Want to know how to have an 80s style Christmas?
Think colourful decorations, shiny tinsel, Christmas lights, paper chains, classic Christmas films and a house that feels properly cosy.
An 80s Christmas wasn’t about everything looking perfectly coordinated. It was colourful, cheerful and a little bit chaotic — and that’s exactly what makes it so lovely to recreate.
You don’t need to spend a fortune either. In fact, some of the best 80s Christmas ideas are things you can make yourself or find second-hand.
So grab the tinsel, put the Christmas music on and let’s bring back a little bit of that 80s Christmas magic.
How to Have an 80s Style Christmas
1. Go BIG on the tinsel
Let’s start with the obvious one.
And not just a tiny tasteful strand carefully placed around the tree.
If you want an 80s style Christmas, embrace it.
Drape it around the tree, add some to shelves and use it to decorate little areas around the house.
Silver tinsel is perfect for that classic retro Christmas look, but don’t be afraid of gold, red, green or multicoloured tinsel either.
The whole point is that it should feel fun.
If you’re lucky enough to have some old vintage tinsel tucked away in the loft, even better.
2. Choose colourful Christmas decorations
Forget worrying about having a perfectly matching Christmas tree.
An 80s Christmas tree was all about colour.
Think:
- Red
- Gold
- Green
- Silver
- Blue
- Pink
- White
Mix baubles, shiny decorations, homemade ornaments and anything else that makes you smile.
One of my favourite ways to get that retro Christmas look is to mix old-fashioned glass baubles with inexpensive colourful decorations.
Don’t worry if everything isn’t identical.
Actually, that’s the point.
A slightly mismatched tree can feel much more nostalgic.
3. Make paper chains
Paper chains are one of those incredibly simple Christmas decorations that can instantly make a room feel nostalgic.
And they’re so easy to make.
All you need is strips of coloured paper and some glue or tape.
You can make them in traditional red and green or go completely colourful.
Get the kids involved, put some Christmas music on and make a huge chain for the living room.
It doesn’t need to be perfect.
In fact, wonky paper chains somehow make it feel even more authentic.
4. Bring back the Christmas lights
Fairy lights are essential for creating that warm, nostalgic Christmas atmosphere.
Look for colourful lights if you want a really retro feel.
Red, green, blue and yellow bulbs can instantly give your Christmas tree that old-school look.
You can also add lights around windows, shelves or doorways.
The trick is to make the room feel warm and cosy rather than relying on one bright ceiling light.
Turn the big light off, switch the Christmas lights on and suddenly you’re halfway there.
5. Have an old-school Christmas tree
If you’re trying to recreate an 80s Christmas, don’t worry too much about having the perfect tree.
Artificial trees can work brilliantly for a retro Christmas look, especially when they’re covered in colourful decorations.
If you prefer a real tree, that’s fine too.
The important thing is the decorating.
Add baubles, tinsel, lights and handmade decorations.
And don’t forget the tree topper.
A star or traditional angel can finish the whole thing off.
6. Make homemade Christmas decorations
This is where you can really have some fun.
An 80s style Christmas isn’t all about buying decorations.
Make some!
Try:
- Paper snowflakes
- Salt dough decorations
- Paper chains
- Popcorn garlands
- Cardboard stars
- Homemade Christmas crackers
- Painted pine cones
- Paper ornaments
You could even get the family together for an afternoon of Christmas crafting.
Put on some festive music, get the glue out and make a complete mess.
That’s half the fun.
7. Create an 80s Christmas movie night
No retro Christmas would be complete without some Christmas films.
Make yourself a cosy movie night with blankets, snacks and hot chocolate.
You could make a little Christmas movie list and work your way through it during December.
Add some retro touches to the evening too.
Dim the lights, switch on the Christmas tree and put the phones away for a while.
It doesn’t have to be complicated.
Sometimes the simplest Christmas traditions are the ones that stick.
8. Serve nostalgic Christmas food
Food is a huge part of recreating an old-fashioned Christmas.
Think classic Christmas treats and simple party food.
You could put together a retro Christmas buffet with things like sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps, cheese and pineapple on sticks and little festive treats.
And don’t forget the Christmas biscuits.
Put everything onto a big plate or serving dish and let everyone help themselves.
It doesn’t need to look like a fancy Christmas dinner table.
A relaxed buffet can feel much more nostalgic.
9. Wrap your presents the old-fashioned way
Christmas wrapping paper can make such a difference.
Look for colourful, traditional Christmas designs rather than trying to make every present look like it belongs in a minimalist lifestyle magazine.
Add ribbon, bows and gift tags.
You could even make your own tags from leftover card.
And if you have old wrapping paper stored away, this is the perfect excuse to use it.
I love the idea of saving little pieces of vintage-looking wrapping paper rather than throwing them away.
They can become part of your Christmas memories too.
10. Make the whole thing feel cosy
This might be the most important tip of all.
An 80s style Christmas isn’t really about copying every single decoration from the decade.
It’s about creating that warm, nostalgic feeling.
Turn the main lights down.
Put the Christmas tree lights on.
Light some candles safely.
Get the blankets out.
Play Christmas music.
Put the kettle on.
Watch an old favourite film.
Make some hot chocolate.
Sit together and actually enjoy the evening.
Because that’s the bit we sometimes forget.
You can buy all the retro decorations in the world, but the atmosphere comes from what you do with them.
How to get the 80s Christmas look without spending loads
You really don’t need to go out and buy everything new.
Have a look around charity shops, second-hand shops, car boot sales and online marketplaces.
You might find vintage baubles, old decorations, glass ornaments, tinsel and Christmas tableware for very little.
And don’t overlook what you already own.
That box of Christmas decorations in the loft might contain exactly what you’re looking for.
You can also make loads of decorations yourself.
Paper chains cost very little.
Paper snowflakes cost practically nothing.
And homemade decorations can end up being some of the most memorable.
The secret to a really good 80s style Christmas
Don’t make it too perfect.
That’s my biggest tip.
Mix old and new.
Use decorations you’ve had for years.
Make some things yourself.
Let the kids decorate the tree.
Put the slightly wonky decorations at the front.
Use lots of colour.
And don’t worry if your Christmas tree doesn’t look like something from a glossy magazine.
A nostalgic Christmas should feel lived in.
It should feel like people actually enjoy being there.
So dig out the tinsel, make some paper chains, put the Christmas lights on and get ready for a wonderfully colourful, cosy and slightly chaotic Christmas.
And honestly?
I’d take that over a perfectly coordinated tree any day.
10 quick 80s Christmas ideas
If you want the look without reading through the whole post, here’s your quick checklist:
- Use lots of colourful tinsel.
- Mix bright Christmas baubles.
- Make paper chains.
- Add colourful Christmas lights.
- Make homemade decorations.
- Have a retro Christmas movie night.
- Serve classic party food.
- Use colourful wrapping paper and ribbon.
- Shop second-hand for vintage decorations.
- Keep the whole Christmas warm, fun and a little bit imperfect.
Further reading
Christmas tree trends in 2026
