Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas
Antique and Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas for a Timeless Holiday
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There’s something magical about stepping back in time for the holidays and surrounding yourself with the warm glow of old-fashioned Christmas decorations! I’ve found myself more and more drawn to this style lately, not just at Christmas time but in my home decorating in general.
One of my favorite activities during the Christmas season is to visit the old cotton mills-turned vintage shops in nearby Monroe, GA to gain inspiration and find treasures. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend Hodge Podge Antiques or Vintage Revival Antiques!
Also, find tons of holiday vintage and retro finds on Etsy for super affordable prices.
Whether you’re drawn to the history behind an object, or simply love the timeless aesthetic, decorating with vintage and antique Christmas pieces can bring a nostalgic charm to your home.
Here are some classic ideas to help you embrace a vintage style Christmas decor aesthetic this season.
1. Feather Christmas Trees
One of the most iconic vintage Christmas decor pieces is the feather tree. Popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these trees were originally made from dyed goose feathers and were often used as tabletop centerpieces.
Feather trees are a fantastic way to evoke a simpler time. Look for them in antique shops or modern reproductions like these, and decorate with small, delicate ornaments for a truly vintage feel.
2. Mercury Glass Ornaments
This style of ornaments always reminds me of my grandma Harriet’s little tree that she set on a round table each year, and that’s a lovely nostalgic memory!
Nothing says old-world elegance like mercury glass ornaments. Dating back to the Victorian era, these shimmering ornaments have a slightly tarnished, worn look that adds to their charm.
You can find originals at antique stores or pick up reproductions like these to fill your tree with that old-fashioned gleam. Hang them on your Christmas tree, wreaths, or garlands for a timeless sparkle.
3. Antique Christmas Cards & Postcards
A beautiful and often overlooked element of holiday décor is vintage Christmas cards and postcards. These pieces often feature hand-painted illustrations or classic prints of holly, jolly Santas, and peaceful winter scenes.
You can display them in a variety of creative ways—use a few to make a garland, tuck them into the branches of your Christmas tree, or place them around the house in small frames for a nostalgic touch.
These retro vintage Christmas cards come in a sets of 8, 12 or 25 and are a great way to add a vintage vibe to your Christmas decor.
4. Vintage Candle Holders and Clip-On Candles
Before the days of electric lights, candles were the centerpiece of Christmas trees and windowsills. While using real candles is less practical today (and hello, dangerous!) you can still achieve the effect with vintage-inspired clip-on candle holders and battery-operated taper candles.
They create a soft, flickering glow reminiscent of Christmas past and are a beautiful addition to garlands, mantels, or window displays.
For more Christmas decor inspiration, learn how to make a Christmas centerpiece from mason jars, or read our post all about 12 stunning Christmas tree themes.
5. Vintage Christmas Banners
A vintage “Merry Christmas” sign over the fireplace mantle or draped on a wall adds a cherry and retro vibe. You can make your own like this one from Mosaic Moments, or find one online like this Christmas banner from Etsy.
6. Tinsel and Icicles
Tinsel and icicles were holiday staples in mid-century homes. In the 1950s and 60s, families would drape strands of metallic tinsel over their trees to mimic the look of shimmering ice and snow.
To capture this vintage look, opt for classic silver tinsel or tinsel garlands. You can also find delicate glass icicle ornaments to hang from the branches of your tree for a frosty, timeless sparkle.
7. Wooden Nutcrackers and Toy Soldiers
Inspired by German folklore, nutcrackers and toy soldiers have been a beloved part of Christmas décor for centuries. You can find vintage or antique versions carved from wood, with hand-painted details.
These figures make beautiful mantelpiece displays or add a traditional touch to your Christmas tree. For a more whimsical approach, incorporate them into your tablescape or entryway for a festive greeting to guests.
Hobby Lobby has a great selection of nutcrackers and toy soldiers that are a great addition to a vintage Christmas.
8. Antique Table Settings
Dressing your holiday table with antique linens adds a subtle yet elegant vintage charm. Look for embroidered tablecloths, lace doilies, or vintage holiday napkins. Antique stores are a great place to score these items!
Many feature intricate needlework and festive patterns of holly, poinsettias, or classic winter motifs.
They pair beautifully with vintage brass candlesticks and old-fashioned dinnerware, making for a cozy, old-world Christmas meal.
9. Bottle Brush Trees
Bottle brush trees were a favorite in mid-century homes and are making a comeback in vintage-inspired Christmas decor. These small, stiff-bristled trees come in a variety of colors and sizes and are often decorated with tiny beads or glitter.
Group them together on your mantel, create a festive forest on your holiday table, or nestle them into a snowy village scene for an instant pop of retro charm.
The Dollar Tree has a great selection of bottle brush trees for a vintage Christmas, or you can find tons of options like these on Etsy.
10. Old-Fashioned Christmas Lights
While modern LED lights are energy-efficient and convenient, nothing beats the charm of vintage-style Christmas lights. Look for old-fashioned C7 or C9 bulb strings, which have a warm glow and a chunky look that’s perfect for a mid-century aesthetic.
You can find original vintage light sets at some thrift stores, though reproductions are much safer for modern use. Hang them on your tree, drape them around your porch, or use them to frame your windows for a classic holiday look.
11. Vintage Tree Toppers
No vintage-inspired tree is complete without a classic tree topper! In the early to mid-20th century, families often used star or angel toppers made of glass, metal, or papier-mâché.
This ivory and gold angel tree topper reminds me of one we had way back when (in the 90s- now considered “vintage”!)
Many featured intricate details, hand-painting, or even light-up elements. Look on Etsy for inexpensive tree toppers and other vintage holiday finds.
Embrace the Magic of Vintage Christmas Decor!
Bringing antique and vintage Christmas decor into your home is more than just decorating—it’s about embracing the traditions and memories of the past. Whether you’re hunting for rare finds in antique stores or collecting cherished hand-me-downs, incorporating these timeless pieces will make your home feel warm, festive, and beautifully unique.
Let this holiday season transport you back to a time of candlelit trees, glittering mercury glass, and the joy of simpler, cherished Christmas traditions.
