Having lived for many years, the term “vintage Christmas decor” harkens back to my childhood. I remember seeing the Christmas decor ideas presented below in my own family home around the holidays.
It brings to mind a time of being with family and friends during the holiday season. If you too grew up in a home with a close family, I’m sure you have fond memories around the Christmas holiday. Independent of your faith, the holiday season can bring back happy times of days gone by.
Nostalgic charm during the holiday season can be introduced into your own home with the collection of vintage Christmas decor ideas presented below. From classic ornaments to retro-inspired wreaths, these holiday touches can evoke fond memories.
If you’re looking to infuse vintage holiday decor, hopefully these ideas will inspire creativity and delight in every corner of your home.
1. Vintage Glass Ornament Collection
Vintage glass ornaments bring a classic holiday spirit to your holiday home. These wondrous decorations come in various shapes and colors, adding a touch of nostalgia to your Christmas scene.
2. Retro Ceramic Christmas Tree
The retro ceramic Christmas tree is a classic Christmas favorite. Its charming design brings a warm, nostalgic feel to any room. This vintage Christmas decor piece is perfect for adding a touch of magical Christmas decor to your home. My mother had a tree like this later in life when she and my Dad couldn’t put up and decorate a full-size tree.
3. Vintage-Inspired Pine Garland
Pine garland brings a classic holiday vibe to your home. This old-fashioned Christmas decoration adds sparkle and charm to any space. We always had garland on our Christmas trees growing up as well as individual silver tinsel that we would painstakingly add to the tree one by one.
4. Classic Red And Green Plaid Ribbons
Classic red and green plaid ribbons add a cozy touch to your vintage inspired Christmas decor. These ribbons can be used to wrap gifts or as accents on your tree, bringing a retro vibe to your holiday decor.
5. Old-Fashioned Christmas Stockings
Old-fashioned Christmas stockings add a cozy touch to your holiday decor. Hang them by the fireplace if you have one or you can hang them directly on your Christmas tree for that classic holiday feel.
These vintage Christmas decorations bring warmth and nostalgia to your home, making it a magical Christmas decor experience. Growing up in a family of six boys we each had a personalized stocking with our name added in magic marker. We hung them long the outside of the staircase as we didn’t have a fireplace.
6. Wooden Nutcracker Figures
Wooden nutcracker figures are a classic choice for vintage Christmas decorations. Their charming designs bring a touch of nostalgia to your holiday decor.
These pieces not only add character but also remind us of old-fashioned Christmas traditions. During the holiday season we would oftentimes go to the “Nutcracker” performance in the theater district on our holiday break.
7. Vintage Sleigh Bells On The Tree
Nothing says classic holiday charm like vintage sleigh bells on your Christmas tree. Sleigh bells always bring to mind the movie “The Polar Express”.
These old-fashioned Christmas decorations add a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your home. You can either add them to your Christmas tree or on your fireplace mantel for a nostalgic vibe.
8. Retro Santa Figurines
Retro Santa figurines add a touch of nostalgia to your holiday decor. These vintage Christmas ornaments bring back memories of classic holiday cheer and fit perfectly with any retro-inspired Christmas theme.
9. Handmade Crochet Snowflake Ornaments
Handmade crochet snowflake ornaments add a touch of vintage charm to your holiday decor. These delicate pieces are a great family project to make to add a personal touch to your Christmas tree decorations. You can also gift them as homemade Christmas presents.
10. Vintage Christmas Card Ornament
A vintage Christmas card ornament adds a charming touch to your holiday decor. Hang old Christmas cards or current cards individually or along a string for a nostalgic old-time Christmas vibe.
11. Antique Brass Candle Holders
Antique brass candle holders add a touch of vintage charm to your holiday decor. They pair beautifully with classic holiday elements like red or green ribbons and shiny ornaments. Light them up for a magical Christmas vibe that brings warmth and nostalgia to your holiday-decorated home.
12. Retro Angel Tree Topper
Add a touch of nostalgia to your tree with a retro angel tree topper. Through the years in my house we changed from an angel to a star on top of our Christmas tree. An angel topper certainly adds a vintage vibe to your holiday decor.
13. Mid-Century Aluminum Christmas Tree
The mid-century aluminum Christmas tree adds a vintage decoration for your holiday season. If you want to create a retro-Christmas vibe at the centerpiece of your living room, an aluminum Christmas tree will do just that.
This is a great option for people who don’t enjoy buying a natural Christmas tree. Since my wife and I started our own family, we cut down a Christmas tree each year. As long as I can, I will always have a natural tree!
14. Classic Bubble Ornaments
Classic bubble ornaments bring a nostalgic charm to any vintage Christmas setup. These stylish and whimsical old fashion Christmas decorations create a mystical aura as they shine and shimmer, reminding us of classic holiday gatherings and celebrations.
15. Vintage Toy Train Around The Tree
A vintage toy train circling the Christmas tree adds a nostalgic atmosphere to the holiday season. This classic holiday piece creates the backdrop for an old fashioned Christmas celebration.
