6 Types of Alternative Christmas Trees / If You Don't Want to Buy a Real or Artificial Tree

It's hard to imagine the New Year without a Christmas tree. But sometimes, putting up a real tree feels wasteful, and artificial ones can become tiresome and no longer bring joy. For those who want something unusual and memorable this New Year, we've gathered alternative tree ideas that you can make yourself and even involve the whole family in the process.

1. From a Garland

With glowing decor, you can quickly create a magical tree and get into the holiday spirit. On the wall or another suitable surface, such as a door or the side of a cupboard, outline the silhouette of a tree. Then, take an appropriate garland and trace it along the outline, securing it with transparent tape or pins, depending on the surface.

Tip
Make sure the length of the cord allows it to reach an outlet, or choose battery-operated models.

2. From Tinsel

This method is similar to the previous one, but instead of a glowing garland, you can use New Year’s tinsel. Choose green tinsel to make the decor look like a real tree. You can decorate the tree with small baubles or beads, but it's better to put the tinsel on wire before securing it to the wall, giving it the desired shape. This will make the structure much sturdier.

Note
You can also make a tree from tinsel in a different way: create a cardboard cone and coat it with glue, then wrap it with tinsel, securing the ends with tape. Decorate the resulting tree with baubles or candies.

3. From Hangers

This unusual option will surely be memorable for you and your guests. The best part is that you’ll likely already have the materials.
You'll need 15–20 identical hangers, depending on the size of the installation you want. Arrange them in a triangle shape: take one hanger, hang two on it (this will be the second tier), then hang three or four on these to form the next tier. Continue until all the hangers are used. It's advisable to secure them together with wire to ensure the structure stays intact.

Tip
Assemble the tree on the floor first, then hang it on the wall for convenience. Don’t forget the decorations—light-up garlands, paper toys, or shiny foil ornaments will work well.

4. On Fabric

You can try printing a Christmas tree on fabric—this can be done at a specialized service. The advantage of this option is that it can be folded up and stored away until the next holiday. If you prefer a more creative approach, get fabric paints and, on the weekend, gather the family to paint a tree on a canvas or make one from felt using patterns.

5. From Paper

If you're into origami, making a 3D model of a Christmas tree won’t be difficult. There are many detailed video tutorials online. But if you're new to this, start with something simpler but just as impressive.
For example, mark the outline of a triangle on the wall, then fill it with colorful sheets of paper. Buy paper in various shades of green to make your tree even more festive. Or, instead of paper, use memorable photos and children's drawings as reminders of the good things from the past year.

6. From a Ladder

Many people have a ladder that often gathers dust on the balcony or in the storage room. An ordinary ladder can turn into a New Year’s miracle with the right decorations. Take glowing garlands or wrap the frame with thin wire and hang ornaments. Don’t forget the tinsel. You can place figures of Santa Claus, Snow Maiden, and other beloved fairy-tale characters on the steps. On December 31, place beautifully wrapped gifts on this miracle ladder.

What Else Can You Do?

Decorate indoor plants in a New Year’s style. It will look especially effective on ficuses, monstera, large cacti, or laurel trees. You can also buy a poinsettia—its bright bracts have earned it the nickname "Christmas star."