When Should You Put Up Your Christmas Tree? Plus How to Pick the Right One
There is no official date when Australians have to put up the Christmas tree. For some families, the tree goes up as soon as November starts to feel festive. Others wait for 1 December, the first weekend of December, or the beginning of Advent. The best date is really the one that gives you enough time to enjoy your tree without turning Christmas decorating into another job on the list.
This guide covers when to put your tree up, what size works in different rooms, whether pre-lit or unlit is better, and a few easy ways to make the whole setup look more polished.
When should you put up your Christmas tree in Australia?
There is no single correct answer, but these are four useful ways to choose your date.
Late November: for people who want a longer Christmas season
If Christmas is your favourite time of year, there is nothing wrong with getting started in late November. Artificial trees make early decorating easy because they do not need watering and will look the same throughout December.
1 December: simple, memorable and easy
Putting the tree up on 1 December gives you a clear start to the festive season. It also leaves plenty of time to adjust your decorations, add presents underneath and build out the rest of the house before Christmas Day.
The first weekend of December: best for a family decorating day
For many households, the practical answer is the first free weekend in December. You have time to assemble and fluff the tree properly, untangle or test lights, bring out the decorations and let everyone help without trying to squeeze it into a busy weeknight.
Advent: for a more traditional approach
Some families use the start of Advent as their cue. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, so the exact date changes each year. If tradition matters to your household, this can be a meaningful way to decide.
How to choose the right Christmas tree size
Before choosing a style, measure the spot where the tree will actually stand. Height matters, but so does width. A beautiful tree quickly becomes annoying if it blocks a doorway, crowds the lounge or takes over the main walkway.
| Tree height | Works well for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2m–1.5m | Apartments, bedrooms, offices and smaller living areas | Floor space and furniture clearance |
| 1.8m / 6ft | Most standard living rooms | Leave room above for a topper |
| 2.1m / 7ft | Larger living rooms and statement displays | Measure ceiling height carefully |
| 2.4m / 8ft | High ceilings and open-plan spaces | Allow roughly 30cm above the tree if you want a topper |
A good rule is to measure the ceiling, subtract the space you want for your topper, and then check the tree's listed width as well. If floor space is tight, a smaller or slimmer tree will usually look better than squeezing in the tallest tree you can technically fit.
What type of Christmas tree should you buy?
Classic green artificial tree
This is the most flexible option if you like changing your decorating theme from year to year. Green works with traditional red and gold, modern neutrals, bright family decorations and almost anything in between.
Pre-lit Christmas tree
If the part you dislike most is wrapping lights around the tree, go pre-lit. The lighting is already distributed through the branches, which can save a surprising amount of setup time. Explore the pre-lit Christmas trees collection if convenience is the priority.
Snow-tipped or flocked tree
A snowy tree gives you the winter-Christmas look even in the middle of an Australian summer. It works particularly well with white, silver, blue, champagne and natural timber decorations. See the snow Christmas trees range for more options.
Fibre optic tree
Fibre optic trees are made for people who want plenty of colour and light with minimal decorating. They can be especially useful in apartments, secondary living spaces and kids' rooms where a quick plug-in setup is appealing. Browse fibre optic Christmas trees.
Christmas trees to consider right now
Here are a few different styles from our current range. We have intentionally left prices out of this guide so you can always see the latest price and availability on the product page.
Twinkle 1.8m Pre-Lit Tree
A practical 6ft option with warm white LEDs and eight lighting effects. Great for a standard living room.
Dasher 2.1m Pre-Lit Tree
A 7ft green tree with 3000 warm white LEDs and eight lighting modes for a brighter statement.
Christabelle 2.1m Snow-Tipped Tree
A full 1200-tip design for anyone wanting a snowy winter look without choosing a pre-lit tree.
Enchanted 2.4m Pre-Lit Tree
An 8ft statement tree with 3190 warm white LEDs, ideal when you have a larger room and higher ceiling.
Make the tree look better with this decorating order
You do not need a professional stylist to get a balanced tree. The easiest approach is to work in layers:
- Fluff the branches first. Spend a few minutes separating and shaping the tips before adding anything.
- Add lights next if your tree is not pre-lit. Work from the trunk outward so the tree glows from within instead of having all the lights sitting on the outer edge.
- Add ribbon, garland or tinsel. These larger elements create the main lines of the design.
- Hang larger decorations first. Space them around the tree, then use smaller baubles and ornaments to fill the gaps.
- Finish with the topper and base. A topper draws the eye upward, while a skirt or neatly arranged presents makes the bottom feel finished.
Need the finishing pieces? Browse Christmas tree decorations and Christmas lights.
Build the rest of your Christmas look
Pre-Lit Christmas Trees
Skip the light-stringing step and get straight to decorating.
Christmas Tree Decorations
Baubles, toppers and decorative pieces for a coordinated finish.
Christmas Lights Australia
Add warm white, multicolour or outdoor lighting around the home.
A quick Christmas tree personality test
You want it done fast: choose a pre-lit tree.
You change themes every year: choose a classic green unlit tree.
You love the white-Christmas look: choose snow-tipped or flocked.
You want colour with minimal effort: choose fibre optic.
You want the tree to dominate the room: measure for a 2.1m or 2.4m statement tree.
You are short on floor space: look at 1.2m–1.8m options or a slimmer profile.
When should you take your Christmas tree down?
There is no official Australian rule here either. Some households pack everything away soon after New Year's Day, while others follow the older tradition of taking decorations down around Epiphany in early January. With an artificial tree, the main practical consideration is storing it properly so the branches, lights and decorations are protected until next Christmas.
Frequently asked questions
Is November too early to put up a Christmas tree?
No. If you have an artificial tree and enjoy a longer festive season, putting it up in November is completely reasonable. The best timing is whatever suits your household.
Is 1 December the correct date to put up a Christmas tree?
It is a popular and convenient date, but it is not an official rule. Other families choose Advent, the first December weekend or another date that fits their own tradition.
What Christmas tree size suits a standard Australian living room?
A 1.8m tree is a versatile choice for many rooms. A 2.1m tree can create more impact if your ceiling height and floor space allow it. Always measure the height and width of the exact space before ordering.
Should I buy a pre-lit or unlit Christmas tree?
Choose pre-lit if speed and convenience matter most. Choose unlit if you want complete control over the colour, placement and style of your lights each year.
How do I make an artificial Christmas tree look fuller?
Fluff every branch before decorating, angle the tips in different directions, place some decorations slightly deeper into the tree and use larger ornaments or ribbon to fill visible gaps.
How should I store an artificial Christmas tree?
Remove decorations and detachable lights, fold the branches gently, and store the tree in a dry bag or box away from moisture and direct sunlight. Avoid crushing the branches under heavy items.
Ready to choose your tree?
The right Christmas tree is the one that fits your room, your decorating style and the amount of setup you actually want to do. Measure first, choose your preferred look, then give yourself enough time to enjoy decorating it rather than rushing.