The 80s Christmas aesthetic is characterized by vibrant colors, bold patterns, and nostalgic decorations that evoke the festive spirit of the decade. This guide will help you recreate the iconic look of an 80s holiday celebration.
From retro ornaments to classic holiday tunes, the 80s aesthetic brings a sense of joy and nostalgia to your Christmas festivities. Embrace the playful spirit of the era with decorations, fashion, and food that reflect this unique style.
Creating an 80s Christmas Vibe
To capture the essence of an 80s Christmas, vibrant colors are key. Think pinks, teals, and golds that pop and create a lively atmosphere.
Incorporate geometric patterns into your decor to reflect the playful spirit of the decade.
Vintage ornaments and tinsel are essential for adorning your Christmas tree, bringing a nostalgic touch to your holiday celebrations.
Don’t forget to enhance the ambiance with colorful string lights that twinkle and shine, setting the perfect festive mood.
Decorating the Tree
Your Christmas tree serves as the centerpiece of your 80s celebration.
Adorn it with an array of vintage ornaments in bright colors, ensuring that each piece stands out against the backdrop of lush green branches.
Adding tinsel garlands will create a shimmering effect, reflecting the lights and enhancing the overall festive feel.
Consider using a mix of ornaments that evoke memories of the past, from classic shapes to whimsical designs.
Setting the Scene
The surrounding decor should complement your tree and enhance the 80s aesthetic.
Utilize geometric-patterned wrapping paper for gifts, which can also be displayed around the tree for added flair.
Brightly colored table settings featuring retro designs will tie the whole scene together, making it feel cohesive and festive.
Incorporate elements like neon tablecloths or patterned napkins to bring that extra touch of nostalgia.
Dressing the Part
Fashion plays a significant role in embracing the 80s vibe.
Encourage guests to wear retro holiday sweaters, complete with bold patterns and bright colors.
Accessorizing with oversized earrings or scrunchies can add to the fun and playful atmosphere.
This not only enhances the festive spirit but also creates a sense of camaraderie among guests as they celebrate together.
Creating a Playlist
No 80s Christmas celebration is complete without a carefully curated playlist of holiday tunes.
Compile a list of classic 80s holiday songs that will evoke fond memories and get everyone in the festive spirit.
Songs from artists like Wham! and Mariah Carey can bring a nostalgic touch, encouraging guests to sing along and dance.
The right music will elevate the atmosphere, making your gathering truly memorable.
Preparing Festive Treats
Food is an essential part of any holiday celebration, and the 80s had its fair share of iconic snacks.
Prepare a spread of classic treats that were popular during the decade, such as cheese balls, shrimp cocktails, and festive cookies.
These nostalgic snacks will not only satisfy guests but also spark conversations about holiday traditions from the past.
Consider serving them on colorful platters to maintain the vibrant aesthetic throughout your gathering.
Creating an 80s Christmas Vibe

To achieve the 80s Christmas aesthetic, focus on bright colors like pink, teal, and gold, along with geometric patterns. Incorporate vintage ornaments, tinsel, and string lights to create a festive atmosphere. Don’t forget to play classic 80s holiday music to set the mood.
Ingredients
- Colorful Christmas lights
- Vintage ornaments in bright colors
- Tinsel garlands
- Geometric-patterned wrapping paper
- 80s holiday music playlist
- Retro holiday sweaters
- Classic Christmas snacks and treats
Instructions
- Choose a Color Scheme: Select bright colors like pink, teal, and gold to use throughout your decorations.
- Decorate the Tree: Hang vintage ornaments and tinsel on your Christmas tree to capture the 80s vibe.
- Set the Scene: Use colorful lights and geometric patterns in your wrapping paper and table settings.
- Dress the Part: Wear retro holiday sweaters and accessories to embody the 80s aesthetic.
- Create a Playlist: Compile a list of classic 80s holiday songs to play during your celebrations.
- Prepare Festive Treats: Serve classic snacks and treats that were popular in the 80s to complete your holiday gathering.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: All day
- Servings: Varies based on snacks prepared
- Calories: Varies based on snacks prepared