Most of us have that one box of holiday decorations that looks a little worse for wear. It might hold a tangled mess of lights, some faded ornaments from childhood, and maybe a tree topper that leans just a bit too far to the left. We lovingly unbox these treasures each year, creating a festive scene that’s more about heart than high finance. But for a select few, holiday decorating is an entirely different affair, one where price tags have more zeros than a string of lights has bulbs.
We’re about to explore a world where Christmas decorations are less about homespun charm and more about jaw-dropping opulence. From vintage finds that cost more than a used car to diamond-encrusted pieces that could fund a small nation, these are the most expensive Christmas decorations on the planet.
Here are some decorations that will have your definition of “festive” completely redefined.
1. Diamond Christmas Wreath – $4.6 million
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
At the top of the list is a wreath that makes all other door decor look downright modest. Created by a Finnish floral company, this stunning piece was not just made of evergreen branches. It was adorned with 17 carats of diamonds and 32 carats of rubies, held together by a frame of rare, fragrant flowers from across the world.
The only catch? The fresh greenery lasted less than two weeks, making it a very temporary, very expensive statement. This wreath is for the person who wants to make an unforgettable impression, even if it is a short-lived one. It’s the ultimate expression of holiday extravagance, combining fine jewelry with botanical art. While most of us can’t replicate it, the idea of incorporating unique, high-quality natural elements into a wreath is something anyone can try.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: $4.6 million
- Key Features: 17-carat diamonds, 32-carat rubies, rare floral elements.
- Next Steps: While a diamond wreath might be out of reach, consider adding semi-precious stones or high-quality ribbons to your own DIY wreath for a touch of luxury.
2. Pure Gold Santa Figurine – $1,817,355
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Forget porcelain or plastic Santas. This one is crafted from 1.7 carats of pure gold. Created by a Japanese jeweler, this solid gold Saint Nick stands illustration of craftsmanship and precious materials. Complete with a diamond-studded belt, this isn’t your average mantelpiece decoration. It’s a secure-vault-level collectible.
This figurine represents the intersection of holiday tradition and investment-grade assets. It’s an heirloom piece designed to be passed down through generations, appreciating in value along the way. For collectors of precious metals or unique art, it’s a centerpiece that truly shines.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: $1,817,355
- Key Features: Made of 1.7-carat pure gold with diamond accents.
- Care Tip: Cleaning requires specialized knowledge of precious metals. It should be stored in a climate-controlled safe to prevent theft and damage.
3 Ginza Tanaka Gold Christmas Tree – $1.8 million
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Christmas trees say a lot about our personalities, so what does a $1.8M tree say? In 2016, Japanese jeweler Ginza Tanaka displayed a 2-meter-tall Christmas tree crafted from approximately 19 kg of ultra-pure (99.999 %) gold wire. Rather than being a solid block, the tree uses fine gold wire to create its intricate, sparkling structure. The piece was valued at ¥200 million (US$1.8 million) when exhibited at the Ginza flagship store, showcasing the brand’s craftsmanship and luxury artistry.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: ¥200 million (~US$1.8 million)
- Key Features: 2 m tall, 19 kg of 99.999 % pure gold wire, intricate wire design
- Display Tip: Perfect for high-end displays or museum exhibitions.
4. Diamond-Studded Tree Star – £615,000
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Topping the tree is a special moment, but with this star, it’s also a high-security operation. This tree topper is made of gold and silver and features 281 diamonds, including a flawless 5-carat diamond right in the center. It’s so valuable that it likely requires its own security detail just to sit atop the fir boughs.
This is the ultimate finishing touch for a tree that is already decked out in luxury. It’s more than a decoration; it’s a piece of high jewelry that just happens to live on a Christmas tree for a month. Its brilliance would catch the light in a way that no plastic or glass star ever could.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: £615,000
- Key Features: Gold, silver, 281 diamonds, and a central 5-carat flawless diamond.
- Next Steps: If you love the idea of a sparkling topper, look for high-quality crystal or glass stars that mimic the light-reflecting properties of diamonds without the hefty price.
