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Most Expensive Christmas Decorations - both common and rare

Writer's picture: Josh WoodJosh Wood

When it comes to decking the halls for Christmas, opinions are as varied as the decorations themselves.


Are you one of the early birds who wants the tree up before the summer BBQ is even packed away? Or perhaps you're the traditionalist, waiting until Advent to officially kick off the festive season. And let’s not forget the last-minute rushers, frantically pulling out the tinsel on Christmas Eve! Wherever you fall on the spectrum, there’s no denying the magic of decorating the tree while belting out your favourite Christmas classics. But when do you think is the right time to start the festivities?


And then there’s the question of how much to spend on your Christmas décor. Will you keep it simple with a humble pop-up tree, or go all out like the extravagant display featuring £12 million worth of gold baubles and sparkling diamonds (yes, that’s real – more on that below)?

We recently heard a story of a company helping move six giant boxes packed to the brim with Christmas decorations, only to find out they were a collector of rare, antique ornaments from around the world—worth nearly £7,000! And it got us thinking, can you imagine what treasures might be hiding in your attic?


Inspired by this, we researched some of the most valuable Christmas decorations that could be hidden in plain sight. We also discovered some jaw-dropping treasures, like a 24-carat solid gold emu egg encrusted with red diamonds, valued at a staggering £8.9 million!


Curious about what might be hiding in your attic? Check out the most expensive Christmas decorations ever made! 🎄💎


Let's start off with more common items.


5. Ceramic Christmas Trees – up to £200

A ceramic Christmas tree
Ceramic Christmas Trees

Credits: ebay.co.uk


Ceramic Christmas trees, which gained popularity in the 1960s and 70s, have become highly collectable. Depending on their age, colour, size, and condition, these ceramic trees can be worth up to £200.


4. Putz Villages – £250

A putz village displayed on a table with snow blanket cover
Putz Villages

Credits: pintrest.co.uk


Miniature decorative Christmas villages, popular since the 19th century, also hold value. Wooden models from Germany and the Czech Republic can sell for around £250, while vintage cardboard versions may fetch £30.


3. Glass Ornaments of Famous Personalities, Characters or Animals – up to £750

A glass ornament of Puss in Boots
Glass Ornaments of Famous Personalities, Characters or Animals

Credits: theholidaybarn.com


Over the years, thousands of glass ornaments have been produced, and some of the rarer examples are now worth hundreds of pounds. A British John Bull caricature ornament might sell for £230, while a Puss 'n' Boots ornament can fetch up to £750.


2. Belsnickles Father Christmas Figurine – up to £3,000

A Belsnickles Father Christmas figurine
Belsnickles Father Christmas Figurine

Credits: linkauctiongalleries.com


Hand-painted paper mâché Santa figurines, which originated in Germany, have gained a significant following among collectors. Rare, well-preserved versions of these Santa's have been known to sell for as much as £3,000.


And coming in at No.1


1. German Pear-Shaped Kugel Ornaments – up to £14,000

A couple of German pear-shaped Kugel ornaments
German Pear-Shaped Kugel Ornaments

Credit: invaluable.com


Blown glass ornaments, originally crafted in the 19th century, have become highly sought-after collectables. The rarest of these, known as Kugels, have been auctioned for up to £14,000, while other less rare examples can still command impressive prices of £750 to £1,000.


Now let's explore the more eye-watering items


6. Diamond-Studded Christmas Star - £725,000

A Diamond-Studded Christmas Star
Diamond-Studded Christmas Star

Credits: luxurylaunches.com


One of the most stunning tree toppers ever created is a gold and silver masterpiece, adorned with 281 diamonds and crowned with a rare 5-carat diamond at its centre.


5. Gold Santa Figurine - £1.2 million

A gold Santa figurine
Gold Santa Figurine

Credits: luxatic.com


Another marvel by Ginza Tanaka is an 18-inch Santa Claus figurine made entirely from 20kg of solid gold, highlighting the lavishness some are willing to embrace for the holiday season.


4. Preserved Roses Mini Christmas Tree - £1.35 million

A preserved roses mini Christmas tree, decorated with diamonds
Preserved Roses Mini Christmas Tree

Credit: financesonline.com


For a more delicate touch, there is a desk-friendly Christmas tree made from preserved roses and decorated with 400 diamonds, exuding understated elegance.


3. Solid Gold Christmas Tree - £1.5 million

One of Ginza Tanaka’s golden Christmas trees in the brand’s store in Tokyo, Japan
Solid Gold Christmas Tree

Credits: luxurylaunches.com


Tokyo jeweller Ginza Tanaka once crafted a 2.4-meter-high, 12kg, 24-carat solid gold Christmas tree, embellished with gold heart-shaped ornaments and ribbon.


2. Diamond Christmas Wreath - £2.8 million

A diamond encrusted Christmas wreath
Diamond Christmas Wreath

Credits: ibtimes.co.uk


In 2013, Finnish floral designer Pasi Jokinen-Carter created a luxurious 60cm wreath made from flowers and leaves from around the world, adorned with over 40 diamonds and rubies totalling 138 carats.


1. Gold and Diamond Emu Egg - £8.9 million

A gold and diamond encrusted Emu Egg
Gold and Diamond Emu Egg

Credits: dailymail.co.uk


Among the most extravagant decorations is a 24-carat solid gold emu egg, dusted with red diamonds, which was part of a £12 million Christmas tree display at a hotel in Marbella, Spain.


Special Mentions


Vintage Christmas Records – up to £13,500

A vinyl record sitting idle on a turntable
Vintage Christmas Records

Credits: pixexid.com


While not technically a decoration, music collectors will be thrilled to know that the original 1971 Apple LP of the Beatles' Christmas Album is valued at around £380. Even more impressive, a rare 1957 RCA red vinyl edition of Elvis Presley’s Christmas Album can fetch up to a staggering £13,500!


In collaboration with an antique expert, we also uncovered some of the most valuable Christmas decorations ever created.


Diamond, Gold and Ruby Encrusted Christmas Bauble - £82,000

A diamond, gold and ruby encrusted Christmas bauble
Diamond, Gold and Ruby Encrusted Christmas Bauble

Credits: welovelotto.com


Lastly, an 18-carat white gold bauble, sold in 2009 for a staggering £82,000, is encrusted with thousands of diamonds and encircled by ruby-studded rings—truly a showstopper of holiday luxury.


Tim Sheppard, Business and Operations Lead at Shift, commented:


“While most of us won’t be hanging 24-carat diamond baubles on our trees, it’s fascinating to think that some might have ornaments worth hundreds, or even thousands, just collecting dust in their attic!


But beyond their value, it’s important to remember that Christmas is about more than the decorations. It’s a celebration of giving and togetherness, something we’ll cherish more than ever this year.”


As we’ve explored, Christmas decorations can hold more value than just their festive charm—some might even be priceless treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether your collection is modest or extravagant, the true joy of the season lies in the memories we create and the traditions we share. So as you deck the halls this year, take a moment to appreciate not just the sparkle and shine, but the stories behind each piece.


From all of us at At Last Events, wishing you a magical and memorable holiday season!

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