A dark green and burgundy Christmas tree creates a warm, sophisticated holiday look that feels traditional without being predictable.
Deep burgundy ornaments bring richness to the natural green of the tree, while darker green ribbon and velvet accents create layers of tone-on-tone color. Add warm metallics, wood, glass, or cream, and the combination can work beautifully in traditional, vintage-inspired, modern, rustic, or elegant Christmas decor.
This palette is also surprisingly forgiving.
You do not need every ornament to be exactly the same shade of burgundy or green. In fact, combining wine, merlot, oxblood, forest green, evergreen, and olive tones can make the tree look more collected and dimensional.
The key is balance.
Use the darkest colors throughout the tree instead of concentrating them in one area, add texture so the palette does not look flat, and introduce a lighter or reflective accent to keep the overall look from becoming too heavy.
Here are 17 ways to decorate a beautiful dark green and burgundy Christmas tree, along with ribbon, ornament, lighting, tree topper, and room-decorating ideas.
1. Start With a Rich Evergreen Base
A full green Christmas tree is the perfect backdrop for this color palette.
Because the tree itself already provides a large amount of dark green, you do not necessarily need many green ornaments.
Instead, think of the natural tree color as the first layer.
Then build on it with:
- Burgundy
- Wine
- Merlot
- Forest green
- Brass
- Gold
- Cream
- Wood
If you have a flocked tree, the palette can still work, but it will feel softer and more wintry.
On a traditional unflocked green tree, the colors look deeper and more dramatic.
2. Use Burgundy Velvet Ribbon
Velvet is one of the easiest ways to make this Christmas palette feel luxurious.
Try ribbon in:
- Burgundy
- Wine
- Deep red
- Merlot
Instead of wrapping ribbon tightly around the tree, tuck it loosely between branches.
Create relaxed loops or vertical cascades.
The softness of velvet contrasts beautifully with evergreen branches and shiny ornaments.
Wired ribbon can be easier to shape, but use whichever ribbon works best for your decorating style.
3. Layer Dark Green Ribbon With Burgundy
For a more dramatic tree, use two ribbon colors.
Pair burgundy velvet with:
- Forest green
- Emerald
- Olive
- Deep moss
Because green ribbon can disappear against the tree, choose a slightly different shade or texture.
For example, shiny evergreen satin can stand out against matte branches.
Another option is a green ribbon with a subtle woven pattern.
The effect should be layered rather than perfectly matched.
4. Mix Several Shades of Burgundy
Using one identical burgundy shade throughout the entire tree can make the decorating feel flat.
Instead, combine related colors.
Try:
- Deep wine
- Cranberry
- Merlot
- Oxblood
- Muted berry
Some ornaments can be matte.
Others can be glossy, velvet, metallic, or glass.
Variation makes the tree look richer without introducing a completely different color.
5. Add Antique Gold or Brass
Dark green and burgundy can become visually heavy if there is nothing to reflect light.
Warm metallics solve that problem beautifully.
Try:
- Antique gold ornaments
- Brass bells
- Aged metallic stars
- Gold ribbon
- Warm metallic picks
Avoid feeling like every metallic piece needs to be shiny.
Muted antique finishes complement the deep colors particularly well.
6. Bring in Cream for Contrast
A small amount of cream can lighten the entire tree.
Consider:
- Cream velvet ribbon
- Ivory ornaments
- Neutral bows
- Cream knit decorations
- Pale wooden ornaments
You do not need much.
Use cream as a visual break between darker burgundy and green elements.
This is particularly helpful if your living room already has dark walls or furniture.
7. Use Oversized Burgundy Ornaments
Large ornaments help establish the color palette quickly.
Place oversized burgundy ornaments deeper inside the tree first.
Then layer medium and smaller decorations toward the outer branches.
This creates more depth than hanging every ornament at the tips.
Distribute the burgundy around the entire tree.
Step back frequently to check whether one side has become too red.
8. Add Dark Green Ornaments for Tone-on-Tone Depth
Green ornaments may seem unnecessary on a green tree, but they can add beautiful depth.
The trick is using texture and shade to create contrast.
Try:
- Velvet green ornaments
- Glossy emerald baubles
- Matte forest green ornaments
- Olive glass decorations
The ornaments will appear and disappear between branches, creating a subtle layered effect.
9. Decorate With Burgundy Bows
Bows are an easy alternative to long ribbon.
Tie burgundy velvet bows onto selected branches.
Use them:
- Near branch ends
- Between ornament clusters
- Around the upper tree
- Near the tree topper
Keep the tails relatively relaxed.
