2026 Christmas Trends: the decorating, gifting and celebration trends shaping Christmas this year

I bought my first Christmas tree not long after I started writing for Hallmark. The rest, as they say, is holiday history. Even as holiday trends evolve every year, I’ve found a lot of ways to make the holidays my own and embrace traditions that keep me connected to loved ones across the miles. From personalized Christmas ornaments to family recipes to memory-making activities, there’s nothing quite like creating that once-a-year holiday magic.

So whether you want to try out new traditions or add some fresh takes on old favorites, the 2026 Hallmark Christmas Trends are here, and we have some extra-special ideas, tips and festive activities tucked away in our very own holiday bag of surprises (look out, Santa Claus!). Nostalgic Christmas décor ideas? We got you. Hosting tips for a fun multigenerational get-together? Keep reading! Our top 2026 Christmas themes, colors, icons and more are here to bring your tinseled dreams to life.

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Christmas trend #1: Fa La La La Luxe  

Mood board titled

 

Fa La La La Luxe is all about leaning into holiday glamour, celebrating stylishly and creating moments, spaces and memories that feel both lavish and inviting.

Trending colors, icons and scents

  • Jewel tones, deep reds, rich greens
  • Stained glass, pomegranates, winter florals
  • Mulled wine, pine & balsam, warm cashmere

 

Trending Keepsake Ornaments

For a look at all the 2026 Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, check out our digital Dream Book!

Collection of elegant holiday gifts and décor including a floral die-cut Christmas card, Christmas tree dangle earrings, a white porcelain Santa ornament, a purple glass butterfly ornament, patterned Christmas wrapping paper, a frosted glass tree-shaped candle, and a three-dimensional floral pop-up holiday card.

 

Decorating

  • The phrase “Too much tinsel” does not exist here. Also, who says the tree gets to have all the fun? From windows to doorways to the ceiling fan, add some shimmery pops of color to your space with tinsel.
  • When you do get to the tree, pick ornaments featuring shimmering pearl finishes, bright metallics and glitter. Or all three, like this beautiful butterfly ornament.
  • Find the brightest colored ribbons and use pushpins or adhesive to stick them up to the ceiling. Yes, your photo opportunity is waiting.
  • Opt for big bulb lights and oversize holiday décor like giant ornaments, enormous candy canes, etc.

Gifting

  • Have a luxury sample exchange for a more affordable way to still get that glam feel. Lip glosses, fragrances and bath bombs, oh my!
  • Give your tree a glow-up with an elegant ornament exchange. Bring this pretty glass Signature butterfly ornament. You may or may not want to wear gloves for the occasion. Just saying.
  • Is it even Christmas if you don’t receive a new pair of socks? Turn up the softness by gifting premium or cashmere socks for that extra hint of luxuriousness.
  • Statement earrings are the epitome of luxe. These say “happy holidays” but with a vintage glam vibe.

 

Celebrating

  • Wear your fanciest clothes just because you can. Maybe you want to have Fancy Fridays all month long or during the 12 Days of Christmas. The point is you don’t need a reason to get all dolled up.
  • Celebrate with a flight of holiday drinks where guests can be taste-testers. Need some recipes? Here are some holiday drink ideas for a very merry crowd.
  • When the ugly sweater contest needs a revamp, switch it up with a fancy winter coat contest. Just make sure somebody cues the runway music.
  • Gather everyone for a “this and yap” session, where the “this” is gift wrapping. You supply roll wrap in opulent patterns like this one. They bring the ribbon, bows, tags and any other trimmings they’re loving. Everyone leaves full of good cheer and loaded with gorgeously wrapped gifts.

 

Connecting

  • Get everyone together for an evening of musical performances. Singing and playing well is not required.
  • Scrooge can’t have all the fun. Have a storytelling hour where people can share memories from the past and present, as well as hopes for the future.
  • Charm hearts with an at-home Christmas charm bar. Friends can bring their charm jewelry and mix and match as they wish. Consider hosting earlier in the month so folks have a fun bracelet to wear all December long.
  • Cards with a luxury feel fit right in with this trend. Look for high-quality paper stock, intricate details that pop up or fold out and gold foil embossing. We love Signature Christmas cards in particular for this look.

Christmas trend #2: Handcrafted Holiday  

Holiday design mood board featuring handcrafted Christmas-inspired patterns and textures, including illustrated stockings, wrapped gifts, birds with ornaments, gold holiday baubles, a snowy village scene with a decorated tree, colorful paper-chain patterns, and coordinating color swatches. Center text reads “Handcrafted Holiday.”

 

Handcrafted Holiday is about the warmth of a vintage-inspired and homemade holiday—one that brings together multigenerational connecting, Christmas creativity and intentionally slow holiday moments.

Trending colors, icons and scents

  • Golden yellow, pastels, olive green
  • Wicker, embroidery, birds
  • Hot cider, eucalyptus, cloves

 

Trending Keepsake Ornaments

Collection of handcrafted-inspired holiday gifts and décor including a red bird ornament perched on a snowy branch, a

 

Decorating

  • There’s just something about vintage Christmas decorations that instantly feel warmer and more inviting. Use thrifted vintage ornaments and décor and then check out these ideas to create those charming nostalgic vibes.
  • Some décor shows up every season for a reason and paper garlands are one of those timeless crafts that instantly make a space feel lived-in and inviting. Make it an activity by writing a single holiday or New Year’s wish on each link in the chain.
  • Hang a handmade bird feeder from an outdoor tree or coat pinecones with peanut butter and bird seed.
  • Set out serving trays that feel vintage inspired, like these nesting Christmas tree trays. Fill them with a savory, spiced nut mix or go old-school sweet with peppermint puffs.

 

Gifting

  • Get a big bag of costume jewelry or vintage pieces to make one-of-a-kind ornaments for all your favorite people.
  • Christmas Swap Meet! From favorite craft supplies to gently used sweaters and scarves, it’s a budget-friendly way to spend time and share with others sustainably. For more budget-friendly gift ideas, check out this list.
  • Wrap or bag gifts in tea towels, scarves or fabric. Or find wrap with a Christmas craft theme, like this gift bag.
  • For the needlepoint and cross-stitch fans, a small holiday gift made one stitch at a time is certainly one way to warm all the hearts.

Celebrating

  • Have everyone bring or choose a favorite photo from the past for a Christmas throwback slideshow.
  • Create a craft circle with friends. Whether it’s a one-time gathering or a regular meet-up, this one has potential to be on your list of meaningful Christmas traditions.
  • Find your Christmas wonder with an afternoon of winter bird-watching in your area. Use an app or bird book to guide your sightings.

 

Connecting

  • Have a classic family recipe exchange. Give people a chance to share what they love about their recipe, the memories it evokes, or the people who helped create it.
  • Lean into multigenerational connecting, where people of all ages have a chance to share lessons, ask questions, and give advice.
  • Get to know loved ones with meaningful Christmas gifts around themes like “Something You Made,” “Something Local” or “Something Made by Someone You Know.”
  • Cards that lean into the colors and textures of this theme include this sweet papercraft card and this cute Joy to the World card.

Christmas trend #3: Sweet Season  

Product roundup featuring six holiday-themed items on a light background: a Disney Mickey Mouse Gingerbread Throw Pillow shaped like a gingerbread-style Mickey head with snowflake details, a Disney Merry Sweetsmas Mug with Mickey and Minnie artwork and the text “Merry Sweetsmas,” a Gingerbread Man Cookie Hallmark Ornament, a Hallmark Red Ribbon Bow Pin with candy cane stripes, a Nutcracker Paper Craft Christmas Card with a matching envelope, and a Poinsettias on Cream Christmas Gift Bag decorated with large pink and red poinsettia flowers and green foliage.

 

Holiday sweetness just became your new favorite decorating and entertaining theme with Sweet Season, a 2026 trend where candy-colored cheer is around every corner.

Trending colors, icons and scents

  • Modern reds and greens, silver, brown and tan accents
  • Bows, gingerbread cookies, poinsettias
  • Ginger, sugar cookie, cinnamon bark

 

Trending Keepsakes

Product roundup featuring six holiday-themed items on a light background: a Disney Mickey Mouse Gingerbread Throw Pillow shaped like a gingerbread-style Mickey head with snowflake details, a Disney Merry Sweetsmas Mug with Mickey and Minnie artwork and the text “Merry Sweetsmas,” a Gingerbread Man Cookie Hallmark Ornament, a Hallmark Red Ribbon Bow Pin with candy cane stripes, a Nutcracker Paper Craft Christmas Card with a matching envelope, and a Poinsettias on Cream Christmas Gift Bag decorated with large pink and red poinsettia flowers and green foliage.

 

Decorating

  • Cover your entire tree with brightly colored bows. Make it an event by having a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bow) Christmas decorating party.
  • Garlands, garlands galore! You can never have enough garlands, and a garland made out of peppermints or candy is sure to sweeten things up.
  • Fill bowls with colorful Christmas treats and candies to keep your home bright and your sweet tooth happy!
  • Add some scrumptious-looking décor to your lounge space, like this Disney Mickey Mouse gingerbread throw pillow and “Merry Sweetsmas” mug.

