The best thrift store Christmas decorations are everyday finds you can style for the season: brass candlesticks, mirrors, vintage bowls, quilts, ribbon, and red or green hardback books. At the thrift stores and garage sales where I shop, most of these cost $1 – $5, and many of them work in your home all year, so you’re not storing another tub of once-a-year décor.
A few years ago, I decided to get rid of most of my traditional Christmas decorations and keep just the special items. Of course, I still have a box of Christmas lights and tree balls I use year after year. But on the whole, I generally use items around the house, brought together in a new way. That way I can change up my Christmas decorating fairly often without breaking the bank or storing more tubs of once-a-year décor.
Below are 45 thrift store Christmas decorations, grouped by type, and what to look for while you shop.
If you only pick up five things: brass candlesticks, a mirror to use as a candle tray, a vintage bowl for ornaments, an old quilt for a tree skirt, and a stack of red or green hardback books.
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Whether you find these items at a garage sale during the year, at a local thrift store or even around your house, the best part of these 45 thrift store Christmas decorations is they will make your home feel fresh each Christmas season with little effort on your part!
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Thrift Store Christmas Candles and Lighting
Candlelight brings a warmth during winter that instantly makes a room feel like Christmas. These thrift store finds work together or on their own.
1. Brass Candlestick Holders
Brass candlestick holders instantly add that warm gold Christmas tone. Many people already own some that can be purposed as Christmas decoration with some red or green candlesticks. Group two or three at different heights on a mantel or table. Look for pieces with a warm, slightly aged shine. Tarnish polishes off if you want a shiny look.
Shop vintage from home: brass candlestick holders
2. Red, Green or White Taper Candlesticks
You can find candlesticks to match your Christmas decor colors at thrift stores or estate sales. Often I find a box of them at estate sales for $0.33 each. Just make sure they are not warped by heat or broken.
Shop vintage from home: Taper Candlesticks
3. Mirrors
A vintage-style mirror, or even a plain one, makes a simple candle tray that reflects the light and gives your home a wonderful glow. Lay a mirror flat on a table, dresser or mantel and set your candlesticks on top. Look for a smooth, flat piece without deep scratches or damaged silvering along the edges, and choose a size that fits the spot you have in mind. You can find an ornate mirror with frame or just a plain piece of mirrored glass. Depending on how large and ornate they are or aren’t, I usually find thrift store or estate sale mirrors from $3 – $30.
Shop vintage from home: Vintage mirrors
4. Pillar Candles
Pillar candles are a sturdy, inexpensive and cozy thrift store Christmas decoration, and often they are in new condition. (Even if they’re slightly burned it’s ok since you will be lighting them too.) And don’t forget battery pillar candles! Cluster three at different heights on a tray or plate and tuck greenery around the base. Make sure any candles are not warped or have color bleeding. I paid usually pay around $1 – 2 for wax and $2 – 3 for a tall battery candle.
Shop from home: Pillar candles
5. Lanterns
Lanterns give a cozy, glowing look on a porch, mantel or table, and they suit Christmas without looking too themed. Set a battery-operated candle inside and tie a ribbon or add a sprig of greenery to the handle. Check that the glass is intact and the latch works; a little rust adds character. I usually see these around $10 throughout the year for ones with or without glass. Prices rise the closer to Christmas you are.
Shop vintage from home: Vintage lantern
Thrift Store Christmas Table and Shelf Decor
These pieces turn a table, shelf or mantel into a Christmas display without buying anything made specifically for the holiday. You probably already have a plain white bowl for displaying a special collection of Christmas ornaments from your childhood.
6. Copper, Brass or Ironstone Bowls
Copper and brass bowls bring warm metallic tones that work well as thrift store Christmas decor, and thrift stores often have a few scattered throughout the store. Use you’re imagination when shopping because even though items look boring on a shelf under fluorescent lights, they are wonderful Christmas decorations. Dents and green corrosion can add to a vintage look, but use damaged ones for display and not food. Mine cost $1 – $8 at estate sales or stores.
Fill them with mercury glass Christmas balls, oranges, a collection of special Christmas mementos or simply as a entryway catchall bowl. Or you can layer it on top of a mirror and set a candle in the center.
Shop vintage from home: Vintage metal bowls or Vintage Ironstone bowls
7. Vintage Christmas Balls
Around Christmastime, thrift stores always have loads of vintage Christmas decor such as Christmas ornaments. Find vintage Christmas balls to gather in that bowl you found.
Vintage glass Christmas balls add a collected, nostalgic look to a tree or a bowl. Pile them in a bowl, hang them on a branch in a vase or actually put them on your tree. I will say, vintage Christmas balls with embossing (pictures or words) are highly collectible, so getting them for a decent price is a score. Plain ones seen below are much easier to find (especially at estate sales). Glass is thin, so handle it gently. I look for a box of plain ones for $5 – $10. Unique ones can be $5+ each ornament though (if you can find them).
Shop vintage from home: Vintage Christmas balls
8. Vintage Christmas Décor Boxes
Old Christmas ornament or light boxes with faded graphics or plain, sturdy lids make simple, nostalgic display pieces. Stack two or three on a shelf or stand up like artwork. Skip ones that have a mildew smell as the cardboard can’t be cleaned. Some are collectible and higher priced, but a simple non-name brand Christmas decor box can be just as sweet and much cheaper. Look at estate sales as these get picked over at thrift stores quickly. Price point can range but I look for $5 – $7 for a color and graphic I like.
Shop vintage from home: Vintage Christmas ornament box
9. Planters
A thrifted planter is a ready-made container for greenery, and they are so common at thrift stores for low prices. Fill one with evergreen branches, a small potted tree or paperwhites for a mantel or entry. Look for sturdy pieces without cracks, and add a liner or saucer if you plan to use live plants or water. I look for planters or bowls to use as planters for under $5 for something that would be a good centerpiece size (larger ones obviously are higher).
Shop vintage at home: Planters
10. White Pitcher
A white pitcher looks clean and simple with Christmas greenery, and it goes with almost any color scheme. Fill it with evergreen branches, eucalyptus or red berries and set it on a table or by the fireplace. If you plan to add water, check for cracks and test with water on the counter before setting it on wood. But chips and fine crazing are ok. And even cracks are fine if water is not being added. I can find small, unbranded ones for less than $10. Large Ironstone pitchers will cost $20 – 30. (Pro tip: there are plenty of reproduction white pitchers that cost much less at thrift stores and give the same look.)
Shop vintage from home: White pitcher
11. Vintage White Dishes
White hobnail dishes bring a soft, textured look that fits a traditional or farmhouse Christmas. Use one to hold candy, ornaments or votive candles on a table or shelf. Run a finger along the rim to find chips, and check for cracks. Where I shop, these run $1 – $3.
Shop vintage from home: White dishes
12. A Collection of Vintage Dark Green or White Vases
Dark green and white vases are one of the simplest ways to bring color into thrift store Christmas decor. Fill them with evergreen cuttings, pinecone or dried stems and group two or three of different heights. Look for smooth, chip-free rims and check for cracks if you plan to add water. I can find these for $1 each.
Shop vintage from home: Green or white vases
13. Old Advertising Tins in Red
Old red advertising tins add a bright, nostalgic pop of color and also give you a place to store small items. Stack a few on a shelf, or fill one with pencils, ribbon or cookies (lined with parchment). Look for tins that are free of heavy rust and sharp dents, and make sure the lid fits. Ones without graphics can be $1 – $3. Ones advertising Christmas can be $5 – $15 depending on age, graphic and condition.
Shop vintage from home: Red Christmas advertising tins
Thrift Store Textiles for Christmas Decor
Blankets, tablecloths and chunky rag rugs are the perfect way to add Christmas coziness that doesn’t end when the holiday is over. Select the right colors to be able to use these items all winter (or year) long.
14. Fabric
Fabric by the yard or in remnants is an inexpensive thrift store Christmas decoration you can use in many ways. Cut it into a table runner, wrap gifts in it, or use it as a tree skirt. Look for red, green, white or plaid in a piece big enough to hem, and check for stains, odors and moth holes. My local thrift store has fabric remnants for $1 – $2.
Shop vintage at home: Fabric
15. Quilt or Knitted Blanket
A quilt or a knitted blanket makes a warm, handmade-looking tree skirt or sofa throw for Christmas. Spread it under the tree or drape it over a chair or ladder. Look for good seams and no stains, pet odors or moth holes, and wash it according to the fabric before you use it. But don’t pass up the ones with small holes or imperfections. Those are easily hidden as a tree skirt. I find usable knitted blankets and newer, factory made quilts for $5 – $10. Antique and vintage quilts can run $40 – $80.
Shop vintage at home: Quilts or Knitted Blankets
16. Tablecloth
Maybe you’re a tablecloth kind of person, maybe you’re not. I’m not so much, but a small tablecloth can be added at an angle to your table or folded on top of a dresser for unique Christmas style. Look for Christmas colors at local estate sales through the year! Check carefully for stains or holes if you plan on using on a table. But if you plan on folding it to put under a display, small holes are ok. Depending on the style and age, I can find these $2 – $20.
Shop vintage at home: Tablecloth
17. Cozy Blankets
Cozy blankets give a room a Christmas feel and can be used all winter, which is part of why they work as thrift store Christmas decor. Drape one over the arm of a couch or fold a few in a basket by the fireplace. Check for stains and odors, and wash everything before bringing it home. I usually pick up warm throw blankets in excellent condition for $5 – $7.
Shop vintage at home: Cozy blankets
18. Farmhouse Rag Rug
Rag rugs add coziness to your floor, and coziness is perfect for wintertime. Go all out Christmassy and choose red or green colors. Or be more subtle and choose a variety of greens so you can use it all year long. I will say, I am much more particular about used rugs as they can get pretty gross. Check for stains, rips or odor. Make sure it is washable. I find rugs in good condition around $10.
Shop vintage at home: Rag rug
Greenery, Wreaths and Natural Christmas Decor
Natural and woodsy pieces are easy to find secondhand and give a room a fresh, outdoorsy Christmas look.
19. Crates
Wooden crates are a sturdy, inexpensive thrift store Christmas decoration that works as both display and storage. Stack two or three as risers for a village scene, store throw blankets or firewood or set a potted tree inside one. Check for splinters, broken slats and chemical smells, and sand any rough edges. I see them for $5 – $8 usually.
Shop vintage at home: Wood crates
20. Wood Beads
Strands of wood beads make an easy Christmas garland with a natural, handmade look. String them on twine and drape them across a mantel or tree. Read how to make wood bead Christmas garland. Or find strands already made. Look for strands or beads with no cracked or chipped beads and holes large enough for your twine. I’ve picked up a 4 foot strand for $5.
Shop vintage at home: Wood bead garland
21. Branch or Foam Wreaths
A plain wreath form is a good thrift store Christmas decoration because you can restyle it each year. Wrap one in ribbon or yarn, or tuck in greenery and berries, and hang it on a door or over a mirror. Choose a sturdy foam or twiggy branch form that isn’t crumbling or bent, and pull off any dated trim. Various styles run $2 – $5 in my area.
Shop vintage at home: Branch wreaths
22. Baskets
Baskets are inexpensive, plentiful at thrift stores and handy for Christmas. Fill one with pinecones, firewood or folded blankets, or line a large one and use it as a gift basket. Look for baskets with an intact weave and no musty smell, and wipe them down before use. I can find table size baskets for $1 – $4; large blanket baskets are around $10 – $15.
Shop vintage at home: Baskets
23. Pinecones
If you don’t live where you can forage for pine cones, then the thrift store is a great place to get them. Spray them with glitter “snow” or leave them plain for décor that will last all winter long. Check for broken pinecones or musty smell. I see them for $1 – $3 a bag.
