Black and Gothic Tree Toppers: What Suits a Goth Christmas Tree

A goth Christmas tree looks finished with a topper that repeats its colors: a black or silver star, a crescent moon, a bat or raven, or a tall glass finial with a Victorian feel. Leave at least 6 inches below the ceiling, match the width to the tree, and fasten it to the trunk instead of balancing it.

Topper styles that suit a black tree

Topper styles that suit a black tree fall into a few families. Each works best with a different color scheme and tree shape.

Matching the topper to the ornaments matters more than the motif. A silver moon on a black and gold tree looks like an afterthought; a gold moon on the same tree looks planned.

Glass finials and the Victorian look

Glass finials give a black tree the Victorian look that goth style borrows. Blown glass tree decorations have deep roots in the German glassblowing town of Lauscha. Homes and Antiques magazine describes Lauscha as the birthplace of glass baubles, and the German retailer Manufactum, which still sells a glass “reflex” tree tip, says Lauscha glassblowers began pressing grooved reflex patterns into hot glass in the 1800s to make it sparkle more.

On a dark tree, a silvered or black glass finial reflects the lights below it without adding bulk. Balsam Hill suggests finials and other tall, narrow toppers for slim trees, where a wide star would overhang the top branches. Glass is fragile, so fix a finial firmly before letting go.

Bats, moons and creepmas toppers

Bats, moons and other creepmas toppers suit a tree that goes up for Halloween and stays through December. Retro ceramic pieces exist too: Dillard’s has listed a Mr. Halloween 12-inch ceramic tree with a bat topper, an indoor-only, adapter-powered tabletop piece.

A crescent moon is the easiest bridge between seasons, since it reads as witchy in October and as a winter night in December. A bat on a spring base clips to the top branch without a tube. For a tree that switches themes, see Halloween Christmas trees.

Krampus and licensed character toppers

Krampus and licensed character toppers turn the top of the tree into the centerpiece. A Krampus figure suits a tree dressed for Krampusnacht on December 5; read who he is in the Krampus decorations guide, and keep the design playful if children will see it.

For a Nightmare Before Christmas tree, buy only licensed pieces, with the Disney license named on the tag or box. The Nightmare Before Christmas decorations guide lists the licensed makers, and Nightmare Before Christmas figures covers Jack and Sally.

Matching a topper to your color scheme

Matching a topper to your color scheme is simpler than it looks: pick the topper’s finish from the metal already on the tree. A black and gold tree takes a gold star, a gold moon or a black glass finial with gold detail. A black and silver tree takes silvered glass or a silver star. Pastel goth schemes in pink or lilac suit a matte black bat or a velvet bow in the accent color.

If the ornaments mix metals, let the topper pick the one you want to lead. A single strong finish at the top pulls a busy tree together.

How to size a tree topper

Sizing a tree topper starts at the ceiling. Balsam Hill’s method: measure from the top of the tree to the ceiling, then subtract 6 inches. What is left is the tallest topper that fits. Remember that the stand adds height to the tree.

Width depends on the tree’s shape. A full tree takes a wide star, bow or figure. A slim or pencil tree looks best with a narrow topper, such as a finial, a small moon or a single bat. If a topper looks too small from across the room, go a size up.

How to keep a heavy topper upright

A heavy topper stays upright when it is fastened, not balanced. Balsam Hill’s guidance by base type:

1. Column base with eyelets: thread zip ties through the eyelets and around the trunk.
2. Cone base: bend the top branch upward, slide the cone over it, then bend nearby branches in to support it.
3. Bows and ribbon: tie on with wire or pipe cleaners.

Balsam Hill notes that heavier toppers may fall over without support. For a lighted topper, plug it into the socket at the top of a pre-lit tree if there is one, and route the cord along the trunk.

Black floral tape or black zip ties disappear on a black tree.

Finishing the top of a goth tree

Finishing the top of a goth tree means the topper, the lights and the last ornaments working together. Run a light strand up close to the topper so it does not sit in a dark gap, and hang one or two ornaments, such as skull Christmas ornaments, in the same finish just below it. The goth tree decorating guide gives the full layer order, the black Christmas trees guide covers tree heights, and the goth Christmas decor hub links every guide on the site.