When Should Christmas Decorations Go Up? Tradition vs Now

The most popular time in the US is the days after Thanksgiving, and the traditional Christian answer is the start of Advent, which in 2026 is Sunday, November 29. There is no rule. If you have a real tree, waiting until early or mid-December keeps it fresh through the holidays; artificial trees and indoor decorations can go up whenever you are ready.

When is the traditional time to put up Christmas decorations?

The traditional starting point is the first Sunday of Advent, the season of preparation before Christmas. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas, on the Sunday nearest the Feast of St. Andrew on November 30. In 2026 that is November 29, according to Hallow’s Advent calendar. Speaking to RTÉ, an etiquette consultant said there are “no real rules”, while another expert suggested the start of Advent as a traditional guide.

Some older family traditions waited much longer and decorated on Christmas Eve itself. Many families still save one part of the tree, such as the topper or a special ornament, for Christmas Eve.

When do most people put up their decorations?

After Thanksgiving is the most common answer in the US. In an informal social media poll by Bob Vila, 67% of respondents said they wait until after Thanksgiving, 16% start right after Halloween, 10% wait until December 1, and 7% wait until mid-December. It is not a scientific survey, but it matches what most neighborhoods look like the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Is it too early to decorate in November?

Not if it makes you happy. The practical questions are:

Real tree or artificial? A cut tree put up in early November will be dry well before Christmas. The etiquette consultant quoted by RTÉ said a real tree put up in November will look “really tired” by Twelfth Night and suggested waiting until mid-December. Artificial trees have no deadline.
Outdoor lights. Many people hang outdoor lights earlier, while the weather is mild, and simply wait to turn them on.
Shared spaces. In an apartment building or office, check whether there is a set date for common areas.
Thanksgiving hosting. If you are hosting, many people prefer to finish Thanksgiving first so the table and the house have their own moment.

A simple decorating timeline

Early to mid-November: check lights, replace broken hooks and hangers, and buy any new ornaments while choice is best.
Thanksgiving weekend: outdoor lights, wreaths, and an artificial tree if you have one.
Late November to early December: indoor decorations, the mantel, and an Advent calendar ready for December 1.
Early to mid-December: a real tree, then the ornaments. Our guide to putting ornaments on a Christmas tree covers the order.
Christmas Eve: any last ornament or tradition you like to save for the night.

When should you buy Christmas ornaments?

For personalized ornaments, order in November. Anything made to order needs time for the name or photo to be added and for shipping, and December carriers are busy. For ready-made ornaments, the widest choice is before Thanksgiving, and the best prices are usually in the clearance sales after Christmas, when you can stock up for next year.

When should Christmas decorations come down?

The traditional time is the end of the twelve days of Christmas, around January 5 or 6. RTÉ’s experts agreed decorations should stay up through the twelve days, ending January 5, while Bob Vila notes that many Christians see Epiphany, twelve days after Christmas, as the true end of the season. In the same informal poll, 61% said they keep decorations up through Epiphany. When you take them down, our guide on how to store Christmas ornaments helps keep them safe for next year.

Quick answers

When should Christmas decorations go up? After Thanksgiving is the most popular time; traditionally, the first Sunday of Advent.
When is the first Sunday of Advent in 2026? November 29.
When should a real tree go up? Early to mid-December so it stays fresh.
When do decorations come down? Traditionally after the twelve days of Christmas, around January 5 or 6.

From the shop

If the front door is your first job, the crochet Christmas wreath with reindeer, Santa, snowman and bell is a small door hanger that does not shed or dry out.