 

Gifting

  • Make the season extra sweet by going holiday shopping just for you and treating yourself to something you might not otherwise. Is there a new art class or party outfit in your future?
  • Gift them a sweet-as-candy red ribbon bow pin that will add a festive touch to any holiday outfit.
  • Dogs love some sweetness at Christmas, too. Bring sweet pet-friendly treats to your local dog shelter or humane society. Be sure to wish them a Merry Woofmas while you’re there!
  • For those who like to bake, a homemade dessert can be a wonderfully thoughtful gift. These snowmen recipes are beyond adorable.
  • Gift wrap and bags that bring to mind simple frosting decorations go great with this trend. You could totally turn the pattern on this gift bag into a frosted cookie!

 

Celebrating

  • Have an at-home snack sampler. You could even plan it around a flavor profile or theme and let your guests choose what to try.
  • Hosting a Christmas cookie exchange party is easier than ever with these ideas. Or, you could have a favorite treats or candy exchange where everyone brings their all-time favorite yums.
  • Build gingerbread houses together and have a “neighborhood tour” so you can enjoy everyone’s creations. (And masterpieces. You know who you are.) We have recipes, a free printable pattern and step-by-step instructions right here!

 

Connecting

  • Pre-make simple sugar cookies or buy plain ones and make fun holiday portraits of each other.
  • For a gift that keeps on giving, consider making an indoor treat wreath. You can use a pre-made wreath or make your own and then use wire or ribbon to secure candy, chocolate and more. You can even personalize it with these free printables!
  • Bring candy, fruit or other simple treats to your local senior center or hospital. Just be sure to coordinate with nursing staff when you get there.
  • This nutcracker-inspired papercraft Christmas card will immediately bring holiday sweets to mind.

Christmas trend #4: Joy for All  

Holiday trend mood board titled “JOY FOR ALL,” featuring colorful handcrafted Christmas decor and playful seasonal designs. The collage includes stitched artwork reading “Oh what fun!,” miniature white tabletop trees decorated with pom-pom ornaments, illustrated ornaments and snowmen, pastel bottlebrush trees with tiny village houses, woven star ornaments, and holiday cards and envelopes. Coordinating color swatches in green, red, light blue, orange, and navy appear along the bottom.

 

Joy for All is rooted in simple togetherness and thoughtful moments with the ultimate goal of making the people in your life feel included, loved and cared for.

Trending colors, icons and scents

  • Saturated greens and oranges, navy blue, grounding neutrals
  • Yarn, fir trees, snowfolks
  • Peppermint, rich vanilla, juniper

 

Trending Keepsake Ornaments

Product roundup featuring six Christmas-themed items on a light background: Magic Snowman Village Musical Christmas House and Carolers Tabletop Decorations, Magic Snowman Village Musical Bakery and Baker Tabletop Decorations, Make it Merry Christmas Card with colorful lettering reading “MAKE IT MERRY,” Christmas Mailbox Gift Card Holder with “Special Delivery” text, Mint Green Sculpted Santa Mug, and Making Memories Welcoming Wreath Ornament with a snowman and small animal figures.

 

Decorating

  • Place tea light candles in teacups and put them around the house or wherever people gather.
  • Create a scenic snowman village display! This collection is new this year, and it’s perfect for starting a new family tradition
  • There’s no such thing as too much garland around the holidays. Try making a garland out of repurposed materials, an old scarf or even leftover gift wrap.
  • Don’t let the littles miss out on the fun. Here are a bunch of kids bedroom Christmas decorating ideas to try!

 

Gifting

  • Gift hot cocoa kits with thrifted mugs or mugs you already own.
  • Fill oversize fuzzy socks with simple treats or small candy canes. Because who doesn’t love cozy socks and sweet treats?
  • This gift card holder shaped like a little Christmas mailbox is a cute way to plus up a simple gift, especially for kids.
  • Pick a favorite or memorable photo and write about what made that day special on the back.

 

Celebrating

  • Have a classic Christmas movie night with all your favorites. Here’s a little inspiration to help you live your Christmas childhood nostalgia. Bonus if it comes with hot chocolate served in special Santa mugs.
  • Find a holiday book that everyone can read leading up to your planned gatherings.
  • Cook a meal together. It’s one of the warmest and yummiest ways to spend time together. Here are over 60 Christmas appetizer ideas to get you excited!

 

Connecting

  • Try your hand at some classic parlor games like charades and trivia, but with holiday twists!
  • Cards that have a kids’ craft feel are super-fun for this trend—think glitter, construction paper and fun shapes. We especially love this one.
  • You’ve heard of the 12 days of Christmas, but what about the 12 compliments? Have fun sending 12 compliments on their merry way to someone special.
  • There’s nothing like the warm touch of a Christmas card to really make their day. Here are our very best Christmas card tips and a few ideas for what to write.

Christmas trend #5: Bright Christmas  

Mood board titled

 

Bright Christmas is a celebration of all things bright and joyful with bold colors, playful ideas and fun activities to spark Christmas creativity.

