A Classic Holiday Look with Endless Style

Are you over green this year? What about having a red and white Christmas tree? Red and white is still very festive, just think of candy cane.

Red and white is one of the most timeless and beloved Christmas color combinations. Whether your style leans toward elegant and traditional, playful and whimsical, or sleek and modern, a red and white Christmas tree never goes out of fashion. This bold yet versatile palette brings a festive, joyful energy to your home and it’s surprisingly easy to customize to suit your decor.

If you’re ready to embrace this classic due, here’s everything you need to know to create a stunning red and white Christmas tree this holiday and be the envy of all your friends and family.

Why Red and White Works So Well

Red and white is one of the most classic holiday color pairings, evoking everything from vintage candy canes and Santa’s suit to snowy winter landscapes and cozy fireplaces.

• Red brings warmth and energy, making your tree feel festive and full of life.
• White adds lightness and contrast, keeping the overall look crisp and elegant
• Together, these colors strike a perfect balance between traditional and modern, working with nearly any home decor style – from farmhouse to glam.

Choosing the Perfect Base for Your Red and White Christmas Tree

First of all you need to decide if you’re going to start with a traditional green tree or go with a red tree or a white tree. Green and white trees are easier to find than red, but Amazon can be your friend when looking for different colored trees.

Green Christmas Tree: The Classic Backdrop

A green tree is the most traditional choice and provides a natural base for red and white decorations. Red ornaments pop beautifully against greenery, while white accents – like snowflakes, faux snow or white ribbon create a soft, wintery effect.

For a more layered look, add strands of arm white lights and red berry picks through the branches. A classic red tree skirt will help ground the design.

White Christmas Tree: Sleek and Modern

White trees have surged in popularity for their clean, modern aesthetic. Decorating a white tree with red ornaments makes the color really shine. Think glossy red baubles, red ribbons and red and white candy cane accents.

To prevent the look from feeling too stark, mix in a few matte ornaments or flocked picks to add texture. The result is a bright, cheerful and perfect for anyone wo loves a bold holiday statement.

Red Christmas Tree: Bold and Dramatic

If you want to make a statement this season, a red Christmas tree isa stunning choice. Red trees pair beautifully with white ornaments, ribbon and garland, creating a striking reverse of the classic look.

White snowflakes, flocked picks and white or silver baubles pop brilliantly against the rich red background. For extra dimension, layer in a few transparent or clear ornaments, or even touches of metallic silver for a modern edge.

A red tree is also perfect for candy cane inspired themes or playful holiday settings. It instantly sets a festive tone without requiring an overload of decorations.

Choose Your Tree

Here’s a sample from Amazon in case you’re needing a new tree for your red and white themed Christmas tree this year:

 6ft Green Christmas Tree 5ft White Christmas Tree 6ft Red Christmas Tree

Building Your Red and White Color Scheme

The beauty of this color pairing lies in its flexibility. Here are a few popular styling approaches:

• Classic Christmas – Think bright reds, crisp whites, candy canes, berries and snowflakes.
• Elegant & Luxe – Deep crimson, velvet ribbons, pearl white ornaemtns and touches of metallic gold or silver.
• Playful & Whimsical – Striped patterns, polka dots, oversized candy canes, Santa hats and plush details.
• Modern Minimalist – Clean lines, matte finishes and carefully balanced red and white decor with lots f negative space.

Whichever style you choose, keeping the red and white tones consistent helpts the tree look cohesive and polished.

Ornaments That Bring It All Together

Ornaments are where your personality really shines. A mix of finishes: glossy, matte, glitter or textured, adds depth to your design. Some popular ornament ideas for a red and white tree include:

• Classic round baubles in red, white and a touch of metallic accent.
• Striped candy cane ornaments for a playful, nostalgic touch.
• Snowflake ornaments in white or silver to give a wintry feel.
• Plaid or gingham baubles for a cozy, rustic look.
• Santa hats, mittens or little stockings as accent ornaments.
• Glass or clear ornaments filled with fake snow or red berries.

To keep your tree balanced, alternate colors as you decorate – don’t cluster too much red or white in one area.

Check out Red Christmas Ornaments and White Christmas Ornaments.

Texture and Layering Tips

Red and white trees look best when there’s a balance of shine, matte and textured elements. A few simple tricks:

• Mix matte and glossy baubles to avoid a flat look.
• Add picks, sprays and floral stems for fullness.
• Use different sizes of ornaments to create depth and interest.
• Layer ribbon or garland throughout the tree, rather than just wrapping it around the outside.

