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Best Unique Christmas Trees

Updated November 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
LITBLOOM Lighted Eucalyptus Tree
LITBLOOM
Lighted Eucalyptus Tree
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

An elegant alternative to the same old tree.

Pros

This 4-foot tree weighs just 2 pounds so moving and storing are easy. Arrives with white fairy LEDs already installed. The tree has a realistic trunk with a life-like bark texture and detailed leaves. Easy to shape this tree since the branches are flexible.

Cons

The tiny lightbulbs aren’t replaceable.

Best Bang for the Buck
ProductWorks Original Charlie Brown Tree
ProductWorks
Original Charlie Brown Tree
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

A humorous option with a touch of nostalgia.

Pros

Only requires a little bit of assembly. Made of tough PVC that will last for many seasons to come. Measures 10 x 5 x 24 inches, so it is perfect for a desktop, tabletop, or mantle. It will bring back happy memories for Peanuts fans.

Cons

Designed to hold only the included ornament.

LIGHTSHARE Star Light Tree
LIGHTSHARE
Star Light Tree
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

A perfect option for having around for a variety of holidays.

Pros

With a steel trunk and branches reinforced with wire, this tree is made to last. Warm white lights add a festive glow. Flexible branches. Plenty of space to add small decorations. Long-life LED bulbs and low energy consumption.

Cons

Not sturdy enough for outdoor use.

Lightshare Lighted Palm Tree
Lightshare
Lighted Palm Tree
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Most Original
Bottom Line

A Christmas tree that makes a statement.

Pros

Comes already installed with lights. Made of metal with plastic leaves. Includes an iron stand with 4 useful ground stakes in case you want to set it up outside. Great for the season but this palm tree can add some color to your space all year long.

Cons

Some customers have found the LED lights unreliable.

Prextex Black Christmas Tree
Prextex
Black Christmas Tree
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Black is the New Green
Bottom Line

A unique choice for anyone who prefers edgy Christmas decor.

Pros

Structured just like a classic Christmas tree but with deep black branches. Looks great with gold, silver, or multi-color lights and ornaments. Resembles a Canadian fir tree and stands 6 feet tall. Easy to assemble. Includes a durable stand.

Cons

Branches will require shaping to give the tree a full appearance.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Models
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105
Consumers
Consulted
22
Hours
Researched
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Best unique Christmas trees

Unique Christmas trees are an easy way to add some extra pep to your holiday season. People may forgo traditional Christmas trees for a number of reasons, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the seasonal fun. A unique Christmas tree can save space, save you time, and provide some unexpected quirkiness to your home décor.

Before you start looking for a unique Christmas tree, there are a few things to ponder. First, consider the amount of space you have available. Decide if you’re looking for a fun, offbeat tree or something a little more tasteful and understated. Also give some thought to other factors, such as lighting and ornaments. Regardless of what it is you’re looking for, there is a Christmas tree out there that is just as unique as you.

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If you’re opting for a colorful unique Christmas tree, consider more muted colors for the ornaments. Tasteful, simple ornaments will maintain the verve without overwhelming the senses. 

How to buy the best unique Christmas tree

A bit of Christmas tree history

The origins of the Christmas tree date back to ancient times, with both Egyptians and Romans using trees to mark the winter solstice and the gods associated with it. 

The Christmas tree as we know it is widely credited to 16th century German Christians. The tree gained popularity in the US and Western Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. All of this is to say that the Christmas tree’s significance has evolved over centuries and millennia, so why shouldn’t you go for an unconventional one? After all, several factors make up the Christmas season, and the tree is just one of many. 

Why would I need a unique Christmas tree?

Well, no one needs a unique Christmas tree, but there are plenty of good reasons to want one. 

Artificial: Unique Christmas trees are often (though not always) artificial, which means they lessen the chances of any allergic reactions. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about your pets getting sick from eating the needles on a real Christmas tree. And real Christmas trees are notoriously messy when their needles dry out and scatter on the floor. 

Versatile: A number of unique Christmas trees are versatile and multipurpose and can be used year after year. If so inclined, you could repurpose a unique Christmas tree for celebrations year-round.

Size

Size is a major appeal of many unique Christmas trees. If you live in a studio, have a small living room, or are otherwise limited in space, you can find a unique Christmas tree that fits on a tabletop. A unique Christmas tree is an excellent centerpiece for the holidays, particularly if you plan to host people for meals. A tabletop-size unique Christmas tree can also brighten up a desk, which makes it a great gift for a work colleague.  

If you want to make a bigger statement, there are larger trees available. Look for interesting pencil trees, which are narrow in shape but can still reach 12 feet tall. A 5-foot tree is a decent size for most people because it takes up enough space to make a bold statement but isn’t so big that it overpowers a small space. 

Real vs. artificial

Real and artificial unique Christmas trees both have their charms. 

