The 14 Best Christmas Tree Toppers of 2023

There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by putting up a tree and decorating it with sentimental ornaments. As the final element on your tree, a Christmas tree topper adds a defining, personalized touch. There are tons of options out there, including hats and ribbons as well as the classic angels and stars, so you can find the best Christmas tree topper to fit your decorating style.

“People need a Christmas tree topper that is both functional and decorative,” says Tara Spaulding, interior design coordinator for Patio Productions. “A good tree topper should be a focal point of the holiday decorating scheme, but it should also serve as a functional element of the tree. When choosing a tree topper, you need to consider the overall aesthetic of the room and what you plan on using the tree for.”

To find the best Christmas tree toppers, we’ve researched a variety of picks and considered factors like dimensions, material, and lighting. In addition to Spaulding, we also consulted Joan Gair, interior design expert at Housetastic; Jillian Tull, a merchant for Ballard Designs; and Christine Mango, holiday designer and producer.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

West Elm Glitter Starburst Tree Topper at West Elm ($8)

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Best Budget:

Kurt Adler Gold Glittered Star Topper at Amazon ($13)

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Best Personalized:

TheLetterLoftUK Personalized Family Name Wire Tree Topper at Etsy ($51)

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Best Splurge:

Christopher Radko Champagne Stellar Christmas Tree Topper at Neiman Marcus ($95)

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Best Vintage:

The Holiday Aisle Christmas Angel Tree Topper at Wayfair ($26)

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Best Novelty:

CiyvoLyeen Angel Gnome Christmas Tree Topper at Amazon (See Price)

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Best Angel:

Balsam Hill Capiz Angel Lighted Tree Topper at Balsamhill.com (See Price)

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Best with Lights:

Kurt Adler Multi-Color Capiz Star Tree Topper at Amazon ($45)

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Best Modern:

Crate & Barrel Glitter Gold 3D Star Christmas Tree Topper at Crate & Barrel ($50)

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Best Snowflake:

Pottery Barn Jeweled Snowflake Handcrafted Christmas Tree Topper at Pottery Barn ($50)

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Best Overall

West Elm

View On West Elm $8

Why You Should Get It

Easy installation and a universally appealing design make this affordable tree topper our top pick.

Keep in Mind

Glitter is prone to shedding.

Overall, the best Christmas tree topper is the West Elm Glitter Starburst Tree Topper. This topper is easy to install thanks to its spiral base that elegantly sits atop real and fake trees. It doesn’t light up, but the gold glitter-dusted star creates an eye-catching focal point that is at once modern and whimsical. And with a price tag of $20, it’s hard to beat this topper’s value and versatile style. If it happens to get dirty, simply wipe the topper with a soft, dry cloth, and it’ll be back to looking good as new.

It's worth keeping in mind that glitter can shed and end up leaving sparkly residue that may require vacuuming to fully eradicate. But it sure is pretty!

Product Details: Dimensions: 8 x 2 x 13 inches | Material: Plastic | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: No

Best Budget

Amazon

View On Amazon $13 View On Wayfair $13 View On Walmart $32

Why You Should Get It

This affordable topper in a classic shape pairs well with any decorating theme.

Keep in Mind

Plastic breaks easily and the cut-out design requires delicate hands.

You can’t go wrong with a classic star as your tree topper. This five-point sparkling beauty is dusted with gold glitter and features a cut-out 3D effect, adding depth and dimension. The classic design reminds us fondly of trees you’d see at a Christmas festival or parade. We also love that the gold coil base easily installs on the top of a tree so you can put the final touch on your holiday centerpiece in just a few minutes.

Product Details: Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.5 x 2 inches | Material: Acrylic | Weight: 5.6 ounces | Lighting: No

Best Personalized

theletterloftuk-personalized-family-name-wire-tree-topper

Etsy

View On Etsy $51

Why You Should Get It

This isn’t your stereotypical angel or star but instead a personalized keepsake.

