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Most Popular Christmas Decorations
When you think of Christmas decorations, what comes to mind? It might be a Christmas tree, Christmas lights or even a big blow-up Santa.
People have hung evergreen boughs since ancient times, and decorated pines since the very first Christmas tree. Through the centuries, Christmas decorations have become more numerous and lavish. People still decorate with pine wreaths and garland today, but they also hang Christmas lights and Christmas stockings, set up outdoor decorations and Christmas trains.
Why Do People Decorate for Christmas?
Our thoughts turn to Christmas preparations sometimes months before the holiday. Getting ready for Christmas often includes decorating our homes. But why do we feel so motivated to decorate?
Since Christmas is a religious holiday, many popular Christmas decorations – the evergreen tree, the star, and the nativity scene – contain religious symbolism. These decorations remind people of the significance of the occasion.
Christmas also falls near the winter solstice, the darkest time of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, which cheerful Christmas lights and candles help dispel.
Christmas is a time of celebration, a remembrance of the birth of Christ, the turning of the seasons and the approach of a new year. Decorating reinforces the joy of these happy occasions.
What are the Most Popular Christmas Decorations?
Christmas trees and lights top the list of most popular Christmas decorations, and outdoor inflatables have many fans. But there are so many more Christmas decorations to spread holiday cheer!
From Christmas garland to Christmas gnomes, let’s explore our “Christmas Decoration Top 12.”
1. Ornaments

Shatterproof and glass ball ornaments are the most popular individual type of Christmas ornament, creating a calm backdrop for a vast variety of designs and styles. Among our Christmas ornament selection you’ll find everything from icicles to animals, angels to Santa Claus and everything in between. Whatever the occasion, hobby or interest, it is undoubtedly depicted in a Christmas tree ornament.
2. & 3. Garland and Wreaths
The tradition of decorating with Christmas greenery spans decades – for good reason. People decorate with Christmas wreaths and garland because they add style to a front door, fireplace mantel or stairway with little effort. Plus, both Christmas garland and winter wreaths offer many style options.
Traditional pine garland is the most popular type of Christmas garland, but you can also find flocked garland, tinsel garland, berry garland and ornament garland. Pre-lit garland, with lights already attached, is a decorator’s dream. Hang it or lay it just about anywhere for a warm holiday glow.
Similarly, decorators can choose from traditional green pine wreaths, flocked wreaths, berry wreaths and shatterproof ornament wreaths to add a touch of Christmas charm to their homes. In recent years, white wreaths and even pink wreaths have become popular, as well.
Undecorated Christmas wreaths are best sellers because they are so versatile. They can be hung as-is for a natural look, but crafters love to add ornaments, pinecones, berries and bows to create their own custom Christmas wreaths.
4. Nutcrackers

The Christmas nutcracker often features colorful painted details and fancy embellishments. Jeweled accents and metallic trimmings lend Christmas nutcrackers an aura of glamor, in keeping with the season’s glitter and gleam.
Tabletop nutcrackers are highly popular collectibles, but you’ll also find nutcracker Christmas tree ornaments, outdoor nutcracker decorations and commercial decorations.
5. Santa Claus

From inflatable Santa decorations to Santa Claus tabletop decor, from Santa Claus Christmas ornaments to Santa house and garden flags, there are so many ways to display Santa all around your house. Plus, Santa figurines and black Santas are popular with collectors who are always looking for a new addition.
6. Tree Toppers

Maybe you favor a Santa tree topper or a glass finial. Whatever the style, tree topper preferences are often passed down through generations. So if your family's Christmas tree topper is a snowflake, it’s likely to be your grown children’s choice, too.
7. Reindeer

From reindeer figurines to outdoor reindeer decorations, you’ll find a huge variety of these graceful, antlered animals. You can also place reindeer ornaments on your tree, reindeer stocking holders on your mantel and reindeer throw pillows on your sofa.
8. Stockings

A red Christmas stocking with a fluffy white cuff is a holiday staple, but modern Christmas stockings now run the range of colors and styles to match any theme or decor. You can find shimmering gold Christmas stockings and stylish gray, neutral beige and patterns like plaid and camouflage. Pick a design and let your Christmas stocking make a statement!
9. Snow Globes

During the holidays, you can buy snow globes just about anywhere, from local drug stores to fine gift shops, in all price ranges. Many snowglobes feature music and movement for added enjoyment. And while a spherical glass snowglobe is traditional, you may also discover non-traditional snow globes designed as lanterns, snowmen, trains and other Christmas figures.
10. Snowmen

From Christmas tree ornaments to lawn decorations, tabletops to novelty Christmas lights, cheery snowmen brighten the holidays. Whatever the size, a snowman decoration often features a colorful scarf, mittens and hat. And he’s frequently joined by other jolly friends.
Place an inflatable snowman outdoors and a snowman silhouette in your window for a merry seasonal touch inside and out.
11. Nativity Figures

Nativity figures depict the infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph, but may also include shepherds, angels, livestock, wise men and other figures. Many nativity sets are displayed on tabletops and under Christmas trees, but some decorations are larger and lighted for outdoor display.
12. Christmas Gnomes

A Christmas gnome typically wears a warm winter hat, knit sweater or simple jacket with a fur-trimmed coat and boots. Since these white-bearded figures resemble another popular Christmas character, you’ll also find dozens of Santa gnomes.
Gnome Christmas decor is easy to add to a mantel, tabletop and other areas around the home. In addition, their typically low price point has made Christmas gnomes popular with collectors.
If you have a favorite Christmas decoration (or two, or three!), one or more of them likely appear on our list. The sheer variety of Christmas decorations means there’s a theme and style to please everyone - and there’s always a new decoration to discover!
Take time to browse our extensive selection of Christmas decorations and find something new that you’ll love to add to your holiday decor.
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