40 Alternative Christmas Trees to Try This Year

Real evergreens and artificial trees aren't the only Christmas tree options available. Check out these alternative holiday trees that are far from the ordinary.

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By: Kayla Kitts and Chelsea Faulkner

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Photo By: Marian Parsons

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Chalkboard Tree

Kids will love seeing their handmade ornaments and decorations used at Christmas. This colorful yarn garland is fun and simple to make for kids of all ages. String it across a flat, graphic chalkboard tree for extra wow factor.

GET THE HOW-TO: Kids' Craft: Make a Pom-Pom Christmas Garland

From: Marian Parsons

Classic Greenery

Just because you don't have space for a full tree doesn't mean you have to fully forego greenery. Consider turning a pre-decorated garland into a multi-boughed tree to get the look of a traditional tree without sacrificing floor space.

Wooden Card Display

Showcase holiday cards and wrapped presents with this easy-to-make alternative version constructed from plywood.

GET THE HOW-TO: Make an Alternative Christmas Tree That Displays Cards

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Modern Wood Trees

Love modern Scandinavian style? These DIY wooden Christmas trees are super chic and super easy to make.

GET THE HOW-TO: You Can Make These Chic, Modern Outdoor Christmas Trees With Plywood and Paint

Wrapping Paper Tree

Put leftover wrapping paper to work to create this cute space-saving Christmas tree that's sure to brighten up small spaces like a foyer, guest bath or kids' room. Ribbon and double-sided tape keep the paper in place while presents piled underneath complete the look.

Copper + Wood Tree

This adorable alternative is the perfect solution, taking up very little floor space and coming to the rescue year after year.

GET THE HOW-TO: Copper + Wood: The Ultimate Faux Tree

Nailhead Trim

These nailhead trim trees are fun in the daytime but look breathtaking when silhouetted at night.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make Rustic Nail-Head Christmas Trees

Stack It Up

Whether you can’t have a Christmas tree in your home, or you're just looking to add extra cheer to your space, this wrapped present Christmas tree is as easy as it is impressive. This is the perfect DIY for people without small children or pets, as it may fall over if run into. All you need to do is wrap all of your gifts in beautiful green paper. If you don’t have enough gifts, just wrap a few extra boxes for filler. Stack all of the wrapped boxes in the shape of a Christmas tree and finish off the tree-like look by adding a few stick-on gold bows for ornaments, then top the tree with a white gift box and a bold red bow.

SEE MORE: That’s a Wrap: DIY Christmas Present Decor

Terra-Cotta Tree

A stack of pots, rope and some ornaments make up this charming holiday decoration.

GET THE HOW-TO: Terra Cotta Pot Christmas Tree How-To

Woodsy Welcome

This pinecone tree welcomes guests with woodsy holiday charm.

GET THE HOW-TO: Turn Pine Cones Into a Tabletop Christmas Tree

Modern Wall Art

Bring the look and feel of a Christmas tree to your small space by creating a wall-mounted version using MDF trim and fabric.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Wall-Mounted Christmas Tree Alternative

Rope Ladder Tree

Go big or small with this clever holiday tree. Its natural simplicity and festive glow ensure it works with almost any style of holiday decor.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Hanging Birch Log Tree

Statuesque Style

Add a touch of modernity to holiday decor with a minimalist backlit plywood Christmas tree that's perfect for indoor or outdoor use.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Backlit Wooden Christmas Tree

Tabletop Trees

Space is often at a premium in standard-sized bedrooms, but you can still add a Christmas tree if you think small. Here, a tabletop tree sits bedside to double as a nightlight after dark.

SEE MORE: 10 Easy Ideas for Your Mini Holiday Tree

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Twinkling Twine

This fun Christmas tree is made with nothing but garden twine and white glue. Cover a styrofoam cone with plastic wrap to create a mold for your tree. Dip lengths of twine into white glue and wrap them around the cone, making sure the twine overlaps. Let the glue dry completely, then gently pull out the mold. Decorate your finished tree with red berries for a festive touch.

Bookshelf Beauty

How smart is this? Gather bright, monochromatic glassware and position in a bookshelf to resemble the outline of a Christmas tree. Add silvery orbs and bulbs to complete the look.

Succulent Stunner

Who says evergreens should have all the fun? Carefully arranged succulents look wild in the shape of a Christmas tree. And if you live in a temperate climate, this tree would be especially appropriate.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Succulent Christmas Tree

Traditional Upholstery

When it comes to Christmas trees, I say the more, the merrier. These custom trees add sophistication to any style of holiday decor, and they're super easy to store away.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make an Upholstered Christmas Tree

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Pallet Wood Tree

This easy craft will add modern yet rustic charm to your holiday decor.

GET THE HOW-TO: Make a Pallet Christmas Tree

Tomato Cage Twist

The simple structure of this tree gives it a modern, architectural feel, maintaining its rustic charm.

GET THE HOW-TO: Tomato Cage Christmas Tree Decor

Creative Cake Plate

Create a Christmas tree that doubles as a tabletop centerpiece by stacking three cake plates then layering ornaments on top. Keep them in place with double-sided tape, and add an extra layer of sparkle with cascading ribbon.

