Bright bulbs and baubles. Where to shop for Christmas ornaments in Modesto
Picking a holiday decorating theme — from tacky to nostalgic, candy fantasy to winter wonderland, and even the viral Ralph Lauren Christmas theme — is almost as much fun as picking out gifts.
Perhaps the focus of any theme starts with Christmas tree decorations. It is remarkable how a simple tree becomes something extraordinary when bejeweled with baubles and bright lights.
Unpacking the ornaments and recalling how they were acquired is something many look forward to year after year. Whether you are continuing generational traditions or starting something new, ornaments tell the story of seasons gone by.
In Modesto, as shops get ready for the holidays, visits to locally owned stores have become yearly pilgrimages for those eager to add their collections.
Here are some stores that have unique options:
Fleur De Lis
Store owner Ruth Merritt has curated a shop that feels like a Paris boutique, and during the holidays, it’s like a European Christmas market with gifts and decor stacked onto tables and displays.
The store is warm and inviting, and the ornament selections are plenty, with bins and displays offering everything from whimsical to chic options. Ornaments are everywhere, nestled between glassware, cookbooks and candles. The hunt is as fun as the acquisition, and prices begin around $15-20.
Fleur De Lis is at 92016th St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
McHenry Mansion Gift Shop
You may not expect to find ornaments at the gift shop for the McHenry Mansion, but they are in stock throughout the year. A back wall is filled with ornaments from Old World Christmas; docent Linda Quigley takes joy in selecting them each year. As the holidays approach, she works diligently to fill the back room with unique handmade selections like German Inge-Glas ornaments and the highly sought-after Christopher Radko ornaments.
Though some are at a higher price point because of their craftsmanship and scarcity, these ornaments are highly collectible and often passed down through generations.
Quigley makes sure there is something for every taste and budget, with many ornaments around $10-$15. Purchasing from the shop helps support the McHenry Mansion, with 100% of shop sales going into the foundation.
The McHenry Mansion gift shop and visitor center is just steps from the mansion at 924 15th St. and is open Sunday through Tuesday from noon to 4 p.m. and Friday from noon to 4 p.m.
The Birdsnest
In the corner of an unassuming strip mall is a gem of nostalgic goods, with over 12,000 square feet of antiques and retro treasures from a variety of vendors and collectors.
Nearly every inch of space is filled with discoveries, including one-of-a-kind ornaments. From retired and unopened Hallmark keepsakes to handmade crafts with unknown origin stories, there are plenty of choices.
Plan to spend a good chunk of time perusing and perhaps coming upon an ornament from your past. The Birdsnest is at 1031 W. Orangeburg Ave. and open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Home Again
Walking into this store feels like walking into a cozy living room. The inviting floor displays of furniture and decor come alive when trees are added, with ornaments galore.
Throughout the shop are trees of different themes. A particular favorite is one with an under-the-sea motif, featuring beaded shrimp, shiny orange octopuses, and metallic reflective whales.
The store also has a large selection of popular and hard-to-find Jellycat plush toys, which have been trending for the season as people create Jellycat-themed trees.
Home Again is at 4120 Dale Road, Suite I, and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Suite 52 Living
Sisters Emma and Sarah Grover have created a wonderland of decor and ideas in their spacious home goods store. The windows are the first clue to the treasure within, featuring a life-size Advent calendar and decorated trees with “Bridgerton” and Snow White themes.
Emma Grover said she and the team begin planning their holiday showcase months in advance, not only selecting what ornaments they will carry, but what the tree themes will be.
The ornament selections seem endless, and are bursting from the many fully decorated trees. Signs on the displays encourage patrons to “shop the trees.”
Emma Grover said the store carries many different brands and types, from old-world traditional to more modern brands like the playful Glitterville selections.
“People want to feel cozy this year, to really feel like Christmas. The ornaments we have can bring that feeling, they can bring a memory or the start of a new tradition,” Emma Grover said.
She said one trend this year is having multiple trees, in varying sizes and themes, so the store leans into all the possibilities with its ideas.
Suite 52 Living is in McHenry Village at 1700 McHenry Ave., Suite 52, and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Farmers Daughter and Mulberry Lane
Just steps from Suite 52 Living are two other stores offering ornaments in McHenry Village.
Farmers Daughter is a home accessory and fine gift boutique that has decorated trees in washes of vibrant colors. A particular pink tree stood out with pops of whimsy from ornaments shaped like cotton candy makers, gumball machines and shiny pink balloon dogs.
Around the corner, the home and gift boutique Mulberry Lane offers plenty of options. One corner of the shop feels like Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, with red and green pops of color accenting fully packed Santa Claus and elf-themed trees. It also has more traditional and understated options in ivory featuring religious motifs.
Farmers Daughter is in McHenry Village’s Suite 26 and open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mulberry Lane is in McHenry Village’s Suite 41 and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Wednesdays until 5 p.m.) and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This story was originally published November 20, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
