13+ Sustainable Christmas Market Decorations That’ll Put Joy in Your Heart

Do Christmas market decorations stir your heart with wonder and get your imagination going? As a person who loves Christmas and the holiday season, I’m compiled some finds that’ll bring you big cheer and inspiration!

Sustainable Christmas Market Decorations

Going out to see creative Christmas decorations can give our spirits peace and a sense of connection to what’s important. Recently, I went to a nearby city with my partner-in-full-day-antique-shopping and found all kinds of Christmas market decorations and crafts that sparked my interest. The theme was vintage décor and it was all pretty cool stuff.

Between antique displays and upcycled decorations, it was inspiring to see all the gems that could be future ideas for my home–and yours!

I’ve documented artistic ornaments, handmade gifts, and heartwarming vignettes to start this season of peace and joy off right.

After exploring ways to use common household items and pre-loved treasures, I hope you’ll find a few ideas to add that extra glow to your space.

This post is all about creative Christmas market decorations.

1. Retro or Vintage-Inspired Decorations

This adorable deer kept catching my eye, so I ended up bringing her home. Not only is this little cutie very sweet, but she also reminds me of the innocence of Christmas joy.

When looking for unique Christmas decorations, let your heart lead. I was drawn to this deer because of the buoyant, invigorating color and gentle expression. Plus, I just love deer! They’re such peaceful creatures.

If you’re unsure if your Christmas market decorations will match your home, let that thought just go by the wayside. As you develop you style, you’ll start to fill your rooms with what you love and it will all come together. Pinky promise!

Looking for professional inspiration
and not JUST WHAT KAT SAYS?

I love Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent’s approach to design.
They believe in decorating with items
that have meaning and story.
It’s such a beautiful philosophy to keep in mind!

Also, Nate and Jeremiah just have a lot of heart
and it shows in how they imagine a space
and treat the people who will be living in it.

2. Christmas Carols & Stories

Besides just being fun, Christmas music can uplift and soothe our spirits.

Framing Christmas carol sheet music is such a simple and gorgeous idea. You could even frame your favorite lyrics by printing them in a pretty font and adding to an ornate frame. Conversely, skip the frame and cut into paper shapes for simple tree ornaments.

And don’t forget angels! If you love these winged creatures who watch over us, start a collection and create a whole angel display or tree.

One quote I have on my front door is a metal wreath from the song, “O Holy Night.” The excerpt that’s featured is “O holy night, the stars are brightly shining.” I love starlight and think this part of the song is so beautiful.

If you love a particular passage from your favorite Christmas story, it can make such an enchanting statement when it’s framed and displayed in a prominent place.

Another playful idea would be to frame a quote out of “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement C. Moore. I LOVE this poem and how much it’s inspired me as a writer.

3. Reimagined Classic Toys

Attaching mini bottle brush trees to vintage, wooden building block toys is so charming. It brings back that childhood wonder, plus it’s fun and colorful!

You could add a Santa or other holiday icons to the mix or just do a pure tree and building block vignette.

4. Antique Ornaments

Pre-loved ornaments are such treasures to find, especially if you luck out and see a character you adored as a child.

Each ornament doesn’t have to be new…it just has to be special and have meaning that means something to you. As you search for your Christmas tree ornaments, it’s okay to have less matchy-matchy and more of an eclectic mix. That’s my favorite kind of tree!

5. Greeting Cards & Gift Wrap

Greeting cards and wrapping paper look beautiful framed and the possibilities are truly endless.

You can go with a vintage or old-fashioned print in an antique frame or make a collage of modern graphic surface designs in simple, streamlined frames.

Another use for greeting cards (other than sending them to all your friends!) is making ornaments out of them. Also, you can string garland! I’m going to try this soon, so wish me luck! If it looks good, I’ll post!

Repetitive icons or patterns can make a cool statement.
For instance, maybe create a tree with all fluffy pom-poms
or origami birds in different colors and sizes.

6. Vintage Santa Statues

Whether you call him Santa Claus, Father Christmas, or St. Nick, this jolly ol’ elf is one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas.

We always had a handmade, ceramic Santa statue at our house when I was a child. And now I have it at my home! It brings back good memories. Truly, that’s really the whole point of decorating…ushering in those warm, nostalgic feelings that make our hearts feel light.

If you like more modern and minimalist décor,
look for a limited color scheme
and simpler designs,
like square or rectangle serving trays,
clear candle votives,
and abstract shapes.

7. Elegant Nativity Scenes

Manger scenes are inspiring and tranquil Christmas decorations many people of faith display in their homes.

I love Nativity scenes. They remind me of Christmas as a child and are just comforting to have up during the holidays.

Nativity scenes are also not cheap! However, you can find some really unique ones while thrifting or going to Christmas markets! Keep a lookout for one that speaks to you.