Keep in Mind

This topper is handmade, so each one may be a bit different from what is depicted.

One of our best Christmas tree decorating tips is to make your holiday decorations unique and personal. Since the holidays are about traditions, we love that this customizable Christmas tree topper can be passed down. This topper is hand-bent and welded from stainless steel to create a durable, high-quality decoration that will last for years to come. Plus, you can choose from the following color options: copper, silver, gold, white, or black. Just keep in mind that this tree topper doesn’t light up, so you’ll want to make sure you add lots of twinkly lights or have natural lighting to make it pop.

Product Details: Dimensions: 25 x 20 centimeters | Material: Stainless steel | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: No

Best Splurge

Christopher Radko

View On Neiman Marcus $95 View On Christopherradko.com View On Horchow.com

Why You Should Get It

This ornate tree topper, embellished with metal accents, will be a showstopper collectible item for years to come.

Keep in Mind

It’s extremely fragile so you’ll want to make sure it’s sturdy in place and your tree doesn’t have any unwanted movement.

The holidays are the season to go big or go home. So, treat yourself to this luxury Christmas tree topper from Christopher Radko. Made from hand-crafted glass and metal, this is the best Christmas tree topper for taking center stage. Secure it at the top of your tree and let the shimmering star sit high above as you decorate, host a holiday gathering, or open presents. It is more expensive, but we think it’s a worthy splurge since it is handcrafted in Poland and delicately made to stand the test of time. If you want to make a statement, go for the glitz and glamour during the holidays by adding this impressive topper to your tree.

Product Details: Dimensions: 15.5 x 14 x 3 inches | Material: Hand painted glass and metal | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: No

Best Vintage

the-holiday-aisle-christmas-angel-tree-topper

Wayfair

View On Wayfair $26

Why You Should Get It

This classic topper brings a nostalgic look and feel to your tree.

Keep in Mind

It’s not actually vintage, just designed with a retro look.

Some tree toppers transcend time like this angel from The Holiday Aisle. Available in gold or white, this celestial figurine adds elegance reminiscent of times gone by. For optimal positioning, place the angel at a slight angle to create the appearance of her looking down over the tree and its spectators. While it doesn’t light up, this cherubic topper’s gilded garments do add a bit of shine. At nearly 16 inches tall, be sure you have enough ceiling room so this topper can stand fully upright. And, despite its stately look, this plastic topper only weighs 1 pound so it won’t weigh down the tip of your tree.

Product Details: Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 8 inches | Material: Plastic | Weight: 1 pound | Lighting: No

Best Novelty

Amazon

View On Amazon

Why You Should Get It

This cheeky topper is quirky without being gaudy, and it’s made of a soft material that won’t break if dropped.

Keep in Mind

The topper is quite large and will work best on a large tree.

There’s something about a novelty topper that adds personality to an otherwise traditional Christmas tree. The Angel Gnome Christmas Tree Topper is the ideal option if you’re looking for something cute and quirky that doesn’t necessarily venture into over-the-top territory. The charming gnome is decked out in all white to resemble an angel and features a subtle glitter material on its hat and around the hem of its dress—just enough to add a touch of sparkle. It’s made from a soft material that is durable enough to last for years to come, even if it falls or becomes a go-to toy for the little ones around your Christmas tree.

You’ll want to note that the tree topper is quite large and won’t work on Christmas trees that are smaller than standard size. It’s also worth noting that this option doesn’t have any lighting, so it won’t be as visible come nighttime.

Product Details: Dimensions: 9 x 24.5 inches | Material: NA | Weight: 14.4 ounces | Lighting: No

Best Angel

Balsam Hill

View On Balsamhill.com

Why You Should Get It

This lit-from-within topper brings a high-quality handmade touch to your Christmas tree.

Keep in Mind

This topper is available in two sizes, so be sure to measure the distance between the tip of the tree and your ceiling.

