The right Christmas tree topper makes spending hours setting up your tree, stringing lights, hanging ornaments, and draping tinsels worth the wait when you stand back and see the final product for the first time. The cherry on top, the icing on the cake, the topper on the tree—it needs to make an impression.
The perfect tree topper can make all the difference in transforming a real or artificial Christmas tree into something that dazzles your family and guests. Whether you’re decorating a tree for the kids, the office, or a grand masterpiece for the living room, we’ve researched the best Christmas tree toppers for every style and budget.
If you have a specific theme in mind, you can opt for a tree topper that works with that theme. If you're more of a classic person, Santa Clauses, stars, snowflakes, and even gnomes are always great tree-decorating options for you this holiday season. But, we encourage you to branch out this December; maybe this list will inspire you to try something new and nontraditional on top of your tree.
Star Tree Toppers
If you’re just starting your Christmas decor journey and looking for a simple yet effective topper, you can't go wrong with a star. The Kurt Adler 8-inch Gold Glittered Star Treetop is a classic gold option that's easy to match with any other tree decorations you choose.
Tinsel and multicolored lights are a blast from the past, but they’re both making a comeback and deserve a spot on the tree, especially if you’re going for a retro Christmas vibe. The Northlight Lighted Gold Star Christmas Tree Topper is a great example of this vintage-inspired aesthetic with built-in lights.
For another lighted topper unlike traditional ones, check out OurWarm’s star topper with LED projector lights. The silver, glittery star has 3D-cutout designs and an LED projector inside that casts snowflakes across your walls and ceiling. The projector rotates so the snowflakes dance across the walls, and you can adjust the distance and direction for different effects.
Tree Huggers
If your kids have a tree in their rooms or the playroom, a tree hugger is a fun addition that you don’t have to worry about breaking. Tree huggers are all made from soft materials like felt, with wires inside to maneuver the fun characters around the branches of your tree.
Large options like the Ornativity Snowman Christmas Tree Hugger look beautiful on top of real and artificial trees of all sizes. Others, like the ManxiVoo Tree Top Hugger Santa, are small enough to double as ornaments.
Collect a few to place throughout your tree for a fun activity the whole family can enjoy without the fear of breaking fragile Christmas keepsakes.
Angel Tree Toppers
Angels are another classic way to top a Christmas tree. While various types of angels are available in the market, some with intricate clothing that resembles a Renaissance painting, like the Balsam Hill Angel Tree Topper, we also like modern interpretations, like the Willow Tree Song of Joy Tree Topper.
Made from capiz shells, it won't accumulate dust or get dirty over time, making it a low-maintenance option. However, it's fragile, so be sure to handle it with care. The French Knot Simone Angel Tree Topper is a more whimsical option made of wool, so it can withstand falls off the top of the tree and tight storage spaces.
While most angels come in neutral colors that look gorgeous with rustic bows and berries on your tree, you can also find colorful, kid-friendly options to fit a monochromatic look. The long dresses and skirts often cover unseemly branches on the tops of real trees as well, which we appreciate.
Unique Tree Toppers
While a traditional star or angel might be tempting, don't limit yourself when it comes to tree toppers. We found a ton of unique options, including the Cody Foster Disco Ball Tree Topper, which shines exceptionally bright by a window. It would look awesome on colored artificial trees and can be repurposed as a mantel decor piece for the rest of the year.
Tree toppers aren't limited to Christmas, either. The Impress Life Star of David Hanukkah Christmas Rattan Tree Topper is a beautiful way to bring the joy of Hanukkah into your home, especially for households celebrating both holidays.
Light-Up Tree Toppers
If string lights around your Christmas tree aren't enough, elevate your tree's showstopping shine with a lighted topper. The Pottery Barn snowy star tree topper is battery operated and has a snowy finish that looks perfect on a flocked (or unflocked) Christmas tree.
We think the Mario Super Star from Tree Topper is a cheeky option for kids and Mario fans of all ages. You can also find light-up options of traditional stars and angels, like the Peiduo Angel Tree Topper, which doesn't just light up but also spins.
Projector tree toppers, like this snowflake from Patiobay, create a DIY light show on your ceiling. While they may take more care to assemble and store, they're worth it for maximalist trees or families with kids who love an extra sparkly display.
Festive Tree Toppers
Tree toppers are a great way to incorporate traditional Christmas motifs into your holiday decor. Whether you love a gingerbread aesthetic or prefer Mrs. Claus looking over all of your presents on Christmas morning, there's a Christmas-themed topper out there for you.
We especially love this customizable Santa hat from Personalization Mall that you can personalize with your last name. This would make a fantastic family gift for newlyweds or anyone spending their first Christmas together.
Ribbon Tree Toppers
Ribbons and bows are another popular tree topper trend we love for something unexpected but can still fit within common Christmas colors and themes. The Gogosy Tree Topper Bow comes in blue, green, red, or white to fit any decor style.
Plus, it has 13-inch ribbons that run down the side of your tree for a one-and-done tree decoration, especially for small trees. You can also cut the ribbons to better fit your tree. We do recommend ironing them first, for the sharpest look.
