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Decorating a real or artificial Christmas tree with ornaments is a timeless holiday tradition that brings warmth and personality to your home. Whether you prefer something fun, nostalgic, or purely decorative, the right ornaments can instantly spark holiday cheer and become treasured keepsakes for years to come. To help you find the perfect addition to your tree, our team reviewed some of the best Christmas ornaments available this season.
Top 7 Christmas Ornaments
From classic glass designs to playful characters, these top Christmas ornaments can add personality and charm to any holiday tree.
- Best Overall: SWAROVSKI Annual Edition Christmas Ornament
- Best Handcrafted: Old World Christmas Glass Blown Mini Snowman Ornament Set
- Best for Kids: NUKBIL Mini Plush Christmas Tree Ornament Set
- Most Subtle: Kurt Adler Glass Icicle Ornament Set
- Best Classic: EverEtreinte 50-Piece Christmas Ornaments Set
- Most Unique: KMUYSL 4-Pack Christmas Gnome Ornaments
- Best Novelty: JOYIN Christmas Taco and Burrito Glass Blown Ornament Set
Compare Top Christmas Ornaments
The table below compares key features of our top Christmas ornament picks.
| Product | Count | Design | Material | Hanger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWAROVSKI Annual Edition Christmas Ornament | 1 | Snowflake | Crystal | Ribbon |
| Old World Christmas Glass Blown Mini Snowman Ornament Set | 6 | Snowmen | Glass | Cord |
| NUKBIL Mini Plush Christmas Tree Ornament Set | 1 | Animals | Plush | Ribbon |
| Kurt Adler Glass Icicle Ornament Set | 24 | Icicle | Glass | Cord |
| EverEtreinte 50-Piece Christmas Ornaments Set | 50 | Ball | Plastic | Plastic loop |
| KMUYSL 4-Pack Christmas Gnome Ornaments | 4 | Gnomes | Wool | Cord |
| JOYIN Christmas Taco and Burrito Glass Blown Ornament Set | 2 | Taco and burrito | Glass | Plastic loop |
Best Overall
SWAROVSKI Annual Edition Christmas Ornament
- $59.99
- $90
- 33% off
Prices taken at the time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features a star-shaped design with 170 cut facets
✔ Is part of SWAROVSKI’s annual Christmas collection
✔ Hangs from elegant green grosgrain ribbon
✘ Is very fragile
✘ Has a high price point
Key Features
- One ornament
- Snowflake design
- Made of crystal
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised this Swarovski ornament for its stunning detail and solid craftsmanship, noting it offers good value and makes a thoughtful Christmas gift. While some reviews found the size just right for hanging on the tree, others found it smaller than expected. A few customers also felt the design wasn’t as intricate as previous years’ editions.
Best Handcrafted
Old World Christmas Glass Blown Mini Snowman Ornament Set
- $39.08
- $44.99
- 13% off
Prices taken at the time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes in a set of six with individual festive designs
✔ Handcrafted and painted for classic holiday appeal
✔ Packaged in a gift box for easy gifting or storage
✘ Some customers found them smaller than expected
✘ Considered fragile due to the delicate glass construction
Key Features
- Six ornaments
- Snowman design
- Made of mouth-blown glass
What Customers Are Saying
Reviewers loved the charming details and nostalgic style of these ornaments, calling them well-made and perfect for themed trees. While many appreciated their craftsmanship and value, a few mentioned that the ornaments are very small and can be fragile.
Best for Kids
NUKBIL Mini Plush Christmas Tree Ornament Set
- $17.99
- $19.99
- 10% off
Prices taken at the time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes six unique plush ornaments with festive designs
✔ Made from soft, high-quality materials considered safe for kids
✔ Works as tree decorations or stocking stuffers
✘ Too small for larger trees or dramatic displays
✘ May not appeal to those who prefer traditional glass ornaments
Key Features
- Six plush ornaments
- Animal-themed holiday designs
- Made of soft, non-toxic materials
What Customers Are Saying
Reviewers said these mini plush ornaments are adorable, soft, and well-made. Many reviews liked the variety of cute characters and said they were perfect for stockings, small trees, or as festive gift toppers. Negative reviews noted that the ornaments are quite small and better suited as accent pieces rather than main decorations.