Shop at home: Pinecones
24. Red Berries
Red berry stems are a quick way to add color to greenery, and thrift stores often have faux picks for little money. Tuck them into a vase, a wreath or a basket of branches all throughout your home. Look for stems that aren’t faded, dusty or sticky. These are usually $1 or less.
Shop from home: Red berries
Vintage Art, Frames and Wall Decor for Christmas
Frames and secondhand art let you decorate your walls, shelves or fireplace mantel for Christmas without hanging anything permanent.
25. Empty Frames
Frames abound at thrift stores, but usually they are something less than desirable. Find some large frames with the design you like (ornate vs plain) and then spray paint them gold or silver. You can then hang on your wall a large open frame (or group of frames) around wreaths that you made (with those wreath forms you found!). Other creative ideas include framing a vintage piece of wrapping paper or press greenery sprig. Look for glass with no chips or glass and sturdy hangers or a stand. These are easily found for $1 – $4.
Shop vintage at home: Empty frames
26. Small Wood Craft Frames
Small wood frames make charming ornaments or place cards for a holiday table. Slip in a tiny photo or card, add a ribbon to the top, and hang it on your tree or wreath. Look for backs that firmly hold in the artwork and intact glass. These can cost anywhere from under $1 – $4 for a pack.
Shop at home: Small wood craft frames
27. Winter or Moody Artwork
While good artwork may be difficult to find at thrift stores, it’s not impossible. (And don’t rule out prints!) Winter scenes or landscapes with warm, moody colors are great pieces to add to your walls during Christmastime. Hang a snowy scene over the mantel or lean one on a console with a candle beside it. Even pieces with some damage can be fine if it’s minimal. I find prints for $5 – $10; sometimes I score a beautiful original for $20 or less. Just keep your eyes open!
Shop vintage from home: Winter artwork
28. Chalkboard
It can be a large, wall-size chalkboard or small personal size, but if you have a bit of artsy talent, these are great for Christmas messages and scenes.
A chalkboard is a flexible Christmas decoration that you can change as often as you like. Use it for a countdown, a menu, a favorite quote or a simple “Merry Christmas”. Look for a smooth, unbroken surface and a sturdy frame. I usually pick up large pieces for under $10 and small ones for $5 or less.
Shop vintage from home: Chalkboard
29. Vintage Cards and Postcards
Vintage Christmas cards and postcards bring nostalgia and a bit of history to a thrift store Christmas display. String them on twine, tuck them into frames or lean them on a mantel. Bonus if you find some with the original handwritten note! You can find original postcards for $1 each or you can get some free with just the cost of printing. Get your 15 free antique Christmas and winter postcards below.
Shop vintage at home: Vintage Christmas postcards
30. Every Kind of Star
Stars in wood, metal, paper and fabric work for Christmas and for winter in general, so they’re a practical thrift store find. (And then you can use them for the 4th of July!) Hang a few from a branch, set a large one on a mantel, or add a small one to a gift. Any size, any condition is fine. Wooden ones can be painted, have a note written on them or left plain. I paid $7 for a stack of 20 six inch wooden stars.
Shop vintage from home: Star decor
Thrift Store Gift Wrap and Gifting Supplies
Wrapping supplies and Christmas wrapping paper abounds at thrift stores and estate sales. In October, I start stocking up for our gift wrapping needs. Keep reading to see how little I pay.
31. Ribbon
From hanging a wreath or embellishing a Christmas present, ribbon can certainly come in handy this time of year. Spools of ribbon are a classic thrift store Christmas find and make any package look special. Use velvet, plaid or satin ribbon on gifts, wreaths, garlands and your tree. Any color can do for a theme. Look for spools that are unused and untangled, and smooth any creases with a cool iron if the fabric allows. I can find a nearly whole spool of ribbon for less than $1.
