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The short answer: a christmas tree topper is the decoration at the very top of the tree. The classic choices are a star, an angel, a big ribbon bow, a finial or a snowflake.
- For a 6- to 7-foot tree: an 8- to 10-inch topper
- Tabletop tree: 4 to 6 inches
- 30 ideas, including DIY and budget toppers
- How to attach a heavy topper and use a lighted one safely
- Next step: Plan it with the Christmas Budget & Gift Planner ($4.99).
Our picks for christmas tree topper
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A Christmas tree topper is the decoration at the very top of the tree, and the classic choices are a star, an angel, a big ribbon bow, a finial or a snowflake. For most 6- to 7-foot trees, an 8- to 10-inch topper looks right. Below are 30 Christmas tree topper ideas grouped by style, including DIY and budget toppers, plus a size chart, how to keep a heavy topper from leaning and how to use a lighted topper safely.
Set your decor number before you shop. The Christmas Budget & Gift Planner ($4.99) gives decorations their own budget line.
Christmas tree topper size chart
| Tree height | Topper height (rule of thumb) | Good choices |
|---|---|---|
| Tabletop, 2 to 4 feet | 4 to 6 inches | Small star, mini bow, single ornament |
| 5 to 6 feet | 6 to 8 inches | Star, snowflake, small angel |
| 6 to 7 feet | 8 to 10 inches | Star, angel, finial, bow |
| 7.5 to 9 feet | 10 to 14 inches | Large star, angel, oversized bow, floral spray |
| 10 feet and up | 14 inches or more | Extra-large star, bow with long tails |
Wide toppers, like bows and bursts, can be a little shorter than tall ones because they look bigger from across the room.
Classic Christmas tree toppers
- Gold or silver star. The most traditional choice, and it suits almost any theme.
- Lighted star. Plugs into the top light strand so the tree glows to the tip.
- Angel. A classic for traditional and heirloom trees.
- Glass finial. A tall, pointed glass ornament for a vintage look.
- Snowflake. Silver, white or iridescent, for winter-white trees.
- Starburst. Spiky metal or glitter rays that catch the light.
- Moravian star. A many-pointed paper or plastic star, often lit from inside.
- Santa hat. Slip a large hat over the tip for a playful kids' tree.
Ribbon and bow toppers
- Oversized red velvet bow with long tails trailing down the tree.
- Buffalo check bow for a farmhouse or cabin tree.
- Burlap bow for a rustic tree.
- Two-ribbon bow layering two colors from your tree theme.
- Ribbon cascade: tuck ribbon loops at the top and let five or six strips fall down the branches.
Natural and floral toppers
- Floral spray of berries, picks and faux greenery fanned out from the top.
- Pinecone cluster wired together, sprayed white or gold if you like.
- Magnolia leaves and eucalyptus for a soft, natural tree.
- Wheat or dried grass bundle tied with twine.
- Dried orange slice star threaded on wire.
- Cinnamon stick star: five sticks hot-glued into a star shape.
DIY and budget Christmas tree toppers
- Cardboard star wrapped in glitter paper or foil.
- Paper star folded from scrapbook paper or book pages.
- Felt star stitched or glued and stuffed with a little fiberfill.
- Embroidery hoop topper: wrap a hoop with greenery and add a small bow.
- Wood slice or wooden star painted with the family name.
- Pipe cleaner snowflake made with the kids.
- Family ornament cluster: wire three favorite ornaments together at the top.
- Salt dough star baked, painted and sealed.
- Kids' artwork star traced, cut out and laminated.
- Wreath topper: a small wreath fastened upright at the top.
- Ribbon from the gift wrap bin tied into a big bow, so nothing new is needed.
For more handmade ideas, see our guide to DIY ornaments.
How to make a cardboard star topper
- Draw a star about 9 inches across on cardboard and cut two copies.
- Cover both with glitter paper, foil, paint or old wrapping paper.
- Cut a 4-inch piece of cardboard tube (a paper towel roll works) to slide over the top branch.
- Glue the stars back to back with the tube sandwiched at the bottom point.
- Let it dry, then slide it onto the tree.
How to attach a Christmas tree topper so it stays straight
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| The top branch is too thin | Tie a wooden dowel or chopstick alongside it with zip ties. |
| The topper leans | Wrap pipe cleaners or floral wire around the base and the branch. |
| The topper spins | Add a twist tie at the bottom and a second one halfway up. |
| The tree has no single top branch | Wire two tips together, then add the topper. |
| The topper is too heavy | Choose a lighter style, like a bow or paper star. |
Put the topper on right after the lights and before garland and ornaments. Our guide on how to decorate a Christmas tree shows the full order, step by step.
