When to Decorate for Christmas

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You found the perfect tree and you’ve planned your theme this year, but when is a good time to start decorating for Christmas? The weekend after Thanksgiving is ideal since you’re done with hosting and entertaining duties by this time. In this article, we share expert tips and recommendations to help you decide when to put up your tree, greenery, and other holiday décor.

Gold decorative pumpkins and pillar candles styled with lit pine garland on a mantel

When To Start Decorating For Christmas

There’s no hard rule when it comes to holiday decorating. The most common timeframe is between the weekend post-Thanksgiving and the first week of December.

Increasingly, people are starting to blur the lines between Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations, making the transition smoother from both a visual and logistical standpoint. For example, you can have a lighted tree up for late fall and Thanksgiving, then only decorate it for the holidays within the first week of December.

Dining room decorated for Christmas with a lit tree, a wreath above the fireplace, and a set table with autumn accents

When To Put Up Your Christmas Tree

Tree setup relies on whether you've chosen a fresh or artificial display this year. For fresh trees that typically last 4 to 5 weeks, aim to have it up within the first two weeks of December for a holiday centerpiece that should look picture-perfect until the New Year. Do note that you'll need to allocate time for needle cleanup and water maintenance over the season.

Artificial trees can be displayed as long as you want, with less maintenance compared to real trees. You'll need to dedicate some time to set up the tree, fluff the foliage, and hang up lights and ornaments, so time it for when you've recovered from the Thanksgiving rush.

When To Put Up Christmas Decorations

Greenery, stockings, lights, and other décor complete the full holiday decorating experience along with your Christmas tree. We recommend gradually dressing up your spaces with different pieces for a smooth transition from fall to Christmas and winter. Below is a guide you can follow.

Frosted pinecone wreath hung above a console table styled with deer figurines, lit village houses, and candles

Christmas Greenery

Switch out fall wreaths and garlands for winter greenery in late November, and hang them on the front door, mantel, and outdoor spaces.

Embroidered Christmas stockings hung along a console table beneath a wreath, garland, and string lights

Christmas Mantel Decor

Stockings are traditionally hung on Christmas Eve, but you can display them alongside your mantel decorations throughout the season.

Christmas table setting with pine garland, red taper candles, and woven placemats

Christmas Tablescapes

Swap out fall table décor as soon as Thanksgiving passes, keeping it neutral early in December before adding more holiday accents.

Front porch entryway decorated with garland, a wreath, and hanging light spheres

Lights and Outdoor Decor

Clear Christmas lights are versatile and can go up as early as Halloween, but for more holiday-specific lighted displays and decorations, wait until early December. Check around neighbors and match your timing to the neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should Christmas Decorations Be?

Most people put up their tree and other holiday decor the weekend after Thanksgiving, though some start as early as right after Halloween. If you have a real tree, it’s best to wait closer to early December so it lasts through the season.

Is It Okay To Decorate for Christmas Before Thanksgiving?

There’s no hard rule. If your wreaths, garlands, and lights aren’t explicitly Christmas-themed, many people put them up before Thanksgiving without issue. Others like melding a combination of holiday themes and accents for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, like putting up a holiday tree and swapping decorations out between occasions.

Why Do People Start Decorating for Christmas in November?

When to decorate for Christmas comes down to personal preference. Many people choose November to extend the festive feeling of the holiday season longer, and to enjoy the feeling of decorating and building a cozy atmosphere before the stress of the seasonal rush comes in. It's also smart to set up your Christmas tree and lighted displays early, to give you time to troubleshoot any issues.