20 Christmas Tree Topper Ideas to Crown Your Holiday Decor
The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decorating, and the topper is its crown. While a classic star or angel is always beautiful, branching out can add a unique touch of personality to your festive centerpiece.
If you’re looking to switch things up this year, there are countless creative options that can reflect your family’s style, interests, and sense of humor.
This list explores 20 unique Christmas tree topper ideas to inspire you. From rustic and modern designs to playful and pop-culture-inspired choices, you’ll find the perfect finishing touch that will make your tree truly unforgettable.
20 Christmas Tree Topper Ideas
1. Classic Glass Finial
A glass finial is a timeless and elegant choice that adds a touch of vintage charm to any Christmas tree.
Available in various classic shapes and colors, like shimmering gold, sophisticated silver, or even rich jewel tones, these shiny toppers catch the light beautifully, creating a dazzling display.
A delicate mercury glass finial, for instance, pairs perfectly with warm white lights and classic red ornaments for a sophisticated, heirloom look that never goes out of style and evokes a sense of nostalgic grandeur.
2. Bedazzled Bow
For a touch of glam without the traditional star shape, consider a large, structured bow as your tree’s crowning glory.
Options like a meticulously jeweled metal bow or one crafted from luxurious velvet with sparkling embellishments can add immediate sparkle and sophistication.
Look for a lightweight yet sturdy design that won’t weigh down the top branch, ensuring it sits proudly. This is a chic and modern alternative that still feels incredibly festive, offering a softer, more opulent aesthetic.
3. Animated Santa’s Sleigh
Bring your treetop to life with an enchanting animated topper. Imagine a miniature Santa and his reindeer gracefully circling the very peak of your tree, creating a magical and dynamic display that is especially captivating for children and adults alike.
Reputable companies like Balsam Hill offer well-engineered animated toppers that attach securely and discreetly to the tree, ensuring Santa’s sleigh flies straight and steady, spreading holiday cheer all season long.
4. Modern Starburst
Give the classic star a contemporary update with a striking starburst design. These toppers, often crafted from slender metal rods with a glittery or metallic finish, expand outwards to create a dynamic, explosive focal point.
A sleek gold starburst from a retailer like West Elm can add a modern, energetic burst to your tree, complementing both minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired decor and more maximalist, eclectic styles with equal flair.
5. Character-Inspired Topper
Show off your family’s unique fandom and personality by choosing a topper inspired by a beloved movie, book, or character.
Whether it’s the mischievous Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas, the iconic Grinch, a classic Mickey Mouse, or a superhero emblem, these playful toppers add a distinct dose of personality and fun.
They’re a fantastic way to incorporate your family’s favorite stories and passions directly into your holiday traditions, making your tree truly unique.
6. Rustic Plaid Deer
If your decorating style leans toward a cozy, cabin-in-the-woods feel or a charming farmhouse aesthetic, a rustic topper is the perfect fit.
A plush deer head featuring classic black and white plaid is a particularly charming choice that beautifully complements nature-themed or woodland decor.
The soft, cozy texture of the plaid instantly adds warmth and a welcoming, homespun feel to your Christmas display, evoking wintry comfort.
7. Candy Snowflake
Create a wonderfully sweet and whimsical theme with a delightful candy-inspired topper.
A snowflake design intricately adorned with faux candies like swirling peppermints, sugary gumdrops, and sparkling sugar crystals is perfect for a “Christmas candy wonderland” or a “gingerbread house” theme.
This is an especially fun choice if you already adorn your tree with colorful candy canes, gingerbread people, and other edible-looking ornaments, tying the theme together perfectly.
8. Light-Up Globe
For a truly meaningful “Peace on Earth” theme, a light-up glass globe topper is a beautiful and serene choice. This unique option adds a warm, gentle, and ethereal glow to your treetop, casting soft light into the room.
It serves as a lovely and constant reminder of the spirit of unity and goodwill during the holidays.
It’s a thoughtful and elegant decoration that is sure to become a cherished and reflective part of your annual Christmas collection.
9. Nativity Star
Combine two powerful traditional symbols into one with a nativity star topper.
These profound designs typically feature a star silhouette that elegantly frames a miniature nativity scene within its bounds, often depicting Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.
It’s a beautiful and reverent way to keep the religious meaning of Christmas at the forefront of your decorations, often handcrafted from wood, metal, or ceramic for a special, artisanal feel that speaks to faith and tradition.
