How much does a Christmas tree cost? Real tree prices, extras and ways to save

The short answer: a real Christmas tree costs about $100 to $130 on average; the National Christmas Tree Association's survey put the average at $112.45 in 2024. Height, species and where you buy matter most.

• Recent averages: $114.53 in 2020, $128.86 in 2021, $106.68 in 2022, $115.34 in 2023
• What changes the price: height, species, where you buy, your area, timing and fees
• Ways to save: pick a shorter tree, choose a common species, compare two or three sellers and check nonprofit lots
• Don't forget the extras: the hidden costs are listed below
• Next step: Plan it with the Christmas Budget & Gift Planner ($4.99).

How much does a Christmas tree cost? A real Christmas tree costs about $100 to $130 on average. In the National Christmas Tree Association's consumer survey, the average price was $112.45 in 2024, and averages from 2020 to 2024 stayed between about $107 and $129. Your price depends mostly on height, species and where you buy. Below is how much a Christmas tree costs, the extras most people forget, and nine ways to spend less.

I love the little details of each season, and the Christmas tree is the center of all of them. I also like knowing what a thing costs before I'm standing in a tree lot with the whole family, so here are the numbers. Once it's home, here's how to decorate a Christmas tree, from lights to topper.

Average Christmas tree prices by year

These averages come from the National Christmas Tree Association's yearly consumer survey (run by Harris), as reported in a 2025 independent evaluation for the Real Christmas Tree Board:

That evaluation describes real tree prices as roughly constant at an average of $110 to $120 per tree.

Will Christmas trees cost more in 2026?

Probably not much. In its 2026 grower survey, the Real Christmas Tree Board reported that 91% of the 47 wholesale growers surveyed don't plan to raise wholesale prices this season, up from 84% in 2025, and 85% rated supply as strong or very strong. The board notes that retailers set the price you pay, so it can't give an average consumer price. In its holiday consumer survey, 91% of people who bought a real tree last season said the price was worth it.

What changes how much a Christmas tree costs

• Height. This is the biggest factor. A 5 to 6 foot tree costs noticeably less than a 7 to 8 foot tree, and trees over 9 feet are priced as premium.
• Species. Premium firs, like Fraser and Noble, often cost more than pines and spruces at the same lot.
• Where you buy. Prices vary between choose-and-cut farms, pre-cut lots, garden centers and big-box stores. Choose-and-cut often includes the experience (wagon rides, cocoa), which can be part of the price.
• Your area. Trees shipped a long way can cost more than locally grown ones.
• Timing. Selection is best right after Thanksgiving. Some lots discount trees close to Christmas, but selection drops.
• Fees. Delivery, netting, a fresh cut or setup can each add a few dollars.

The hidden costs of a Christmas tree

The tree is only part of the bill. Use this list to build your total, with your own numbers in the right-hand column:

Most of these extras are one-time purchases that last for years, so your first Christmas in a new home costs the most.

If you're weighing an artificial tree

An artificial tree costs more up front but can be reused. The simple math: divide its price by the number of seasons you'll realistically use it. For example, a $250 tree used for 10 years works out to $25 a year. Compare that yearly number with what you usually spend on a real tree. Add in what matters to your family too, like the smell of a real tree, storage space and allergies.

Break-even example: at the survey's $112.45 average for a real tree, a $250 artificial tree costs less per season once you use it for a third year ($250 ÷ 3 is about $83 a year, against $112.45 for a real tree each year). Your numbers will differ: a cheaper real tree or a pricier artificial one moves the break-even point.

The artificial price is an example, not a surveyed average. This table ignores storage space and stand costs, which apply to either tree.

9 ways to save on a Christmas tree

1. Pick a shorter tree. A foot or two shorter can save real money, and it still looks full in most rooms.
2. Choose a common species instead of a premium fir.
3. Compare two or three sellers before you buy.
4. Check nonprofit lots run by churches, scouts or community groups.
5. Look into a cut-your-own permit. Some national forests sell low-cost permits.
6. Haul it yourself to skip delivery fees.
7. Buy lights and ornaments after Christmas when holiday decor goes on clearance, and store them well. See our tips on storing Christmas decorations.
8. Make ornaments together. Paper chains, salt dough and dried orange slices cost almost nothing. Our list of DIY Christmas ornaments has 20 ideas sorted by cost and time.
9. Save for it in advance. A small monthly amount means the tree is paid in cash, not on a credit card.

Put the tree in your Christmas budget

The tree is one of the first big holiday purchases, so plan it before gifts take over. Our Christmas Budget & Gift Planner ($4.99) has a holiday budget page that splits your season total across gifts, food, travel, decorations and extras, plus a holiday calendar, gift list and an Excel and Google Sheets tracker. Want to pay cash next year? The Sinking Funds Tracker ($4.99) tracks up to 20 savings goals and shows the monthly amount you need for each, like a "Christmas tree and decor" fund.

Plan the whole season

The Holiday Season Bundle ($15.99, $25.94 if bought separately) includes the Christmas Budget & Gift Planner, Sinking Funds Tracker, Meal Planner & Grocery List, 100 Envelope Savings Challenge, Bill Tracker and Cleaning Schedule. Try our free Christmas budget calculator, see all our holiday planners, or start with the free Holiday Budget Starter Kit, three US Letter pages we email you after you join our list.

See also

• Holiday budget
• Hidden holiday expenses
• How to save money for Christmas
• Christmas on a tight budget
• Sinking funds

Keeping decor costs down? Our Christmas tree topper ideas include DIY and budget toppers made from things you already have.