Real: While many unique Christmas trees are artificial, that doesn’t mean real ones are off the table. Nothing can quite replicate the piney smell of a real tree. On the whole, a real unique Christmas tree has less of a carbon footprint than an artificial one. Plants are known to improve indoor air quality, so that would be another bonus for you and everyone living in your home. You can even create a unique Christmas tree by dressing up one of your existing plants. Maybe your 12-inch fiddle-leaf fig could use some razzle-dazzle. Or perhaps try a large Christmas cactus or indoor holly plant. 

Artificial: These unique Christmas trees remain popular for their lack of clutter. They can be used year after year — an artificial tree can last several years. This makes one a safe bet for those without a green thumb or anyone simply looking to lessen the stress of the holiday season with one less thing to tend. Artificial trees also maintain their shape if stored properly. 

Ornaments

Many people love to decorate the tree. If you’re pressed for time or don’t have many ornaments, you also have the option of choosing a tree that is already decorated. A number of unique Christmas trees include fairy lights or colored balls. Others are made of shiny, eye-catching materials like tinsel, so added ornaments may not be necessary. If you or your loved ones prefer the magic of decorating a tree, your best bet is a plain one. 

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Staff Tip
Hanging a small unique Christmas tree is an option, but so is opting for a “wall” tree. It’s possible to create a Christmas tree outline with some ribbon and yarn and hang the “ornaments” on the wall. 
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BestReviews

What features should I look for in a unique Christmas tree? 

Color

We all know that the traditional Christmas tree color is green, while white is more accepted with artificial models. In the quest for a quirky tree, feel free to steer away from conventional colors. You might want a color that blends with your home décor or one that pops against the colors in your living room.

The good news is you can find unique Christmas trees in many colors. Metallics like silver and gold will brighten up any space. More adventurous colors like orange or purple are also available if you prefer something more unexpected.

Stand

If you prefer a sizable unique Christmas tree that you can move around, keep an eye out for one that comes with a stand. A stand is also handy if you’d like to display your tree outside. The stand should be sturdy and not wobble. If you want to load your tree with ornaments, make sure that the stand can support the extra weight.

Style and design

Chances are if you’re seeking a unique Christmas tree, you’re probably interested in nontraditional tree designs. There’s a wealth of playful unique Christmas trees inspired by succulents and palm trees, for example. These trees tend to be modern in design.

Other unique Christmas trees maintain the typical Christmas tree design but use different materials. Simple wooden slats might stand in for tree branches, and so can pom-poms, kraft paper, or ornaments alone. Your choice will depend on your personal style, your home décor, and what you’re looking for in a unique Christmas tree. 

You can make even less work for yourself by getting a Christmas tree decal to put on your wall!

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How much do unique Christmas trees cost? 

Inexpensive 

Fortunately, there are unique Christmas trees to fit every budget. For $15 to $30, they are mostly tabletop size. In this range, you can find both decorated and undecorated trees. Nearly all of them are artificial.

Mid-range

Spending $30 to $85 opens up your options considerably, especially if you want a standing tree that’s 3 feet tall or more. Once you factor in add-ons like ornaments and lights, the price goes up. A number of trees in this range are modern, understated styles.

Expensive 

It’s not unheard of to spend close to $100 (or more) on a Christmas tree. With unique ones, there’s extra space for quirks and thus extra space for savings. But if you’re seeking a grandiose, colorful tree that’s tall and well made, you could spend hundreds of dollars.

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For Your Safety
Regardless of whether you choose a real or artificial unique Christmas tree, keep it away from heat sources like space heaters or radiators. Prolonged heat can dry out or degrade the tree.
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Tips

  • Consider a hanging Christmas tree. If your space is really limited, hanging a petite tree on the wall will make an unusual statement while preserving valuable floor space. 
  • Store your unique Christmas tree properly. Wrap the tree in a soft material like a canvas bag or some newspaper. Seal it in a container and store it in a cool, dry place until you need it next.
  • Decorate your tree with unique ornaments. You can buy unique ornaments or make your own with materials you find around the house. Twine, glitter, string, felt, and ribbons are a good starting point.
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Keep in mind that neutral colors like forest green and white never go out of style on Christmas trees, so you can use them comfortably year over year. 

FAQ

Q. Aren’t Christmas trees religious? Is it sacrilegious to get a unique one?

A. No and no. The origin of the Christmas tree is actually pagan. It has since evolved into one of the holiday’s most secular symbols (right after Santa Claus, of course).

Q. Can I recycle a unique Christmas tree?

A. That depends on what it’s made of. A real tree can be recycled. Plant parts may be compostable. However, a number of artificial unique Christmas trees cannot be recycled, which is all the more reason to make the most of the one you have or regift it when you no longer need it.

An infographic describing how to choose the best unique Christmas tree for your space