Trending colors, icons and scents

  • Bright metallics, pinks, periwinkle
  • Tinsel trees, tapered candles, colorful cocktails/mocktails
  • Sugar plums, orange zest, cranberry

 

Trending Keepsake Ornaments

A collection of gifts, decor and cards that correspond with the

 

Decorating

  • Have a tinsel-throwing party! Everyone brings colorful tinsel to help decorate a space.
  • Decorate your trees by color or different bright, season-celebrating fun, like games, movies, sports, favorite foods, etc.
  • Forget the fancy tablecloth! Grab your favorite Crayola colors and have a paper tablecloth or runner everyone can add to.
  • For cozy spaces, a brightly colored throw covered in favorite characters like this Peanuts® Holiday Patchwork throw blanket is perfect. (If you feel compelled to get the collectible drinking glass to go with it, we’ll understand.)

 

Gifting

  • Where I grew up, “Christmas style” means you’re getting red and green salsa! Turn up the temperature for your heat-loving friends with some homemade gourmet hot sauce.
  • Give yourself the gift of adventures. Here are some Advent calendar activities for adventurous families.
  • From new books to new puzzles, a fun analog gift can help bring people into the present moment through play.

 

Celebrating

  • Create an all-upbeat holiday pop playlist that everyone can add to. Start it early in the month so by the time Christmas arrives, your playlist is top-notch.
  • Have designated Christmas pajama parties or themed dress-up days. For example, “On the first day of Christmas, we wear pink.” 💅😂
  • Make cookie decorating easy by getting pre-made sugar cookies. Make it bright with edible glitter, neon colors or even frosting that glows under UV light by mixing it up with tonic water.

 

Connecting

  • Create a fun photo backdrop, then take and print instant photos during a get-together.
  • Have fun playing silly games, like having an indoor snowball fight with plush snowballs or even balled-up socks!
  • Watch old commercials for toys everyone wanted in years past and have fun time- traveling together!
  • If you’re loving this trend, only the brightest-colored Christmas cards will do. This one is at the top of our favorites list, but there are lots more options here!

Christmas trend #6: Winter Wonders  

Holiday trend mood board titled “Winter Wonders,” featuring natural and Scandinavian-inspired Christmas décor. The collage includes wooden house figurines, star garlands, stacked firewood, minimalist wooden trees, a small potted evergreen, illustrated evergreen patterns, a white bird among winter foliage, and hanging ornament artwork. Soft, earthy color swatches in green, olive, teal, beige, and berry red appear along the bottom.

 

Winter Wonders is a nature-inspired trend focused on reflection, gratitude and creating a meaningful holiday season that encourages peace and mindfulness.

Trending colors, icons and scents

  • Moss green, nature-inspired colors, soft clay
  • Doves, moons and stars, evergreen trees
  • “By the fireside,” roasted chestnuts, fresh-cut trees

 

Trending Keepsake Ornaments

Collection of Winter Wonders holiday gifts and décor including a moon-and-stars ornament, illuminated nativity tabletop decoration, peace-themed Christmas card, snowy village gift bag, and a winter scene jigsaw puzzle.

 

Decorating

  • Add a peaceful Nativity scene, menorah or kinara as a centerpiece of faith and spirituality.
  • Lean into natural greenery for garlands, wreaths and boughs for the mantel.
  • From candles to twinkling string lights, keep the winter season bright with things that glow, sparkle and bring joy throughout the winter.

 

Gifting

  • Gift everyone a holiday candle. You could even attend a workshop and make one.
  • Make ornaments out of pinecones, branches and other natural materials.
  • Create an acoustic or instrumental holiday playlist to share. For the musically inclined, try playing a cover or writing your own holiday song for someone.
  • For gift wrapping, choose roll wrap and bags that feature nature scenes, trees and greenery, woodland animals and other calming themes.

 

Celebrating

  • Gather by the fireside to sing carols together. No fireplace? You might be able to pull one up on the TV!
  • Drive around to see the Christmas lights together. Don’t forget to get some hot chocolate for the road at a local café!
  • Remember loved ones who have passed by including them in new or old Christmas traditions.

 

Connecting

  • Write handwritten letters to old friends or people you haven’t connected with in a while.
  • Enjoy some quiet company while you work on a puzzle
  • Have a stargazing or moongazing night with loved ones on a clear winter night. This one can even work as a fun activity for long-distance connection.
  • Whether you’re ice-skating, walking or doing some winter bird-watching, enjoy some fresh air with friends and family to stay grounded all month long.
  • Share words of gratitude in a simple card that lets them know how much they mean to you.

 

We hope you’re feeling full of Christmas wonder, excitement and inspiration after reading about all these Christmas trends for 2026. Whatever your holiday style, we hope all the memories and magic you create this year make Christmas oh-so-wonderful for you and yours.