Don’t be afraid to use both colors for ribbon – a red velvet paired with white mesh or satin can create a beautiful layered effect.

Lighting Your Red and White Tree

Lighting plays a huge role in setting the mood. For a warm and cozy atmosphere, use classic warm white fairy lights. If you prefer a crisp, modern look, cool white or even soft red lighting can work beautifully.

• Green trees often look best with warm white lights.
• White trees pair well with either warm r cool lights, depending on your decor.
• Red trees benefit from white or clear lights to let the red stand out.

Consider placing a few larger statement lights (like globe bubs or starbursts) throughout the tree for an extra touch of magic.

Tree Topper and Finishing Touches

A red and white tree topper can tie the entire look together. Traditional options include:

• A bright red star or snowflake topper.
• A big red bow with cascading ribbon tils.
• A Santa hat for a playful, whimsical finish.

Around the base, use a white faux fur tree skirt for a snowy effect or a buffalo plaid skirt for a rustic farmhouse feel. For a modern twist, try a woven basket collar in white or natural tones. Wrapping your gifts in coordinating red and white paper or ribbon extends the color story beyond the tree itself.

Decorating Ideas for a Red and White Theme

Candy Cane Wonderland

Leaning into the classic candy cane look is a fun and timeless choice that gives a nostalgic vibe. Use red and white striped ribbon, candy cane ornaments, peppermint swirls and bold red bows. Add artificial snow or flocking to give the tree a frosty touch. This theme works beautifully on any tree color – green, white or red.

Elegant Nordic Minimalism

If you prefer a more understated look, pair matte white ornaments with a few deep red accents and soft lighting. Add wooden decorations or simple white stars for a Scandinavian-inspired fool. This minimalist style looks especially lovely on a green or white tree.

Glam and Sparkle

For those who love a little glitz, layer silver or clear glass ornaments into your red and white scheme. Add glittering snowflakes, crystal picks and white or metallic silver ribbon to create an elevated, elegant tree. This look is stunning on a white or red tree, where the sparkle can really shine.

Winter Wonderland with a Pop of Red

Stat with a white or flocked tree and keep most of your decorations white and silver. Then add pops of bold red ornaments for a striking contrast that feels both modern and elegant.

Rustic Red & White Farmhouse

Layer red berries, burlap ribbon, plaid ornaments and wooden accents for a cozy, country Christmas feel. Add white twinkle lights to keep it bright and warm. This cozy look is perfect on a green tree.

Elegant Luxe

Think deep crimson velvet ribbons, pearlescent white ornaments, crystal accents, and delicate silver garlands. It’s a sophisticated take on a classic color combo. This really suits white or green trees.

Hold the Presses – You Can Get a Red and White Christmas Tree!

While we’re talking about red and white themed Christmas tree what if I told you that you could buy a tree that is already red and white? I’ve only seen these on Amazon (but I have linked to it for you), but I think they are amazing.

They come in two different sizes and you can absolutely add some flickering fairy lights to make it look magical and some lovely ornaments, but personally I would be tempted to leave the ornaments off and just pop a tree topper and a skirt.

Red and White Christmas Tree FAQ

What colors go well with red and white on a Christmas tree?

Red and white pair beautifully with metallics like gold, silver or champagne. For a more natural look, add touches of green fro the tree or rustic wood tones.

Should I use a green or white tree for red and white decorations?

Both work well! A green tree gives a classic, cozy feel, while a white or flocked tree creates a clean winter wonderland look. It depends on your personal style.

How do I made a red and white tree look elegant rather than playful?

Choose deep reds and soft whites with metallic or crystal accents. Keep the ribbon structured and balanced and stick to a limited number of ornament types for a polished finish.

Can I decorate a red Christmas tree with other colors?

Absolutely! While white creates the most striking contrast, soft silver, gold and even blush tones can complement a red tree without overwhelming it.

Final Thoughts

A red and white Christmas tree is a timeless choice that can adapt to any style, from classic to contemporary. With the right mix of ornaments, ribbons and lighting, you can create a look that’s merry, bright and effortlessly festive.

Whether you prefer the charm of candy canes and playful patterns or the elegance of velvet ribbons and crystal ornaments, this color palette offers endless possibilities. It’s a look that never goes out of style and will make your holiday decor feel warm, welcoming and wonderfully complete.