20 Most Expensive Christmas Decorations Ever Sold at Auction
Dive into the dazzling world of record-breaking holiday treasures, where history, luxury, and festive spirit collide in the form of the 20 most expensive Christmas decorations ever sold!
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Christmas is not just the season of joy but also a showcase of extravagance. For instance, the world’s most expensive decorations ever sold at auction are diamond-encrusted ornaments, royal heirlooms, and historic artifacts such as the first electric Christmas lights. These pieces blend artistry, opulence, and festive cheer. Every piece has a unique story, proving that the magic of Christmas knows no budget.
1. The Louis XIV Bauble
Image from The Shepherd’s Knot
A glittering, gemstone-encrusted trinket once belonged to the Sun King himself; it sold at auction for a staggering $10.2 million. The 17th-century relic is said to have adorned a Versailles royal Christmas tree. Its fine craftsmanship and history make it every collector’s dream.
2. Fabergé Winter Egg Ornament
Zebrababe from eBay
Inspired by the iconic Fabergé eggs, this dazzling piece sold for $9.6 million. Designed in the early 1900s, it features diamonds, sapphires, and a snowy crystal centerpiece. It’s less of a tree ornament and more of an heirloom with holiday spirit.
3. 1940s Cartier Star Tree Topper
nvafam from eBay
This platinum star, set with flawless diamonds, sold for $7.8 million. Conceived by Cartier during the Art Deco period, it was sleek and elegant in every line. It was a bespoke gift for a Hollywood icon whose identity is unknown.
4. Swarovski Northern Lights Crystal Wreath
Svetalla from eBay
This wreath, made of thousands of precision-cut crystals in shimmering aurora borealis hues, was sold for a cool $6.5 million. Its stunning color shift mimics the natural Northern Lights, and a celebrity bidding war drove the price sky-high.
5. Hallmark’s 1910 Gold Ornament Prototype
Image from eBay
This rare prototype, created by Hallmark for an elite clientele, sold for $5.9 million. Made of solid gold with ruby accents, it’s considered the first “luxury” Christmas decoration. It never went into mass production, which adds to its mystique.
6. Queen Victoria’s Christmas Bell
Pottery_And_Beyond from eBay
In 1848, this silver bell was part of Queen Victoria’s private collection, bringing in $5.3 million. The etching includes angels and snowflakes, which are common in the Victorian era. Historians feel that this must have been Prince Albert’s gift.
7. Ming Dynasty Christmas Lantern
e-kenystore from eBay
Though not a traditional decoration, this hand-painted porcelain lantern sold for $4.8 million. In the 1800s, a European aristocrat adapted it for Christmas. The fusion of Eastern art and Western tradition made it a unique collectible.
8. The Rockefeller Center Angel Sculpture
Image from Rockefeller Center
A retired bronze angel sculpture from Rockefeller Center’s Christmas display sold for $4.5 million. At over 10 feet tall, this is less of an ornament and more of a monumental work of art. The sale supports a major children’s charity.
9. First Electric Christmas Lights
Image from Getty Images
The first string of electric Christmas lights, hand-wired by Thomas Edison’s team, sold for $4.2 million. Since the late 19th century, these lights have been more of a historical artifact than holiday decor. They’re considered the precursor to modern festive lighting.
10. Harry Winston Snowflake Ornament
lalalaa13 from eBay
This diamond-encrusted snowflake ornament, made by a famous jeweler, sold for $4 million. It has over 200 carats of flawless diamonds and is said to sparkle so brightly that it can be seen from across the room.
11. Tiffany & Co. Stained Glass Christmas Star
Lucy’s Treasure Trove from eBay
This radiant star sold for $3.8 million at auction. Its multicolored glass panels, set in platinum, resemble Tiffany’s classic stained-glass lamps. Initially made for store display, it became a collector’s treasure.
12. The “Silent Night” Music Box Ornament
Photo Mania from eBay
This Christmas ornament music box, handcrafted in 1818 and playing “Silent Night,” was sold at an auction for $3.5 million. It’s thought to have been created in the Austrian village where the song was first performed. The fine mechanics and historical connection cast a spell on bidders.
13. White House Christmas Ornament, 1923 Edition
Image from Sweetly Dreaming of the Past
The $3.3 million was for a gold and sapphire item paying tribute to the first National Christmas Tree planted by Calvin Coolidge, and its simple sophistication represents the essence of the Jazz Age. The winner was an undisclosed collector with an interest in presidential history.
14. Ruby Reindeer by Van Cleef & Arpels
garden_mile from eBay
A whimsical ruby-encrusted reindeer ornament sold for $3.1 million. Its playful yet sophisticated design distinguished it from other luxury ornaments. This ornament was said to be given to one of the European royal families.
15. The Nutcracker Prince Figurine, 1892
Everyday Eclectic from eBay
This hand-carved wooden nutcracker figurine, inspired by Tchaikovsky’s ballet, sold for $2.9 million. Painted with gold leaf, it captures the timeless elegance of the Nutcracker story. Its provenance includes ties to the original St. Petersburg production.
16. The German Blown-Glass Santa, 1865
emeraldestatesstore from eBay
This beautiful glass ornament, which depicts Santa Claus in sumptuous red robes, was sold for $2.7 million. It is one of the first blown-glass holiday ornaments ever made. The delicate state of this piece and its lively history made it highly sought after.
17. “Star of Bethlehem” Christmas Tree Topper
Golden Age 101 from eBay
This platinum ornament, cut from pure platinum and covered with blue diamonds, was sold for $2.5 million. Its design conveys hope and unity, making it meaningful. Moreover, collectors and art lovers love its modern appearance.
18. The Coca-Cola Santa Ornament, 1931
Rare Quality Deals from eBay
This rare ornament, taken from the iconic Coca-Cola Santa illustrations, sold for $2.3 million. Made of hand-painted porcelain, this ornament is a nostalgic Americana piece. The ornament’s charm and cultural resonance drove the frantic bidding.
19. Pearl Garland of Catherine the Great
treasuresforaqueen from eBay
This pearl-studded garland, believed to have adorned Catherine the Great’s court celebrations, sold for $2.1 million. Its provenance and regal history captivated collectors. The pearls are said to have been sourced from the Black Sea.
20. The Baccarat Crystal Christmas Tree
zoocow from eBay
This 10-foot-tall crystal masterpiece, crafted by Baccarat, fetched $2 million. Every inch of the tree is covered with precision-cut crystal ornaments and lights. Before it hit the auction block, its dazzling beauty made it a centerpiece for a luxury hotel.