There isn’t a single universal date, but most families start decorating after Thanksgiving or in early December, with many aiming for the Advent period or the first weekend in December. If you prefer tradition-based timing, Advent (the four Sundays before Christmas) is a common guide, which this year would place the start of decorating around late November to early December. If you want to maximize tree freshness for a live tree, you’ll usually want to set it up in the first week of December at the latest. Key options to consider
- After Thanksgiving weekend: This is when many households begin, giving you a full month of holiday ambiance.
- Advent start: Begin when Advent begins (the Sunday four weeks before Christmas), which often falls between late November and early December.
- Personal preference: Some people start in mid-November to enjoy decorations longer; others wait closer to December for a quieter build-up.
Practical tips
- If you have a live tree, set-up earlier in December rather than too early, to preserve freshness and reduce needle drop.
- Plan space and safety: keep the tree away from heat sources and note sap management for real trees.
- Coordinate with yearly events: if you host gatherings in December, timing your tree up a week or two before can align with holiday plans.
If you share your location and whether you’re using a real or artificial tree, it’s possible to tailor the timing to your climate and specific traditions.
