Our Best Coastal Christmas Trees Ever

Whether you prefer a traditional evergreen or a multicolored tinsel number, you'll find plenty of holiday inspiration in these beautiful trees.

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Tree with a View

Photo: Jack Gardner; Stylists: Linda Hirst and Lynn Nesmith

Silver beads and a snowflake-bedecked starfish top this tree in this Seaside, Florida, home. Gifts wrapped in pretty turquoise and pale blue paper surround the base.

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Little Miss Sunshine

Photos: David Hillegas and Max Kim-Bee

Splashes of gold and jolly blue whales make this tiny seaside sparkler both nautical and nice. Talk about a brilliant pick for beach houses. At just 2½ feet tall, this tinsel tree is minimal effort, big reward. Plus, there's no stand required: Just pop it into a sturdy vase and let it shine. Play up the tree's shimmer with bronze anchors and sunny-hued glass globes. The 7-inch topper has just the right amount of star power to headline this mini-but-mighty tree.

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Seaglass-Inspired Stunner

Beach house Christmas tree with turquoise ornaments

Photo: Annie Schlechter; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

This pretty scene has all the elements of a Coastal Living winner: ocean-going hues, a view of the Gulf of Mexico, and a happy pup. The seaglass color scheme is inspired by the homeowner's favorite time of day: sunset, when shades of lavender, sea foam, and periwinkle are on display. Tour the rest of this beautiful beach house here.

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The Frosty Flamingo

Photos: David Hillegas and Max Kim-Bee

This groovy palette of sea foam, pinks, and corals is full of retro-inspired fun. The white branches of flocked spruce trees like this one make ornaments in hot hues shine. Conceal the stand in a garden planter—we used a patterned, Chippendale-style container. Channel retro cheer with quirky 1940s saucer ornaments, and then balance the kitsch with translucent jade globes. Crown with a large bow. Let the party begin!

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Bedside Shrub

Photo: Eric Roth

Add a little holiday cheer to a bedroom with a small potted tree. Leave it unembellished or hang small ornaments, and place it in a sand pail for a casual finishing touch.

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Citrus Christmas Tree

For a party, sugar the tree just before guests arrive for an extra layer of snow, or opt for a flocked tree.

Photo: Brian Woodcock

This pretty little tree is flocked with sugar, but you can go the traditional route and purchase a flocked tree. Citrus ornaments—Key limes, lemons, and kumquats—adorn the tree for a fun holiday spin. Learn how to create your own citrus tree with our how-to.

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The Crafty Beachcomber

Photo: David Hillegas and Max Kim-Bee

Strolls along the shore net all kinds of cool finds, including this clever take on decorating with beach treasures. The sturdy, deep, blue-green branches of Fraser Firs won't sag under the weight of oversize ornaments. Brush seashells (these are Irish deeps shells from a crafts store) with purple glitter glue, and then drill a small hole in the hinge end for hanging. Deepen the palette with bright globe ornaments, like these 3¼-inch lavender balls.

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Outdoor Stunner

Photographer: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

Position your tree in a spot where it can be admired indoors and out. If the weather isn’t too chilly, like here in West Palm Beach, Florida, you can take your holiday party outside and still maintain a festive atmosphere.

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Reclaimed Christmas Tree

Photo: Linny Morris

Singer Jack Johnson's holiday features a gift from the sea. He fashioned his family's driftwood tree from what he suspects to be pieces of a water-worn, turquoise deck. Ornaments on the tree are made out of everything from plastic found on the beach, old magazines, wire, and glass.

Hear Jack's Holiday Playlist

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Outdoor Beauty

In Florida, Christmas Eve is even better alfresco. The lower level of stacked porches becomes a waterfront family room just right for a flocked tree ornamented in sea foam and sunset hues.

Photo: Annie Schlechter; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

At the beach, Christmas is even better alfresco. The lower level of stacked porches on this Florida beach house becomes a waterfront family room just right for a flocked tree ornamented in sea foam and sunset hues.

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Corner Décor

Photo: Rick Lew; Stylist: Linda Hirst

A sunny spot in the dining room gives this tree an out-of-the-way but prominent place to shine. The family decorated it with simple silver and blue ornaments, nautical touches, and candy canes.

Video: Watch this Holiday Home Come to Life

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Festive Fish

Photo: Annie Schlechter

Use a traditional seaside motif, like these cute gold starfish ornaments, to bring a piece of the coast into your holiday decorations. A pine and magnolia garland creates a festive holiday look.

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Bunk Room Beauty

In the combined bunk room/playroom upstairs, built-in trundle beds painted Fieldstone by Benjamin Moore ensure there's plenty of space for little ones to sleep during full-house holidays or long weekends. To keep the kid-centric room looking polished rega

Photo: Annie Schlechter; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

There's something extra special about a mini Christmas tree bringing holiday cheer to a child's room. This one is decked out in stuffed sea creature ornaments, and it's joined by festive garland in coastal colors.

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True Blues

Photo: David Hillegas

This powder blue-accented tree was inspired by the ocean’s blue sheen. The rope-like woven throw used as a tree skirt adds another coastal element, while homemade sand and shell jar ornaments and dried coral help disguise noticeable holes in the tree.

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Seas & Greetings

Photo: David Tsay; Styling: Liz Strong

Designer Jill Johnson decks her sons' playroom with a fun flocked tree. "... we trim it with sea creature ornaments. My boys are obsessed with whales and sharks, so there are plenty of those hanging from the branches."