Shop vintage from home: Ribbon
32. Jars for Gifts
Glass jars with lids are perfect thrift store finds and are wonderful for holding all kinds of homemade Christmas gifts. From a cookie mix to homemade vanilla, grab a bunch of various jars for inexpensive Christmas gifts. Read 103 Second Hand Christmas gift ideas here. Look for any chips or cracks or rust in lids and pass on those. I find them for $1 – $3.
Shop from home: Jars for gifts
33. Pompoms
It’s always great to pick up pompoms when you find them. Small or large, these can be strung together for a great Christmas garland or glued to a package for fun embellishment. See how to make a pompom Christmas garland here. I find packages of pompoms for $0.25 – $0.50.
Shop from home: Pompoms
34. Yarn
Yarn can be used to make garlands for Christmas trees, to adorn packages or even rolled into balls and collected in a bowl. Look for skeins in a certain color theme and that has no musty smell. I can find yarn skeins any day of the week for less than $1.
Shop from home: Partially used yarn
35. Red or Green Plates for Gifting
You can buy Christmas colored plates for a unique Christmas treat tray to give to friends. This will make your treats extra special! (Just include a note saying they do not have to return the plate.) Make sure it is not chipped or cracked, and opt for newer looking plates so it is food safe. I find mine for $1 or less. And read how to properly give second hand Christmas gifts without looking tacky here.
Shop vintage from home: Red or green plates
36. Miscellaneous Craft Supplies for Kids’ Ornaments
Every year I like the kids to make a new Christmas ornament. Craft supplies can be found at the thrift store for a fraction of the price. Just keep an open mind when you’re shopping! These are the unique items that will be cherished for years to come. Just check the quality of the item and make sure you don’t buy dried out glue sticks or markers. I can find packages of craft items for $1 – $3.
Shop from home: Miscellaneous craft supplies
37. Wrapping Paper
Wrapping paper is so plentiful at thrift stores and estate sales. I must say, I am not picky about design or things matching. If you are, look for a roll of Kraft butcher paper and decorate your own packages. Look for thick, barely used rolls with no damage to the ends. I find a large mostly unused roll for $1 – $2.
Shop vintage from home: Wrapping paper
Nostalgic and Kitchen Christmas Finds
Vintage kitchen items, music books bring a nostalgic feel to Christmas. Things like books you can use throughout the year in different color groupings.
38. Vintage Books
Find old hardback books in red or green. Stack them up as a display riser and an instant pop of Christmas color. You might need to remove the dust jacket to find the simple color underneath. Bonus points if you find vintage Christmas books to add to your holiday decor! If smells bother you, check for mustiness before buying (though this is a classic, old book smell.) Most places sell hard back vintage books for $1 – $3.
Shop vintage from home: Book stacks
39. Christmas Cookie Cutters
Cookie cutters can be used in so many ways! Tie a string on for vintage-y ornaments, gather them in a bowl for an interesting collection or, ya’ know, make cookies with them! If you’re going to use them for food, make sure there is no rust. Find one for $0.50 – $1.
Shop vintage from home: Christmas cookie cutters
40. Christmas Records
I’m always seeing a stack of records at the thrift stores I go to. Pick through to find Christmas albums to play on your record player. Or if you don’t have a record player, display them as art.
Shop vintage from home: Christmas records
41. Vintage Mugs
Something about vintage mugs that makes morning coffee or evening hot chocolate extra nice in the winter. Display on a mug rack when you’re not drinking from them.
Shop vintage from home: Christmas mugs
42. Bells
Any kind of bells are instant winter and Christmas decoration. From a brass school teacher bell to sleigh bells, these will look great without being too “Christmassy.” There’s nothing really to stay away from with these; it’s just your own preference as far as style and quality. They can be found for $1 – $6 (more for large brass bells).
Shop vintage from home: Bells
43. Christmas Village Houses
You may or may not like the mini Christmas village pieces. I have the ones I carefully purchased when I was eight, so they go up every Christmas. If you don’t prefer a full village display, still pick them up at the thrift store. You can spray paint them white and create simple pieces that can be stacked on top of books, in dishes on your centerpiece. Look for any cracks or chips. If you want to light them up, check the electrical cord to make sure it’s in good condition. Small houses can be found in my area for $1 – $5. Large ones are more around $5 – $10.
