Complete your Christmas tree display with a beautiful tree topper. This decorative accent serves as the perfect finishing touch to your holiday centerpiece. With many available designs, you can find one that fits your preferred theme or style. Learn how to choose, place, and secure the right Christmas tree topper for your home 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 holiday season. For example, a star on a traditionally decorated Christmas tree represents the Star of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, an angel symbolizes 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 favorite for traditional holiday decorating. Alternatively, explore figurines of holiday 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?
Below are things to consider while selecting a topper for your Christmas tree.
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 fiber composite. If unsupported, heavier toppers may fall over, so secure them using zip ties or a tree topper stabilization 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.
Insider’s Tip
Try placing the topper in an upright position on the palm of your hand. If it begins to tilt within three seconds, it’s best to use additional support.
How To Put a Tree Topper on an Artificial Tree
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 color 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 holiday 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 outlet.
What Are Common Safety Tips for Installing and Anchoring Christmas Tree Toppers?
Make sure to follow these precautions when securing your tree topper for the holiday season:
- 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 an outlet.
Balsam Hill’s Best Christmas Tree Toppers
Browse some of our most-loved toppers below.
1. Capiz Angel Lighted Tree Topper
Let this serene angel take pride at the top of your holiday centerpiece. The pearlescent Capiz allows light to shine through, giving an ethereal look.
2. Double-Sided Starburst Tree Topper
Beautiful from any angle, this Christmas tree star topper with lights is handcrafted from natural Capiz shells and pre-lit with traditional incandescent bulbs for that classic glow.
3. Santa Claus Tree Topper
Have Santa smile down on your holiday proceedings from atop your Christmas tree. This traditional Santa tree topper will delight friends and family of all ages.
4. Bethlehem Star Beaded Tree Topper
This elegant 8-pointed star tree topper with gold trim and sequins shimmers as it catches the light from your Christmas tree.
5. Christmas Angel Tree Topper
With flowing burgundy robes and golden wings, this Christmas angel is a stunning sight. Her calm and kindly presence makes the perfect finishing touch on your family’s Christmas tree.
6. Red Berry Christmas Bouquet Tree Topper
Go floral for a more rustic take on Christmas tree toppers. Adorn your holiday centerpiece with an abundant bouquet of red berry sprays.
7. Antiqued Snowflake Tree Topper
Add a vintage flair to your Christmas tree with this topper handcrafted with metal and glass beads. It also complements most minimalist holiday decorating themes.
8. Santa’s Sleigh Animated Tree Topper
The only thing more delightful than a lighted tree topper is one that moves. Charm the whole family with a miniature Santa in his sleigh, making his journey around the top of your Christmas tree.
9. Lit Swivel Star Tree Topper
Keep the stars aligned for a minimalist display, or swivel the inner stars to create a dazzling 3D effect. This tree topper comes pre-lit with energy-saving LED lights for your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some answers to some of the most common questions on Christmas tree toppers.
How Do You Use a Christmas Tree Topper?
Place it securely on the highest branch of your tree, ensuring it’s centered and aligned with the tree’s overall shape. Many toppers have a base or clip that attaches to the branch. Adjust the branches around the topper to keep it stable.
What Is the Most Common Tree Topper?
The tree top star and the angel are the most popular Christmas tree toppers, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem and heavenly messengers.
How Do I Choose the Right Size Topper for My Tree?
A general guideline is that the topper should be no larger than 1/10th the tree’s height. Another tip is to leave at least 6 inches of space between the ceiling and the tree topper.
What Is the Trick To Getting a Tree Topper To Stay on the Christmas Tree?
Tree toppers usually come with a cone, spiral, or pronged base that can be inserted into the tree’s top branches. Some also use zip ties or floral wire for extra stability.
How Do You Balance a Tree Topper?
Make sure the top branch is strong and straight. You may need to trim or bend it slightly. If the topper is heavy, consider reinforcing the top branch with floral wire or using additional branches to support the weight and keep it upright.
We hope this guide helped you choose the best Christmas tree topper for your holiday display. Click the link below to shop our selection of premium tree toppers.
Learn More About Christmas Tree Toppers
For more Christmas decorating tips and ideas, read the guides below: