Description
Bells seem completely at home on a Christmas tree. Their familiar shape recalls sleigh rides, church bells, caroling and the cheerful jingle that has become part of the soundtrack of the season. Even when an ornament never makes a sound, the silhouette alone is enough to feel unmistakably Christmas.
Glass gives bell ornaments much of their nostalgic charm. Bethany Lowe Designs brings the shape to life in retro pink, blue, red and green along with metallic gold, silver and copper finishes, each trimmed with tinsel and glitter. Mercury glass bells offer a softer antique inspired shimmer, while rhinestones, painted details and reflective surfaces turn a simple bell shape into something much more decorative.
Other designs use the bell to tell a more specific story. Poinsettias bring traditional Christmas florals onto the glass, while jingle bell ornaments capture the familiar form of the real thing. Anniversary bells commemorate milestone years, giving a classic Christmas symbol an additional layer of meaning. A bell can be decorative, nostalgic and sentimental all at once.
Scatter bells throughout a traditional tree to repeat their distinctive shape among round ornaments and finials, or gather several colors together for a retro inspired display. Their flared silhouettes look especially lively beside tinsel, reflectors and vintage style glass ornaments. A few bells can quietly support a larger decorating theme, while a whole collection makes the tree look ready to ring in Christmas.
Why Shop Bell Christmas Ornaments at Traditions?
Bell ornaments have one of those shapes that instantly reads as Christmas, but the fun is seeing how differently artists interpret it. A shiny silver jingle bell feels completely different from a pink glass bell trimmed in tinsel, even though both begin with the same familiar idea.
Serving collectors since 1994, Traditions is a family-owned holiday store with a carefully curated assortment of bell ornaments from Bethany Lowe Designs, Old World Christmas, Noble Gems, Creative Co-op and other favorite makers. We personally inspect products as they arrive and photograph our pieces in-house so you can clearly see their colors, finishes, scale and decorative details. Whether you're adding traditional bells to the family tree, creating a retro Christmas display or choosing a commemorative ornament for a special year, our knowledgeable customer service team is always happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Christmas bell ornaments actually ring?
Some ornaments may incorporate functional bells or bell like components, while others are decorative glass, resin or mixed media interpretations of the bell shape. Check the individual product description if an audible jingle is important to you.
How can I decorate with bell ornaments on a Christmas tree?
Repeat bells at different heights throughout the branches so their distinctive flared shape appears across the tree. They pair especially well with round glass balls, finials, reflectors, tinsel and traditional Christmas ornaments. Mixing several bell colors or finishes can create repetition without making the display look overly matched.
Can bell ornaments commemorate anniversaries and other milestones?
Yes. Bell ornaments are sometimes designed specifically for milestone anniversaries or other meaningful occasions. They can become keepsakes that return to the tree each Christmas long after the celebration itself. Check dates, anniversary numbers and other details carefully when choosing a commemorative design.
