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If you’re a fan of the serene beauty of the sea, why not incorporate that coastal charm into your Christmas decor this year? Seashell Christmas ornaments are a creative way to bring a unique, breezy vibe to your holiday celebrations. From starfish tree toppers to elegant seashell garlands, these natural elements can add texture and personality to your festive setup.
Whether you want to evoke memories of beach vacations or simply love the calming colors and shapes of seashells, these ornament ideas will inspire you to craft decorations that stand out. Get ready to transform ordinary seashells into beautiful, festive treasures that bring the magic of the ocean into your home this Christmas season!
15 Best Seashell ornaments for Christmas
1. Starfish Tree Topper
Top your tree with a nautical twist by creating a starfish tree topper. Use a large, dried starfish, and decorate it with glitter or small pearls to give it a festive touch. This coastal topper is perfect for adding an oceanic vibe to your holiday decor, especially if you want a beach-themed Christmas.
2. Seashell Angel Ornament
Create a seashell angel ornament by using a large scallop shell for the body and a smaller shell for the wings. Paint the shells in soft gold or silver, and add a small wooden bead for the head. This charming angel ornament makes a beautiful, serene addition to your Christmas tree.
3. Seashell Garland
String seashells together to create a stunning garland that can be draped around your tree or along a mantel. Use shells of different shapes and sizes, and tie them with twine for a rustic look. Add some small beads or colored glass pieces to bring a festive sparkle to this coastal-themed garland.
4. Oyster Shell Santa Claus
Turn oyster shells into Santa Claus ornaments by painting the inside of each shell with a Santa face. Use red and white paint to create the hat and beard, and add small black dots for the eyes. Hang these on the tree for a touch of whimsy that is sure to catch everyone’s eye.
5. Shell and Driftwood Mini Tree
Use seashells and small pieces of driftwood to create a mini Christmas tree ornament. Stack the driftwood in a pyramid shape, glue seashells at the joints, and finish with a small starfish on top. This rustic ornament captures the essence of both the seaside and the festive holiday spirit.
6. Painted Seashell Baubles
Transform simple shells into vibrant ornaments by painting them in traditional Christmas colors like red, green, gold, and white. Use metallic paint for added shine, and hang them with colorful ribbons.
These painted seashell baubles add a personalized and bright touch to your Christmas decorations. You can make them into Santa or Snowman or any other Christmas characters too.
7. Pearl-Adorned Shell Ornaments
Glue faux pearls onto seashells to create elegant and classy ornaments. Choose shells like scallops or clams that have enough surface area for detailed decoration.
This timeless ornament design brings a touch of seaside elegance to your holiday decorations while maintaining a festive, luxurious appeal that will make your tree stand out in the most charming way.
8. Seashell Snowmen
Use round shells to create adorable snowman ornaments. Use glue to attach the shells, paint on the eyes, a carrot nose, and buttons, and add a small piece of fabric for a scarf.
These cute little snowmen bring both coastal charm and classic winter imagery to your holiday setup. You can have a little extra fun by mixing and matching different colors.
9. Rope and Shell Ornaments
Attach a seashell with a nautical colorful rope. This ornament gives a distinctly maritime feel while also bringing warmth with the natural tones of the rope. It’s a great way to incorporate both the textures of the sea and rustic vibes into your holiday decor.
10. Seashell Bell Ornament
Create a bell ornament using a conical seashell. Attach a small jingle bell inside the shell, securing it with glue or thread, and hang it using rustic twine or a decorative ribbon. When the ornament moves, it will jingle softly, bringing a festive sound to your Christmas tree and perfectly combining both holiday cheer and coastal elements.
You can also paint the shell in holiday colors or add glitter to enhance its sparkle. Ideal for a tree that blends sea-inspired beauty with Christmas magic!
11. Mermaid Tail Seashell Ornament
Turn a large seashell into a mermaid tail by attaching a beaded tail section made from colored wire and beads. Paint the shell with iridescent colors to mimic the look of scales.
This ornament is perfect for adding a magical, ocean-themed element to your holiday decorations. You can also cut mermaid shapes from a single piece seashell.
12. Christmas Tree Shell Ornament
Arrange small seashells with the painting of a Christmas tree, starting with larger shells at the bottom and gradually using smaller ones towards the top.
Attach the shells to a sturdy backing, like a piece of driftwood, and you can use multiple colors for the trees. Hang this adorable ornament on the tree for an extra coastal touch.
13. Sea Shell Wreath Ornament
Make a mini wreath ornament using seashells. Form a small ring from wire, and hot glue pieces of seashells all around it. Add a small bow made of twine at the bottom.
This delicate wreath captures the soothing, beachy colors that pair beautifully with holiday greens. Make sure to mismatch all shapes and sizes of shells for a beautiful look.
14. Shell Icicle Ornaments
Use elongated shells like razor clams to create an icicle ornament. Add glitter to the shell’s edges to give it a frosty, snow-dusted appearance, and string it with a thin silver ribbon or twine for a coastal touch.
This icicle-inspired ornament brings an oceanic twist to traditional winter decorations and looks beautiful hanging alongside classic Christmas lights.
15. Seashell Ocean Ornament
Create a frame using small ocean animals, and seashells all around the edges of the seashell. This miniature ocean environment is perfect to hang on the tree.
This personalized ornament is a beautiful keepsake that captures both memories of Christmas and seaside adventures. You can also add a family beach vacation picture to complete the look.
With endless possibilities for DIY projects and ready-made ornaments, you can easily personalize your decorations to reflect your love for the ocean. As you prepare for the festive season, these seashell ornament ideas will help you create a distinctive, coastal-inspired holiday look that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
