When Should You Put Up Your Christmas Tree?

As soon as the holiday spirit starts to make itself known, the classic festive debate rolls around: when is the best time to put up the Christmas tree? For some, November means it’s time to deck the halls with all things Christmas and put up the tree right away! For others, waiting until December feels more traditional. So, when is the best time to set up your tree?

The Early Birds: Mid-November Tree Setup

Some simply can’t wait to kick off Christmas. For these early birds, ‘When can I put my Christmas tree up?’ has an easy answer – mid-November is fair game! This group often puts up their Christmas tree as soon as Halloween is over, and Bonfire Night has passed.

With the tree up early, they get to enjoy the cosy holiday atmosphere for as long as possible. And if you love all things Christmas, why not start the festivities early?

13% of households put their Christmas trees up in November.¹

Traditional Timing: The Start of Advent

In many households, tradition rules the Christmas schedule. According to classic customs, the first day of Advent – typically the fourth Sunday before Christmas – is the time to start decorating.

This date varies each year but usually falls between November 27th and December 3rd.

For those who enjoy a mix of tradition and an early start to the season, putting up the Christmas tree at the start of Advent brings a festive feel without jumping the gun too soon.

Beginning of December: The Modern Choice

December 1st is a popular date for those who want to hold off until the Christmas month officially begins. Setting up the tree at the beginning of December is great for balancing festive excitement with tradition. It’s also a perfect way to welcome the season alongside the countdown to Christmas, especially if you’re marking the days with an Advent calendar.

22% of UK households put their tree up during the first week of December.¹

The Last-Minute Crowd: Christmas Eve Tradition

On the other end of the spectrum, some families stick to a Christmas Eve tradition for decorating. Though it’s a bit old-fashioned, setting up the tree on Christmas Eve captures the classic holiday magic.

While it’s rare these days, some families enjoy the anticipation and the joy of decorating everything in one go, right before the big day.

17% of UK households will put up their trees later than December 10th.¹

Location Matters

Even your postcode and local traditions can influence when you deck the halls! Londoners are famously first to light up the UK with their Christmas decorations, closely followed by the Midlands and the South.²

Meanwhile, Brits aged 35 and up often wait a bit longer, but the 18-to-34 crowd is eager to bring on the festive cheer.²

Sprinkle the Holiday Magic Your Way

Ultimately, the answer to ‘when should I put my Christmas tree up?’ depends on your favourite way to celebrate.

Whether you’re a November decorator or a traditionalist who waits until December, there’s no wrong choice. The festive season is about creating joy and memories, so the best time to put up your Christmas tree is whenever it feels right for you!

Embrace the magic of the season and make it your own. And for that extra-special holiday touch, don’t forget to check out Funky Pigeon’s range of unique, personalised Christmas decorations to make your tree truly one of a kind!

Sources

¹When did you / do you intend to put Christmas decorations up in your household? YouGov, 2023
²London leads Britain in Christmas home decoration. YouGov, 2024