Whilst elements of kitsch crept into Christmas last year, this year it’s shaping up to be a major trend. The antithesis of formal festive décor, this is a bubblegum-pink, Barbiecore, glitter-punk interpretation of the holiday season – a celebration of tackiness, sparkle & quirkiness
Christmas 2025 offers two polar-opposite approaches to home decoration. On the one hand, neo-vintage continues to gain ground; on the other, Christmas with a kitsch twist – Kitschmas – looks set to build on the tentative steps it took last year. The two couldn’t be more different, but the frisson of mixing things up and daring to try something new promises plenty of fun.
Neo-vintage Christmas evokes a classic-retro elegance. It’s a traditional look that leans on luxurious fabrics such as velvet and aged metals. Nostalgic, yet refined, it offers an understated sophistication that steers clear of extreme minimalism. Soft colour palettes of burgundy, moss green, and muted golds dominate, while natural, handcrafted materials from wood and dried branches, to fresh or waxed fruits, add texture. Most importantly, it radiates warmth and balanced sophistication.
If neo-vintage is classic chalk, then the cheese comes courtesy of tacky, quirky Barbiecore, serving sparkling maximalist Christmas cheer and hefty helpings of glitter. The proverbial cherry being Santa Claus, the ultimate kitsch icon. By definition, kitsch is mass-produced art that imitates popular or artistic styles while deliberately embracing bad taste. Kitschmas, however, offers purpose, irony, and even aesthetic appeal.
Kitschmas is all about unabashed mixing and matching. Bright colours, bold patterns, and fun, extravagant decorations reign supreme. Think fuchsia Christmas trees, disco ball toppers, clashing hues, neon lighting, Pop Art figurines, over- the-top tinsel, and oversized or naff ornaments inspired by food and drink. No rules – just fun!
Attitude-wise, it’s almost punk in its daring defiance. It’s not naive bad taste, it’s camp. A nod to tackiness intended to amuse and break the mould. Its colours share DNA with Fauvism, LED lights, and Barbiecore. Imagine a 90s music video crossed with all the fun of the fair: a mischievous caricature, or a deliberate parody of traditional Christmas. It’s a glitter-strewn wonderland, so sugary sweet it should come with a health warning. With these pointers, let your imagination run wild – because too much will never be enough.
