For many, an ’80s Christmas was a magical mix of simple pleasures and glittering excess – tinsel everywhere, festive jumpers knitted by nan, and the unmistakable sound of Wham! on the radio.
If you’re craving a little nostalgia or want to share some retro fun with the next generation, here’s a cheerful look at the decade that shaped so many of our festive memories.
The Toys That Defined an Era
Christmas mornings in the ’80s often meant tearing open wrapping paper to reveal one of the decade’s must-have toys. A few favourites still raise a smile today:
Transformers and Action Figures
Robots that transformed into cars and planes were the height of cool. Paired with Star Wars figures, Masters of the Universe, and G.I. Joe, kids could recreate their favourite film and cartoon moments long after the Queen’s Speech.
Cabbage Patch Kids
These quirky, slightly odd-looking dolls caused a frenzy. Each one had its own name and adoption certificate, making them feel extra special – and incredibly hard to find some years.
Rubik’s Cube
Whether you solved it properly, peeled the stickers off, or resorted to creative “methods”, the Cube was the stocking filler that frustrated and fascinated everyone.
Big Wheels, BMXs and Skateboards
The ’80s kicked off the era of the cool kid on wheels. Bikes and skateboards under the tree meant Boxing Day was spent outside, showing off new tricks. Or scraped knees...
Handheld Electronic Games
Before smartphones, there were beeping, chunky handheld games with simple graphics but endless appeal. Game & Watch, Simon, and battery-hungry devices were prized treasures.
Christmas Telly We Still Talk About
Back when there were only a handful of channels and no streaming, Christmas TV was a communal experience. Families gathered around the set, fighting for the best seat and the last of the chocolates.
The Big Films
Holiday schedules often featured classics like The Wizard of Oz, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Bond films. If a blockbuster was on, everyone watched it.
Festive Specials
From Only Fools and Horses to The Two Ronnies, Christmas specials became iconic, and many remain firm favourites. The 1986 episode of Bread, the memorable Morecambe & Wise reruns, and the annual Top of the Pops Christmas Day show helped set the festive mood.
Children’s TV
Younger viewers were treated to The Snowman, Bagpuss, Worzel Gummidge, and a seasonal episode of Blue Peter, often featuring that year’s famous Advent crown (health and safety nightmare and all).
Decorations, Tinsel and Retro Sparkle
You couldn’t walk into a living room in the 1980s without being blinded by glitter. Decorations were bold, bright, and completely unapologetic.
Tinsel Everywhere
Not just on the tree – along mantelpieces, wrapped around the banister, and even on lampshades. More was definitely more.
Coloured Fairy Lights
Before today’s sleek white LEDs, it was all about chunky coloured bulbs that got warm enough to toast a marshmallow. And if one bulb went out, the whole string failed. Classic.
Shiny Baubles and Paper Chains
Foil garlands, homemade Christmas paper chains, and those honeycomb tissue-paper bells brought instant cheer to any home.
The Tree Topper Debate
Star or fairy? Every family had a tradition – often one passed down or slightly battered from years of use.
Festive Food and Family Traditions
No ’80s Christmas was complete without the tastes and treats of the season.
Terry’s Chocolate Orange, After Eight mints, and Cadbury Roses (in the original tins!) were shared around – or hidden away by adults.
Home-made sausage rolls, trifle, and Vol-au-vents made starring appearances at the buffet table.
Sherry and Babycham added a festive sparkle, while children clinked glasses with Schweppes Snowball or Shloer.
And of course, the annual board games evening brought out Cluedo, Monopoly, and Trivial Pursuit – along with some family squabbles.
Why ’80s Christmas Still Charms Us
The 1980s captured a particular kind of magic – one shaped by shared experiences, simpler technology, and a sense of collective celebration. Looking back reminds us of the excitement of circling items in catalogues, watching the TV guide with anticipation, and spending the day together without the distraction of devices.
Whether you lived through it or have simply fallen in love with the retro aesthetic, revisiting an ’80s Christmas brings back the joy of wide-eyed wonder, colourful decorations, and the timeless feeling that anything could be wrapped up under the tree.
If you fancy a truly nostalgic festive season, try bringing back a few retro touches this year – a tinsel-heavy tree, a classic board game, or an old-school Christmas film night. After all, Christmas is about joy, connection and making memories, no matter the decade.