Shop vintage from home: Christmas village houses
44. Red and White Checked Better Homes and Gardens Cookbooks
You know that red and white checked cookbook your mom had? Pretty much every thrift store has one…or several. Buy one or buy a collection for great red Christmas kitchen décor. Check for a musty smell if that bothers you. And these are cookbooks, so torn pages and food spots are pretty normal. I pick them up when they are under $5.
Shop vintage from home: Red and white checked Better Homes and Gardens Cookbooks
45. Vintage Red Thermos or Lunchboxes
A collection of red plaid thermoses or a stack of red lunchboxes can be a fun treasure hunt whenever you go thrift shopping. Group them together for a punch of Christmas color. Rust is fine as long as you’re not using it for food. Some can be very collectible and expensive, but you might find a good deal on unbranded ones. They are popular though, so check often. Expect to pay $7 – $20
Shop vintage from home: Red or green lunchbox
So there are my 45 thrift store Christmas decorations ideas. As with the rest of the year, it’s my goal at Christmas to create a cozy home full of my family’s memories. I like to shop my home first and pull together things that can be used for Christmas decor. Then I hunt the thrift store. I try not to just rush out and buy new Christmas decorations from retail stores first, because of the cost and second because I don’t want to store the seasonal decor for the other eleven months!
Thrift Store Christmas Decor FAQ
What Christmas decorations can you find at thrift stores?
You can often find vintage ornaments, candles and candlesticks, wreath forms, ribbon, baskets, bowls, linens, records and Christmas village pieces. Many everyday items, like mirrors, brass, white dishes and red books, also work as Christmas decor with simple styling. Stock changes constantly, so check your local thrift store at least once a week. And don’t forget estate sales! Whole households are being liquidated, so there are tons of everyday decor items.
How can I decorate for Christmas on a budget with thrift store finds?
Shop your home first, then fill in gaps at thrift stores and estate sales. Pick a simple palette, like red, green, white and brass, so mismatched pieces look intentional. Choose items that can be used the rest of the year so you don’t have to store more seasonal décor. If shopping estate sales, the second and third days get higher discounts, up to 75% on the final day.
When do thrift stores put out Christmas items?
Timing varies by store, so ask staff when they set out seasonal items. Many stock Christmas pieces in early fall. My local store puts items out by the end of September. I’ve seen national thrift stores have items year around. You can also pick up pieces during the year at garage sales and estate sales, when Christmas items are often overlooked. But since you are shopping more for items of color and not necessarily “Christmas” decor, you can look year round.
How much does thrift store Christmas decor cost?
Where I shop, most of the items on this list cost $1 – $10. Prices vary by store and region, so compare before you buy. Plain items like baskets, bowls and mirrors tend to be cheaper than collectible vintage ornaments. You can buy a few red and green books, brass candle holders, taper candlesticks, a frame (for free printable Christmas art) and some greenery or ribbon (as garland) to style a whole mantel or shelf for well under $20.
How do I clean and check vintage Christmas decor?
Wipe glass, metal and ceramic with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Do not get vintage Christmas ornaments wet. Inspect any lights or plug-in items before use. For stuck on wax, put the whole items in the freezer for a couple hours. The the wax will pop right off with a little prying with a knife. To polish tarnished brass, silver or copper, cover with ketchup for thirty seconds then wash or wipe off. (Test in a small area first.)
Can thrift store Christmas decorations be used after the holidays?
Yes. Many of these finds, such as candlesticks, mirrors, bowls, baskets, blankets and white dishes, work as regular home decor all year. Removing the red ribbon or greenery and separating the “red and green” books into different areas usually all it takes to switch from Christmas to everyday styling.
Read Below for more vintage seasonal decorating tips
40 DIY Old Fashioned Christmas Tree Garland Ideas
How to Buy Second Hand Gifts for Special Occasions
103 Ideas for Second Hand Gifts for Everyone on Your List