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Frame a Walkway

Photo: Dominique Vorillon

For a traditional look, flank the sides of a dock or sidewalk with two trees surrounded by white clapboard. It’s also an instant frame for family holiday card pictures!

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Beach Baubles

Photo: Tria Giovan

Personalize your tree with your favorite beach collections. Use shells, plastic buoys, sea glass, or other coastal finds, and top it all off with a quirky mermaid fixture.

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Poolside Cheer

Photo: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

Christmas trees aren’t just for indoors! Bring some festive cheer outside by placing a tree near the pool. Decorate with a beach theme, using lots of blue accents and starfish string lights.

Tip: Add a few rustic lanterns to create a warm poolside glow.

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Red, White, and Blue Christmas

Photo: Roger Davies

This pool house gets special attention during the holidays, without sacrificing its nautical charm. Blue striped ribbon is strung throughout, while sailboats, navigation wheels, and lifeguard chairs take center stage on the Christmas tree.

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Night Light

Photo: Jeff McNamara

A white tree, simply decorated with twinkle lights, becomes an extra light fixture during dark winter nights. Metallic bulbs sprinkled throughout the tree reflect light and give the room a festive glow.

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Feeling Blue

Photo: Jean Allsopp

Place your tree on a deck overlooking the ocean. Stray from tradition with a blue color scheme, and keep it interesting by using bulbs of varying shades.

Tip: Use a bright blue blanket or throw as a tree skirt to complement the tree’s palette.

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Put a Ribbon On It

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Forgo the usual angel and put a ribbon at the top of your tree. Use contrasting colors, like lilac ribbon and turquoise ornaments, to create your own unique color scheme. Match place settings and presents to tie the room together.

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Center of Attention

Photo: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

Place your tree in a spot that will get a lot of traffic, like the walkway between the deck and the living area, so that it’s sure to be noticed by your visitors. For an extra hit of coastal style, use palm fronds to fill any holes.

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White Christmas

Photo: Rick Lew

Even if you don’t live in a snowy locale, you can imitate a white Christmas with a pretty white tree. Silver trinkets add sparkle to a stark base, while tropical ornaments lend fun pops of color.

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Tradition with a Twist

Photo: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

There’s a reason why classic red is the old standby: Punches of red are the perfect way to add holiday cheer. Use a generous amount of red ribbon to hang wreaths and wrap gifts, and accent the red-and-green palette with silver ornaments in the shape of shells and starfish.

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Small But Mighty

Photo: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

A tabletop tree in a shell-filled pot adds a touch of seaside glamour without distracting from the views. Use metallic ornaments and silver tinsel to complement the surrounding decor.

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A Collector’s Christmas

Photo: Jeff McNamara

Show off your collections while still adding some holiday cheer to your home! Using a wire twig tree, turn small collectibles into festive ornaments with inexpensive fishing hooks or wire. Thin gold chains also look great when paired with strings of twinkle lights.

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Season’s Greetings

Photo: Jean Allsopp

Place a tree on your front porch to greet holiday visitors. Strings of gold lights and large ornaments offer a warm welcome, while simple pinecone ornaments are a festive nod to the surrounding trees.

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Nod to Nautical

Photo: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

Your home will look perfectly shipshape with this maritime-themed tree. Alternate strings of lights with ribbons of small nautical flags, and place other ship-related insignia around the tree, like lighthouses and sailboats.

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Think Thin

Photo: Lisa Romerein

For rooms with large windows, look for a tall, slender tree to minimize obstructed views. Decorate simply with small clear or frosted bulbs.

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Sparkling Display

Photo: Lisa Romerein; Stylist: Linda Hirst

The main attraction of this California cottage during the holidays is the 9-foot-tall tree in front of one window. It’s covered in seahorse, starfish, and sailboat ornaments, and surrounded by gold-and-blue packages.

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Christmas Casual

Photo: Jean Allsopp

For a laidback look, dress your tree with shimmery lights and subtle blue bulbs. Surrounded by two brown-and-white stripe chairs and coordinating brown paper-wrapped gifts, this tree lends the room effortless warmth.

Tip: Place extra bulbs in a bowl for an easy centerpiece.

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Bright and Bold

Photo: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn

Embrace beach house fun this holiday season! These festive miniature trees get a tropical boost with cute fish ornaments and a bright tissue paper base.

Replay gallery

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Our Best Coastal Christmas Trees Ever

1 of 34

Tree with a View

2 of 34

Little Miss Sunshine

3 of 34

Seaglass-Inspired Stunner

4 of 34

The Frosty Flamingo

5 of 34

Bedside Shrub

6 of 34

Citrus Christmas Tree

7 of 34

The Crafty Beachcomber

8 of 34

Outdoor Stunner

9 of 34

Reclaimed Christmas Tree

10 of 34

Outdoor Beauty

11 of 34

Corner Décor

12 of 34

Festive Fish

13 of 34

Bunk Room Beauty

14 of 34

True Blues

15 of 34

Seas & Greetings

16 of 34

Frame a Walkway

17 of 34

Beach Baubles

18 of 34

Poolside Cheer

19 of 34

Red, White, and Blue Christmas

20 of 34

Night Light

21 of 34

Feeling Blue

22 of 34

Put a Ribbon On It

23 of 34

Center of Attention

24 of 34

White Christmas

25 of 34

Tradition with a Twist

26 of 34

Small But Mighty

27 of 34

A Collector’s Christmas

28 of 34

Season’s Greetings

29 of 34

Nod to Nautical

30 of 34

Think Thin

31 of 34

Sparkling Display

32 of 34

Christmas Casual

33 of 34

Bright and Bold

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