How did the tradition of putting up Christmas trees begin?

Whether you look to the ancient Romans and Egyptians for their symbolic use of evergreens or to Americans bringing over the German tradition of candlelit trees in the 1800s, it's easy to see that Christmas trees have been a treasured part of winter holiday celebrations for centuries. Modern traditions now include personalized ornaments for each new year, trees themed to recognize favorite sports teams or fandoms, and, of course, the large-scale trees featured in NYC's Rockefeller Center and other big cities around the world.

Should I buy a real tree or an artificial one?

That's definitely a question of preference. Some families love the annual tradition of trekking out to the Christmas tree farm (or parking lot store!) and selecting the perfect tree for that year. Other people prefer to have a tree that they can use for many years without sacrificing a living one. Artificial trees don't tend to shed "needles" as readily as real ones, and there's no need to keep it watered to prevent drying out and becoming a fire hazard!

What's the difference between LED lights and incandescent bulbs?

In the past, your only option for Christmas tree lights were the incandescent variety - and strings of lights might only last a season or two before burning out. LED lights are usually a little more expensive, but they last longer and use a fraction of the energy that incandescent bulbs need - ultimately saving you money in the long run.

What happens if a bulb burns out? Will the whole tree go out too?

You're not wrong to wonder - that's how it used to be! You may still find some light strands where one faulty bulb will take out the whole bunch, but most lights on pre-lit trees use a technology that keeps the tree lit even if a bulb (or several) go out. You'll often get extra bulbs and fuses with your purchase, if your tree requires them.

Are artificial trees difficult to set up?

Some are easier than others. You may have to insert individual branches into the "trunk", hang tree sections from a center pole, or fluff the branches after being in storage. There are some Christmas trees that come in just two sections (base and top) and can be set up in a few minutes. Keep the assembly method in mind as you shop, especially if you're buying a larger tree that might be unwieldy to put together!

Can I use my artificial Christmas tree outdoors?

Most trees, particularly the pre-lit types, are rated for indoor use only. Depending on the retailer you shop, you may be able to find models that are designed for indoor/outdoor use. You might need to check the product specifications for each tree, if the site doesn't have a category just for outdoor use Christmas trees.

Can I return my Christmas tree if I don't like it?

You won't be surprised to hear that it depends on the retailer. You may find that returns are only accepted on unused, unopened Christmas trees, that returns are accepted but you'll be charged a restocking fee, and/or you'll be on the hook to pay for the return shipping. It might be worth doing an exchange for a tree you'll like more rather than doing a return: many stores will cover your return shipping costs if you're getting another Christmas tree from their inventory.

Is it safe to buy my Christmas tree online?

Absolutely! And, for many people, it's a much better option than buying one at a brick-and-mortar retailer: would you rather have your Christmas tree delivered right to your doorstep or have to figure out how to get it home from the store? Most Christmas tree stores have been in business for many years, with a well-established track record of high-quality merchandise and attention to customer service - so go find that tree you've always wanted!

Best Christmas Tree Stores for January 2026

Item: The Best Christmas Tree Stores - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Tuesday, January 20th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Christmas Tree Store Reviews

Where can you get the best Christmas trees? When December rolls around, there's one tradition that outshines even the carols, cookies, and cozy nights by the fire: the Christmas tree. It's hard to imagine the holiday season without that glowing centerpiece, the place where ornaments sparkle and presents patiently wait their turn.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

King of Christmas

Over 100 Christmas trees to choose from
Prices range from $199 to $2,899
Voted best artificial Christmas tree retailer by Better Homes & Gardens, Popular Mechanics, and Wirecutter

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EXCELLENT

5.0

On the King of Christmas website

King of Christmas stays our #1 pick because their trees are consistently beautiful, durable, and easy to set up. You get boutique-level craftsmanship, free shipping, and a solid warranty, along with thousands of verified reviews that back up their reputation. Add in their community donations and customer-first service, and it's easy to see why shoppers rave about this company and its Christmas trees. Whether you're going budget-friendly or splurge-worthy, King of Christmas has a tree you'll be proud to place at the heart of your holiday season.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Home Depot

Over 1,600 Christmas trees to choose from
Only retailer in our review offering live tree delivery
Helpful filters and 360-degree product views online

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GREAT

4.5

On the Home Depot website

Home Depot might not feel as fancy as a boutique Christmas tree shop, but it shines when it comes to variety, convenience, and price. With nearly 2,000 trees to choose from - including live trees delivered right to your door - you'll have no trouble finding one that fits your space and budget. Easy browsing tools, detailed product pages, and thousands of customer photos make shopping straightforward, and if you're in a hurry, same-day pickup at your local store is a lifesaver. Affordable prices, strong customer reviews, and a great overall reputation help Home Depot secure a top spot among Christmas tree stores.

