The earliest Christmas trees date to the 16th century, but celebrants back then surely couldn’t have imagined how the tradition would evolve. The classic evergreen doesn’t even have to be real or green anymore, and the decorations and ornaments are at least as varied. Read on to see how time and technology have changed an icon of our seasonal celebrations.
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Prices and availability are subject to change.
The Realistic Artificial Tree
Starting at $449 from Balsam Hill Shop Now
To go faux but pretend it’s real, Balsam Hill has a European Fir Tree that is part of a collection “inspired by mountain woodlands” and featuring a trademarked “True Needle technology.” You can find other realistic options from National Tree via Macy’s.
The Tiny Tree
$38 from Birch Lane Shop Now
For those who are tight on space or prefer to have a few trees throughout the home, options include a 2.5-foot Nordic Spruce. It comes in its own burlap bag base for a natural look.
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The Silver (or Gold) Tree
Starting at $50 from Amazon Shop Now
A silver Christmas tree is a midcentury modern classic. That retro spirit comes to life with the Wellwood 6-foot Silver Tinsel Christmas Tree from Holiday Authority, with other options from outlets such as Silk Flower Depot. For those who prefer a bit of bubbly during the holidays, there’s always the 4-foot Champagne Tinsel Tree, bringing a touch of gold from National Tree.
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The Pink Tree
Starting at $79 from Overstock Shop Now
For those who approach the holidays with a playful attitude, the Pretty in Pink tree says it all. This bestselling model is true eye candy.
The Feather Tree
$99 from Balsam HillShop Now
With an eye on conservation, Germans began creating “feather trees” more than 100 years ago to preserve their woodlands. The handcrafted, early artificial trees — created from goose feathers with wide spaces between the branches — were said to resemble white pines. Today’s versions not only pay homage to the tradition but are prized for the way they showcase ornaments.
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A Flower Tree
Starting at $55 from 1-800-FLOWERS Shop Now
Flowers make any holiday more festive. Combine that approach with the traditional Christmas tree shape and you have an option that can serve as the decorative focal point or even a lavish hostess gift. You can find options on From You Flowers.
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The Upside-Down Tree
$167 from Kohl’s Shop Now
For those who flip for Christmas, the Kurt Adler 5-foot Upside Down Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree can also make a fitting commentary on a time that’s felt topsy-turvy for a few years. This modern tradition, it’s said, actually draws on the Middle Ages practice of displaying a simple inverted tree as a way to symbolize the holy trinity. You can find other options at Michael’s and Macy’s.
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The Wooden Tree
Starting at $135 from Etsy Shop Now
Bring a touch of the rustic outdoors inside with a wooden tree — and never have to pick up a needle. The branches are simple yet can be adorned, depending on the style.
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The Sophisticated Arts-and-Crafts Tree
$200 from The Apollo Box Shop Now
The Spira Christmas Tree is a swirl of ingenuity, offering “an innovative and ecological Christmas tree solution” that can be assembled easily to create quite a centerpiece. The site features another unexpected option, a Tulle Christmas Tree, for those who want to try a bit more ambitious of a look.
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The Light Tree
$60 from Christmas Lights Etc.
When you want the light of the season to be what really shines bright — and not get involved with anything else — opt for this 3-foot tree featuring 270 LED lights.
The Rainbow Tree
$150 from Best Choice Products Shop Now
Show your pride during the holidays — or simply embrace the joyous seasonal spirit — with this 7-foot Artificial Rainbow Full Fir Christmas Tree. A swirl design and more than 1,200 branch tips create a lush feel.
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The White Tree
$336 from Macy’s Shop Now
Want to keep the holidays simple and serene? A white tree might do the trick. Imagine the peaceful feeling of snowfall this 6-foot Winchester White Pine Tree (with clear lights) from National Tree will bring to your surroundings.
The Charlie Brown Tree
$110 from The Bradford Exchange Shop Now
If you adore the holiday television classic featuring the Peanuts gang, you might feel a “Charlie Brown tree” will add a layer of meaning to family celebrations. This tabletop version follows the original story’s spirit, while integrating characters from the story. You might also be able to find a Grump living tree like this at Trader Joe’s, and you can definitely find more naturalistic options from Christmas Central and Wayfair.
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The Pontiac GTO Tabletop Christmas Tree
$140 from The Bradford Exchange Shop Now
Somewhere along the way, the Christmas tree shape became a blank canvas for the collectibles market, evidenced by this tabletop tree designed to appeal to the auto enthusiast. It comes complete with GTO engine sounds. Other themed collectible choices include “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Thomas Kinkade, and Holiday Songbird trees.
Related: Cool Gifts for People Who Love Cars
Retro Bubble Lights
Starting at $11 from NoveltyLights.com Shop Now
So, you have the tree — now to consider what goes on it. Real candles on Christmas trees were once lit to welcome Christ, the “Light of the World.” That dangerous practice has long fallen out of favor, but bubble lights kept the tradition alive. Pick up some reproductions of those vintage favorites to add some retro appeal. You can also find options at 1000Bulbs and Fleet Farm.
Big Bulbs (C7 Lights)
$23 from Ace Hardware Shop Now
Today’s fairy lights and chaser lights might be delicate and cute — but nothing shines like the good ol’ C7 strands in their down-to-business colors. They were sturdy and sensible and meant the Christmas tree (or the outline of the front door) was ready to party. Other options are at Home Depot.
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Tinsel
$9 from The Jolly Christmas Shop Shop Now
“Don’t throw it on the tree,” many a mom would instruct. No, this decorative touch had to be put on strand by strand. Tedious, perhaps — but what a glittering reward for a job done right. Teach your own kids how it’s done with the Brite Star Silver Icicle Christmas Tinsel.
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Paper Chain Garland
$13 from Bella Luna Toys Shop Now
Many an elementary school afternoon was spent gluing together construction paper to create chains to hang on the tree. Those simple days have gone a bit chic with this Holiday Paper Chain Kit, though the spirit is honored. Other options can be found on Etsy.
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Chenille Ornaments
Prices vary from eBay Shop Now
Chenille was a holiday staple — you had to have at least one ornament on the tree made of this strangely soft material. There are countless options you can find by exploring eBay (from snowmen to elves to Santa himself) that feature chenille.
Related: 23 Most Beloved Christmas Collectibles
Candy Canes (and More)
$17 from See’s Candies Shop Now
Candies or cookies hanging on the tree used to make for a sweet Christmas morning. We always loved how candy canes hooked nicely onto a branch, making the hand-pulled See’s Candies creations a perfect contemporary choice. You can find Godiva chocolates to hang at Macy’s, too.
Related: The Forgotten History Behind Your Favorite Candies
Holiday Tree Skirt
Starting at $4 from Amazon Shop Now
A well-dressed tree also needs its skirt, right? So maybe our family put down an old sheet … but tree skirts serve a purpose practical and decorative, and you can find options to fit any feel you want to give your holidays at home.
Popcorn and Cranberry Garland
$15 from Etsy Shop Now
Do you know anyone who still pops popcorn and strings it with fresh cranberries to decorate the tree? We didn’t think so. You can even buy that old-school garland these days in a faux version.
Fir Real
From $97 from Woodies Garden GoodsShop Now
If this survey has you shaking your head, know there is nothing wrong with sticking with the old-fashioned way: a real tree, stringing your own popcorn garland and putting on some traditional lights. But if you’re hesitant about hitting the local lot or regional farm, real trees are just a click away. Fraser firs, starting at tabletop size, are among the offerings, and there are more options from Plants.com and Christmas Trees in the Mail.
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