Incorporating a vintage-inspired train set is a charming way to enhance your vintage Christmas decorations ideas this season. I never had a toy train growing up but had many friends who did and loved them.
16. Old-Fashioned Christmas Village Display
Creating an old-fashioned Christmas village display can bring a cozy charm to your home. You can create the village on a table in your foyer or have it under your tree.
This classic holiday decor idea captures the magic of Christmas past and adds a nostalgic touch to your festive celebrations. I think these miniature Christmas villages are wondrous. My brother, over the years, spent a lot of money on these miniature Christmas village displays for his own house. They were spectacular!
17. Retro Holiday Cookie Tins
Retro holiday cookie tins are a fun way to add vintage charm to your home. These colorful tins not only store your favorite treats but also serve as delightful vintage Christmas decorations. Take a day with your kids and bake Christmas cookies to give as gifts and package them in these holiday cookie tins.
18. Vintage Wreath With Red Bows
A vintage wreath adorned with bright red bows on your front door adds a cheerful touch to your holiday decor. This classic holiday decoration brings a warm, retro feel to any home.
19. Replica Antique Sled As Decoration
An replica antique sled can be a charming addition to your holiday decorations. This simple touch brings a classic holiday vibe that warms the heart and welcomes guests. Every year we would use our wooden toboggan or sled on the wintry slopes instead of as a decoration.
20. Retro-Inspired Holiday Table Linens
Bring a touch of nostalgia to your holiday gatherings with retro-inspired table linens. Break out your vintage Christmas decorations like floral tablecloths and classic napkins to create a warm, festive holiday atmosphere.
21. Vintage Traditional Paper Ornaments
Displaying vintage traditional paper ornaments on your Christmas tree adds a charming touch to your home. If you are talented you could create these holiday decorations with your own hands or purchase them online.
22. Classic Candy Canes in a Glass Jar
Classic candy canes in a glass jar are a charming addition to any vintage-inspired Christmas decor. You can store them in the jar or hang them from your Christmas tree as ornaments.
23. Vintage Christmas Carol Sheet Music Decor
Transform your space with vintage carol sheet music for a nostalgic touch this holiday season. You can either frame them and hang them on the walls or leave them out on the coffee table as decorations. And if you feel like caroling, you’ve got the sheet music with the words in your hands!
24. Old-Fashioned Wooden Rocking Horse
The old-fashioned wooden rocking horse is a retro decoration that adds charm to any vintage inspired Christmas decor. This classic holiday decoration harkens back to days of yore and simpler times.
25. Retro Holiday Punch Bowl Set
A vintage punch bowl is a festive addition to your holiday gatherings. Fill it with a classic holiday punch, surrounded by classic holiday decorations. You can either make it an alcoholic punch or have two punch bowls for those who would prefer no alcohol. Either way it’s a nostalgic way to ring in the holidays!
26. Vintage Gift Wrapping Paper
To create a vintage and retro effect, wrap your gifts in style with vintage-inspired wrapping paper. My daughter does this regularly every Christmas by using brown paper, brown twine, and colorful ribbons. It is a festive way to bring back old-time Christmas celebrations.
27. Antique Lanterns With Candles
Antique lanterns with tea candles or full-size candles bring a warm, nostalgic touch to your holiday decor. These vintage Christmas decorations is a festive way to spread some retro Christmas cheer throughout your home this holiday season.
28. Vintage-Inspired Holiday Cookie Cutters as Ornaments
Turn retro metal cookie cutters into unique ornaments by adding ribbon or twine. This DIY-inspired touch brings both nostalgia and creativity to your holiday celebration. It’s a simple and unique way to add vintage ornaments to your Christmas tree.
29. Vintage Glass Icicle Ornaments
Delicate glass icicle ornaments bring an old-world elegance to your Christmas tree with their shimmering, hand-crafted detail. They catch the light beautifully, adding a frosty vintage touch to your holiday décor.
30. Classic Sleigh Centerpiece
A classic sleigh filled with Christmas cookies, ornaments, or greenery makes a stunning holiday centerpiece. Its timeless and retro design evokes traditional Christmases of long ago.
I love the holiday season. There truly is nothing like it, in my mind. Now that I have grandchildren, a new wrinkle has been added to this magical time of year for my family. I hope you can create that magical holiday scene in your own home with the help of some of the vintage Christmas decor ideas presented above.
Bob has been blogging for over 20 years and has been an office and cubicle dweller for more than 35 years. He has been featured in numerous online publications such as US News and World Report, Bustle, and Work Awesome (you can read his articles here). He created the popular office website CubicleBliss in January 2011 and rebranded it as WorkspaceBliss in April 2020.
In the office he’s been an IT Manager, Applications Engineer, Systems Analyst, Software Project leader, and Programmer Analyst in his long career. He’s a Certified Microsoft Professional and possesses a Masters of Science degree and two Bachelor of Science degrees, one of those in Informational Technology.
During his career he has worked in the office full-time, as a hybrid remote worker, and has worked from home permanently.
