Abstract: An internally illuminated optical display comprises a hollow interior containing therein a light source and in which the internal surface of said display is coated with a highly light reflective coating, the display including light holes and/or transparent or translucent bulbs which emit the light reflected in the interior of the display to the exterior thereof. The display can be in the form of a Christmas tree in which the trunk of the tree is hollow and contains a light source connected to an electrical outlet or electrical storage battery, the branches of the tree being inserted into the trunk and including a hollow portion, the hollow interior of the trunk and branches being coated with the light reflective coating and including light emitting holes and/or bulbs thereon. The internally lighted optical display can also be in the form of a wreath which utilizes the principles of decorative lighting disclosed in the invention.