Christmas Market Decorations You Can Recreate

8. Fabric-Covered Journals & Books

In high school, we wrapped our textbooks with brown grocery sack paper to protect the covers. Did we have a lot of time on our hands? Apparently so.

Fabric-covered journals are like that, but only MUCH better. These are so festive in plaids and florals.

9. Upcycled Household Items

It’s a totally clever move to make a Christmas tree out of a green ruler! It’s adorable and probably cost very little. In the photo above, the stand looks like it’s make of jute string, which is compostable!

Your next Christmas Market could be in your kitchen!

You never know what household items you have that can be holiday decorations!

• Glass Oui yogurt jars can be candle votives or tiny Christmas vignettes.
• Silk flowers can be turned into a wreath.
• You can make an angel out of a coat hanger! If that’s too much work, you can get an angel form like this one and wrap it in lace stockings. I actually did this!
• Teacups can be candle holders or little bowls to add small ornaments or bells.
• Old books can be wrapped to look liked fancy presents under the tree or on your holiday tablescape.
• Use wine corks to make quirky ornaments.
• Cut snowflakes out of coffee filters, then compost after Christmas.
• String up old costume jewelry like pearls, beads, and dangly earrings to add some one-of-a-kind sparkle! Additionally, use ribbons or old beads to create your own signature mantel garland.

{Related Post: 13+ Easy Peasy Eco-Friendly Office Ideas To Make Your Home Office Greener}

10. Handmade Ceramics

This holiday snowman mug could be for sipping hot cocoa or adding a festive floral arrangement!

There are so many colorful artisan ceramics that will bring personality and individual style to your Christmas displays. If you can’t find what you like at a secondhand store or Christmas market, you could alternatively take a stroll down a TJ Maxx or Marshalls aisle. Sometimes (okay, all times!), you can find a really fun treasure that’ll turn into a great conversation piece. Undoubtedly soon enough, you will see how much of a TJ Maxx and Marshalls chick I am!

The truth:
My first high school job
was working at TJ Maxx.

Yes, I wore an awful vest and name tag that said,
“The maximum for the minimum.”

And yes, even though it was a very unstylish look
for a place that prides itself on style,
I indeed enjoyed working there
and racking up on $1 sweaters.

11. Creative Lighting

Using vintage wooden ladders for a light display is so delightful! I have an old wooden ladder in my garage that the prior owners left and have been wanting to do something with it for years. This is inspires me!

As you think of functionality for gatherings or just a movie night to yourself, you can also add blankets or pretty quilts to a ladder to dress it up for the holidays. Plus, they come in handy on those cold, winter nights!

Another idea is to use your vintage ladder as shelves for retro figurines or storybooks. Even better, you can repurpose this piece as a decorative stand all-year-round.

Do you fancy yourself a plant parent? Wrap a sprawling pothos plant around ladder rungs or posts. Then, weave in twinkle lights for sheer delight!

12. Unusual Containers

Upcycling old drawers or attaching handles to quirky wooden boxes gives a rustic, natural look to your holiday and everyday décor. Additionally, you can store greeting cards, collections of ornaments, or sparkly pine cones.

You could even fill a box with faux poinsettias (this is especially good if you have pets, since real poinsettias are toxic to dogs and cats) and greenery. Next, set a decorated box on your dining table as a centerpiece and…DONE!

An antique teacup can also hold a single floral bud and be exquisite in its simplicity!

If you find yourself charmed by eccentric knickknacks, tie a bright bow onto a little pup statue or woodland creature and it’s an instant Christmas decoration. Alternatively, decorate with fairy lights, garland, or a cozy scarf if your figurine is more of a statue!

13. Pop Culture Pops

Make your own ornaments based on quotes from your most-loved holiday movies and TV shows.

Here are some supplies you could use:

• Wood slices
• Peanut butter or jam jar lids: Trace and cut out a the lid shape, then use a marker to write out your quote.* Then, pop the paper in the lid, adding a bit of tape or dot of glue. You can also frame a photograph or greeting card cutout with a jar lid! Attach a magnet to add to the fridge!
• Toy figurines of pop culture characters: Write your quote on a piece of card stock, hole punch a place for a ribbon, then tie your quote to the toy.
• Key chains: They already come with little hooks that can attach to the tree!

*For a vintage look, type your quote on a classic typewriter, making sure it’s small enough font for your lid shape. Afterward, cut out and pop in lid!

Christmas Market Decorations: Wrap-Up

Whether you find them on an antiquing excursion or make them yourself, sustainable Christmas market decorations are classic and modern. The trick is seeing the possibility for your home and creative aesthetic. Most of all, it’s noticing what brings a smile to your face and surrounding yourself with those things.

As you make your apartment, house, dorm room, or tiny reading nook into your own winter wonderland, it’s about creativity, comfort, and joy. Even more, it’s about enjoying the good moments and being as present as we can.

Got your own Christmas market decorations and treasures that have special meaning? If so, let me know in the comments!

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