5. Gold-and-Gem Bauble – $136,000
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
This is not your average glass bauble. Crafted from 18k white gold, this ornament is encircled by two rings studded with over 1,500 diamonds and 188 rubies. It took an entire year to create, making it a masterpiece of jewelry design. Hanging this on a branch would require some serious reinforcement.
This ornament is a statement of personal style and an appreciation for fine craftsmanship. It’s a piece that tells a story of dedication and artistry. For the person who has everything, this bauble offers something truly unique and breathtaking to add to their holiday collection.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: $136,000
- Key Features: 18k white gold, 1,500+ diamonds, 188 rubies.
- Care Tip: Handle with soft gloves to avoid smudging the metal or stones. Store it in a custom-fitted, velvet-lined box separate from other ornaments.
6. First Christmas Card – $25,000
Image Credit: National Photo Company Collection – Library of CongressCatalog – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.
Long before email greetings and digital cards, there was the very first printed Christmas card. Created in the 1840s, it depicts a family enjoying a festive toast. Only a few of the original 1,000 cards are known to still exist, making them exceptionally rare historical artifacts. One sold at auction for $25,000.
Owning one of these cards is like owning a piece of holiday history. It’s a tangible link to the origins of a beloved tradition. For history buffs and collectors of ephemera, this is a grail item that captures the spirit of Christmas past in a way few other items can.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: $25,000
- Key Features: Created in the 1840s; fewer than 100 copies survive.
- Next Steps: Protect such an artifact by having it professionally framed with UV-protective glass and stored away from direct sunlight and humidity.
7. German Pear-Shaped Kugel Ornaments – up to $14,000
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Kugel ornaments are the ancestors of modern glass baubles. These heavy, blown-glass pieces were first made in 19th-century Germany. The pear-shaped ones are particularly rare and sought after by collectors. Their deep, rich colors and distinctive metal caps make them stand out. Finding an authentic one in good condition is a true treasure hunt.
These ornaments bring a sense of history and authenticity to a Christmas tree. Their weight and luminous quality are unlike any modern decoration. They are a good choice for someone who appreciates antique decor and wants to build a collection with historical significance.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: Up to $14,000
- Key Features: Rare 19th-century German blown glass with a distinctive pear shape.
- Care Tip: Due to their weight, these must be hung on sturdy branches. Wrap each one individually in acid-free tissue paper for storage.
8. Swarovski Tree Stand – $14,000
Image Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.
Why should the tree get all the attention? Swarovski decided the base deserved some love, too. This tree stand is covered with hundreds of shimmering crystals, turning the often-overlooked functional part of the tree into a dazzling centerpiece. It ensures that the entire tree, from top to bottom, is a spectacle of light.
This is for the decorator who believes every detail matters. It provides a foundation of glamour that elevates the entire look of the Christmas tree. It’s a practical item transformed into a work of art, perfect for creating a truly cohesive and luxurious holiday display.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: $14,000
- Key Features: A standard tree base studded with hundreds of Swarovski crystals.
- Next Steps: If you can’t spring for the crystal version, consider a decorative tree collar or a beautiful fabric tree skirt to hide the metal stand and add a polished touch.
9. Swarovski Crystal Wrapping Paper – $7,459
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.
If the gift inside is luxurious, shouldn’t the wrapping be, too? A roll of this Swarovski crystal-decorated wrapping paper costs more than most of the gifts it would conceal. Each sheet is embedded with crystals, creating a shimmering, textured paper that’s almost too beautiful to tear open.
Using this wrapping paper sends a clear message: this gift is incredibly special. It builds anticipation and turns the act of unwrapping into a memorable experience. It’s a great option for a milestone gift where the presentation is just as important as the present itself.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: $7,459 per roll
- Key Features: High-quality paper decorated with authentic Swarovski crystals.
- Next Steps: For a more budget-friendly sparkle, try using glitter-infused paper or adding a few adhesive crystals to your gift tags.
10. Singing Reindeer – $6,960
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
This isn’t your garden-variety lawn reindeer. Standing at a life-size 65 inches tall, this decorative figure doesn’t just light up; it sings. It’s an attention-grabbing piece that brings a bit of North Pole magic straight to a front yard or grand entryway.
