Stars Reveal Decor, Traditions and Hosting Tips for the Holidays

The holiday season is in full swing, and for some of our favorite celebrities, celebrating this joyful time of year comes with plenty of sparkle and sentiment. And like most things in Hollywood, the holidays are all about creating magic — often on a grand scale.

From fabulous traditions out West — like Mariah Carey’s annual Christmas celebrations in Aspen — to lavish décor and over-the-top party gift bags boasting Baccarat crystal ornaments, plus nostalgic rituals passed down for generations, Hollywood’s biggest names are proving there’s no single way to make the season magical.

Kathy Hilton transforms her home into a festive wonderland, while stars like Mariah Carey and Chrissy Teigen and John Legend create unforgettable memories through travel and cherished traditions. Whether it’s cozy nights, glittering gatherings or family-first festivities, these stars remind Us that holiday magic comes in many forms.

Continue scrolling for celebrities’ traditions, decorating and fashion tips, plus expert advice on becoming the ultimate party host:

Glitz, Garlands and Good Cheer

When it comes to Christmas entertaining, Kathy Hilton doesn’t just deck the halls — she transforms them into a full-on holiday wonderland. The self-styled “Mrs. Claus,” known also for her dramatic drop-ins on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, is throwing not one but four lavish fêtes this season, complete with a Moët & Chandon champagne vending machine and coveted gift bags that have included luxe Baccarat crystal ornaments in past years.

So when Us scored an invite to Hilton’s annual holiday pajama party — cohosted with daughter Nicky Hilton Rothschild and QVC — we jumped at the chance to pick up some next-level entertaining tips. Wearing cheerful blue toile pajamas from her new Printfresh x Kathy Hilton Collection, she says the secret to setting the mood is all about ambience. “To make people feel warm and good, start with low lighting and scented candles,” Hilton tells Us. “You can walk into the most gorgeous house, but if it’s too bright and you don’t smell anything or see a flower, it’s like, ‘Oh, God, who lives here? What is this?’”

Next, she says, comes the fun stuff — signature drinks and small bites. Her go-to lineup includes a vodka and-fruit cocktail called the Hunky Dory, a festive pomegranate “pomtini” for teetotalers, comforting mini chicken pot pies and indulgent desserts that keep visitors mingling.

While her guest list can number over 500 and often includes a who’s who of Bravolebrities, Hilton insists that personal connection is key. “Make sure to introduce your friends to other friends so no one feels left out,” she advises. “You might say, ‘You should meet so-and-so — they love poodles, you have a poodle!’ Before you know it, they’re exchanging numbers and getting together.” As for Hilton, “I’m like a bunny,” she adds with a laugh. “I hop around, enjoy different personalities, and I really like people.”

Still, Hilton admits her favorite part might come at the tail end of the festivities. “I love planning — the table, the flowers, making everything beautiful — more than I do the first few hours of the party,” she says. “Once it settles down, I can finally relax, have a glass of wine and just chat.”

Deck the Halls, Mowry-Style!

It’s been more than a decade since Tia and Tamera Mowry worked together. But this holiday season, the former child stars have reunited for a HomeGoods campaign celebrating yuletide decorators everywhere. And they say the partnership couldn’t be more them.

“We’re both huge fans of HomeGoods — and to do something together again after so long makes it extra special,” Tamera tells Us. “We love Christmas— and we’re early decorators!” she adds with a laugh.

The Sister, Sister alums both go all out, but their styles couldn’t be more different. “I’m definitely the traditional one,” says Tamera, who leans into classic plaids, rich reds and woodsy textures. “I’m all about the cozy, timeless vibe.” Tia, on the other hand, goes for what she calls winter whimsy. “I love sparkle, icy blues and a little bit of glam. During the holidays, you can just be extra — I say, sparkle, baby!”

For both sisters, who each have two young children, decorating isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about slowing down and being present. “Life gets busy with work, school, everything. But decorating brings everyone together,” explains Tia. “Everyone’s focused on one thing: creating something beautiful together. We’re sipping hot cocoa, listening to Boyz II Men — it’s magic.”

Tamera admits she often gets emotional while trimming the tree. “We have ornaments from every chapter of our lives — the kids’ handmade ones, our first Christmases as wives and moms,” she says. “Each one brings back such special memories.”

This year, Tamera will host her annual family dinner and send out her personalized photo cards — a 13-year tradition. Tia, meanwhile, plans to trade snow for sand, taking her kids to the Bahamas. “I realized my kids may not remember the gifts, but they’ll always remember the experiences,” she says. Their different styles still capture the same spirit: warmth, connection and a little sparkle.

