Tinsel Is Making Its Comeback in 2025 — Here's Where to Shop the Most Stylish, Shiny Takes for Christmas

This isn't the ratty-tatty tinsel you grew up with; in 2025, the sparkly strands have been reimagined and feel fresh as ever

a christmas tree with a tinsel tree skirt and small colorful tinsel trees next to it with small gold presents and disco balls
(Image credit: Marks and Spencer)

Two years ago, I wouldn't have been caught dead styling tinsel on my Christmas tree. Last year, I fashioned my own sculptural DIY tree from a branch I found on the side of the road and long tinsel stands (it looked much better than it sounds — see below). This year, tinsel decorations are everywhere again, and I have to admit: I think I'm finally ready for their return.

Of course, it's not the classic tinsel garlands you might remember. No, this time around it's all about shape, shininess, and unexpected applications. As with most of the biggest Christmas decorating ideas for 2025, there's a touch of nostalgia, sure, but it's done in a whole new way. Think scalloped shapes, pom-poms, and playing with scale.

Kitsch can be a tricky aesthetic to navigate. The line between tacky and tactful is as fine as... well, a strand of tinsel. So, to help you navigate the new take on this tinsel, I've found 12 shiny yet still stylish takes on the trend to shop below.

a unique Christmas decorating idea with glittering tassels having off branches in a vase

The unique 'tinsel tree' I DIYed using a branch from the side of the road last year.

(Image credit: Future / Emma Breislin)

And just to prove I can put my money where my mouth is, here's the tinsel tree I made for Christmas last year. I liked it so much, I left it up well into January because it wasn't in-your-face Christmas and felt just as appropriate for New Year's Eve and beyond — and that subtlety is the real beauty of alternative Christmas tree ideas.

Emma Breislin
Interiors Editor

Emma is the Interiors Editor at Livingetc. She formerly worked on Homes To Love, writing about all things design for some of Australia’s top interior publications, including Australian House & Garden and Belle. Before that, she produced content for CULTIVER, where she found an appreciation for filling your home with high-quality, beautiful things. At Livingetc, Emma explores the big design questions — from styling to colors, interior trends, and home tours. She’s travelled to Copenhagen for 3daysofdesign, to Paris for Déco Off and Maison&Objet, and has attended design events in London, including WOW!house and Clerkenwell Design Week. Outside of work, you’ll find her elbow-deep at an antique store, moving her sofa for the 70th time, or mentally renovating every room she walks into.