Lighted topper safety
A lighted topper is part of the tree's electrical setup, so treat it like any light strand. The National Fire Protection Association reports that nearly half of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems and that a heat source too close to the tree causes nearly one in four of them. The CPSC holiday safety center adds that you should never string together more than three sets of incandescent lights and never overload electrical outlets. Plug the topper into the top strand so it counts toward that limit. Use a sturdy step stool, not a chair, to reach the top.
Pick a topper by tree theme
| Tree theme | Topper that fits |
|---|---|
| Traditional red and gold | Gold star or angel |
| Farmhouse | Buffalo check or burlap bow |
| Winter white | Silver snowflake or white feather burst |
| Rustic | Pinecone cluster or wood star |
| Kids' tree | Santa hat, felt star or kids' artwork star |
| Modern | Simple metal star or a single glass finial |
Plan Christmas decor on a budget
I'm the oldest of three, and I've always been the one keeping the holiday plan together. A topper is a small purchase, but decor adds up fast when it isn't on the budget.
- Christmas Budget & Gift Planner ($4.99): a holiday budget page with room for decor, plus gift lists for everyone.
- Holiday Season Bundle ($15.99, regularly $25.94): the Christmas Budget & Gift Planner plus a sinking funds tracker, meal planner, bill tracker, cleaning schedule and the 100 envelope savings challenge, so next year's decor can be saved for ahead of time.
Want to try it first? Join our list and get the free Holiday Budget Starter Kit: 3 US Letter pages emailed to you. Browse more in Holidays.
More Christmas decorating ideas
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Frequently asked questions
What size Christmas tree topper do I need? A good rule of thumb is a Christmas tree topper about 8 to 10 inches tall for a 6- to 7-foot tree, 10 to 14 inches for a 7.5- to 9-foot tree, and 14 inches or more for taller trees. A wide topper, like a big bow, can be a little shorter because it looks larger.
What are the most popular Christmas tree toppers? The most popular Christmas tree toppers are stars, angels, big ribbon bows, finials and snowflakes. Stars and angels are the classic choices, while bows and floral sprays are popular for farmhouse and modern trees.
Does the Christmas tree topper go on first or last? Put the Christmas tree topper on right after the lights and before garland and ornaments. Placing it early means you won't knock ornaments off while reaching for the top, and you can plug a lighted topper into the top light strand.
How do you keep a heavy Christmas tree topper from leaning? Keep a heavy Christmas tree topper upright by tying a wooden dowel or a sturdy stick to the top branch with zip ties, then attaching the topper to the dowel. Pipe cleaners, floral wire or a cardboard tube slipped over the top branch also add support.
What can I use instead of a Christmas tree topper? Instead of a store-bought Christmas tree topper, you can use a large ribbon bow, a cluster of floral picks, a bundle of pinecones, a paper star, a family ornament cluster or a wreath fastened to the top. Many of these cost little or use decorations you already own.
How do you make a DIY Christmas tree topper? Make a simple DIY Christmas tree topper by cutting two matching stars from cardboard, painting or wrapping them in glitter paper, and gluing them together around a cardboard tube that slides over the top branch. A big bow made from 3 to 4 yards of wired ribbon is another easy option.
Are lighted Christmas tree toppers safe? Lighted Christmas tree toppers are safe when they're labeled by a recognized testing lab, plugged into a light strand or cord in good condition, and turned off when you leave home or go to bed. Check the cord for damage before you put it on the tree.
What is the meaning of the star on top of a Christmas tree? The star on top of a Christmas tree traditionally stands for the Star of Bethlehem from the Christmas story. The angel topper represents the angels who announced the birth of Jesus, which is why both are the classic choices.
Can I use a bow as a Christmas tree topper? Yes, a bow makes a great Christmas tree topper, especially on farmhouse, rustic and two-color trees. Use wired ribbon so the loops hold their shape, and let long tails trail down the tree for a finished look.
How much should I spend on a Christmas tree topper? Spend what fits your holiday decor budget, and decide that number before you shop. The Christmas Budget & Gift Planner ($4.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has a Holiday Budget page where you can give decorations, including the topper, their own line so spending doesn't creep.
How do you store a Christmas tree topper? Store a Christmas tree topper in its own box or a sturdy container with tissue paper, so it doesn't get crushed under ornaments. Label the box and wrap the cord of a lighted topper loosely so the wires don't kink.
Do I need a topper on my Christmas tree? No, a Christmas tree topper is optional. Some families leave the tip bare, finish it with ribbon, or let the lights end at the top. A topper simply gives the tree a finished point that draws the eye upward.
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