments that she has collected over the years and is adorned with other red and white decor, including tiny knit stockings and ribbon trim, that tie the tree’s color scheme together.

Blogger Kerri Roche went down a similar path, designing a cheerful North Pole-themed tree that’s full of cheeky signs, faux snowballs, and charming Christmas village houses. If you like the Joanna Gaines-esque modern farmhouse look, this could be a way for you to go. Shop for galvanized accents and consider using a galvanized tree collar or big bucket instead of a traditional skirt for this look, too.

If you or someone in your family has a major sweet tooth, a tree like blogger Angelina’s is sure to please. No dessert goes unacknowledged on this tree, which features ornaments in the shape of ice cream cones, gingerbread men, peppermints, macarons, and donuts, just to name a few. The end result is a colorful tree that’s bound to please anyone who appreciates a baked good. You could also do this kind of a tree for the foodie in your life with more savory picks.

If you have a favorite winter sport or activity, why not showcase it on your tree? Blogger Kelly Rinzema embraced a “Scandinavian Ski Lodge” theme in her home, and I love how nicely her vintage skis look woven into the tree’s branches. Rinzema stuck to a classic red and white color scheme, demonstrating that even traditional ornaments and accessories can pair well with a themed tree if you choose your topic wisely.

Have a major movie buff in your household? Let your tree reflect your family’s love of film by taking some cues from blogger Melanie Ferguson, who hung up paper tickets and all sorts of movie theater-sized candy boxes for a fun take on holiday decor. Given that you can grab most of these components at a pharmacy or dollar store, this tree is extra perfect for those in a time crunch or on a budget. I love the adorable faux popcorn box at the top! You could also try this kind of a tree by dedicating it to a favorite movie, show, or character. Harry Potter or “Schitt’s Creek” tree, anyone?

Perhaps the easiest way to theme out a tree is with color. Every year, Jennifer Perkins does something different in her home, which has around 100 trees total—big and small—inside it. If you don’t want to go too overboard with a concept but like the idea of having your tree hang together visually, then sticking to one color or two is a good way to make a big but fairly easy decorative statement.

Would you try a themed tree? If so, what are you thinking for the theme?