What makes a Christmas tree truly iconic? It’s often a mix of things – the setting, the design (especially when it dares to do something different), and the people or stories it’s tied to. Sometimes, it’s all of the above.
The most memorable Christmas trees are the ones that don’t chase trends but create their own. They have a sense of character and timelessness that quietly influences how we decorate our own trees at home, however modest in scale. That’s certainly true of the trees we’ve gathered here, from all corners of the world – from Galeries Lafayette to Rio de Janeiro.
Before we start planning our Christmas decor ideas for 2025, we’re taking a moment to look back at some of the most unforgettable trees of the past century. After all, the inspiration for the coming weeks might just be rooted in the past.
1. Rockefeller Center (1971)
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been a holiday tradition since the early 1930s, attracting thousands of visitors to Manhattan (and no doubt holding a special place for New Yorkers, too). With almost 100 years of trees to choose from, what makes the 1971 tree so special?
Standing 65 feet tall, the 1971 tree was an impressive sight in the plaza at the time, helping build the tree’s international recognition. While later trees would feature more elaborate stars, lighting, and decorations, the 1971 tree’s size gave it a sense of grandeur even with relatively simple ornamentation.
It’s proof that sometimes, presence alone is enough to captivate, and you don’t need to go overboard with lights and ornaments to make an impression that lasts.
2. Galeries Lafayette (2017)
What the Rockefeller Center is for New Yorkers, Galeries Lafayette is for Parisians. Since 1976, the Paris Haussmann flagship has welcomed shoppers with a stunning Christmas tree beneath its iconic dome, and 2017 was arguably the most audacious to date.
Instead of traditional decorations, the tree was adorned with oversized sweets, balloons, and fun‑fair-inspired details, unapologetically playful in spirit. Part of the 'Spectacular, Spectacular' theme, it stood out for an unconventional color palette, swapping classic reds and golds for vibrant pinks and blues – a bold choice that remains as fun today as it was then.
3. The White House (1961)
Jackie O was one of the most influential figures in 20th-century fashion, celebrated for a style that was timeless, modern, and effortlessly simple. It is no surprise, then, that her impeccable taste extended to the White House Christmas tree.
In 1961, she brought a new level of elegance and whimsy to the Blue Room with a Nutcracker-themed tree. Adorned with toys, angels, birds, candy canes, and snowflakes, it radiated childlike charm while remaining sophisticated, a balance Jackie made to look effortless.
Perhaps most striking were the blue velvet ribbons, which echoed the room’s decor and demonstrated a principle anyone can apply at home: consider the surrounding space and draw from its colors to create a tree that feels cohesive, harmonious, and undeniably stylish.
Boasting 1,109 realistic branch tips and 500 color-changing micro fairy lights, this tree glows beautifully even if a bulb goes out. It features a convenient foot-pedal and a sturdy metal stand, so you can think more about your ornaments and less about the logistics.
For a statement blue twist (appropriate for the blue room), this garland is the perfect starting point. Its lavish blue strands add color and dimension to trees, mantles, and railings, for a retro aesthetic every Christmas.
Add a Kennedy-inspired blue touch with this LED bow, featuring 36 embedded lights for a festive glow. Its flexible wire frame lets you shape it any way you like, perfect for railings, gifts, or creative holiday displays.
4. Claridge's (2024)
What do you get when two British icons come together? Sir Paul Smith’s Christmas tree at Claridge’s brings them under one roof – and the result is every bit as stylish and delightful as you’d imagine.
The 20-foot fir took pride of place in the hotel’s lobby, softly perfumed with Paul Smith’s 'Merrymaker' fragrance. Its branches held more than 100 bespoke birdhouses, each topped with roofs made from playing cards, stamps, and dice – a playful nod to British eccentricity that still felt refined and welcoming.
At home, the lesson is clear: choose a theme that ties your decor together, blend tradition with personal flair, and don’t be afraid to reimagine everyday objects. Remember to style the space around your tree – a touch of whimsy (and a signature scent) can turn any holiday setting into something truly memorable.
5. St Pancras (2015)
There’s something magical about a Christmas tree in a train station, especially when it’s as spectacular as London’s St Pancras.
