Feeling Frosty? Make Holiday Magic with a Flocked Christmas Tree

Even if you live in a warmer climate, snow (whether it’s fake or real) is all part of the Christmas experience. Sleighs, sleighbells, snowflakes, snowmen, snowglobes, snow villages – our Christmas decor is filled with wintry imagery.

Carols like “Winter Wonderland” and “Let it Snow! Let it Snow, Let it Snow!”help keep the fluffy white stuff on our minds during the holidays. These songs inspire the icicle ornaments on our trees, the glitter on our decorations and make snow part of our seasonal vocabulary.

Snow is as fundamental to Christmas as icing is to cake.

It seems only natural, then, that our love affair with a white Christmas can influence the way we decorate our Christmas tree.

One of the most dramatic snow-themed decorating trends is the flocked Christmas tree. 

As early as the 1800s, people placed cotton, flour, cornstarch or soap flakes on their trees to imitate the look of snow-covered pines.

Eventually, artificial Christmas tree manufacturers began coating tree branches with a more lasting and convenient snow-like covering. The process of applying the coating is known as flocking and trees decorated this way are referred to as “flocked.”

Depending on how heavily the coating is applied, flocked Christmas trees also may be described as “iced” or “frosted.”

Flocking can be made from a few different materials, but cellulose (from wood pulp) and rayon lint are the most common. Some manufacturers add borax to help retain moisture and make the trees more fire-resistant.

Flocked trees have a soft, wintry look that supports many Christmas themes. They provide a neutral background for both muted and vibrant color schemes and they project a winter wonderland vibe, even when the weather is delightful.

Practically speaking, flocking can also disguise imperfections and make a tree look fuller. Do-it-yourself flocking is a great way to dress up an inexpensive Christmas tree or extend the life of an older artificial tree.

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Many people happily use artificial flocked Christmas trees as their primary tree. They come in all the popular sizes and shapes, as well as numerous styles, with multiple lighting options.

They also work beautifully as secondary trees, encouraging decorators to experiment with new themes. Consider a slightly smaller flocked tree, or one in a different style, when setting up an additional or accent tree.

Because flocking can become discolored or damaged when wet, flocked trees are not a good choice for outdoor displays.

A white flocked Christmas tree makes the perfect setting for so many unique looks! Here are some of our favorite decorating ideas:

Monochromatic - Pick your favorite shade and choose ornaments in the same color family.

Two-Color Combos - Black and white ornaments pop on a flocked tree, but you also can’t go wrong with classic pairings like red and green, red and gold or red and white.

Luxury Metallics - Dazzle with a combination of gold and silver, or opt for a softer approach with champagne gold and antique silver.

Pastels - Pale colors glow against a white background.

Winter Wonderland - Mix blue, white, silver and crystal decorations.

Mid-Century Modern - Surrender to nostalgia with retro ornaments in shiny jewel tones and colorful retro lights.

Popular neutral, farmhouse, ski lodge and woodland looks also look stunning on a flocked Christmas tree.

Due to the delicate nature of flocking, these Christmas trees have special care requirements.

A small amount of flocking may fall off your tree branches, especially while setting it up and decorating. Adding lights can also dislodge the coating, which is why many people prefer pre-lit flocked Christmas trees.

Over time, flocking may start to turn yellow, but following certain precautions can help limit discoloration.

First, avoid heat and direct sunlight. Keep the tree away from sunny windows, skylights, fireplaces and heat registers. Use cool-burning LED Christmas lights instead of incandescent string lights or retro-style big bulb Christmas lights, which emit more heat.

Experts recommend storing a flocked artificial Christmas tree in a cool, dry spot, such as a spare closet or dry basement. Avoid garages and attics, as they may experience greater temperature swings and humidity levels.

To reduce flocking loss, avoid cramming your tree back into its original cardboard box. Also, don’t keep it in a sealed plastic bag, where moisture could build up.

Instead, opt for a soft, breathable cover, like a sheet or Christmas tree storage bag. You can also wrap it in a fabric cover and then place it in a plastic storage container for additional protection. Silica gel packets tucked inside the storage bin can further help reduce moisture. 

Flocked trees are classic Christmas decorations that hold nostalgic appeal while remaining in step with modern tastes and palettes. Adaptable to a variety of Christmas themes and home decor styles, a frosty Christmas tree can set the tone for a look that’s cheerful, elegant, whimsical or serene – just about any style you can dream up.

Are you ready to explore the possibilities of decorating a frosted Christmas tree? Below are some of the beauties we list among our favorite flocked trees for the 2025 Christmas season.