Source: Etsy
Vintage home decor has been making a momentous comeback. And vintage Christmas decor is certainly at the top of the list this time of the year. Heirloom pieces, mid-century silhouettes, retro tree ornaments, and cozy heritage hues are all sought after this holiday season. Judging by vintage-inspired Pinterest trends, retro Christmas decorating is surging. On Pinterest boards tagged “vintage Christmas” or “old-fashioned Christmas,” people are drawn to jewel-toned glass ornaments, feather trees, classic bottlebrushes, and tinsel that carries just the right amount of sparkle.
If you, also, are longing for a time that’s never coming back but is surely alive in your memory, here are 12 vintage Christmas decorations for a festive, nostalgic celebration.
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A charming bundle of 20 assorted glass indent ornaments in silver, gold, green, pink, and rose gold — each one handpicked and glowing with vintage character. These 1950s-style beauties will add shimmer and playful depth to any tree, garland, or centerpiece.
Adorably quirky, this little hedgehog ornament has that delicate, handcrafted feel that makes vintage decorations so special. Using animal motifs (especially woodland ones) taps into the Ralph-Lauren–inspired holiday trend, with its cozy countryside magic.
Chinoiserie is chic and carries a vintage appeal. These delicate blue and white ginger jar tree ornaments will perfectly tie into your vintage Christmas decor, whether you’re into Victorian decor or more on the Grandmillenial side of the spectrum.
Deep, warm cherry red is such a Christmas classic. This set of 4 red mercury glass baubles surely plays into current retro trends. Combine them with brass accents or tartan ribbons to lean into that nostalgic Ralph Lauren feel.
These mini gold & olive green ornaments are so adorable. Their petite 1-inch size is perfect for a small tabletop tree, a garland woven through vintage ribbon, or tucked into a woven bowl for a nostalgic vignette. Their aged metallic finish makes them look lovingly worn, yet ready to sparkle under modern fairy lights.
This little ornament is obviously modern, but the camera depicted is unmistakably retro. Made of hand-blown glass with a glossy, slightly metallic finish, it will beautifully shimmer in the light. The paint is carefully applied to give depth to the lens and body, making it feel both delicate and substantial.
These traditional European-style glass ornaments are unique not only in the way they’re crafted, but also in their shapes. Featuring a moon, roses, grapes, and more, they reflect handcrafted techniques of mid-century artisans. Each piece has West Germany printed on the top, which only proves their vintage authenticity.
These playful pushpin ball ornaments feel like a little craft project come to life — sequins, beads, and faux pearls fixed in place by shiny pins that give the surface textured sparkle.
The push-pin design is reminiscent of the 1950s and ’60s, making them perfect for a nostalgic tree. And they are actually vintage.
Such a lovely throwback — a tiny red rotary phone decked out in glossy glass. It’s whimsical, vintage-inspired, and will work beautifully as a playful accent on your tree. This one will be great if you have a collection of curated ornaments
When I see this winking Santa tree ornament, I think of the 1950s and 1960s. I can just picture the glossy red hat with glittered trim sparkling in the reflection of tree lights.
A vintage rocking horse feels like something from a childhood memory — beloved and perfectly in tune with vintage decor traditions. It pairs wonderfully with bottlebrush trees, another retro favorite.
Next to the Nutcracker, the tin drum motif is a true Christmas classic that has survived decades and is going strong. These unique tin drum ornaments made from felt will stand out like no other on your vintage Christmas tree.
Nostalgia is everywhere and vintage holiday decor is stronger than ever. I think it’s safe to say that these days, the majority of us are truly longing for the past. Pinterest boards and Instagram posts are overwhelmingly filled with vintage-inspired decor and fashion.
Vintage-inspired pieces often last for years — these aren’t throwaway baubles. Mirroring the idea in lifestyle trend articles, people are choosing more meaningful, curated decorations.
As technology moves forward, our obsession with all things retro is bound to grow. This is and will be reflected in the way we decorate our homes, especially on such sentimental occasions as Christmas. I hope these 12 vintage and vintage-inspired ornaments have sparked your imagination for a true nostalgic tree this holiday season.