The Anthropologie jeweled metal tree topper is a fun take on the traditional bow, whereas, this set from New Traditions comes with a large bow with long ribbons as well as 12 mini ribbons to place around your tree as ornaments for a chic cohesive look.
Finial Tree Toppers
Finial tree toppers are usually made from glass or metal and feature a tall collection of ornaments typically ending in a point. These gorgeous and intricate toppers add a touch of elegance to your Christmas tree, especially when paired with other glass ornaments.
The Frontgate Glass Tree Toppers come in stunning designs in classic Christmas colors. Some are just simple glass, while others are more detailed with glitter and stars. For an even fancier option deserving of a celebration, choose this one from Anthropologie that looks like a bottle of champagne.
We also love this tree topper from the National Tree Company, which comes in pastel pink and would pair beautifully with a colored or flocked tree. Try to match the ornaments on your tree with your topper for a cohesive, monochromatic look.
Rustic Tree Toppers
Rustic holiday decor leans into neutral tones, textural elements, and nods to the outdoors. But, it doesn't have to be boring. While it often includes a set color scheme, rustic holiday decor doesn't have to be boring.
We love the idea of leaning into woodland creatures, as seen in Pottery Barn Lit Burlap Buck Tree Topper. This would look gorgeous on a real tree with ornaments of other forest friends. It'll look like an entire forest community lives within your tree.
If you love the look of a traditional star but want to match the rest of your rustic decor, opt for this rattan star from Kurt Adler. Most traditional Christmas motifs also come in rustic materials like rattan. Or look for classic Santa and gingerbread men but in neutral hues.
Personalized Tree Toppers
When it comes to personalizing your Christmas tree, don't just stop at ornaments—custom and personalized Christmas tree toppers are the perfect way to make your tree uniquely "you."
If your dog is more than just your family's pet, make them the star of the show with the Etsy dog breed tree topper—you can choose from almost 150 dog breeds, or even send them a photo of your dog to match their breed specifically.
You can also go a slightly more traditional route with a star featuring your family's name in the middle, or a monogrammed wire tree topper in festive gold.
What to Look for in a Christmas Tree Topper
Size and Weight
You’ll want to take measurements before purchasing a topper or Christmas tree stand to ensure you aren’t buying one too small or too big for your tree. Big trees generally need larger toppers, whereas smaller trees need smaller toppers. You also want to avoid your topper being too tall for your ceiling once it's placed on your tree.
We like the Balsam Hill Angel Tree Topper for a larger option. You’ll also want to make sure your topper isn’t too heavy, as you don’t want it bending the top branch or weighing down your tree and falling off.
If that's your main concern, opt for a tree topper made from light materials like felt, like the Etsy Felt Festive Christmas Tree Topper.
Material
Double-check materials before buying, especially if you have small children around who might run into the tree, or pets who might climb and knock off the topper. The last thing you want is broken glass all over the floor.
For families with kids, we recommend lightweight and secure tree toppers. Tree huggers, like the Hongsome Gingerbread Man Tree Hugger, are a great choice for this. These fit snugly around branches, so there's less of a chance of them falling off. But even if they do fall, they're made of felt, so they won't break.
Plastic is another great, durable option, like the Kurt Adler Mickey Mouse Topper. Alternatively, consider ribbons or bows, like the Gogosy Tree Topper Bow, which won't break if dropped.
However, we love the look of glass toppers like this one from National Tree Company. As with all tree toppers, you want to ensure you handle and store them with care. We recommend using organized storage boxes for ornaments, lights, tree toppers, and other holiday decorations.
Style
Consider the type of Christmas decor in the room where the tree is before buying a topper. There are toppers for all types of themes. Blue Christmas lovers can opt for the Gogosy Tree Topper Bow in blue and white, while the Hudson Grace antique gold star tree topper is perfect for a monochromatic gold look.
Stick to traditional Christmas motifs with the Balsam Hill Mrs. Claus Topper, or choose to honor your favorite fandom during the holidays instead with the Mario Super Star from Tree Topper.
Rustic and neutral decor lovers need the adorable Pottery Barn Lit Burlap Buck Tree Topper to transform their tree into a woodland forest. There's no one correct way to complete your tree-decorating process. You'll find something you love if you honor your personal decorating style.
Power Requirements
If your topper has to be plugged in, like the OurWarm Tree Topper with Projector Lights, make sure your tree is near a wall outlet and that the topper cord is long enough to reach the wall socket, or that connecting plugs from light strands will reach high enough.
Also, some toppers require batteries, so make sure to have those on hand when purchasing. One example of this is the Impress Life Star of David Hanukkah Christmas Rattan Tree Topper, which requires three AA batteries, which aren't included.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, an associate editor for The Spruce covering the best holiday gifts and decor for the past three years. She stays on the pulse of holiday decorating trends and has pieced together some of her favorite tree topper categories and product picks for every style, budget, and family.
As the youngest of three, the Christmas tree topper ceremony was established long before she was born. So, every year, her older brother puts their older sister on his shoulders to place the decades-old angel on top of the (always real) Christmas tree as the final step in decorating.
But, now as an adult with her own space and her own tree, she leans into more nontraditional options like the Cody Foster Disco Ball Tree Topper.
Our Experts:
- Kate McKenna, senior editor