This delicate angel tree topper is handcrafted from capiz shells which cast warm, diffused light upon your tree. Choose from two sizes—the small topper comes with a detachable 1-foot pole stand and the larger one includes a 2-foot stand for larger trees. The smaller topper can even be used as a table centerpiece for holiday feasts or as a night light once the season has passed. Two replacement bulbs and a 5-foot-long cord are included. Packing up this delicate figurine is a cinch—just remove the detachable wings and put the angel safely back in the box until next year.

Product Details: Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 3 inches | Material: Capiz shells | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: Yes

Best with Lights

Amazon

View On Amazon $45 View On Wayfair $35 View On Walmart $32

Why You Should Get It

This stunning option looks way more expensive than it is thanks to the exquisite colored glass design.

Keep in Mind

The coil attachment can be hard to balance perfectly straight.

This Christmas tree topper by Kurt Adler is truly stunning. The classic colored glass star and incandescent lights evoke memories of holidays past, but the brass-hued lines ground this tree topper firmly in the present. We love the combination of colors and attention to detail; it makes the topper look way more expensive than its (actually quite affordable) price tag. The 8-pointed star design evokes tradition with its gold trim and clean lines, but the combination of blue, green, red, and yellow glass panels gives the topper a more modern and playful look than the more expected white and gold option.

The only thing we don’t love is the coil attachment that the star sits upon. This style of tree topper can be tricky to arrange straight, and some users noted that it required a bit of extra patience while placing it on top of the tree.

Product Details: Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.6 x 2.1 inches | Material: NA | Weight: 10.9 ounces | Lighting: Incandescent lights

Best Modern

crate-barrel-glitter-gold-3d-star-christmas-tree-topper

Crate and Barrel

View On Crate & Barrel $50

Why You Should Get It

This plastic topper meets the needs of many current Christmas aesthetics with its minimalist design and lots of glitter.

Keep in Mind

The spiral base may be too wide for small or narrow trees.

If your style leans modern with some retro flair, then you’ll want to consider this three-dimensional glittering beauty from Crate and Barrel. While it isn’t your traditional five-point star, this glitzy starburst topper brings a modern, minimalistic flourish to any Christmas tree. The spiral plastic base slides over most tree tips effortlessly, but it may require adjusting if placed atop a narrow tree. If handled with care, this delicate plastic topper will see many holidays to come as a sparkling treetop trimming.

Product Details:

Dimensions: 11.75 x 10.75 x 16.38 inches | Material: Plastic, glitter, wire | Weight: Not listed | Lighting: No

Best Snowflake

Pottery Barn

View On Pottery Barn $50

Why You Should Get It

The intricate design makes this special topper a show-stopping addition to your family tree.

Keep in Mind

When it comes to cleaning the topper, don’t use harsh chemical and abrasive cleaners.

Let your tree truly be the star of the show with this statement-making oversized topper. Steel and glass beads accent this handcrafted snowflake, setting it apart as the sparkling focal point of your tree. Simply slide the spiral base over your tree’s topmost branch, and let the silvery dendrites nestle into the branches as though this snowflake topper floated down from the sky. While the price point is on the higher side, we think the unique design of this topper makes it a worthwhile investment that can be used for many years. Also keep in mind, the topper is only available in one color, so you’ll want to make sure it matches the rest of your Christmas decorations.

Product Details:

Dimensions: 17 x 17 x 5.75 inches | Material: Steel and glass beads | Weight: 5.25 pounds | Lighting: No

Best for Kids

French Knot

View On Frenchknot.com

Why You Should Get It

Soft felt construction makes this a safe choice for a youthful kids’ tree.

Keep in Mind

It’s extremely lightweight so you’ll want to make sure it’s sturdy up on the top of your tree.

Let the kids help add the final touches of holiday decorating with this soft, sturdy felt tree topper from French Knot. This angel tree topper is lightweight and simply rests on top of the tree—it’s not secured by a clip or spiral base. The playful felt construction not only makes it the best Christmas tree topper suitable for a whimsical, colorful-themed kids’ tree but also helps preserve the topper if little hands happen to accidentally drop it or knock it off the tree. Handcrafted from Nepal, this colorful holiday decoration is truly one of a kind.