Let There Be Light… and Laughs

Saturday Night Live standout Chloe Fineman is keeping her family’s Hanukkah traditions as quirky as her impressions. “We have one present at the beginning and then usually joke presents,” she tells Us. “My mom once got me a knife shaped like a duck. It’s always kitchen tools or cleaning things that I’ll never use — because I have wigs in my oven and I don’t know how to cook well!”

The California-born star says growing up in her delightfully eccentric Jewish family gave her the comedic spark she’s known for. “We were free to be weird and uninhibited,” she’s recalled. Her dad’s motto? “Dress British, think Yiddish.” Her grandma’s favorite line? “Our family has the ego of opera singers without the talent.” With humor like that, it’s no wonder Fineman’s Hanukkah — and her comedy — shine so bright.

Latkes and Love

For Top Chef judge Gail Simmons, the most wonderful time of the year smells like sizzling oil and crispy potatoes. “Hanukkah is my favorite holiday — mostly because of the food,” the chef and author tells Us. “My mother’s latkes are legendary. I have such vivid memories of her making them when I was a kid — we’d steal them straight out of the fryer because there’s nothing more delicious than fried potatoes with just the right amount of salt.”

Simmons, who grew up in Canada, says her mom used to make triple batches because the kids couldn’t resist sneaking bites before they hit the freezer. “The smell in our house at that time of year was so distinct,” she recalls. “Now I make sure my own house smells like frying oil for at least eight days.”

Now, Simmons, who partnered with Bristol Myers Squibb on their COBENFY Connections campaign, keeps the family tradition alive with her husband, Jeremy Abrams, and their two children. And yes, her latkes still follow her mom’s old recipe, with a few chef-approved tweaks. “It actually came from my mom’s best friend, Aunt Sue,” she explains. “Over the years, I refined it a bit — that’s what recipe writers do — but it’s basically the same one I grew up with.”

Her secret? Fresh dill. “It makes the latkes extra savory and adds a little elegance,” she says. “They freeze beautifully, so you can make them ahead — but honestly, they rarely last long enough!”

For Simmons, those crispy potatoes are more than a side dish — they capture the true essence of the holiday. “That smell, that comfort — it symbolizes the miracle of light and the spirit of resilience that Hanukkah is all about.”

Crispy Perfection

INGREDIENTS
3 ½ pounds baking potatoes, peeled and quartered lengthwise
1 large yellow onion, peeled and cut into 8 wedges
½ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, plus more for serving
2 tbsp chopped chives
¼ tsp baking powder
Kosher salt
Canola oil, for frying
Sour cream, smoked fish, caviar or apple sauce, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Set a large strainer over a bowl. In a food processor fitted with the shredding disk, shred the potatoes and onion in batches. Add each batch to the strainer and let stand for 5 minutes, then squeeze dry.
2. Pour off the liquid and rinse the bowl, then add the shredded potatoes mixture. Stir in the flour, eggs, dill, chives, baking powder and salt. Scrape the mixture back into the strainer and set it over a bowl; let stand for another 5 minutes.
3. In a very large skillet, heat ¼ inch of canola oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, spoon 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture, squeezing out excess water before sliding each latke into the hot oil, pressing slightly to flatten. Fry over moderate heat, turning once, until the latkes are golden and crisp on both sides, about 7 minutes. Drain the latkes on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. While warm, sprinkle with salt to taste. Continue frying in batches.
4. Garnish latkes with sour cream, dill, smoked fish or caviar, or alternatively with apple sauce.

All Hail the Queen of Christmas

It’s time! No one sleighs the holidays quite like Mariah Carey, who kicks off the festive season every year on Nov. 1 with a social media video in which she “defrosts” from Halloween as her 1994 hit single “All I Want for Christmas Is You” plays in the background. When it comes to the singer’s own holiday traditions, they’re unapologetic and bold. She spends Christmas Day in Aspen, Colorado, with her nearest and dearest — including 14-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe — where she skis, shops and enjoys a family sleigh ride.

Of course, the superstar’s decor is nothing short of spectacular. Forget one Christmas tree — the Grammy winner has… many. (Though she clarified on The Jennifer Hudson Show that it’s “not a field… per se.”) For food, the Long Island native sticks to Italian-American classics — think a family linguine recipe with white clam sauce and Christmas cookies with lemon zest. She embraces other traditions that many of Us probably do too, from playing games like Heads Up! or listening to holiday songs like Nat King Cole’s classic “The Christmas Song” and watching feel-good seasonal family flicks like Elf.

