Complete your Christmas tree display with a beautiful tree topper. This decorative accent serves as the perfect finishing touch to your Christmas centrepiece. With many available designs, you can find one that fits your preferred theme or style. Discover tips on how to choose the perfect one and learn how to prepare your Christmas tree for a tree topper with this comprehensive guide.
What Are Christmas Tree Toppers?
Christmas tree toppers have a long history, dating back to 18th-century Germany, when Rauschgoldengel, a golden foil angel, was first used as a tree topper. Over time, these decorative accents became popular worldwide and are now available in various designs, such as star tree toppers, patriotic flags, and more.
Tree toppers serve a decorative and symbolic purpose during the Christmas season. For example, a star on a traditionally decorated Christmas tree represents the Star of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, an angel symbolises the heavenly messengers who announced the birth of Christ.
What Are the Types of Tree Toppers?
Choose which type of tree topper goes well with your decorations below.
Star
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 Capiz tree top star to complement your lights.
Figurines
The Christmas tree angel topper is an all-time favourite for traditional Christmas decorating. Alternatively, explore figurines of Christmas 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 various faux flowers, leaves, and berries. These unique Christmas tree toppers add a charming finishing touch ideal for classic and modern displays.
Others
Some toppers also come as starbursts, snowflakes, finials, and more. You may even use ribbons or bows as lightweight tree toppers.
How Do I Choose The Right Christmas Tree Topper?
Shape of the Tree
When choosing your Christmas topper, check that it complements the style and symmetry of your tree. Star or angel tree toppers suit full-shaped trees, while a finial tree topper matches the slender profile of a narrow or slim tree.
Height of the Tree
Measure the clearance between your Christmas tree top and the ceiling to identify the size of tree topper it can accommodate. As a rule, leave at least 6 inches of space between the ceiling and the tree topper. Make sure to account for any additional height a tree stand may add. All Balsam Hill Christmas trees are measured from the stand to the top of the tree.
Here’s a chart showing the recommended tree topper size based on tree height for 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 |
Weight of the Tree Topper
Choose a tree topper light enough to perch safely from a tall height, such as those made with paper, fabric, plastic, or fibre composite. If unsupported, heavier toppers may fall over, so secure them using zip ties or a tree topper stabilisation kit.
Decorating Theme
As the crowning accent of your display, the Christmas tree topper should match your overall decorating theme. Opt for a traditional star or angel tree topper in red, green, or gold for a classic look. 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.
How To Adorn and Attach a 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, depending on its base:
How To Attach Christmas Tree Toppers With a Pole Stand
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.
How To Attach 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.
How To Put on a Tree Topper With a Spiral Base
Secure the top branch into the coil using floral tape of the same colour to your tree’s needles to help conceal it.
How To Attach Bow or Ribbon Tree Toppers
Use wire pieces and pipe cleaners to secure bow and ribbon toppers onto your Christmas tree.
How To Attach 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. Mount your topper in place and plug it in. As an alternative, use an extension cord to connect it to a nearby socket.
What Are Safety Tips for Installing and Anchoring Christmas Tree Toppers?
- Use a stable stepladder to reach the top of the tree.
- Ask a friend or family member to keep the tree’s body steady as you fix the tree topper into place.
- Consider the weight of the topper before attaching it to the tree and prepare tools to secure it.
- Keep fragile decorations, such as glass or crystal toppers, out of children’s reach to avoid accidents.
- For pre-lit tree toppers, check the connections for any loose wires and inspect for burnt-out or cracked bulbs before plugging them into a socket.
Balsam Hill’s Best Christmas Tree Toppers
Browse some of our most-loved toppers below.
Angel Christmas Tree Toppers
Let this serene angel take pride at the top of your Christmas centrepiece. The pearlescent Capiz allows light to shine through, giving an ethereal look.
Lit Capiz Snowflake Star Tree Toppers
Handcrafted from natural capiz shells, this lighted snowflake tree topper brings an elegant glow to your Christmas tree. Its layered design, gold trim, and shimmering details catch the light beautifully, creating a radiant finishing touch from day to night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Most Popular Christmas Tree Topper?
The most popular Christmas tree topper is the classic star. Many families choose stars because they symbolise the Star of Bethlehem and pair well with both traditional and modern Christmas décor. Angel toppers are also a popular choice for elegant and timeless Christmas tree designs.
How To Choose a Tree Topper?
Choose a tree topper that complements your Christmas tree’s theme, size, and colour palette. Popular options include stars, angels, bows, and floral picks. For the best balance, select a topper that is proportional to the height of your tree and coordinates with your baubles and ribbon.
What Is The Best Tree Topper for a Christmas Tree?
The best Christmas tree topper depends on your decorating style and tree theme. Stars and angels remain timeless favourites, while bows, snowflakes, and floral toppers offer a modern look. Choose a topper that complements your baubles and fits securely on the top branch of the tree.
What Is the Correct Order To Decorate Your Christmas Tree?
The correct order to decorate a Christmas tree is lights first, followed by garlands or ribbon, baubles, and finally, the tree topper. Finish with a tree skirt or collar to create a polished look. Decorating in layers helps distribute décor evenly and creates a more balanced design.
Stay Connected
For Expert Advice
Call 0808 501 3434, WhatsApp +44 7533 540428, or Contact Us