Christmas decorating is getting a stylish refresh in 2026, and this year it’s all about personality, considered colour palettes and creating a festive atmosphere that feels like you.
From relaxed Kiwi coastal styling and nature-inspired greenery to rich jewel tones, nostalgic candy-coloured decorations and striking monochrome displays, there’s a look to suit just about every home and decorating personality.
We’re also seeing a move away from simply pulling out the same decorations year after year. Instead, Christmas styling is becoming more intentional, with people choosing a particular look, layering textures, experimenting with colour and bringing together decorations that complement their existing interiors.
And with Christmas in New Zealand arriving in the middle of summer, there’s plenty of opportunity to do things a little differently. Think sun-soaked afternoons, natural materials, fresh greenery and festive touches that feel right at home in our relaxed Kiwi lifestyle.
Whether you’re someone who loves a beautifully coordinated Christmas tree or prefers a more eclectic collection of treasured decorations, here are five Christmas decorating trends making their mark in 2026.
If Christmas for you means long summer evenings, the bach, bare feet and entertaining outdoors, this could be your perfect festive look.
Taking inspiration from New Zealand’s natural landscapes and coastal lifestyle, Kiwiana Christmas styling brings together earthy textures, native-inspired details and a palette of deep greens, warm golds and natural tones.
Pounamu-inspired greens are particularly lovely when paired with rustic timber, soft natural fabrics and subtle metallic accents. Rather than the traditional snowy Christmas aesthetic, this look embraces the warmth and character of a Southern Hemisphere summer.
When it comes to decorating, think gold fern stems, illuminated branches, ceramic koru-inspired decorations and playful woodland animals. Stags, bears and little woodland mice add a whimsical touch, while gold and green baubles bring everything together without making the look feel too formal.
How to bring the look home:
Start with a lush green Christmas tree and layer in different shades of green, from deep forest to softer olive and pounamu tones. Introduce warm gold through baubles, ribbon and decorative foliage, then finish with natural textures such as woven baskets, timber ornaments and linen.
You don’t need to go overboard with the decorations. A few well-chosen pieces can create a beautifully relaxed, distinctly Kiwi Christmas.
It’s also a look that works particularly well beyond the Christmas tree. Carry the same colours through your dining table, outdoor entertaining area and living spaces for a cohesive festive feel.
For those who believe Christmas is the perfect excuse to turn up the glamour, 2026 is delivering something rather special.
This year’s take on festive luxury is richer, moodier and more sophisticated than the traditional red-and-gold combination. Deep burgundy, wine, emerald, forest green and plum are taking centre stage, with warm gold providing that all-important festive sparkle.
The secret to getting this look right is layering. Velvet and velour ribbons, glossy glass baubles, jewel-like decorations and luxurious floral accents create depth and interest, giving your Christmas tree a beautifully curated appearance.
One of the standout approaches is colour-drenching your tree. Rather than mixing lots of different colours and decoration styles, choose one dominant colour family and use different shades, finishes and textures to create a more considered result.
For example, a tree decorated entirely in burgundy, wine and warm gold can look incredibly elegant, particularly when paired with oversized velvet bows and larger statement baubles.
How to bring the look home:
Think about texture as much as colour. Combine velvet ribbons with shiny glass, frosted finishes and metallic details to stop the palette feeling too flat.
Lighting is equally important. Warm white lights will enhance the richness of the colours and create a cosy, intimate atmosphere, particularly in the evenings.
And don’t limit the glamour to your tree. A dramatic floral arrangement, velvet cushions, beautiful candleholders and a thoughtfully dressed Christmas table can carry the look throughout your home.
This is Christmas decorating with a little more confidence, a little more drama and absolutely no shortage of sparkle.
Not every Christmas needs to be sophisticated and perfectly coordinated. Sometimes the best festive interiors are the ones that make you smile the moment you walk through the door.
Enter Retro Charm and Maximalist Candyland.
This playful trend is bringing back the nostalgia of Christmases past, with bright colours, quirky decorations and a wonderfully unapologetic sense of fun.
Think retro pink, mint green, turquoise and classic red-and-white peppermint stripes. Add gingerbread characters, candy canes, cheeky elves, whimsical ribbons and colourful glass baubles, and you’ve got a Christmas look that feels straight out of a festive storybook.
It’s a particularly lovely style for families, those with young children or anyone who enjoys decorating with a little imagination. There’s no need to worry about everything matching perfectly. In fact, the more personality the better!
How to bring the look home:
Start with a colourful collection of decorations and don’t be afraid to mix patterns, shapes and sizes. Candy cane stripes look fantastic alongside oversized baubles, gingerbread ornaments and playful character decorations.
Ribbons are a great way to introduce colour and movement. Try oversized bows, patterned ribbon or different colours layered together throughout your tree.
You can also take the theme beyond the living room. A festive hallway, colourful mantelpiece or playful Christmas table setting can help create a fun, immersive experience for family and guests.
The beauty of this trend is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s about creating memories, celebrating the magic of Christmas and having a little fun with your home.
Who says Christmas has to be red and green?
One of the more striking decorating directions for 2026 is the use of black and white as a complete festive colour scheme, rather than simply an accent to more traditional decorations.
It’s a bold departure from conventional Christmas styling, but one that works beautifully in contemporary homes, particularly those with modern architecture, monochromatic interiors or a preference for clean, understated design.
The look is all about contrast. Crisp whites, dramatic blacks and carefully selected metallic details create a graphic, sophisticated aesthetic that feels more like a considered interior design scheme than traditional seasonal decorating.
Brass, gold and silver are particularly effective for adding warmth and festive sparkle without taking away from the simplicity of the palette.
How to bring the look home:
A white Christmas tree decorated with black baubles, metallic ornaments and striking ribbon creates an immediate statement. Alternatively, a traditional green tree can look equally impressive when decorated with monochrome ornaments and silver or brass accents.
Think brushed brass candleholders, sculptural decorations, black-and-white gift wrapping and simple metallic details.
The key is to keep things relatively uncluttered. Rather than filling every available space with decorations, choose a few statement pieces and allow them room to stand out.
This is also a great opportunity to make your Christmas styling work with your existing interior. If your home already features black cabinetry, white walls, natural stone or contemporary furniture, this palette can feel like a natural extension of your everyday design style.
It’s proof that festive decorating doesn’t have to be traditional to feel wonderfully Christmassy.
For anyone who loves a calm, natural and beautifully understated home, the soft neutral and botanical trend is one to watch.
Moving away from bright colours and high-shine decorations, this look embraces the beauty of natural materials, organic shapes and subtle layers of texture.
The colour palette is wonderfully soothing: sage, moss green, warm brown, ivory, cream and soft linen. It’s a combination that feels relaxed and timeless, making it particularly appealing for homes where a more neutral interior already sets the tone.
Greenery is at the heart of this style. Eucalyptus, magnolia leaves and olive branches introduce natural shapes and subtle colour, while warm white fairy lights add a gentle festive glow.
Texture does much of the heavy lifting. Think handcrafted felt decorations, natural timber, linen ribbons, woven accents and beautiful New Zealand wool decorations from local makers.
How to bring the look home:
Rather than relying on lots of brightly coloured baubles, build your decorations around a combination of natural foliage and tactile materials.
A simple green tree can be transformed with cream and ivory decorations, soft linen ribbon, wooden ornaments and warm lighting. Add eucalyptus or magnolia to a dining table arrangement, or create a simple festive display with candles, foliage and natural textures.
Handcrafted decorations are particularly well suited to this look. Beautiful felted and 100% New Zealand wool pieces, such as those available from local makers add warmth, character and a lovely sense of craftsmanship.
The beauty of this trend is its longevity. Many of the decorative elements can be used throughout the year, rather than being packed away as soon as Christmas is over.
It’s understated, inviting and a lovely reminder that sometimes the simplest decorating ideas are the most effective.
So, Which Christmas Style Is Calling Your Name?
The wonderful thing about Christmas decorating in 2026 is that there really isn’t one look everyone needs to follow.
Perhaps you’re drawn to the relaxed, natural feel of a Kiwi coastal Christmas. Maybe you love the richness and drama of jewel tones, or perhaps you’re ready to embrace a little nostalgia with a colourful, playful tree.
And here’s something worth considering: Does your Christmas decorating reflect the way you actually live, or are you simply decorating the way you always have?
Your home, your lifestyle and your personal design preferences should all play a part in how you celebrate the season. If you love entertaining, think about how your dining and outdoor spaces can become part of the festive experience. If you have a busy family home, choose decorations that are practical, durable and fun. And if you love beautiful interiors, there’s nothing wrong with treating your Christmas tree as another opportunity to express your design personality.
You also don’t have to commit to just one trend. Some of the most interesting Christmas interiors combine elements from different styles. A natural green tree can look gorgeous with gold and velvet accents, while a neutral botanical setting can be given a playful lift with a few colourful retro decorations.
The trick is finding a combination that feels considered rather than cluttered.
Ultimately, Christmas decorating should be about creating a home that feels welcoming, reflects your personality and makes the festive season that little bit more special.
So, whether you’re going all-out glamour or keeping things beautifully simple, there’s plenty of inspiration to make Christmas 2026 your most stylish one yet.
Happy decorating!