This decoration is perfect for someone who loves to go all-out with their holiday theme and enjoys interactive elements. It’s a conversation starter and a delight for visitors of all ages. It adds a layer of fun and entertainment to the visual display.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: $6,960
- Key Features: Life-size (65”) decorative reindeer with a built-in singing function.
- Care Tip: If used outdoors, ensure it’s rated for weather resistance and placed away from heavy rain or snow. Store it in its original box during the off-season to protect the electronic components.
11. Gucci Candle – $500
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Gucci’s home fragrance line turns a simple candle into a statement piece. Each one is hand-poured and set in a porcelain vessel adorned with the brand’s iconic Flora or Herbarium motifs, making it as much a design object as a source of scent. With fragrances ranging from freesia to patchouli, these candles bring a touch of Italian glamour to any room. At up to $500, they’re a chic way to elevate holiday décor while indulging in everyday luxury.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: $500
- Key Features: Hand-poured scented candle in porcelain vessel, decorated with Gucci’s signature prints
- Care Tip: Burn on a heat-resistant surface, trim the wick regularly, and avoid drafts to maximize fragrance and longevity.
12. Belsnickles Father Christmas – $3,725
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Before the jolly, red-suited Santa Claus became popular, there was Belsnickle. These German figurines, often made of papier-mâché, depict a leaner, a more stern version of Father Christmas. Collectors highly prize the rare, hand-painted versions from the 19th century for their folk-art charm and historical importance.
A Belsnickle figurine is for the holiday decorator who is also a historian at heart. It’s a vintage Christmas that is worth a pretty penny. It connects a modern celebration to its European roots. These figures add a touch of authentic, old-world character to a holiday display that is distinct from the more common Santa figures.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: $3,725
- Key Features: Antique German papier-mâché figurines, often hand-painted.
- Care Tip: Keep these delicate figures away from moisture and direct sunlight, which can cause the paint to fade and the papier-mâché to deteriorate.
13. Putz Villages – $250
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
The tradition of creating miniature Christmas villages, known as Putz villages, originated in 19th-century Germany. While many modern versions are made of cardboard or ceramic, the most valuable antique sets are crafted from wood. These intricate, hand-carved pieces from Germany or the Czech Republic can fetch hundreds of dollars.
An antique Putz village is a wonderful choice for creating a nostalgic and detailed holiday scene. It offers a connection to the past and the simple joys of miniature world-building. Collectors value the craftsmanship and the story each tiny building tells.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: $310+ for antique wooden sets.
- Key Features: 19th-century wooden miniature village pieces.
- Care Tip: Store small, delicate pieces in sectioned boxes to prevent them from bumping into each other and breaking.
14. Ceramic Christmas Trees – $200
Image Credit: melissamn / Shutterstock.
Many people remember these light-up ceramic trees from their grandparents’ homes. Popular in the 1970s and 80s, these trees, with their colorful plastic “bulbs,” are now nostalgic collectibles. Well-preserved vintage models are surprisingly valuable, with collectors paying a few hundred dollars to recapture that retro holiday feeling.
This decoration is all about nostalgia. It’s a simple, charming piece that brings back memories of Christmases past. It’s a great option for someone who loves vintage style and wants to add a touch of sentimental warmth to their home.
Quick Glance:
- Valuation: Up to $250 for vintage models.
- Key Features: Vintage ceramic tree with multi-colored plastic light pegs.
- Next Steps: When buying vintage, check the wiring to make sure it’s safe. Some sellers may offer rewiring services for older pieces.
Holiday Decor of All Price Ranges
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.
After touring this gallery of grandeur, your own box of slightly battered ornaments might feel a little more precious. Holiday decorating is a lot more about the stories, the traditions, and the joy these items bring into your home.
Your tree topper may be a diamond star or a macaroni angel; it’s the centerpiece of your celebration. Instead of dreaming of a golden Santa, consider starting a new tradition this year. Several Christmases later, these carefully chosen items will build a collection that is priceless to you, full of memories that no amount of money can buy.