Small bows create a vintage feel, while larger bows make a stronger statement.
You can also mix burgundy and green bows throughout the tree.
10. Add Plaid for a Traditional Look
If you want a classic Christmas style, add plaid.
Choose patterns containing some combination of:
- Burgundy
- Dark green
- Cream
- Black
- Gold
Use plaid sparingly.
A plaid ribbon paired with mostly solid ornaments is usually enough.
Too many competing plaid elements can distract from the sophisticated color palette.
11. Add Natural Wood for a Rustic Look
Dark green and burgundy can easily shift toward rustic Christmas decor.
Add:
- Wood bead garland
- Wooden ornaments
- Pinecones
- Natural twigs
- Dried-looking botanical accents
Wood helps soften metallic decorations and makes the tree feel warm and relaxed.
This works especially well in farmhouse, cabin-inspired, or traditional homes.
12. Use Glass Ornaments for an Elegant Look
Glass ornaments bring lightness to a dark palette.
Mix clear, smoky, or lightly tinted glass ornaments among the heavier burgundy decorations.
They catch the tree lights without adding another strong color.
Vintage-inspired glass ornaments can also introduce character.
A mixture of new and collected-looking decorations helps keep an elegant tree from feeling overly formal.
13. Add Burgundy Florals and Picks
Floral picks can help fill gaps in a large tree.
Try:
- Burgundy poinsettia-style flowers
- Deep berry sprays
- Dark leaves
- Velvet floral picks
Place them at different depths rather than attaching everything to the outermost branches.
Large floral pieces can be particularly useful around areas where the tree looks sparse.
Avoid covering the entire tree in picks.
Leave enough visible evergreen for the green-and-burgundy contrast to remain clear.
14. Add Bells for a Vintage Christmas Look
Bells work beautifully with this palette.
Try aged brass or antique-gold finishes.
Hang individual bells or small clusters from:
- Burgundy ribbon
- Dark green ribbon
- Natural twine
Bells introduce a traditional Christmas element without adding another competing color.
They also look beautiful near the ends of branches where the metallic finish catches the lights.
15. Choose Warm White Christmas Lights
Warm white lighting complements burgundy particularly well.
It emphasizes:
- Gold
- Brass
- Warm wood
- Cream
- Deep red tones
Make sure lights are distributed throughout the tree rather than only around the outside.
Lighting deeper inside the branches can give the tree more depth.
Follow the light manufacturer’s instructions for indoor or outdoor use, connection limits, extension cords, and electrical safety.
16. Finish With a Burgundy or Green Tree Skirt
The base of the tree is part of the overall design.
Try:
- Burgundy velvet tree skirt
- Deep green fabric skirt
- Neutral woven tree collar
- Warm wood tree collar
If the tree already contains lots of burgundy, a neutral or wood base can balance it.
If the ornaments are more restrained, a rich burgundy tree skirt can reinforce the palette.
Choose a size that works with the actual tree stand and room layout.
17. Create a Coordinated Tree Topper
Finish the tree with something that repeats the materials below.
Options include:
- Burgundy velvet bow
- Antique gold star
- Brass-inspired star
- Cluster of burgundy and green ribbon
- Decorative botanical picks
A large burgundy bow creates a softer traditional look.
A simple metallic star makes the tree feel cleaner and slightly more formal.
Keep the topper proportional to the tree.
Dark Green, Burgundy and Gold Christmas Tree
Gold is probably the easiest accent color to pair with burgundy and dark green.
It warms the palette while providing contrast.
Try using:
- Burgundy as the primary ornament color
- Natural evergreen as the dominant green
- Antique gold as the accent
Then introduce a smaller amount of dark green ribbon or ornaments.
This prevents all three colors from competing equally.
Burgundy, Green and Cream Christmas Tree
For something softer, replace most of the gold with cream.
This combination works beautifully in neutral living rooms.
Use:
- Burgundy velvet ribbon
- Dark green ornaments
- Cream ornaments
- Warm white lights
Add wood or brass in small amounts.
Cream creates contrast while maintaining the warmth of the palette.
Burgundy and Emerald Green Christmas Tree
Emerald creates a slightly more glamorous look.
Because emerald can be brighter than forest green, use it as an accent.
Try:
- Burgundy velvet
- Emerald glass ornaments
- Antique gold
- Warm white lights
Glossy emerald ornaments look particularly striking next to matte burgundy pieces.
Dark Green and Burgundy Christmas Tree With Black Accents
Black can make this color scheme feel more modern.