Most Subtle
Kurt Adler Glass Icicle Ornament Set
- $13.95
- $19.99
- 30% off
Prices taken at the time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features a twisted design that looks like dripping ice
✔ Comes with a crystal hanging string
✔ Comes in a pack of 24 individually wrapped ornaments
✘ Must handle with care
✘ Smaller than other types of shaped ornaments
Key Features
- 24 ornaments
- Icicle design
- Made of glass
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked that these ornaments were lightweight and sparkly and came in different sizes. However, some dissatisfied customers reported that some icicles arrived broken, and others noted that the ornaments didn’t sparkle as much as expected.
Best Classic
EverEtreinte 50-Piece Christmas Ornaments Set
- $39.99
Prices taken at the time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes 50 ornaments in a variety of finishes for added texture
✔ Made of durable, shatter-resistant plastic
✔ Pre-strung with decorative thread for quick, hassle-free hanging
✘ Some customers found that the colors looked different from the listed photos
✘ Made of plastic instead of a more aesthetically pleasing material, such as glass
Key Features
- 50 ornaments
- Made of durable, shatterproof plastic
- Available in multiple colors
What Customers Are Saying
Reviewers appreciated the variety of finishes and said the ornaments give trees a bright, polished look without being too flashy. Many customers loved the lightweight feel and mess-free glitter. However, some buyers were disappointed with color accuracy and minor packaging or threading issues.
Most Unique
KMUYSL 4-Pack Christmas Gnome Ornaments
- $23.99
Prices taken at the time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes in a set of four with soft felt and detailed finishes
✔ Includes built-in LED lights and batteries
✔ Can work on trees and tables
✘ Light-up feature may not seem bright enough for some users
✘ Included batteries may have a limited lifespan
Key Features
- Four ornaments
- 5.7 inches tall
- Made of wool and felt with red hanging loops
What Customers Are Saying
Customers said these gnome ornaments are adorable, well-crafted, and make excellent small gifts or stocking stuffers. While many reviewers enjoyed the light-up feature, some found it dim or short-lived due to a limited battery life.
Best Novelty
JOYIN Christmas Taco and Burrito Glass Blown Ornament Set
- $17.99
Prices taken at the time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes two hand-painted glass ornaments
✔ Fun, food-themed design makes a great gift or conversation starter
✔ Comes ready to hang right out of the box
✘ Glass construction is fragile and may break if dropped
✘ Some customers found the ornaments smaller than expected
Key Features
- Two ornaments
- Made from hand-blown glass
- Hand-painted finish
What Customers Are Saying
Reviewers love the fun design of this ornament set, saying the taco and burrito look realistic and bring a lighthearted touch to their holiday decor. While some found the ornaments smaller than pictured, most agree they’re well-made and vibrant.
How To Shop For Christmas Ornaments
Before choosing your Christmas tree decorations, consider your overall decorating style and the type of look you want to achieve. Whether you prefer novelty pieces, timeless keepsakes, or traditional glass balls and stars, choosing ornaments that reflect your style can help create a festive, personal holiday display.
To help you with your shopping, we put together a list of key factors to consider when looking for new ornaments.
Ornament Type
Christmas ornaments typically fall into a few main categories:
- Balls: Classic round ornaments, also called baubles, made from glass, plastic, or metal that come in a range of sizes and finishes. Not to be confused with string light bulbs.
- Shaped ornaments: Icicles, snowflakes, stars, and other figures crafted from glass, plastic, wood, or metal can add dimension and variety to your tree.
- Do-it-yourself (DIY) ornaments: Handmade ornaments add a personal touch and are popular among both kids and adults. Whether crafted at school or for a holiday project, they add sentimental value.
- Keepsakes: Often released annually by brands like Hallmark, these ornaments are designed for collecting over time and may carry personal or family significance.
- Novelty ornaments: From Santa and snowmen to travel souvenirs and milestone markers, novelty ornaments can bring humor or storytelling to your décor.
