26 Creative Alternatives to a Traditional Christmas Tree

Cactus Christmas Tree

Go for a different kind of evergreen by decking out a cactus with all the bells and whistles. (The best part is it can be part of your decor long after the holidays are over!)

Photo and idea from Hey Wanderer.

Artful Christmas Tree

Forget the tree and just showcase the ornaments with this clever Christmas tree alternative. Ornaments are hung on cup hooks attached to a painted piece of plywood, which is framed to give it the full masterpiece effect.

Photo and idea from Shabbyfufu.

Cardboard Christmas Trees

Looking for an eco-friendly reuse and recycle option? Cut cardboard boxes into tree shapes and connect them through a center slit, then adorn them with lights.

Pro tip: You can make use of shipping boxes by adding a quick coat of paint to cover any logos, and poke holes at the ends of each "branch" if you want to add ornaments to your tree.

Photo and idea from Lovely Indeed.

Kraft Paper Christmas Tree

We all know kraft paper is a stylish and more eco-friendly holiday gift wrap option—but did you know that it also makes a gorgeous tree? The lights are strung on the inside, and punched holes in the paper allow them to twinkle through.

If you want a more colorful option, use markers and crayons (or set kids to the task) to brighten up your space.

Photo and idea from Lia Griffith.

Ring Christmas Tree

This alternative Christmas tree hangs from the ceiling, making it an ideal way to showcase ornaments and keep them away from pesky pets or curious kids. Use rings of various sizes—think embroidery hoops, wreath forms, or even wreaths themselves if you want a more traditional look. Use ribbon or string to tie the rings together from smallest to largest to create the tree shape. Ornaments can be tied to the rings or hooked through punched holes.

3D Gingerbread Christmas Trees

Skip the gingerbread houses this year and opt for a tiny forest of gingerbread trees instead. Choose pretty sprinkles and candies to add sparkle to each tree. (And best yet: You can eat these trees when you're ready to pack it in for the season!)

Photo and idea from Lovely Indeed.

Pinecone Tree

A cone-shaped styrofoam form, a few pinecones and dried fruit, and a little hot glue are all you need to create this little rustic Christmas tree.

A Gift Tree

Stack up beautifully wrapped gifts (or some big empty boxes) to form a tree shape. Brown craft paper and twine make this an affordable option.

Book Christmas Tree

All you need is a few books and a strand of garland or lights to create this charming Christmas tree for your reading nook. (Photocopy a few pages from a holiday favorite to snip and glue into a star at the top.)

A Wood Plank Tree

For this creative take on the traditional Christmas tree, lengths of wood are assembled together—and simple thumbtacks secure the ornaments in place.

A Wintry Branch

Bare branches can be perfect for highlighting your favorite ornaments from each branch—stick with a single color scheme to give it a cohesive look.

Succulent Tree

Find a cone-shaped planting form, or use faux succulents and hot glue (plus a few choice ornaments) to create this unique tree.

Tiered Tray Tree

Rather than putting sweets and treats on your favorite tiered tray, load it up with pretty Christmas ball ornaments for a festive tree-like centerpiece.

A Garland-Wrapped Ladder

For a minimalist Christmas tree with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, lean a wooden ladder against the wall, then adorn it with a faux pine garland and beautiful velvet stockings. If you miss the scent of real pine, mix a few sprigs of the real stuff into the garland to fill the room with the familiar aroma.

Tree Print

Take a photo of a tree and turn it into a large-scale print at your local office-printing store (like Kinko's or Staples). Attach it to a long wooden dowel and hang it like a tapestry with string. You can either leave the print as is, or add ornaments to a string and tape them to the tree.

Photo and idea from Almost Makes Perfect.

The Mini Tree

Even if you don't have room for a traditional Christmas tree, you can get the same look on a smaller scale. Instead of the 7-foot fir tree, opt for a 3- or 4-foot-tall one, and use a decorative metal planter in place of the typical tree stand and skirt. Then, keep the ornaments minimal so you don't overwhelm the branches.

A Chalkboard Tree

If you're ready to make a bigger commitment, designate a wall (or part of one) as your chalkboard wall. Coat it with chalkboard paint, let it dry, and change up the decorations and drawings according to the season. Here, a hand-drawn fireplace and tree create a whimsical vignette. Then use putty or tape to affix Christmas lights, a stocking, and leaves in the "frame" to add a 3-D effect. The whole scene is completed with a cozy lounge area in front of the wall.

Photo and idea from Mr. Kate.

Pineapple Christmas Tree

For countertop or tabletop holiday displays, the humble pineapple can make a big splash with a little creative magic mixed in. Spray a fresh pineapple festive colors, or go silver and gold for a more sophisticated look. If you're feeling particularly crafty, you can even hang tiny ornaments from the leaves or wrap the base with twinkle lights. The pineapples will last four to five days, so save this alternative Christmas tree for just before the holiday.

Crepe Paper

For a trendy fringe effect, try adding strips of crepe paper in tiers. Fringe each strip with scissors and layer one on top of the other—you can play around with different color combinations, too. Tape paper stars and a tree topper to the fringe to finish the modern take on a Christmas tree.

Photo and idea from Clouds of Colour.

Felt Christmas Tree

This one's for the kids, and perfect for a playroom or bedroom: Create (or buy) a felt Christmas tree cutout, then use Velcro and felt ornaments to let your kids play and "decorate." (And hey—it may keep them away from fussing with the ornaments on a bigger Christmas tree, too.)

Modern Greenery Tree

You can still get that fresh pine fragrance without a tree—or relying on a scented candle. Take an extra-long wooden dowel and cut it into graduated sizes to create a triangle "tree" shape. Glue fresh evergreen branches or rosemary to the dowels. Once they're dry, attach the wooden pieces to the wall with painter's tape.

Photo and idea from Almost Makes Perfect.

Branches Tree

This crafty Christmas tree idea brings in the feeling of a real Christmas tree, but without the added bulk of a large fir. Various-sized branches are strung together with rope and ornaments are hung from the branches. The whole "tree" is topped with a rustic-inspired star.

The Washi-Tape Tree

This washi tape DIY is a no-fail, last minute project. Create a tree design on a blank wall with patterned washi tape and attach strings of ornaments on the "tree" with clear tape. Customize it to your decor style by choosing different colored tape and adding other ornaments or details.

Photo and idea Homey Oh My.

Christmas Ornament Trees

When you're decorating a small space like an office cubicle or dorm room—or if you just want to put the focus on special vintage ornaments—look for tabletop ornament trees. They add a festive touch as a holiday table centerpiece.

Paper Triangle Tree

For a bold, colorful Christmas look, try this wall "tree" made of an assortment of cardstock, painter's tape, and string lights. Cut triangles out of the cardstock, then layer them on the wall in a tree shape with tape. For a finishing touch, trim the "tree" with string lights and push pins.

Photo and idea from Brit+Co.

Recycled Holiday Card Tree

Use last year's holiday cards (or this year's as they arrive in the mail) to form the tree's triangular body and use one vertical mailer for the stump. Create a loose arrangement on the floor first to make sure to form a shape you like. Attach them safely to your wall using a loop of painter's tape on the back of each card. Position your arrangement above a console table and use the surface to stash and stack your gifts beneath.