Use small amounts through:
- Black ornaments
- Black velvet ribbon
- Matte black bells
- Black gift wrap
Keep black secondary.
Too much can make an already dark palette feel heavy.
Cream or warm metallic accents help restore balance.
Burgundy Christmas Tree Ideas for a Neutral Living Room
If your living room is mostly cream, beige, greige, or warm white, a burgundy tree can become a beautiful focal point.
Repeat burgundy elsewhere in small amounts.
For example:
- One throw pillow
- Velvet bow on a wreath
- Burgundy candles
- Ribbon on garland
You do not need to spread red throughout the entire room.
A few repeated accents are enough to make the tree feel connected.
Dark Green and Burgundy Christmas Tree for a Dark Living Room
If your room already contains deep wall colors or dark furniture, include more reflective and light elements on the tree.
Add:
- Cream ornaments
- Clear glass
- Warm metallics
- Plenty of warm lighting
This keeps the tree from disappearing into the room.
Use burgundy strategically rather than covering every branch.
Dark Green and Burgundy Christmas Tree for a Light Living Room
A light room gives you more freedom to lean into the darker palette.
Against warm white or cream walls, burgundy and forest green create dramatic contrast.
Try:
- Large burgundy ornaments
- Dark green velvet ribbon
- Antique brass
- Wood
- Minimal cream
The light walls already provide visual relief.
Traditional Burgundy and Green Christmas Tree
For a classic look, combine:
- Burgundy ribbon
- Green tree
- Plaid
- Brass bells
- Pinecones
- Warm lights
Add traditional shapes such as:
- Stars
- Bells
- Round baubles
Keep the palette consistent so the different ornament styles still feel cohesive.
Modern Burgundy and Green Christmas Tree
For a modern version, simplify.
Use:
- Matte burgundy ornaments
- Dark green velvet
- Simple brass accents
- Warm white lights
Skip excessive garlands and floral picks.
Larger ornaments and fewer decorative categories can create a cleaner look.
Vintage Burgundy Christmas Tree
For a vintage-inspired tree, mix burgundy with:
- Antique gold
- Aged brass
- Glass ornaments
- Velvet bows
- Traditional bells
Choose decorations with variation rather than making everything perfectly uniform.
The collected quality is what gives the tree character.
How to Decorate a Burgundy and Green Christmas Tree Step by Step
If you are unsure where to start, decorate in layers.
Step 1: Fluff the Tree
Spread branches thoroughly so the tree looks full before adding decorations.
Step 2: Add Lights
If the tree is not pre-lit, install lights according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Add Ribbon
Place burgundy and optional dark green ribbon before most ornaments.
Step 4: Add the Largest Ornaments
Distribute large burgundy and green ornaments around the tree.
Step 5: Add Medium Ornaments
Fill remaining areas with metallics, cream, glass, and smaller colored ornaments.
Step 6: Add Specialty Decorations
Use bells, bows, pinecones, florals, or wood ornaments.
Step 7: Fill Visible Gaps
Add picks or ornaments where needed.
Step 8: Finish the Top and Base
Add your topper and tree skirt or collar.
Then step back and remove anything that makes one area feel overcrowded.
How to Mix Burgundy and Green Ornaments
Do not alternate them perfectly.
Instead, create loose visual triangles around the tree.
Place one burgundy ornament in the upper area, another toward the middle on the opposite side, and another lower down.
Repeat this approach with green and metallic accents.
The goal is even distribution without obvious repetition.
How to Make a Burgundy Christmas Tree Look Expensive
Use Velvet
Velvet ribbon and bows immediately add richness.
Vary Ornament Finishes
Mix matte, glossy, glass, metallic, and velvet.
Use Larger Decorations
A few oversized ornaments can make a bigger impact than dozens of tiny ones.
Decorate Into the Tree
Place some ornaments deeper between the branches.
Limit the Palette
Three or four main colors often look more intentional than many unrelated shades.
Repeat Materials
If you use brass bells, repeat antique brass elsewhere.
Leave Some Evergreen Visible
You do not need to cover every branch.
Burgundy Christmas Tree Ribbon Ideas
Burgundy ribbon works with several combinations.
Try:
Burgundy + Forest Green
Rich and dramatic.
Burgundy + Antique Gold
Traditional and elegant.
Burgundy + Cream
Soft and sophisticated.
Burgundy + Plaid
Classic Christmas.
Burgundy Alone
Simple and refined.
Mixing ribbon widths and textures can add depth, but keep the color palette controlled.
Christmas Gift Wrap for a Burgundy and Green Tree
Wrapped gifts become part of the tree decor.
