How to Create a Victorian Christmas Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide to Authentic Elegance
The Victorian era (1837–1901) gave us the modern Christmas tree as we know it. What started as a German tradition brought to Britain by Prince Albert in 1841 quickly became an elaborate symbol of wealth, taste, and festive joy. If you’ve ever wanted your tree to feel less like a big-box explosion of plastic and more like a scene from a Dickens illustration or a royal drawing room at Windsor Castle, this is your guide. Create a Victorian Christmas Tree
Here’s exactly how to Victorian Christmas tree the right way – historically accurate, surprisingly doable, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Why a Victorian Christmas Tree Still Feels Magical in 2025
Victorian trees were smaller than today’s towering 9-foot behemoths (most were tabletop or 4–6 feet tall), heavily candle-lit, and dripping with handmade and natural ornaments. They were designed to be viewed up close in candlelight, which made every glass bead and tinsel strand sparkle like stars. The overall effect is intimate, warm, and almost fairytale-like – perfect for anyone tired of the bright LED overload of modern decorating.
Step 1: Choose the Right Tree (Size and Shape Matter)
Victorians preferred a symmetrical, pyramid-shaped tree – usually a Norway spruce or balsam fir. They rarely exceeded 6–7 feet because the tree was often placed on a table or low stand in the parlor.
Pro tip: If you’re using a real tree, go for one with spaced branches. Dense modern trees hide the ornaments that Victorians wanted to show off.
Step 2: The All-Important Tree Stand and Skirt
Forget the red plastic stand. Victorians used cast-iron “Christmas tree stands” with a water reservoir, often painted green or gold. Many were beautifully ornate. If you can find an antique or reproduction, use it.
Cover the stand with a tree skirt made of quilted silk, velvet, or white linen edged in lace. Some families used a white linen cloth sprinkled with “snow” (cotton batting or real salt crystals).
Related read: How to Pick the Perfect Real Christmas Tree (and Keep It Fresh Until Epiphany)
Step 3: Real Candles – The Heart of Victorian Magic
Yes, real candles. Queen Victoria’s trees were illuminated exclusively by wax candles in clip-on metal holders. It’s the single element that instantly transforms a tree into a Victorian masterpiece.
Safety notes for 2025:
- Use LED flicker-flame clip-on candles that look astonishingly real (Flickering Flame and Luminara both make excellent ones).
- If you insist on real beeswax candles, never leave them unattended, keep a bucket of water nearby, and limit burn time to 10–15 minutes.
Place 1 candle per major branch tip – usually 12–24 candles total for a 5–6 ft tree.
Step 4: Tinsel, Garlands, and “Lametta”
Victorian tinsel was real silver or lead foil (dangerous – we don’t recommend it). Modern German lametta (thin strands of metallic foil) is the closest safe substitute. Drape it vertically, not flung horizontally like cheap icicles.
Other authentic garlands:
- Strands of popcorn and cranberries
- Paper chains in red, white, and gold
- Glass bead garlands (look for reproductions from Germany or Poland)
Step 5: Victorian Christmas Tree Ornaments You Can Actually Source Today
Victorians loved handmade, delicate, and meaningful decorations. Here’s what actually went on their trees:
- Glass ornaments from Lauscha, Germany Kugels (heavy glass balls), fruit shapes, figural ornaments (Santa, angels, birds, pinecones). Look for Inge-Glas, Old World Christmas, or genuine antique German mercury glass on Etsy.
- Dresden cardboard ornaments Embossed gold or silver paper ornaments in 3D shapes – stars, moons, animals. Reproductions are widely available.
- Cotton and scrap ornaments Cotton batting figures (angels, Santa, snowballs) wrapped around wire frames, often with scrap-paper faces.
- Edible treats Gingerbread cookies in shapes, sugar bells, wrapped sweets in colorful foil, oranges studded with cloves (pomanders hung by ribbon).
- Paper cornucopias Filled with nuts, candies, or tiny toys – the Victorian predecessor of the stocking.
- Handmade paper fans, lace angels, and wax figures
- Flags and patriotic ornaments Especially Union Jacks and German imperial flags in the 19th century.
Related read: Where to Buy Authentic German Glass Ornaments in 2025
Step 6: The Tree Topper – Stars, Angels, or… Father Christmas?
While we think of angels or stars, many Victorian trees were topped with a figure of Father Christmas (the British precursor to Santa) or a large spiked glass “tree spire” (Moravian star style).
Step 7: Presents and the Finishing Touches
Victorian presents were placed on the tree itself or arranged beneath on the tree skirt – never wrapped in bright paper. Gifts were often in tissue or simple cloth, tied with ribbon.
Add these final authentic touches:
- Sprigs of holly, ivy, and mistletoe tucked into branches
- Small toys and dolls hanging by ribbon (wooden nutcrackers, tiny dolls, spinning tops)
- “Snow” made from cotton batting draped over branches
- A few strategically placed feathers (dyed ostrich plumes were popular in wealthier homes)
A Sample Victorian Tree Decorating Timeline
Day 1 (Dec 23 or Christmas Eve – trees went up late!): Set up tree, add candle holders, string popcorn/cranberry garlands.
Christmas Eve after dark: Light candles for the first time, hang glass and Dresden ornaments, add lametta last so it catches the light.
Christmas Morning: Add wrapped sweets, small gifts, and final edible treats.
Where to Buy Victorian-Style Decorations in 2025
- Inge-Glas and Krebs Glas Lauscha (authentic German glass)
- Victorian Trading Co. (reproductions of everything)
- Etsy sellers specializing in “antique Christmas” or “Dresden ornaments”
- Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland (Michigan) – they have an entire Victorian section
- John Wright cast iron tree stands (reproductions)
Common Mistakes That Ruin the Victorian Look
× Using multicolored LED lights × Plastic bead garlands × Oversized modern Hallmark ornaments × Wrapping paper visible under the tree × Too much tinsel thrown on like spaghetti
Final Result: A Tree That Feels Like Stepping Back in Time
When done right, a Victorian Christmas tree glows softly in candlelight, smells of fresh pine and beeswax, and feels like a treasure box exploded in the best possible way. It’s smaller, more deliberate, and infinitely more magical than the commercial trees most of us grew up with.
This year, skip the big-box chaos. Light a few candles (real or LED), hang some glass pears and silver Dresdens, and let your tree become the Victorian masterpiece your home deserves.
Ready to dive deeper into historical holiday decorating? Check out our guides:
- The Complete History of Christmas Tree Traditions
- How to Make Authentic Victorian Popcorn & Cranberry Garlands
- 10 Victorian-Inspired Christmas Crafts You Can Make This Weekend
Merry Christmas – or as they said in 1880, “A Merry Christmas to you all!”
