Forget Buying Brand New Christmas Tree Decor: This Vintage Trend Is Completely Taking Over

Every holiday season seems to come with a new decor trend, leaving last year's ornaments feeling outdated, and sticking us in an expensive cycle of replacing them every year. We've seen plenty of different Christmas decor trends that are dominating the 2025 holiday season, but luckily, it seems like many of them will be much easier to keep up with using what we already have in storage. Trends in the past often felt very pointed, with specific color palettes and motifs that required a shopping trip or two. But this year nostalgia is a leading force in design, and as a result, retro holiday themes are suddenly all the rage. That said, you may want to skip the department store holiday haul, because this season, vintage and antique ornaments are the popular choice for decorating the tree.

The pros are taking note of this shift, as seasonal decor expert Shelby Waag told Better Homes & Gardens, "Still going strong are vintage glass ornaments." She also noted, "When done up in retro colors, they add a touch of nostalgia, which people are craving right now." This approach doesn't feel as niche as it may have before — no matter what your decor aesthetic is, this thrifty trend has plenty of benefits for every homeowner. The holidays are also all about embracing traditions, so why not give these traditional ornament styles a chance to shine once again?

Even if your design style tends to lean towards a modern aesthetic, the holidays are the one time everyone can enjoy reminiscing on the past. Rather than brand new ornaments that reflect the current contemporary trends, antique styles are a great way to recreate the magic of our favorite Christmas memories. Nobody can ignore the charm of nostalgia come the holidays; it's part of the traditions we're all fond of. Just look at Coca-Cola, who still uses Haddon Sundblom's iconic 1930s Santa design in its Christmas branding, knowing that the classics will always resonate.

When you look at your tree, those perfectly monochromatic, trendy ornaments might look nice, but those antique or passed-down pieces are what will always spark that cozy, holiday cheer. Not only do retro ornaments have a nostalgic charm, but they also align well with many of the current design trends. They're one of the many things you should be thrifting for the Ralph Lauren-inspired holiday decor that is taking over the season, while also fulfilling the desire for colorful decor palettes, which are more popular than ever. 

Enjoying the vintage ornament trend doesn't mean that your holiday decor still can't feel modern. There are endless antique styles you can incorporate on your tree to fit your home's aesthetic, from bold and playful to chic and sophisticated. Many people are using this trend for a delightfully tacky, eclectic mix of kitschy ornaments from the thrift store and family storage — which means you can decorate with no rhyme or reason other than crafting a tree full of cheer and memorable accents. You can also hunt for retro designs that will contribute to a more vibrant color palette, especially if you're aiming for the striking hues of Christmas colors that are on trend for 2025.

In addition to exciting palettes, vintage ornaments are also a great way to add cozy texture to your tree, from soft velvet or leather details that feel timeless, to classic handsewn cotton or felt designs for a homespun charm. If you're aiming for a more minimalist look, consider adding some glass icicle ornaments — they're a long-standing Christmas staple with roots in 19th-century designs, and they bring a subtle vintage sparkle to an otherwise simple tree. The major retailers are always ahead of what's trending, so don't be surprised if you see them stocking the shelves with vintage-inspired ornaments. That said, this trend relies on the authenticity of aged decor to bring back those nostalgic holiday feels. It's key to seek out genuine antiques, whether they're heirloom pieces from your childhood tree, recycled styles from the thrift store, or handmade memories from past holiday seasons.