Use paper in:
- Cream
- Kraft brown
- Burgundy
- Dark green
Finish packages with:
- Velvet ribbon
- Twine
- Green ribbon
- Gold ribbon
Avoid using every package design imaginable.
Repeating two or three papers makes the tree base look much more intentional.
Coordinating Mantel Decor
Carry the palette to the mantel without duplicating the tree exactly.
Try evergreen garland with:
- Burgundy velvet bows
- Brass bells
- Warm lights
- Cream stockings
You can also add a few burgundy ornaments to the garland.
Keep the mantel slightly simpler than the tree so the two displays do not compete.
Coordinating Christmas Table Decor
For a dining table near the tree, use smaller touches of the same colors.
Try:
- Burgundy napkins
- Evergreen centerpiece
- Brass candlesticks
- Cream dishes
This creates a cohesive holiday room without turning every surface burgundy and green.
Common Dark Green and Burgundy Christmas Tree Mistakes
Using Only One Burgundy Finish
Mix textures and finishes to create depth.
Making the Tree Too Dark
Add warm lights, cream, glass, or metallics.
Concentrating Burgundy in One Area
Distribute it around the entire tree.
Covering All the Evergreen
The natural green tree is an important part of the palette.
Using Too Many Accent Colors
Let burgundy and green remain dominant.
Adding Too Many Small Decorations
Larger ornaments and ribbon often create a cleaner result.
Forgetting the Tree Base
Coordinate the skirt, collar, and gift wrap with the rest of the tree.
Christmas Tree Decorating Safety
A beautiful tree should also be safely decorated.
- Follow the tree and light manufacturers’ instructions.
- Use lights rated for the intended indoor or outdoor location.
- Inspect light strands and cords for damage before use.
- Do not overload outlets or exceed manufacturer connection limits.
- Keep cords out of walkways.
- Keep decorative fabric and ribbon away from open flames and heat sources.
- Use flameless candles around trees and greenery.
- Make sure the tree stand is stable.
- Secure a tree appropriately if children or pets could pull or climb it.
- Place heavier ornaments on branches that can safely support them.
- Keep fragile ornaments away from easily bumped areas.
- Use a stable step ladder when decorating higher sections rather than standing on furniture.
- Keep live trees appropriately cared for and follow relevant fire-safety guidance.
FAQ About Dark Green and Burgundy Christmas Trees
Does burgundy look good on a green Christmas tree?
Yes. Burgundy provides warm contrast against evergreen and works especially well with warm white lights, cream, wood, brass, and antique gold.
What colors go with burgundy on a Christmas tree?
Dark green, cream, antique gold, brass, black, natural wood, and clear glass can all coordinate beautifully with burgundy.
Is burgundy a traditional Christmas color?
Burgundy is a deeper variation of classic Christmas red, making it well suited to traditional holiday decorating while creating a richer, more muted look.
What ribbon looks good with burgundy ornaments?
Forest green, cream, antique gold, plaid, and burgundy velvet ribbon can all work. Choose based on whether you want the tree to feel traditional, rustic, or elegant.
How do you keep a burgundy Christmas tree from looking too dark?
Add warm white lights and incorporate lighter or reflective elements such as cream ornaments, clear glass, brass, or antique gold.
Can you mix burgundy and emerald green?
Yes. Burgundy and emerald create a jewel-toned palette. Warm metallic accents can help connect the two colors.
What tree skirt works with a burgundy and green tree?
Burgundy velvet, dark green fabric, warm neutral textiles, woven tree collars, and wood-look collars can all work depending on the overall style.
How can I make a burgundy Christmas tree look modern?
Use fewer ornament styles, matte finishes, simple ribbon, clean metallic accents, and plenty of visible evergreen.
Final Thoughts
A dark green and burgundy Christmas tree is a beautiful choice when you want Christmas decor that feels warm, rich, and timeless.
Start with the natural evergreen color of the tree, then layer burgundy through velvet ribbon, ornaments, bows, or floral picks.
Add dark green decorations for tone-on-tone depth and use cream, glass, wood, brass, or antique gold to provide contrast.
The most important part is not covering every branch.
Allow some of the evergreen to remain visible, distribute burgundy evenly, and mix different textures rather than adding more colors.
Finish the look with warm white lights, a coordinated tree skirt or collar, and simple gift wrap beneath the tree.
Whether your home leans traditional, modern, rustic, or vintage-inspired, burgundy and dark green can create a Christmas tree that feels festive, cozy, and beautifully collected.
