Complete your Christmas tree display with a beautiful tree topper. This decorative accent serves as the perfect finishing touch to your holiday centerpiece. With many available designs, you’re sure to find one that fits your preferred theme or style. Learn how to choose, place, and secure the best Christmas tree topper for your home with this comprehensive guide.
What Are Christmas Tree Toppers?
Christmas Tree Toppers were first used in 18th century Germany, commonly in the form of the Rauschgoldengel—a shiny, golden foil angel. Eventually, these decorative accents made their way to the tops of Christmas trees across the world and became available in designs like star tree toppers, patriotic flags, and more.
What Are The Types Of Tree Toppers?
Stars
Christmas star toppers vary from simple five-point designs to elaborate three-dimensional Moravian styles. Choose a design with glitter, beads, or sequins if you prefer more sparkle or a pre-lit star tree topper to complement your Christmas tree lights.
Figurines
The Christmas tree angel topper is an all-time favorite when it comes to traditional holiday decorating. As an alternative, explore figurines of holiday characters such as Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to give your tree a whimsical look.
Bouquets
Bouquet tree toppers feature an assortment of faux flowers, leaves, and berries. These unique Christmas tree toppers add a charming finishing touch perfect for both classic and modern displays.
Others
Christmas tree toppers are also offered as starbursts, snowflakes, finials, and more. You may even use ribbons or bows as lightweight accents for your tree. There are also lighted tree toppers in a variety of shapes.
How Do I Choose The Right Christmas Tree Topper?
What Is The Shape Of The Tree?
When choosing your Christmas tree topper, check that it complements the style and symmetry of your tree. Star or angel tree toppers for Christmas trees suit full-shaped trees, while an elongated tree topper suits the slender profile of a narrow or slim tree.
How Far From The Ceiling Should The Tree Topper Be?
Measure the clearance between your Christmas tree top and the ceiling to identify the size of tree topper it can accommodate. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to leave at least 6 inches of space between the ceiling and the top of your tree topper. Make sure to account for any additional height that a tree stand may add. All Balsam Hill Christmas trees are measured from the stand to the top of the tree.
Here’s a sample chart that shows you the recommended tree topper size for different tree heights if you have a standard 9-foot ceiling.
| Tree Height | Tree Topper Size |
|---|---|
| 4 – 5.5 feet | 5 inches tall by 6 inches wide |
| 6 – 6.5 feet | 7 inches tall by 5 inches wide |
| 7 – 7.5 feet | 4 inches tall by 4 inches wide |
How Heavy Is The Tree Topper?
Choose a tree topper light enough to perch safely from a tall height. Christmas tree toppers made of lightweight materials like paper, fabric, plastic, or fiber composite are ideal for most trees. Heavier toppers—such as those made of glass—may topple over if unsupported. To secure your tree topper, use fastening tools like zip ties or our Tree Topper Stabilization Kit.
What Is Your Decorating Theme?
As the crowning accent of your display, the Christmas tree topper should match your overall decorating theme. For a classic look, opt for a traditional star or angel tree topper in red, green, or gold. Minimalist star tree toppers go well with contemporary themes, as do starburst and snowflake toppers in muted hues. If your style is more rustic, consider bouquet or bow toppers for a relaxed yet beautiful display.
Insider's Tip
How Do I Anchor A Christmas Tree Topper?
Small Capiz Star Lighted Tree Topper
Now that you’ve chosen your topper, it's time to add the finishing touch to your Christmas tree. Here are some tips on how to install your tree topper depending on its base:
Christmas Tree Toppers With a Pole Stand
Many of our Balsam Hill Christmas tree toppers feature a sturdy pole stand with eyelets and zip ties. Simply insert the pole into the top of your tree and align it with the central branch. Thread a zip tie through each eyelet and wrap around the trunk to keep your topper in place.
Christmas Tree Toppers With a Conical Base
Bend one of the top branches and carefully fit the cone over it. If needed, adjust the surrounding branches to support the base.
Christmas Tree Toppers With a Spring or Spiral Base
Insert the top branch into the coil and secure with floral tape around the spring. Choose tape in a similar color to your tree branches to help conceal it.
Bow or Ribbon Tree Toppers
Bows and ribbons are the easiest to attach to Christmas trees since they are lightweight. Go for wired pieces that keep their shape and use pipe cleaners for added support.
Pre-Lit Christmas Tree Toppers
Many high-quality Pre-Lit Christmas Trees feature a female electrical plug at the top where you can easily connect your tree topper. Simply mount your topper in place and plug it in.
Insider's Tip
What Are Common Safety Tips For Installing Christmas Tree Toppers?
Our Best Toppers
Capiz Angel Lighted Tree Topper
Let this serene angel take pride of place at the top of your holiday centerpiece. The pearlescent capiz allows light to shine through, giving this topper an ethereal glowing look.
Double-Sided Starburst Tree Topper
Beautiful from any angle, this Christmas tree star topper with lights is handcrafted from natural capiz shells and pre-lit with traditional incandescent bulbs for that classic glow.
Santa Claus Tree Topper
Have Santa smile down on your holiday proceedings from his spot atop your Christmas tree. This traditional Santa tree topper will delight friends and family of all ages.
Bethlehem Star Beaded Tree Topper
This elegant 8-pointed star tree topper made with gold trim and sequins shimmers as it catches the light from your Christmas tree.
Christmas Angel Tree Topper
With flowing burgundy robes and golden wings, this Christmas angel is a stunning sight to behold. Her calm and kindly presence makes the perfect finishing touch on your family’s Christmas tree.
Red Berry Christmas Bouquet Tree Topper
Go floral for a more rustic take on Christmas tree toppers. Adorn your holiday centerpiece with an abundant bouquet of red berry sprays.
Antiqued Snowflake Tree Topper
Add a touch of vintage flair to your Christmas tree with this topper handcrafted with metal and glass beads. It also complements most minimalist holiday decorating themes.
Santa’s Sleigh Animated Tree Topper
The only thing more delightful than a tree topper that’s lighted is a tree topper that moves. Charm the whole family with a miniature Santa in his sleigh making his journey around the top of your Christmas tree.
Lit Swivel Star Tree Topper
Keep the stars aligned for a minimalist display or swivel the inner stars to create a dazzling 3-D effect. This tree topper comes pre-lit with energy-saving LED lights for your convenience.
We hope this guide helped you choose the best Christmas tree topper for your holiday display. Click the link below to shop our selection of premium tree toppers from Balsam Hill.
Learn More
For more Christmas decorating tips and ideas, read the guides below: