When to put up the Christmas tree is one of the most debated questions in Australian homes. Some families decorate the moment November arrives. Others wait until a week before Christmas. There is no rule, but there are traditions, practical timings and a clear trend towards decorating earlier.
That trend shows up in the data. In Australian Google search data, “when to put up christmas tree” was searched 4,400 times in November 2025 and just 480 times in December. Most people make the decision in November.
When Should You Put Up Your Christmas Tree?
In Australia, most households put the Christmas tree up between late November and early December. The first weekend of December and the start of Advent are the most popular times. There is no fixed rule, so choose a date that gives your family the most time to enjoy it.
Popular Times to Put Up the Tree
Late November
Early decorators love a long season. With school ending in December and weekends filling fast, late November gives you time to decorate without the rush.
The start of Advent
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, usually in late November or the first days of December. Many Christian families put the tree up then. Wikipedia’s Advent page explains the tradition.
1 December
The simplest choice. The tree goes up with the first door of the advent calendar, and the countdown begins. Browse our Advent Calendars to start the month.
Mid-December
Traditionalists and busy households often wait until mid-December, especially with a real tree that dries out in the heat.
Is It Too Early to Put Up a Christmas Tree?
Not if it makes you happy. An artificial tree can stay up for weeks without dropping needles, so decorating in November is easy. If you use a real tree, wait until December, since summer heat dries it out quickly.
Plan Ahead: Buy Before the Rush
If you need a new tree, lights or decorations, shop early. Popular trees, sizes and colours sell out as December approaches, and delivery times stretch for every retailer in the lead-up to Christmas. Ordering in October or November gives you the best range and time to set up. Read our artificial Christmas tree buying guide, then browse our Christmas Trees.
How to Set Up an Artificial Christmas Tree
- Unbox and sort. Lay out the sections and stand in order.
- Assemble the stand. Make sure it is level and stable.
- Stack the sections. Start with the base and work up.
- Shape the branches. Fluff every tip from the bottom up, pulling some up, some out and some down.
- Check the lights. On a pre-lit tree, plug in and test each section before decorating.
- Add lights if unlit. Weave Christmas lights from the trunk out.
- Decorate. Follow our Christmas tree decorating ideas.
- Finish the base. Add a skirt or collar from Tree Skirts & Collars.
Place the tree away from heaters, curtains and direct sun, and switch lights off when you go to bed. Fire and Rescue NSW has more festive season fire safety advice.
When to Take Down the Christmas Tree
Tradition says to take decorations down on Twelfth Night, which falls on 5 or 6 January depending on how it is counted. Wikipedia’s Twelfth Night page covers the history. Many Australian families simply pack up before school returns in late January.
How to Store Christmas Decorations
- Wrap fragile baubles in tissue and store them in divided boxes.
- Wind lights around a piece of cardboard to stop tangles.
- Store the tree in its bag or box, sections in order.
- Keep everything somewhere cool and dry, not in a hot garage or roof space.
- Label boxes by room so next year’s set-up is faster.
How Long Can a Christmas Tree Stay Up?
An artificial Christmas tree can stay up for as long as you like. It will not drop needles or dry out, so many families leave it up from late November until early January.
A real tree is different in an Australian summer. Heat and air conditioning dry it out quickly, so most real trees look their best for two to three weeks.
Tips for a real tree
- Cut the base before you put it in the stand so it can draw water.
- Water it every day. A tree can drink a lot in hot weather.
- Keep it cool. Place it away from windows with afternoon sun.
- Remove lights once needles start to drop and the tree dries out.
If you want your tree up for the whole season, an artificial tree is the easier choice.
If your family cannot agree on a date, try a compromise: put the tree up on the first weekend of December and add a few decorations each weekend after that. The house builds towards Christmas gradually, and nobody feels it went up too early or too late.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the earliest you should put up a Christmas tree?
There is no rule. Many Australians start in mid to late November with an artificial tree.
When should you put up Christmas decorations in Australia?
Most homes decorate from late November to the first weekend of December.
When should you take down your Christmas tree?
Traditionally on Twelfth Night, 5 or 6 January, or before school goes back.
Should you put up the tree before or after Advent starts?
Either works. Many families put it up on the first Sunday of Advent so the tree and the countdown start together.
Put Your Tree Up When It Suits You
The right time to put up your Christmas tree is the time that gives your family the most joy. For most Australians that is late November to early December. Plan ahead, set up safely and enjoy the season. Shop the Furniture Haven Christmas Trees range before the rush.