10. Vintage-Inspired Capiz Star
Evoke a sense of cherished nostalgia and old-world charm with a vintage-inspired Capiz star.
Often meticulously framed in aged brass or intricate filigree and featuring multi-colored, softly glowing lights, these toppers radiate a warm, rainbow-like hue.
They are perfectly suited for a tree adorned with sentimental, mismatched ornaments and family heirlooms, creating a look that feels both timelessly classic and deeply personal, much like holidays of yesteryear.
11. Red Berry Bouquet
For a touch of natural elegance, a bouquet-style topper made of faux red berries is a stunning choice.
This vibrant decoration adds a lush, natural pop of color to the top of your tree, beautifully contrasting with the green needles.
It works exceptionally well with rustic, traditional, or woodland themes, providing a rich, textured look that feels both festive and sophisticated, bringing a touch of the outdoors in.
12. Felt Gingerbread Snowflake
Combine the charm of gingerbread with the classic shape of a snowflake. A felt topper featuring gingerbread-style details is a sweet and cozy addition to any tree, instantly evoking warmth and homemade holiday cheer.
It’s an affordable and lightweight option that’s perfect for a family-friendly, kitchen-themed Christmas tree, making it accessible for even the youngest decorators.
13. Large Ribbon Bow
Simple yet incredibly impactful, a large bow made from festive ribbon can be a stunning and versatile tree topper.
You can choose from countless styles—from classic red velvet to rustic burlap or glittery snowflake patterns—allowing for complete customization.
It’s an easy and affordable DIY option that allows you to perfectly match your tree’s color scheme and theme, offering a timeless and elegant finish.
14. Metallic Magnolia Bouquet
Make a truly glamorous statement with a bouquet of metallic magnolias. This luxurious topper combines faux flowers, berries, and leaves with a dazzling metallic finish for a show-stopping effect that catches the light beautifully.
It’s a sophisticated choice for taller trees, adding a touch of drama, opulence, and modern elegance to your holiday decor.
15. Rotating Snowflake Projector
Turn your ceiling into a captivating winter wonderland with a rotating snowflake projector topper.
This innovative LED-powered decoration projects a beautiful, dynamic light show of falling snowflakes, creating a magical and immersive atmosphere in any room.
It’s a maximalist’s dream and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, transforming your space into a festive spectacle.
16. Birch Angel Topper
Give the traditional angel a rustic makeover with a version crafted from natural birch bark.
This unique take on a classic features earthy textures and is often illuminated with mini LED lights for a soft, ethereal glow, enhancing its natural beauty.
It’s a perfect blend of rustic charm and heavenly grace, offering a serene and distinctive focal point.
17. Playful Gnome
Gnomes have become an incredibly popular motif in holiday decorating, and they make for an absolutely adorable tree topper.
A plush gnome with a tall, knitted hat and long beard can “hug” the top of your tree, adding a touch of whimsy, charm, and Scandinavian-inspired cheer.
It’s a fun, lighthearted choice that’s sure to make you smile and add a quirky personality to your festive display.
18. Mario Super Star
For the gamers in your family, a Super Mario-inspired star is a fantastic and fun choice that brings a pop of iconic pop culture to your tree.
This glowing yellow star will make your tree feel invincible, much like Mario himself.
It’s a playful nod to a beloved video game that adds a bright, cheerful, and unexpectedly nostalgic element to your holiday decor, appealing to all ages.
19. A Simple Monogram
For a personalized and sophisticated touch, consider a large, lightweight wooden or metal letter representing your family’s last name.
You can find them in various fonts and finishes to suit any style, or even paint one yourself to perfectly match your decor.
It’s a simple, modern, and deeply meaningful way to top your tree, celebrating your family’s identity.
20. A Festive Hat
Why not have some fun and top your tree with an unexpected hat? A classic Santa hat or a formal black top hat can add a quirky and unexpected twist, instantly giving your tree character.
A top hat creates a look reminiscent of Frosty the Snowman, lending a playful and charming personality to your Christmas tree that is sure to spark conversation.
Wrap Up
Finding the perfect Christmas tree topper is about choosing something that truly speaks to you and complements your overall holiday theme.
Whether you opt for timeless elegance, playful charm, or a touch of modern whimsy, the right topper will be the delightful finishing touch that makes your Christmas tree truly shine and uniquely yours.