Last Updated on December 12, 2024 by lindseymahoney
Vintage Christmas decor is my favorite thing to use during the holiday season because it instantly creates a nostalgic feeling. Using heirloom Christmas decor is the perfect way to add a vintage touch, but not everyone has the luxury of family members passing down retro decor.
In this blog post, I am highlighting over 35 simple ways and items to use to create that vintage Christmas decor look. Check it out!
37 Stunning Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas
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Hang Retro Christmas Lights
Use large, colorful C9 bulbs or bubble lights to give your home a retro glow. On my vintage Christmas tree, I used two strands of large, colored Christmas lights to achieve this look.
RELATED: Create a Retro Christmas Tree with Shiny Brite and Vintage Ornaments
Decorate with Shiny Brite Ornaments
Adorn your tree with these classic, colorful glass ornaments. While I love Shiny Brite ornaments from the 1950s, I also really love the vintage ornaments painted from Poland.
Add Tinsel Icicles to the Tree
Drape strands of tinsel for that mid-century sparkle. You can find your new tinsel at local stores, including Target or Amazon.
Recently, I learned the difference between newer tinse and vintage tinsel made in the in the 50s-60s.
The vintage tinsel is made with lead, which gives it a heavier texture that looks beautiful on a tree. I recently found this tinsel at an estate sale and I love the way it looks!
Because it contains lead, I would be very careful if you have young children or curious animals. When handling the leaded tinsel, be mindful to wash your hands after handling or wear gloves to hang it.
Display Old Santa Photos
Bring back holiday memories year after year by framing old family photos with Santa. My favorite photos are the black and white images with our parents meeting Santa as children.
Use a Silver Aluminum Christmas Tree
A staple of 1950s and 1960s Christmas decor, pair it with a rotating color wheel light. These days, you can buy a miniature, silver tree that is great for displaying beautiful ornaments.
Set Up a Christmas Village
Display a collection of vintage houses, churches, and stores with glowing lights. Our family began collecting the Department 56 villages and they are a hit with the kiddos.
Display a Santa Blow Mold
These classic plastic light-up figures are iconic. Erika from @whilefloriansleeps is an icon when it comes to vintage Christmas decor. I love every element of this image, including the light up Santa mold.
Display a Ceramic Christmas Tree
These light-up trees bring instant vintage charm.
Hang Felt Stockings
Look for stockings with embroidered or appliqué designs in classic Christmas themes. I made the stockings for my children while pregnant with each and it is a sweet piece of decor we use every year.
Create a Wreath with Vintage Ornaments
Repurpose old ornaments into a unique wreath.
Use Vintage-Inspired Garland
Opt for popcorn, cranberry, or dried orange slice garlands for a traditional look.
RELATED: How to Decorate a Nostalgic Christmas Tree
Style Your Mantel with Retro Decor
Add ceramic reindeer, vintage Santa figurines, and tinsel garland.
Wrap Gifts with Vintage Wrapping Paper
Look for retro prints or use newspaper for a nostalgic touch.
RELATED: How to Easily Wrap A Present Perfectly Every Time | DIY
Hang Glass Icicle Ornaments
These add a vintage sparkle to your tree. I found a pack of vintage icicles through Facebook Marketplace.
Decorate with a Feather Tree
A Victorian-era classic, feather trees are timeless and elegant.
Add a Train Set Around the Tree
A beloved tradition from the 1950s and 1960s.
Use Vintage Candle Clips
Safely recreate the old-fashioned look of candles on your tree with electric versions.
Incorporate a Retro Tablecloth
Use a vintage Christmas tablecloth for festive dining.
Set Out Mid-Century Holiday Barware or China
Setting the dinner table with retro holiday china gives your dining room that nostalgic Christmas vibe instantly. If you like barware, think Santa-themed glasses or punch bowls for entertaining.
Hang a Vintage Star Tree Topper
I found a vintage tree topper at an estate sale and I love how it looks with the colorful ornaments. Opt for a lighted or tin star topper for authenticity.
Decorate with Bottle Brush Trees
Scatter these miniature trees on mantels, tables, or your Christmas village.
Play Vintage Christmas Records
Create ambiance with a collection of old holiday vinyl.
Display a Putz Village
These delicate cardboard houses with glitter are quintessential vintage.
Display Vintage Christmas Cards
Use old holiday cards as festive wall art or hang them on your mantel.
Frame Vintage Christmas Artwork
When I came into possession of an old picture frame, I knew exactly how I wanted to use it. I found a vintage Christmas image on Etsy and purchased a digital download. The printed image looks perfect in the old frame over our fireplace mantel.
RELATED: How to Make Art Prints Look Like a Vintage Painting
Use a Vintage Advent Calendar
Look for old-fashioned paper calendars with charming illustrations.
Dress Your Windows with Swag Curtains and Bells
Add vintage-style ribbon swags and hanging bells.
Incorporate Holiday Figurines
Collect and display old elves, angels, and snowmen.
Victorian Tassel Ornaments
If you are looking for classic Victorian Christmas decor, consider hanging tassles on your Christmas tree like Liz from @sixvintagerugs.
Hang Mistletoe
Use a vintage mistletoe ball or sprig tied with ribbon for a nostalgic touch.
Display a Vintage Nativity Set
Look for ceramic or hand-painted nativity sets from the 1940s-1960s to add a traditional touch.
Hang a Retro Christmas Countdown Calendar
Choose one with felt pieces or simple flip cards for a nostalgic way to count down the days.
Decorate with Antique Sleigh Bells
Hang these on doors or use them as part of your mantel display for a classic holiday sound.
Use Vintage Tree Skirts
Look for hand-stitched or printed designs featuring classic holiday motifs like reindeer, snowflakes, or Santa.
RELATED: Unique Christmas Tree Skirt Ideas to Try This Holiday Season
Incorporate Mercury Glass Accents
Add vintage mercury glass candle holders, ornaments, or vases for an old-fashioned shimmer.
Display Classic Christmas Books
Displaying Christmas classics with a beautiful book cover is an easy MCM Christmas decor item.
Set Out a Wooden Nutcracker Collection
Classic nutcrackers bring a vintage European charm to your decor.
I hope these ideas inspire you to create a very merry, mid-century Christmas!
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