Passports and Matching PJs

Chrissy Teigen and husband John Legend have turned travel into a holiday tradition that’s equal parts cozy and slightly chaotic — in the best way. Last year, they ventured across the pond to London with their four kids — Luna, 9, Miles, 7, Esti and Wren, both 2 — sharing warm photos of the clan in tartan pajamas, stockings hung and presents piled by a tree. Other snaps showed museum strolls, a soccer match outing and kid-friendly shows — Disney on Ice and immersive pop-ups — moments that kept the whole group equally delighted. The L.A.-based crew plan to spend Christmas 2025 in NYC, taking in the Manhattan sparkle and enjoying family time amid the city’s holiday lights.

Holiday Magic in the Making

Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt is all about family, magic and creating lasting memories during the festive season.

The New York Times bestselling author, animal advocate and mom of three — to daughters Lyla, 5, Eloise, 3, and baby son Ford, 12 months, with husband Chris Pratt — recently opened up to Us about the traditions that make Christmas special in her household. “I’m the type that decorates Nov. 1!” Schwarzenegger tells Us. Her style is “a mixture of both cozy and classic, but definitely red and green with white lights.” Real trees are a must, and togetherness is always the priority.

The family keeps many beloved rituals alive. They attend church on Christmas Eve, leave cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer and track Santa’s progress into the night — all adding to the holiday magic for their little ones. Favorite movies include Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, while Bruce Springsteen’s “Merry Christmas Baby” brings her right back to her younger years.

Sentimental ornaments are a special touch, inspired by her and Pratt’s love story. “Chris and I started collecting ornaments wherever we traveled when we first started dating,” she says. “Every year, we love sharing those stories with our children.”

Amid family celebrations, the author is also marking the launch of her newest children’s book, Kat and Brandy. Inspired by her bond with her childhood pony Brandy, the story explores bravery, overcoming fears and the healing power of animals. Says Schwarzenegger, “I hope it encourages kids to be brave and compassionate.”

Tree Tales

Country star Tim McGraw took tree trimming to new heights when he fearlessly tackled this insanely tall tannenbaum that appeared to be two stories high. Perched on a ladder, he joked that his wife, singer Faith Hill, was “trying to get rid of me before Christmas.”

Garcelle Beauvais is feeling festive. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum tells Us she’s focusing on family this season, with her two sons, grandson and new baby granddaughter. “I just want to soak up all the time I can with them,” she says. And this year’s decor reflects that joy: “Now that we have a granddaughter, you’ve got to do pink!”

Bright and Cozy Traditions

For Hallmark Channel favorite Lacey Chabert, the holidays always come with cocoa and a tour of outdoor illuminations. The Queen of Hallmark Christmas Movies, who’s starred in more than 40 of the network’s beloved films, tells Us about her go-to tradition — which is as heartwarming as any of her scripts.

“Every year we drive around and look at Christmas lights with a big mug of hot chocolate,” says Chabert, who shares 9-year-old daughter Julia with husband David Nehdar. “We usually have on matching family pajamas and we stay in them all day — even if we have to run to the store. You just throw a coat on top!”

Growing up in Purvis, Mississippi, Chabert’s love of the season started early. “When I was about five, we woke up Christmas morning and the yard was covered in snow. I’d never seen snow before — it was magical.”

Kourtney Kardashian Barker flips holiday decor on its head. The Poosh founder’s upside-down Christmas tree proves that even classic holiday traditions can get a Kardashian twist. With sparkling lights hanging from bottom to top, the gravity-defying centerpiece adds a playful, modern edge to her homescape.

“We love a great tree,” actor and father of eight Kelsey Grammer tells Us. “Everybody decorates it together. We send the people who work for us to buy our tree because in California, there’s a thing called celebrity pricing. If you buy a 10-foot tree and you’re Kelsey Grammar, it’s going to cost you $1,900. If you’re not Kelsey Grammar, it’s $750!”

Home Town for the Holidays

When it comes to small-town Christmas spirit, Home Town stars Erin and Ben Napier have it down to an art — complete with homemade pomanders, candlelight church services and a dash of Laurel, Mississippi, charm. The HGTV sweethearts, who share daughters Helen, 7, and Mae, 4, tell Us that this season is all about family, food and giving back. “My mom and I made pomanders together — oranges with cloves — and now my girls love it,” says Erin. “The smell is just the smell of Christmas. You only smell it this time of year.”

Recently, the couple teamed up with Bob’s Red Mill to spread that same sense of warmth and generosity. “We teach our daughters that not everyone will have a happy holiday,” Ben says. “Sometimes a pan of biscuits can be a salve for the soul.” Erin adds, “Whenever we bake, we double the recipe so we can deliver some to a neighbor who needs it.”