Product Details:

Dimensions: 15 x 10.5 inches | Material: Felt | Weight: 6 ounces | Lighting: No

Best Glass

Amazon

View On Amazon $32

Why You Should Get It

This funky topper offers a retro appeal and comes in a two-pack so you have an extra on hand.

Keep in Mind

This option is very tall compared to others—keep the ratio of tree-to-ceiling height in mind.

The Kurt Adler G 3 Tier Early Years Glass Multicolor Treetop is the ideal finishing touch for a retro-inspired Christmas aesthetic. The 13-inch glass tree topper reminds us of fancy department store holiday decor from days past while still offering a somewhat minimal look compared to other toppers on the list.

The combination of silver, red, yellow, blue, and green makes the topper easy to match with all kinds of color themes. We’re also big fans of the silver glitter detailing that encircles the baubles, adding an extra layer of polish. You’ll want to keep in mind that this option is very tall (it sits at over 13 inches in height), so measure the space between your tree and the ceiling if you’re unsure about fit.

The topper is very slim and made of glass, so you’ll have to be careful when putting the topper on your tree since it’s fragile and could shatter if it falls. Since it comes as a two-pack, you’ll have an extra on hand in case of an incident. It also makes the set a great value.

Product Details: Dimensions: 8.6 x 13.9 x 4 inches | Material: Glass | Weight: 12.6 ounces | Lighting: No

Best with Projector

Amazon

View On Amazon $46

Why You Should Get It

This rather unexpected option is fun and unique.

Keep in Mind

You can hear the motor quite loudly.

While this Christmas tree topper is a great option for a kid's or teen’s bedroom or game room, it could work just as well in your main living room if you’re looking for something a little different to add an unexpected dose of cheer to your tree. The DG-Direct Christmas Tree Topper Lighted Star looks like a standard star-shaped topper at first glance, but turn it on and you’ll notice a dazzling array of snowflakes projected directly onto the ceiling.

The built-in projector rotates slowly to make the snowflakes drift across the ceiling, and it looks particularly stunning at night in combination with other light-up decorations. The star itself is covered in gold or silver glitter, so it looks great day or night, whether or not the projector is in use.

One potential issue reported by several users is that the projector’s motor can be quite loud and may be disruptive depending on where your tree is located. It likely won’t be very noticeable during holiday get-togethers with chatting and music, but it might be a little distracting for movie nights or quiet family dinners.

Product Details: Dimensions: 1.8 x 9.4 x 9.8 inches| Material: Polyvinyl chloride | Weight: 15.9 ounces | Lighting: LED

Best Bow

Amazon

View On Amazon $24

Why You Should Get It

This pretty option is extremely easy to place on the tree thanks to a tie-on design—no struggling necessary.

Keep in Mind

There’s no lighting, so it won’t be as visible during the night.

This Christmas Tree Topper Bow is an excellent option for tall or short trees (it sits just underneath the top of the tree, so it won’t graze the ceiling or look out of place on a squat or tabletop tree). It’s incredibly easy to place compared to other options that can be tricky to align properly or are considerably more fragile. Simply tie the rope around the top and let the ribbons flow down the tree’s body.

We like that the bow comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns that range from classic golds and silvers to more colorful options like greens and reds or blues and whites. The versatile pick can easily pair with all different Christmas tree decor styles and aesthetics.

You’ll want to keep in mind that the ribbon doesn’t have any lighting so it won’t be as visible at night. The draping ribbons do leave space for the tree to peek through, so you can always add additional fairy lights in the top branches to make up for the lack of built-in lighting.

Product Details: Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 | Material: Polyester, Plastic | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Lighting: NA

The Bottom Line

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to holiday decor, but if you’re looking for the best Christmas tree topper with a timeless, festive look, we recommend the Glitter Starburst tree topper from West Elm as our best overall pick. This elegant, simple topper won us over for its versatile style, affordable price, well-proportioned size and ease of assembly.