Fragility
If you have young children or pets, glass ornaments may not offer the best choice. Instead, look for shatterproof ornaments made from plastic or resin—they’re more durable and less likely to break if bumped or dropped. For additional tips on safe decorating with pets, see the section below on pet-friendly holiday decor.
Size and Quantity
We recommend matching your ornaments to the size of your tree. Larger trees need more ornaments to feel balanced, while smaller trees may work better with lighter, more compact options. Oversized or heavy ornaments may not hang well on smaller or thinner branches.
Pet-Friendly Holiday Decor
Creating a dog-friendly holiday home starts with choosing decorations that are safe for your pets. Avoid edible ornaments, skip breakable glass pieces near the bottom of the tree, and secure your tree to prevent tipping. Choose pet-proof ornaments made from soft or shatter-resistant materials to reduce the risk of injury or accidents.
Other Types of Holiday Decor
Ornaments are a classic way to bring festive cheer to your home during the holidays, helping transform your space into a seasonal wonderland. But this type of decor is just the beginning. There are plenty of other holiday decorations you can use to make your home even more festive. We put together a quick list of ideas:
- Advent calendars
- Candles
- Candy canes
- Christmas lights
- Christmas villages
- Elf figures
- Garland
- Nutcrackers
- Pinecones
- Reindeer sculptures
- Ribbons and bows
- Santa Claus figurines
- Snowglobes
- Stocking
- Tinsel
- Tree toppers
- Wreaths and boughs
How to Make Your Own Christmas Ornaments
If you’re a big DIYer, you can also make your very own Christmas ornament at home for a wonderful heirloom you can pass down for generations. This Old House’s Kevin O’Connor and Tom Silva show you all the steps from start to finish for making an ornament in the video below.
Before you get started, make sure you have on your safety glasses, a lathe, woodworking tools, and 220-grit sandpaper.
Additional Christmas Guides
Still shopping for the perfect Christmas gifts? These guides can help you find thoughtful, affordable, and festive picks for everyone on your list:
- Tools To Gift Your Favorite DIY-er This Christmas
- The Best Holiday Gifts Under $25
- The Best Winter Essentials To Gift This Holiday Season
FAQs About Christmas Ornaments
Do you have to hang ornaments on a Christmas tree?
While Christmas trees are the most common place for ornaments, you can display them in other creative ways, like on garlands, fireplace mantels, tabletop trees, or even in indoor plants. You can also use Christmas ornaments in centerpieces, wreaths, or decorative bowls.
How do you hang Christmas ornaments?
Most ornaments come with a built-in string, ribbon, or loop for hanging. Others may have a small hole or eyelet for attaching an ornament hook, which is often sold separately in metal or plastic.
Where on a tree should you hang heavy ornaments?
Place heavier ornaments near the bottom of the tree, where the thicker branches offer better support. More delicate or lightweight ornaments are best placed higher up to avoid damage and reduce the risk of being knocked off.
What’s the difference between glass and shatterproof ornaments?
Glass ornaments offer a classic, elegant look but are fragile and prone to breaking. Shatterproof ornaments are made from durable plastic or resin and are much safer for homes with kids or pets. Many are designed to closely resemble glass while offering better durability.
How can I childproof or pet-proof my Christmas ornaments and tree?
Use shatterproof or soft-fabric ornaments on lower branches, and place fragile pieces near the top. Avoid leaving sharp metal hooks within reach of children or pets by using plastic hooks or ribbon loops. Anchor the tree or use a sturdy base to prevent tipping.
How do you store Christmas ornaments after the holidays?
To keep your ornaments in good condition, store them in a dry, temperature-controlled space. Use divided ornament storage boxes or wrap fragile pieces in tissue paper or bubble wrap before placing them in bins. Keep heavier items on the bottom and lighter or delicate ones on top.
How We Selected the Best Christmas Ornaments
To provide our readers with the best product recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
- Initial research: Our research process began by generating a list of Christmas ornaments with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars on Amazon. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
- Expert insights: Through years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
- Final product selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products for the home, from doorbell cameras and dining room decor to circular saws and snow blowers.
Once we conclude the research and testing phases, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