The Victorian glass structure is impressive all year round, but nothing shows its glory like December. In 2015, the station unveiled a tree made entirely from 2,000 Disney soft toys. Plush, pillowy, and layered in reds, whites, and soft pastels, it transformed the iron-and-glass concourse into a playful, tactile wonderland unlike any other year.
At home, it’s a lovely lesson in texture and colour: layer plush ornaments and soft ribbons in a cohesive palette, cluster them densely for a sculptural feel, and finish with warm lights to highlight all that softness.
6. Rio de Janeiro (2005)
No Christmas tree roundup would be complete without mentioning a world record breaker. In 2005, Rio de Janeiro’s floating Christmas tree at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas turned the city’s holiday season into a historic event. Covered in 2.8 million colorful lights, it remains one of the most impressive trees to appear over the holidays.
Standing 82 meters tall on 11 floating platforms and weighing 450 tonnes, it shows that a Christmas tree doesn’t have to be natural to be remarkable. Bold materials and bright lights can create a striking, modern display that makes just as much impact as a traditional tree.
7. The White House (1989)
Returning to the White House 28 years after Jackie O's touch filled the Blue Room, the 1989 tree, designed by Barbara Bush, is a classic for every book lover.
The First Lady chose a children’s literacy theme, including around 80 soft‑sculpture characters from popular storybooks, along with miniature wrapped books placed beneath the branches. Meanwhile, the lights and color scheme were kept elegant, keeping the focus firmly on the theme.
Bring a similar style home by curating a literacy-inspired tree, adorned with soft‑sculpture characters and miniature wrapped books beneath the branches. Keep the lighting warm and the color palette refined, allowing the whimsical theme to take center stage without overwhelming your living room.
8. Claridge's (2023)
As we've already observed from Paul Smith’s Claridge’s tree, there's something quietly stunning about the way the hotel does Christmas, and 2023 was arguably their chicest, most experimental tree to date.
The tree, standing about 5.2 metres tall, was framed inside two stacked oversized Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunks, each covered in vintage travel stickers and an oversized luggage tag, giving a gentle nod to travel, heritage, and craftsmanship (themes of the brand and the hotel).
There's nothing conventional about this tree, yet it feels traditional in its own right, and it's strangely replicable. You can tap into its elegance by stacking boxes or crates wrapped in metallic or leather-effect paper to create a sculptural, trunk-inspired tree, then accenting it with personal ornaments – bonus points if you picked them up while travelling.
9. Murano (2005)
On the subject of redefining holiday traditions, nobody does it quite like Simone Cenedese. The acclaimed Venetian glass master reimagined the classic tree in 2006 with an 8.5‑meter masterpiece of 1,000 vibrant blown-glass tubes, installed in Venice’s Campo Santo Stefano. It's designed so that light dances through the sculptural forms, upgrading tradition into luminous art that feels festive yet uniquely modern.
At home, replicate the effect with artisanal glass ornaments in varied shapes and colors, layered on a minimalist frame and lit with soft LEDs for that signature Venetian sparkle far beyond its canals. If you're looking for minimalist Christmas decor ideas with a twist, this one is for you.
10. Galeries Lafayette (2015)
Increasingly, white Christmas trees are becoming a modern home staple, loved by those who enjoy the freedom of a blank canvas that can be dressed with any colored lights or ornaments you so choose. For Galeries Lafayette, this is nothing new.
The aforementioned Paris institution chose a white and gold color palette for its 2025 scheme, and a decade later, it's just as inspiring for our own homes. Recreating its aesthetic at home couldn't be simpler. Start with a white tree, then decorate it with white, silver, and gold ornaments that stand out against the neutral background. It will look just as good in another ten years, if not more.
Elevate your holiday aesthetic the Galeries Lafayette way with this beautiful white tree from The Home Depot. With 379 meticulously crafted tips and 150 warm white micro fairy LED lights, this tree balances the charm of tradition with a serene, modern sensibility.
This festive ornament features a golden glass ball adorned with shimmering beads, adding sparkle and charm to your tree. Finished with a matching golden cap and hanging string, it’s effortless to display and brings a luxurious accent to your seasonal celebrations.
Chic and understated, this 3” Gold Bauble is the ideal ornament to layer on your Christmas tree. Its gold-finished glass adds a warm glow and subtle dimension, enhancing the festive sparkle of your holiday decor.
