Retro Christmas Decor Makes a Nostalgic Comeback in 2025
Published 20 December 2025
Highlights
- Retro Christmas decorations, including tinsel and foil garlands, are experiencing a resurgence, driven by nostalgia for 80s and 90s aesthetics.
- TikTok has seen a 100% increase in Christmas decor videos, with the hashtag #90sChristmas gaining popularity among younger users.
- Retailers like Marks & Spencer and John Lewis report significant sales increases in nostalgic holiday items, with John Lewis noting a 180% rise in 2025.
- Experts attribute the trend to a desire for comfort and stability in uncertain times, with maximalist and vintage styles offering a sense of familiarity.
- Influencers on TikTok are shaping festive aesthetics, promoting both 90s and Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas looks.
In a festive revival, retro Christmas decorations are making a vibrant return, capturing the hearts of those yearning for the nostalgic charm of past decades. Tinsel, foil garlands, and multi-coloured lights are once again adorning homes, as people embrace maximalist holiday decor reminiscent of the 80s and 90s.
Nostalgia Drives Festive Trends
The trend towards nostalgic holiday aesthetics began gaining momentum last year and has now become a dominant theme for Christmas 2025. According to Harry Bradshaw from At Last Events, the shift marks a departure from minimalist and traditional styles, as people are eager to indulge in the fun and excess of yesteryear. Retailers like Habitat and Primark have noted a surge in demand for retro decorations, with younger Gen X, millennials, and older Gen Z shoppers leading the charge.
TikTok's Influence on Holiday Aesthetics
Social media platform TikTok has played a pivotal role in popularizing these nostalgic trends. The hashtag #90sChristmas has amassed over 8,000 videos, showcasing multicoloured tree lights, homemade ornaments, and even VHS tapes of classic films like "Home Alone." Hugh Metcalf, editor of Livingetc.com, suggests that this embrace of past styles reflects a collective desire for comfort amid uncertain times.
Retailers See a Surge in Sales
Retailers have reported significant increases in sales of retro-themed decorations. Marks & Spencer and John Lewis have experienced strong demand, with the latter seeing a 180% rise in sales of nostalgic decor items. This trend is not limited to the 90s; Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas aesthetics, characterized by deep colours and rich textures, are also gaining traction.
Personal Stories of Festive Revival
For individuals like Felicity Hayward, the return to retro decor is deeply personal. After losing her grandparents, Felicity found solace in recreating the Christmases of her childhood, filling her home with colourful foil stars and tinsel. "For me, all of those colours bring me calm," she shares, highlighting the emotional connection many have to these nostalgic decorations.
What this might mean
As the trend towards nostalgic Christmas decor continues to grow, it could signal a broader shift in consumer preferences towards comfort and familiarity in other areas of design. Retailers may increasingly cater to this demand by expanding their offerings of vintage-inspired products. Additionally, the influence of social media platforms like TikTok in shaping consumer trends is likely to persist, potentially leading to more cross-generational appeal in holiday aesthetics. Experts suggest that this nostalgia-driven movement may also inspire a reevaluation of what constitutes "good taste," as people prioritize personal history and emotional resonance over contemporary design norms.
