Your Christmas tree may have just gone up, but it's nearly time to start thinking about when to take it down. Now we're not trying to rush through the Christmas season. In fact, we're still decking the halls and planning our Christmas Eve tablescape. But the season can last only so long, and everyone has a different opinion as to when it officially ends—December 26, January 1, never. No matter your holiday preferences, we have you covered. From religious traditions to the last possible day your tree is alive, we've researched exactly when to take down your Christmas tree.
The History of the Twelfth Night
You're probably familiar with the classic Christmas carol "The 12 Days of Christmas," but you may not know that those days of gifting don't actually begin until Christmas Day. That's right: They're after the fact, not a countdown to Christmas. According to Christian tradition, the three kings or wise men arrived in the town of Bethlehem 12 days after Christmas, on January 6. That's why it's celebrated as Three Kings Day or Epiphany. So, technically, the Christmas celebrations should continue on for nearly two weeks after Santa Claus finishes his route.
When to Take Down Your Christmas Tree
January 1
New Year's Day is one of the most common days to remove Christmas decorations. While many people spend the day recovering from the night before and considering their resolutions, it's also a great time to reset your home before returning to work or school.
January 6
According to the tradition of the 12 days of Christmas (explained above), January 6 is the earliest you should be taking down your Christmas tree. According to the legend, bad luck will befall those who stop the Christmas cheer any earlier.
Whenever You Want
Let's be honest, the Christmas season stops when you want it to. Sure, it may be a little weird to deck the halls in May, but we're all about individual expression. In fact, one HB staffer's grandparents have taken to leaving their tree up year-round.
When Your Tree Becomes a Fire Hazard
If you have a real Christmas tree, there's a possibility of it drying out and becoming unsafe. The max is usually between a month and six weeks. If you notice your tree turning brown, smelling musty, or dropping a significant number of needles, it's time to toss it. You'll also know it's time if your tree stops soaking up water—that's a sure sign of a dead tree.
Kate McGregor is House Beautiful's Digital Editor, writing in-depth , design inspiration stories, and . With over five years of experience writing commerce and search-optimized content for brands like Domino, Real Simple, and Architectural Digest’s Clever, Kate has developed a passion for uncovering the personal stories that often lie behind the inspiration for people’s spaces. She previously worked as the assistant market editor at ELLE Decor where she identified top products and brands in the industry and interviewed emerging designers about their thoughts on the latest . Kate holds a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University. When not researching the specificities of begonia plant care, you can find Kate scouring vintage markets for the ideal wrought-iron chair, knitting yet another cardigan, or reading historical nonfiction.