4.4

GREAT

Great

Wayfair

More than 24,000 Christmas trees to choose from
Options from budget-friendly tabletop trees ($15) to deluxe 30-foot showstoppers ($30,000+)
Easy filters by size, shape, lighting, needle type, "realism" level, and more

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GREAT

4.4

On the Wayfair website

Wayfair takes Christmas tree shopping to a whole new level, with over 24,000 options ranging from budget-friendly to show-stopping luxury picks. It's easy to sort through the massive selection thanks to detailed filters and "quick view" features, and many trees come backed by hundreds or even thousands of glowing reviews. Free shipping kicks in on nearly every tree, and you'll often spot discount codes for extra savings. While returns can be a bit of a hassle if something goes wrong, Wayfair still earns a very high rating for its unbeatable variety, online shopping convenience, and customer-loved designs.

4.3

GREAT

Great

Balsam Hill

Premium trees that start at $249 and go up to 18' luxury models at $11,000+ for a true showstopper
Nearly 90 trees with dozens of variations let you find the perfect size, shape, and lights
True Needle technology delivers the most realistic artificial trees you can buy

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GREAT

4.3

On the Balsam Hill website

Balsam Hill is where you shop when you want a Christmas tree that looks so real it could fool your guests. You'll pay a premium, but you'll also get unmatched craftsmanship, a huge variety of styles and sizes, and excellent warranties. With a reputation backed by an "A+" BBB rating, glowing customer reviews, and even use in TV shows and Macy's Santaland, Balsam Hill Christmas trees are one of the best options out there if realism, quality, and even eco-friendliness are your top priorities.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Walmart

Over 1,000 Christmas tree listings
Prices from under $1 to $729.99
Best sellers with 3,000+ customer reviews

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VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Walmart website

Shopping Walmart for Christmas trees gives you a ton of budget-friendly options. You can find everything from pre-lit artificial trees that make a perfect holiday centerpiece, to small desktop trees perfect for the office, and pickup or shipping makes it easy to get your holiday setup on time. This won't be your go-to if you're looking for something high end, but let's be honest: that's not what you're expecting from Walmart anyway. For variety and convenience without breaking the bank, Walmart is one of your most reliable stops when shopping for a Christmas tree (...and the decorations... and the gifts).

3.9

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Lowe's

More than 4,400 Christmas trees available online
Wide range of prices from budget-friendly under $100 to premium picks over $2,000
Easy to preview tree size, species, light count, and reviews

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VERY GOOD

3.9

On the Lowe's website

Lowe's has one of the largest selections of Christmas trees online - more than 4,400 options - and makes it easy to shop by style, size, lights, and so on. Their trees come from well-known brands, most trees ship free (or can be picked up in-store at no cost), and returns are simple within 90 days. While individual models don't rack up as many reviews as other retailers' bestsellers, the variety and convenience make Lowe's a strong contender whether you're looking for a budget-friendly or brag-worthy Christmas tree.

3.8

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Michaels

Over 4,000 Christmas trees to choose from
Prices starting at $6.47 and going up to $3,549.95
Easy filters by size, shape, style, foliage type, and more

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VERY GOOD

3.8

On the Michaels website

Michaels has seriously stepped up its Christmas tree game, now offering over 4,000 options online with prices starting under $10 and going all the way up to tree multi-packs (!). The shopping experience is much smoother than before, thanks to improved filters that let you sort by size, style, price, and more. Some trees come with tons of glowing customer reviews (complete with photos), and you can usually snag a discount code at checkout for extra savings. Free shipping on orders of $49+ and a perfect "A+" BBB rating make Michaels a reliable pick if you want convenience and variety - plus the bonus of adding holiday crafts to your cart at the same time.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

Christmas Central

Wide selection of trees (about 1,945 styles plus commercial options up to 30 feet tall)
Pricing from $6.99 to nearly $3,500 (and over $10K for commercial trees)
Website filters make it easy to shop by height, profile, lighting type, and more

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AVERAGE

3.0

On the Christmas Central website

Christmas Central is hard to beat for sheer variety, with nearly 2,000 trees to browse and plenty of filters to help you narrow things down. Pricing spans everything from a $7 mini-tree to $3,500 showpieces, plus commercial options up to 30 feet tall. The return policy is average, and customer feedback is mixed: stellar ratings on Google but much lower on Trustpilot. With an "A+" BBB grade and a smooth online shopping experience, this store is worth a look if you want lots of options, but because the quality and service can be hit-or-miss, Christmas Central still comes in as just average compared with other Christmas tree stores on our list.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

Christmas Lights Etc.

