Nostalgic Christmas Decoration Ideas

There’s something undeniably comforting about traditional Christmas decorations. And nostalgia has a big role to play. Whether you have fond memories of reaching for the box of tangled lights from the loft every December, or the cosy glow that greets you home from work, coming from a tree decked in multicoloured bulbs, many of us are striving to recreate the nostalgic Christmas look. 

In fact, nostalgic Christmas decorations are having such a moment that they’re even trending on social media. So, if you’re looking to lean into the vintage-inspired Christmas look this festive season, you’re in the right place. Here at NOMA, we’ve been giving the gift of Christmas lighting since 1939. With a heritage that spans over a century, we’re proud to be the UK’s oldest Christmas company and experts in traditional Christmas decor.

In this guide, we’ll share our best retro Christmas decor ideas, covering everything from vintage tinsel and baubles to authentic traditional Christmas lights, showing you how to get the nostalgic Christmas look without compromising on modern home comforts.

Ready to step back in time? The ghost of Christmas past is waiting…

Start with classic-style Christmas lights 

To achieve that unmistakable retro glow, start with Christmas lights with traditional multicoloured and warm white bulbs. Better yet, choose classic Christmas lights featuring vintage shapes and styles, such as our Classic Pickwick Shades or our multicoloured Victorian Lantern string lights. These are the sort of shapes that decked our homes at Christmas time back in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, offering a true blast from the past.  

By buying new Christmas lights with modern LEDs, you can make the most of the nostalgic festive look, with all the benefits of contemporary lighting. All of NOMA’s Christmas string lights combine ultra-bright LEDs with durable, weather-resistant wiring. Plus, with energy-efficient technology and built-in EasyTimer functions, you can enjoy the best of Christmas nostalgia without worrying about running costs.

Choose a vintage-inspired colour palette 

For your retro Christmas colour palette, look to traditional primary shades like red and green, as well as warm white and accents of glistening gold. Maximalism is your friend here, so don’t be afraid to be bold and experiment with clashing colours. In this case, more really is more. Soon, your home will look like one of the houses in Whoville!

Decorate the tree the old-fashioned way

To create the nostalgic Christmas tree of your dreams, you’ll want to dress your tree with retro Christmas tree lights. Start from the base, wrapping and winding upwards, rather than draping your string lights, to achieve even lighting coverage. Alternatively, consider investing in a pre-lit Christmas tree with built-in, traditional multicoloured bulbs, like our 1.8m Nebula tree. 

The next layer should be your tinsel. Synonymous with vintage Christmas styling, tinsel is an easy, affordable way to add tonnes of nostalgic sparkle to your tree. Simply wind it around your tree, starting from the bottom, travelling upwards, and finish at the tip of the tree (tucking the end out of sight at the back). Now, step back and appreciate the twinkle. 

For your tree ornaments, experiment with a mismatch of eclectic styles. We’re talking chunky, glass-effect retro baubles, hand-painted statement pieces, vintage candy canes, pinecones, oversized bows, the lot! The best part about a nostalgic Christmas tree is that there’s really no way to go wrong. You can even hang the kids’ hand-painted decorations from school, and they won’t look out of place.

Psst! In the market for a new Christmas tree this year? Check out our handy guide on how to choose the right size Christmas tree for your home.

Bring the retro glow into every room

To extend that vintage glow into every room of the house, think about other pieces of furniture you can decorate with retro lighting. Whether that’s your fireplace mantel, staircase bannisters, or doorways, adding vintage Christmas lights is one of the easiest ways to create a nostalgic mood in your home beyond the tree.

Top tip: We love wrapping festive garlands around the bannister and hanging up classic string lights in the hallway for a warm welcome ho-ho-ho-home… 

Nostalgia for the films

“Happy Christmas, Harry!” “Happy Christmas, Ron.”

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)

For many people, childhood Christmases go hand-in-hand with the iconic wizarding world of Harry Potter. That’s why NOMA created its official Harry Potter™ collection, developed exclusively for the UK & Ireland in partnership with Warner Bros. The special lighting range captures the magic of Harry Potter, so you can bring a slice of Hogwarts to your home.

And for those who love to rewatch the franchise every Christmas, you can now adorn your home with pieces from NOMA’s Harry Potter Christmas collection! From enchanting Light Up Wall Art to magical, wand-controlled floating candles, just like the ones in the Great Hall, there are so many ways to celebrate the festive season like a wizard. Our favourite pick? The Hogwarts Christmas Wreath, designed with baubles and bows in traditional house colours, two golden snitches, and the Hogwarts crest in the centre; the perfect blend of Potter magic and nostalgic Christmas style.

Now all that’s left to do is pop on your signature knitted ‘R’ jumper, snuggle down, and hit play. Mrs Weasley would be so proud. 

Mix the old with the new 

One of the easiest ways to give a nod to the past without turning your home into a museum is by mixing the old with the new. Keep your family heirlooms and treasured Christmas decorations from years gone by, but blend them with newer, shinier pieces. When shopping for new Christmas decorations, find similar themes or colours that complement your vintage decs to create a cohesive look.

Alternatively, you could always invest in some new vintage-inspired Christmas lights and decorations to capture the spirit of the nostalgic Christmases you remember. The best part about buying new is that you can enjoy the benefits of modern features, such as energy-efficient LED bulbs and energy-saving timers, like NOMA’s built-in EasyTimer function. Same look, smaller electricity bill.  

Nostalgic Christmas Decorations FAQ

What colour lights look the most traditional?

For a classic Christmas look, opt for warm yellow bulbs over bright white bulbs, because they give off a warmer, cosier glow. However, for a really nostalgic Christmas aesthetic, choose lights with multicoloured bulbs, which capture the charm of vintage Christmases of the past. 

Are LED Christmas lights available in a classic style?

Yes! NOMA’s Classic Christmas Lights come in an array of vintage-inspired styles and are designed with modern LED technology for long-lasting efficiency, meaning you can enjoy the best of both worlds. 

How do I decorate a tree in a vintage style?

When designing a vintage-inspired Christmas tree, the best place to start is with some retro Christmas tree lights. Choose traditional, multicoloured bulbs or string lights with classic lantern shapes to bring instant nostalgia to your tree. For your ornaments, opt for retro-inspired glass baubles, lots of tinsel, and a characterful tree topper to finish the look. 

Capturing the spirit of nostalgic Christmases has never been easier! Whether you choose to decorate your tree with a few vintage touches or go all-out retro Christmas throwback, there are so many ways to jump on the nostalgic Christmas decorating trend.  

Ready to illuminate your home with vintage Christmas lights this year? Explore NOMA’s full range of Christmas lights.