By the Sea

Try a new twist on traditional holiday topiaries by covering cone-shaped foam forms with shells in assorted colors and sizes. Attach them with hot glue, starting at the bottom and working your way up.

SEE MORE: 45 Coastal Christmas Decorating Ideas

Takeout Box Advent Tree

This Advent calendar made from takeout food containers stacked to resemble a tree is a clever way to get your kids to count down to Christmas. Blogger Layla Palmer made the standard white boxes more jolly with construction paper and stickers.

GET THE HOW-TO: Make Your Own Takeout Box Advent Calendar

Stacked Planks

Add farmhouse style to your front yard this holiday season with a rustic, wooden Christmas tree.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Wooden Christmas Tree

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Yarn-Wrapped Trees

These little yarn trees are so simple to create; you'll have time to make a few for your home, plus plenty of handmade gifts for friends and family, too.

How to Make Yarn Christmas Trees

Repurposed Books

An assortment of hardcover books is stacked in the shape of a miniature Christmas tree and decorated with old-fashioned string lights, as discovered in former Vice President Joe Biden's library during the holidays.

Stacked Corks

Put a holiday spin on wine corks with a tabletop tree structure. Secure corks directly to floral foam cones using a hot glue gun. You can keep this up all season long, too.

DIY Advent Calendar Ladder

This oversized, unexpected Advent calendar tree is made from a ladder and sure to have friends and neighbors talking this year! Get the step-by-step instructions to make your own, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Make a Giant Advent Calendar With a Ladder

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Coffee, Please

Dip coffee filters in fabric dye for a trendy ombré effect, then stack them to create a quick-and-easy tabletop holiday tree.

Easy Ombre Coffee Filter Christmas Trees

Garden Tool Tree

Instead of letting your garden tools gather dust this winter, use them for decoration. Hang your garden tools in the shape of a Christmas tree, and add ornaments and garlands for a festive touch.

Tree-Shaped Window Dowels

Put a new spin on your holiday window decorations with this smart, colorful wooden dowel project.

Make Christmas Tree-Shaped Window Dowels

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Vintage Tree + Palette

Green, blue and gold decor add holiday sparkle to this cozy living room.

Felt Mini Trees

Cover foam topiary forms with layers of felt in a fun ombré pattern to create these colorful tabletop trees.

Ombre Tabletop Christmas Trees

From: Marian Parsons

Terra-Cotta Cutie

All you need to create this non-traditional tree is a few terra-cotta pots and a little paint. It's an easy way to add some elegant holiday spirit to your decor, inside or out. Top with a small succulent or another low-maintenance plant for a touch of natural beauty.

GET THE HOW-TO: Easy Christmas Craft: A Terra-Cotta Tree

Rustic Wood

This rustic wood model is cute and quirky, like a modern Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Pine Cone Kids' Craft

This clever craft puts pinecones to use as a festive tabletop DIY decoration that's simple enough to get the kids involved.

GET THE HOW-TO: Pinecone Christmas Tree Centerpiece

From: Sam Henderson

Beachy Keen

Celebrate Christmas with some coastal flair, as featured in the home of comedy queen Lisa Lampanelli. This driftwood beauty is both creative and classy.

Holiday Fabric Tree Decor

As cute as they are practical, these holiday fabric trees put old clothing to use in a completely new way. Look for holiday sweaters in seasonal colors with interesting textures or consider other fabrics, too, such as men's shirts or a wooly scarf.

GET THE HOW-TO: Christmas Craft: Upcycled Tabletop Trees

From: Sam Henderson

Sheet Music Christmas Trees

Bring the unexpected to your table with miniature Christmas trees made out of cut and curled sheet music. These fluffy trees will add texture and whimsy to any holiday arrangement.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make Sheet Music Christmas Trees

From: Marian Parsons

Tiny Tinsel Tree

This vintage-inspired silver tinsel tree is perfect for any tabletop.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

All Natural

Create a fun and modern tree arrangement with a few small natural objects combined with bright hues. Glue pebbles, acorns, pinecones, twigs or other natural elements onto a styrofoam cone base. Once the cone is completely covered, use a heavy coat of acrylic paint to color your tree.

40 Alternative Christmas Trees to Try This Year

Related To:

Shop This Look

Chalkboard Tree

Classic Greenery

Wooden Card Display

Modern Wood Trees

Wrapping Paper Tree

Copper + Wood Tree

Nailhead Trim

Stack It Up

Terra-Cotta Tree

Woodsy Welcome

Modern Wall Art

Rope Ladder Tree

Statuesque Style

Tabletop Trees

Twinkling Twine

Bookshelf Beauty

Succulent Stunner

Traditional Upholstery

Pallet Wood Tree

Tomato Cage Twist

Creative Cake Plate

By the Sea

Takeout Box Advent Tree

Stacked Planks

Yarn-Wrapped Trees

Repurposed Books

Stacked Corks

DIY Advent Calendar Ladder

Coffee, Please

Garden Tool Tree

Tree-Shaped Window Dowels

Vintage Tree + Palette

Felt Mini Trees

Terra-Cotta Cutie

Rustic Wood

Pine Cone Kids' Craft

Beachy Keen

Holiday Fabric Tree Decor

Sheet Music Christmas Trees

Tiny Tinsel Tree

All Natural

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