What to Know About Christmas Tree Toppers Before Shopping

Size

Before buying a Christmas tree topper, you’ll want to consider not only the size of the topper, but also the size of your tree.

“You will need to consider the size of the topper and whether it will look right on the tree,” Gair says. “Also, you’ll want to think about the height and whether the topper will be touching the ceiling or if it won’t fit altogether.”

Tulle says that while the size of the tree and ceiling matters, you’ll also want to consider the thickness of the stem when choosing a topper so you can rest assured that it’ll fit nicely.

Material

As with other popular Christmas ornaments, it’s a personal preference when it comes down to the material of a Christmas tree topper. Some are made out of glass while others are made from plastic and metal—it depends on the type and the brand. With that in mind, the material of the topper is an indication of how durable it will be.

For example, Mango says that if you’re looking to put your Christmas tree outside, plastic toppers tend to be the most durable and designed to withstand the elements.

Glass toppers will be more fragile and have a higher likelihood of breaking with movement while metal and plastic stay in place without much movement. And if they happen to fall, they likely won’t completely break.

Lighting

Many tree toppers that light up usually need to be plugged into an outlet or use battery power. A lit topper is a great way to draw attention to the top of the tree, especially if it’s a big star or gleaming angel. However, sometimes a lit tree topper, in addition to Christmas tree lights, can feel a bit like overkill. To figure out what you prefer, try out both lighted and unlit tree toppers to see which one best fits your holiday vision.

Your Questions, Answered

How do you install a Christmas tree topper?

Once you found the best Christmas tree topper for your style, it’s time to install it. Installation will vary based on the type of topper and tree you have. In general, here are a few tips to help keep your tree topper steady and in-tact all season long.

Spaulding says the first few essentials you need to install a Christmas tree topper are a screwdriver and ladder—so you can reach the tip top of the tree.

“After that, find where on the top of your tree it would be best for your topper to go. Once you've decided on that spot, take one end of the screwdriver and slowly drill through the trunk of the tree until you reach its center point, and then, put in your tree topper,” Spaulding says.

For more standard Christmas tree toppers like angels and stars, Mango suggests cutting the tip of the tree down so the funnel rests just above the branches to offer a more balanced look. “I often wire the angel on so she is slightly angled downward as if she’s looking over the tree and admirers,” Mango says.

You’ll want to read the instruction manual for your specific Christmas tree topper, but this is standard advice for most toppers.

Do you need a Christmas tree topper?

No, you don’t need a Christmas tree topper.

“A tree can look just as beautiful without a topper,” Mango says.

However, one might opt for a topper, as Spaulding says, many don’t consider their tree to be “complete” without one. They are a nice touch and can make a tree look more polished and photogenic, but they aren’t a necessity.

Can Christmas tree toppers be used outdoors?

Once again, this depends on the type of Christmas tree topper and the environment. “Some Christmas tree toppers can be used outdoors,” Gair says. “However, you need to be aware of how the materials will react to the elements. Some materials won’t be suitable for use outdoors, so it’s important to select one that can withstand rain and snow.”

If in doubt, Gair suggests finding the best Christmas tree topper that is specifically designed for outdoor use.

Who We Are

Casey Clark is a writer who covers beauty, style, home, and commerce. She has been a writer for three years and has been featured in PEOPLE, Taste of Home, Forbes, HuffPost, Cosmopolitan and more. Casey attended Hofstra University and graduated magna cum laude with a journalism degree and minors in public relations and creative writing. The article was updated by Kaitlyn McInnis, a writer for BHG.com.

The experts interviewed for this article include Tara Spaulding, interior design coordinator for Patio Productions, Joan Gair, interior design expert at Housetastic, Jillian Tull, a merchant for Ballard Designs, and Christine Mango, holiday designer and producer.