Christmas is often hailed as the most magical time of the year, and it can be hard to argue with that assessment. After all, the world gets coated in a sea of twinkling lights, we're showered with feel-good flicks, and of course, practically drown in gifts. But for some, Christmas is the sad recognition that their favorite time of the year (fall, and consequently, Halloween) is officially over. All the gorgeous leaves are gone, Hocus Pocus officially isn't on loop, and all the creative costumes have to be put away. Honestly, for folks who live for the macabre, Christmas magic can be kind of a drag.
In 1993, director Tim Burton bridged the gap between the two holidays be creating The Nightmare Before Christmas. The now classic tale centers around Jack Skellington discovering "Christmastown" and his misadventures in trying to take over the holiday, which ultimately leads him to appreciating his own special Halloween-centric life. It was the first time that the two holidays happily coexisted and it did so beautifully. And in fact, it may have inspired a newer trend that Halloween and Christmas lovers alike can get behind: Halloween Christmas trees.
The idea is fairly self-explanatory: During the festive holiday season, instead of decorating a Christmas tree with the standard green and red Christmas ornaments, take the opportunity to give it a Halloween theme. Transform your home by forgoing the classic Christmas tree decorations for spooky holiday decor. Using black ornaments, Halloween garland, and spooky plushies, Halloween trees can be just as beautiful and festive as a traditional Christmas tree.
Don't believe us? Just check out the list of Halloween trees we've curated. Each spooky tree has an element of holiday magic that'll make even the biggest Grinch smile. To really embrace the spirit of the season, these trees can be left up from Halloween to the holidays!
Nightmare Before Christmas — Literally
Jack and Sally of course are the perfect cross-holiday couple to kick off such a quirky Christmas tree list. We love the huge ornaments and shameless character plugs across the branches. Plus, who could ignore those huge replicas of our favorite spooky duo?
Frosty & Freaky
The white tree gets a gothic makeover with a fun Halloween color scheme. We love how the whole thing is designed like organized chaos. Pops of orange and black-striped garland give it the Halloween edge it needs.
Candy Corn Tree
Look too quickly and it's easy to miss how this artificial tree is colored like a cute candy corn — which is undoubtedly a Halloween essential. The bat topper is a nice spooky touch and might give an angel a run for her money.
Ghoulish Tree
With a perfect pumpkin topper, this black tree totally captures the Halloween spirit (pun absolutely intended). Those plush ghouls are to die for! Not to mention with this preview it looks like the whole house has a spooky vibe, and we are here for it!
Amazing Garland
During the holiday seasons we're used to seeing shiny red, green, or gold garland trimming the tree. But if a spooky tree is the goal, what better garland than an eerie black and orange fringe? And who says that Halloween trees are only good for Halloween — this if the official invitation to let it stay up all holiday season long.
A Perfect Balance
Who says these two holidays can't live in perfect harmony. Pumpkins and snowflakes go together just splendidly. And all of the chunky ornaments truly pop thanks to the deep black branches.
May the Force Be With You
Admittedly there is next to nothing Christmassy about this tree — unless it's compared to a Charlie Brown tree. However, this is the perfect example of doing whatever feels right for the holiday. Halloween and Star Wars don't have a ton of business being together but it looks awesome so whatever!
This Is Christmas-ween
Who needs "holly jolly" when "spooky scary" is an option? The eyeball ornaments and gothic stockings hanging by the chimney with care add a nice ambiance to the whole eerie vibe. Plus who wouldn't admire that Jack Skellington silhouette in the mirror?
Purple Perfection
At first glance, this Christmas tree just looks like it's just a quirky purple color, but upon further inspection one can notice all of the creepy details. We love how Halloween festive this tree truly is, and that it forces people to take a second look.
Skull Celebration
Who needs elaborate Christmas ball ornaments when striking skulls are available? There is almost a gothic elegance to this tree, which we totally love. Anyone can make this their own by adding bone ornaments or skulls of other critters.
Subtly Spooky
Though this tree doesn't have a lot of creepy ornaments, its black and white color scheme gives it total Halloween vibes. Sometimes simple is best, and the tree skirt is to die for.
Gothic Glamour
If blatant Halloween decor on a Christmas tree is just too blasphemous for some, using a black tree with rich purple trimmings will give it just the right level of vampy flair without overdoing it. Check out how those rich purple curtains give this tree an elegant backdrop.
Tiny Trick-or-Treat Tree
This itty bitty tree is all about the details. Taking a closer look, we just love the black and white candy canes and cutie bats flying around. Dump some Halloween candy under the tree and boom — there goes the perfect way to give out Halloween candy this year.
Victorian Elegance
This creepy tree has antique framed ornaments to give it a truly eerie Victorian style. They made a huge statement with those simple ornaments and it could not be any cooler.
Funny Scares
Halloween trees can be super silly instead of scary. We love the springing bats and Jack Skellington's goofy, smiling face. It doesn't have to be a work of art — it just has to be fun and festive.
Creature Tree
What's more Halloweenish than a terrifying creature? Just look at this creepy kraken topper — what a wonderful take! Plus, there are tons of creepy-crawlies lurking about the tree to give it an extra spooky flair.
Themed Fun
Though this tree is simple, we love how the gifts match it so effortlessly. The black and white theme is striking enough to be Halloween, but can totally last throughout the holiday season if the family leans to the quirkier side.
Santa Jack
Tim Burton would be super proud of this tree. Just look at all the tiny details that bring it to life. We especially love the "Sandy Claws" Jack that sits atop this tree.
Vampire Queen
The mysterious lady in red atop this Halloween/Christmas tree adds an element of intrigue. We love how classic Christmas elements were incorporated with the tree, while still looking like an eerie, Gothic, Victorian delight.
Creepy Cutouts
A frosty white Christmas tree gets a spooky makeover with these simple silhouettes. And look how cool it is when all lit up! It's proof that sometimes less is more when trying to achieve the right spooky touch.