Two household tree models: Sequoia Fir and Olympia Pine
Sizes from 6.5' to 9' for non-commercial models
Commercial trees ranging from 11' to 41'

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SUBPAR

2.0

On the Christmas Lights Etc. website

Christmas Lights Etc. has been selling holiday décor since 2000, and they're best known for massive commercial displays rather than trees for the average household. You'll only find two standard models here - the Sequoia Fir and Olympia Pine - and while they come with excellent warranties, their prices run much higher than most shoppers want to pay. The real draw is their commercial lineup, with trees that soar over 40 feet tall and customizable lighting options. Reputation is mixed, though: the company has an "A+" BBB rating with no recent complaints, but customer reviews on Trustpilot highlight issues with quality and return fees. If you're decorating a shopping mall or a city plaza, Christmas Lights Etc. delivers; if you're shopping for your living room, you'll likely find better Christmas tree options elsewhere.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

National Tree Company

Over 560 Christmas tree options
Prices range from under $50 to over $2,000
Folding metal stand, spare bulbs, and fuses included with most trees

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WEAK

1.5

On the National Tree Company website

National Tree Company has lots of Christmas trees and accessories, but the experience is about as joyful as a lump of coal in your stocking. Customer service is open fewer hours than Santa's milk-and-cookie break, the return policy will jingle all the way to your wallet, and buyers say the trees look nothing like the pictures. With a 1.6-star average from unhappy customers, National Tree Company apparently turns holiday cheer into holiday jeer. Do yourself a favor and deck the halls with a tree from somewhere else.

1.0

POOR

Poor

At Home

Around 70 Christmas trees in inventory (about 61 available for shipping at the time of review)
Prices ranging from $29.99 for small 4' trees to $899.99 for 12' models
Variety of options, including traditional green, flocked, and novelty colors like black and pink

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POOR

1.0

On the At Home website

At Home may want you to think it's one of Santa's favorite places to shop, but when it comes to Christmas trees, this retailer is firmly on the naughty list. You'll find plenty of options online and in-store, but quality is shaky whether you go cheap or premium, delivery fees can pile up, and returns aren't especially easy. Add in a rock-bottom BBB rating, unhappy Trustpilot reviews, and even a bankruptcy filing, and it's tough to recommend At Home for your holiday centerpiece. You'll have a merrier season shopping with a more reliable retailer.

Continued from above...

Where Can You Get the Best Christmas Trees?

When December rolls around, there's one tradition that outshines even the carols, cookies, and cozy nights by the fire: the Christmas tree. It's hard to imagine the holiday season without that glowing centerpiece, the place where ornaments sparkle and presents patiently wait their turn.

The Christmas tree may feel timeless, but it hasn't always been part of the holiday picture. Historians trace the modern tradition back to 16th-century Germany, where families brought evergreen trees into their homes and decorated them with apples, candles, and sweets. By the time Queen Victoria and Prince Albert posed beside their ornamented fir in an 1848 newspaper sketch, the Christmas tree had captured hearts worldwide - and it's been a staple ever since.

Fast forward to today, and picking out a Christmas tree is still one of the season's biggest highlights... or headaches. Between crowded tree lots, tangled traffic, and the inevitable "will it even fit in the living room?" debate, the magic can quickly give way to mayhem. ("A Christmas Story", anyone?) That's why more and more families are ditching the chaos and ordering their trees online instead.

Shopping for a tree online means you can skip the frostbitten fingers and endless car rides. Instead, you can sip hot cocoa in your slippers while scrolling through dozens - sometimes hundreds or thousands - of options. Whether you're after a stately Douglas fir, a pre-lit artificial spruce, or even a rainbow-hued novelty tree that makes the neighbors talk, online retailers have something for every style and budget.

Delivery is the real game-changer here: no more wrestling with bungee cords in the parking lot or hauling a pine-scented passenger home in the backseat. Your chosen tree can show up right on your doorstep, ready to take its place as the centerpiece of your holiday cheer.

Of course, with so many websites promising the "perfect" tree, how do you know which ones are worth your time (and money)? Keep an eye on these criteria as you shop:

Selection. Not every retailer offers the same spread of options. Some keep it classic with a few evergreens, while others branch out (pun intended) with pre-lit, flocked, tabletop, or even color-changing trees. Check whether the store's sizes and styles fit your space.
Cost. Holiday budgets can stretch thin, so compare prices before committing. Does the store offer affordable picks alongside premium showstoppers? Look for perks like free delivery, early-bird sales, or seasonal discounts that make decking the halls a little easier on your wallet.
Convenience. The whole point of buying online is to skip the hassle, so make sure the store's ordering process, delivery timelines, and return options actually make your life simpler.
Extras. Some retailers sweeten the deal with things like storage bags, stand upgrades, or even wreaths and garlands to match your tree. If those little touches matter to you, it's worth checking out what's included.
Reputation. Reviews and ratings can tell you if a retailer is more "Silent Night" or "holiday nightmare." Look into feedback about tree quality, shipping reliability, and customer service. Bonus points if the company has accreditation from organizations like the Better Business Bureau.

Top Consumer Reviews has taken a good look at today's most popular Christmas tree stores, looking at everything from quality and selection to pricing and customer service - so you can deck the halls without the hassle. Merry Christmas!