In Laurel, the holidays are a big deal — from Pancake Day and the town parade to a black-tie gala and small-shop open houses. But for the Napiers, the best moments happen at home. On Christmas morning, they trade gifts with close family over homemade donuts and breakfast casserole, while Christmas Eve means a church service followed by Ben’s famous fettuccine Alfredo. Then there’s Ben’s favorite “redneck” tradition — blasting mistletoe out of the trees with a shotgun. “The girls tie it into little bundles with ribbon and hang it in every doorway,” Erin laughs.

To keep the chaos at bay, Erin has a secret weapon: a Nov. 1 reminder in her phone. “It’s my checklist — garland lengths, gifts, even coat sizes,” she explains. “It helps me enjoy the season instead of scrambling.”

As for what they want their daughters to remember? “I read once that Christmas magic is really just a mom who cared a lot,” says Erin. “That’s what we’re trying to be — the magic makers.”

Signed, Sealed, Delivered — Celebrity Style!

Hoda Kotb beamed with daughters Haley and Hope in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2024.

Jason Biggs and wife Jenny Mollen, with sons Sid and Lazlo, got all tied up in 2019.

Jenna Bush Hager, husband Henry and daughters Mila and Poppy dressed as fairy tale characters for the back of their 2024 card. Son Hal appeared on the front with the family.

Festive Glam the Molly Way

’Tis the season to get glam and glowing, and who better than model and entrepreneur Molly Sims to teach Us her ways? The age-defying mom of three and founder of the wildly successful skincare line YSE Beauty has a few tried-and-true tips for looking — and feeling — good throughout the season. “The holidays are such a fun time for fashion,” Sims says, adding it’s best to keep things simple even for a glitzy party. “There’s nothing chicer than a silk midiskirt paired with a cozy cashmere sweater. Add a bold red lip, a sleek clutch and pointed kitten heels, and you’ve got a festive look that’s effortlessly fashionforward.”

Given Sims’ flawless complexion, it’s no surprise that skincare is essential, especially this time of year. “During party season, I stick to a simple PM routine, one that works whether I’m in bed by 8 p.m. or just getting home at 3 a.m.,” Sims says. “My go-to is YSE Beauty’s Take It Off Gel Oil Cleanser, followed by Last Call Retinol Serum and finished with Extremely Rich Moisturizer. It’s simple, effective and I still wake up with skin that feels fresh and looks radiant… even if my body — and head — are still recovering from the night before.”

To get that essential holiday glow, she reaches for Danessa Myricks Beauty ColorFix, which adds shimmer to cheeks, eyes and lips, and a Chanel bronzer. She stocks her makeup bag with Saie Beauty Lip Liner in Flirt and YSE Beauty Craving Color Lip Tint Duo. “It may sound cliché, but I make time for my mini rituals and routines,” adds the Lipstick on the Rim podcaster. “I’m consistent with my skincare and supplement routines because even just five minutes for myself helps me show up better for others. Amid the chaos, it’s so important to carve out moments for yourself.”

Bring on the Bling

Nobody does holiday dressing quite like The Wonder Years alum and Great American Family star Danica McKellar. The actress — whose new movie, Have We Met This Christmas?, premieres December. 13 — is fully embracing the season in her signature twinkly style. “I love Christmas colors and sparkles,” she tells Us. “I have a big red coat I adore; it feels so festive.” For accessories, she relies on a collection of over-the-top earrings. “I have candy cane ones that go through the ear — it looks like it’s poking right through! And some that jingle when I walk,” she says. “They’re definitely extra, but that’s what makes them fun.” A self-proclaimed Christmas superfan, McKellar even picked up a few of her favorite pieces from Christmas Con, the annual fan event in Edison, New Jersey, where she’ll appear December. 12–14. “It’s a total winter wonderland, and a perfect excuse to wear as much sparkle as possible,” she says, though she notes her yuletide style isn’t about perfection — she just wants to inspire joy.

Cozy Couture

Supermodel Chanel Iman is making laid-back look luxe this holiday season. The mom of three — daughters Cali, 7, Cassie, 5, and Capri, 2 — just dropped the ultimate festive must-have: pajamas from her lifestyle brand, Chasa. “I’m beyond excited about this launch,” Iman tells Us. “Matching PJs have always been my favorite family tradition, so designing our own cozy sets for everyone just felt right. They’re soft, stylish and perfect for the holidays.” The former Victoria’s Secret Angel, who’ll be celebrating in New Orleans (think a spread of Creole deliciousness) with husband and Saints football player Davon Godchaux, admits she basically lives in loungewear once December hits. “If I don’t have to take off my pajamas, I don’t want to,” she laughs. “Now at least I can be comfy and cute — I do school dropoffs in them all the time!” When she’s not relaxing in her new collection, Iman’s busy decking the halls in classic red decor and lighting Chasa’s signature candles. “I love creating a warm, joyful vibe,” she adds. “The holidays are all about love, laughter and a little sparkle.”