The Vintage Christmas Decor That's On Trend For This Season

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Something nutty is taking over this holiday season, but it's not pecan pie or chestnuts roasted on an open fire. Instead, it's a type of vintage Christmas decor that has its origins in traditional German woodworking. Decorative nutcrackers, typically carved to look like soldiers or royalty, are popping up all over the stores, both as figurines and as motifs on pillows, ribbons, ornaments, and more. Perhaps it's not surprising, considering that nostalgia is trending for 2025 Christmas decor. Nutcrackers, with their special blend of old-world charm and colorful artistry, fit right into that nostalgic trend.

Nutcracker designs range from big to small and from elaborate to more simplistic. You can purchase nutcrackers with the customary soldier outfits or ones for every occupation or hobby imaginable. And although typically carved from wood, nutcracker decor today can be found in plastic, metal, and other materials.

In the U.S., nutcrackers as a decorative piece for Christmastime have been popular since the 1950s, in part thanks to the first U.S. production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker ballet" in 1944. The nutcracker character features prominently in that story, so it's not unusual to see Christmas decor and displays referencing the ballet. The ornamental figures are usually not meant to work as viable nutcrackers anymore, but instead add a dramatic touch to your holiday decor.

There are excellent ways to bring the feel of the not-so-distant past to your holiday festivities with vintage nutcracker decor. Thankfully, none of them involve battling the Mouse King. Instead, bring this classic decorative feature to your outdoor display with this stately Haute Decor 37-inch red and black Christmas nutcracker. Display one on either side of your porch along with some greenery. Or, light up your yard with an impressive Veikous 5-foot 3D nutcracker outdoor Christmas yard decoration, which features 100 warm white lights. When it comes to outdoor decorations, the bigger the better to showcase the bright colors and ornate details of nutcracker figures.

If you want to add nutcrackers indoors, think beyond the typical fireplace mantel display. For a little twist on the classic look, try creating a DIY nutcracker candlestick holder for unique holiday decor, or hand paint some wooden nutcrackers from a craft store to match your overall Christmas decor theme.

For those looking to grow their nutcracker collection, they are one of the valuable vintage Christmas items to look for at thrift stores. Once you have a sizable company of nutcrackers, you can create elaborate tablescapes paired with a nutcracker-themed table runner and napkins. Whether you adopt the trend completely or decide on just one or two, nutcrackers will be a merry and timeless addition to your holiday season.