Holiday decor goes beyond tinsel and ornaments, and we invite you to take an exciting journey through the most expensive Christmas trees in the world. What sets these extravagant Christmas trees apart is their departure from tradition. There are no traditional evergreen branches here, as our list features the glittering works of loving authors who prefer precious stones and metals to natural branches and leaves. So, let’s temporarily exchange the cozy fireplace for a world of wealth, where diamonds, gold, and platinum transform an ordinary Christmas tree into a stunning masterpiece.
The Precious Christmas Tree at Kempinski Hotel Bahia in Marbella ($15.4 million)
The Kempinski Hotel Bahia in Marbella, located on the southern coast of Spain, partnered with designer Debbie Wingham in 2019 to create a Christmas tree with a staggering cost of $15.4 million.
But what exactly makes its value so astronomical? Well, the Art Deco-style decorations in the form of martini glasses, perfume bottles, and 3D-printed chocolate peacocks are pricey, but they don’t make up the bulk of the cost. It’s the unconventional ornaments: each branch is generously adorned with white, black, pink, and red diamonds, and for added persuasiveness, a few sapphires are even thrown in. Each intricately cut precious stone was ethically sourced and repurposed from jewelry of the most respected brands in the industry.
The Christmas tree at the Emirates Palace hotel ($11.4 million)
Abu Dhabi stunned the world in 2010 by presenting the most expensive Christmas tree in history. Located in the luxurious Emirates Palace hotel, the tree itself wasn’t the most costly detail. Extravagant decorations led to a sharp increase in the price. The tree is generously adorned with a plethora of gilded ornaments, including gold baubles and gemstone-encrusted trinkets, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle. Gold is a hallmark of the hotel and takes a prominent place in the design of the Christmas tree. Crowning this majestic masterpiece is a star made of pure gold, adorned with diamonds and precious stones.
From bracelets and necklaces to watches and other exceptionally expensive jewelry, the Christmas tree is adorned with a stunning array of ‘ornaments’ made from 181 diamonds, pearls, emeralds, sapphires, and various other precious stones. Its impressive size, exceeding 13 meters, not only lends it grandeur but also demands an abundance of decorations, further increasing its cost.
As reported by the BBC, the tree itself is modestly valued at $10,000, but its decorations, according to the hotel’s general manager Hans Olbertz, elevate its total worth to over $11 million. It is noted that the hotel has round-the-clock security, including four dedicated guards diligently monitoring the surroundings.
The Golden Christmas Tree by Ginza Tanaka for Disney ($4.2 million)
While not claiming the top spot, this Christmas tree made entirely of gold is truly impressive. This Christmas tree, standing at 2.4 meters tall and valued at $4.27 million, features 50 Disney characters crafted from pure gold. Weighing a total of 24 kg, this tree is a true masterpiece and has entered history as one of the most expensive Christmas trees in the world. It took ten skilled craftsmen two months to bring this Disney treasure to life, turning it into a unique holiday spectacle.
The tallest Swarovski Christmas tree in Asia at the Kuala Lumpur Pavilion ($700,000)
In 2015, Swarovski, in partnership with Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, introduced the tallest Christmas tree in Asia. In collaboration with Malaysia’s leading shopping center, a majestic Christmas tree of impressive height, 23 meters, was installed. It consisted of 175,000 transparent crystals adorning over 3,100 crystal threads, with a total value exceeding 3 million ringgit ($700,000). The tree was proudly displayed in the central courtyard of the shopping center, radiating its sparkling charm for all to see.
Inspired by the Swarovski holiday collection, created in collaboration with Miranda Kerr, the Christmas tree featured decorations in the form of hearts, stars, and snowflakes, symbolizing love, joy, and the spirit of the season. At its top, a brightly shining large crystallized ornament in the shape of a star served as a reminder of hope and the future.
The Miniature Christmas Tree made of preserved roses at Takashimaya Department Store ($1.8 million)
Size is not everything when it comes to grabbing attention. Takashimaya, inspired by the Parisian flower boutique Claude Quinquaud, created a 40-centimeter tree adorned with stabilized roses, each claimed to be adorned with a total of 400 diamonds from Australia and Africa. Diamonds sparkle on the petals like dewdrops, making this tree a true masterpiece. The accompanying diamond pendant adds an extra touch of luxury to this creation valued at $1.8 million.
Ginza Tanaka Jewelry Store – Tabletop Christmas Tree ($1.95 million)
Ginza Tanaka, a renowned Japanese jewelry company, is celebrated for its craftsmanship in creating unconventional pieces. In its portfolio, you can find a remarkable array of creations, including a dress made of precious coins, a bikini intricately woven from the finest gold threads, a calendar entirely crafted from this noble metal, and even a figurine of Santa Claus.
However, the jewel in the collection is the exquisite assortment of Christmas trees, each handcrafted from pure gold. In 2016, Ginza Tanaka in Tokyo unveiled a Christmas tree standing 2 meters tall, made from 19 kg of pure 24-karat gold, transformed into delicate golden wires. This tree, one of the most expensive Christmas trees in the world, bestows a generous holiday spirit with its opulent grandeur.
The Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington D.C. ($1 million)
In Washington, D.C., the tradition of the grand Christmas tree dates back to 1964. This massive tree, sometimes exceeding 20 meters in height, is transplanted right in front of the White House, with roots and all. Adorned with thousands of lights, transporting this evergreen tree while preserving its roots makes it a million-dollar spectacle eagerly anticipated by both locals and visitors.
Soo Kee Jewellery Diamond Tree ($1 million)
In 2007, the Singaporean shopping center Bugis Junction commissioned local jeweler Soo Kee to create a 6-meter Christmas tree weighing 3 tons, adorned with 21,798 diamonds totaling 913 carats. This magnificent creation, with 3,762 crystal beads and 500 light bulbs, was a luxurious spectacle. To protect the precious tree, it was placed under 24-hour surveillance, ensuring that each precious stone remained untouched.
Golden Tabletop Christmas Tree from Steve Quick Jewellers ($500,000)
In 2007, jeweler Steve Quick set out to create an elegant and charitable masterpiece. This sparkling Christmas tree, made of 18-karat gold, is adorned with diamonds resembling glistening snow. Crowning this golden creation is a platinum star with a 4.52-carat diamond, which can be removed and used as a pendant. An eBay auction dedicated to this exquisite tree raised funds for the American Cancer Society. The Quick company also presented more affordable versions with silver and gold plating, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the luxury.
Ginza Tanaka Christmas Tree, 12 kg ($468,000)
The Tokyo-based company Ginza Tanaka, known for its love of gold, created a 12-kilogram Christmas tree made of solid gold, which is valued at $468,000 in today’s currency.
Ginza Tanaka’s creations are so luxurious that it’s not surprising the company has repeatedly appeared on the list of the most expensive Christmas trees.
Sofitel London St. James Cognac-Infused Christmas Tree ($55,000)
In London, the Sofitel London St. James hotel pays homage to the unique blend of pub culture and luxurious elegance. The $55,000 Christmas tree is far from traditional. It features what seems like an ordinary metal frame adorned with 200 miniature bottles made of 24-carat gold, each containing Louis XIII Grande Champagne cognac.
This handcrafted tree by Baccarat craftsmen also boasts an exclusive smoky-blue colored chandelier. To make this experience even more special, the hotel offered guests the opportunity to indulge in a Christmas spa package priced at $3,600, complemented by exquisite decorations for a baccarat game.
Which of the world’s most expensive Christmas trees do you like the most?