Festivals and celebrationsEuropeChristianPagan and ancient
Christmas tree
A decorated evergreen or artificial tree placed indoors to mark the Christmas season.
This custom began in Central Europe during the Renaissance. Protestant families first brought decorated trees into their homes. The practice spread to royal courts and then to the wider public across many countries.
When is Christmas tree marked?
Christmas tree is kept as part of Christmas, which is on Friday, 25 December 2026.
People decorate a tree to celebrate the winter holidays. This tradition started in Germany and the Baltic states. Families place an evergreen or artificial tree in their home. They hang ornaments and lights on the branches. The custom marks the time of Christmas.
Origins and history
The modern custom emerged in Central Europe during the Renaissance. Records show German Lutherans placing trees in homes in the sixteenth century. Martin Bucer recorded one in Strasbourg in 1539. Moravian Christians added candles to these displays. Early versions featured paper roses, apples, and sweets. The practice moved from guild halls to private houses. It later reached royal courts in Vienna and Paris before becoming a widespread public tradition.
Regional traditions
Different regions developed unique styles. In Poland, people hung fir branches called podłaźniczka from ceilings. These carried wishes for good harvests. Slovenia saw the first modern tree in Ljubljana in 1845. Italian families often use cypress or oak branches. They decorate them with fruit and candy. Some communities still prefer hanging branches over tables rather than standing full trees.
Decorations and symbols
Trees are adorned with various items. Candles replaced early wax lights after electrification. Ornaments include baubles, tinsel, and garlands. Angels or stars sit at the top to represent religious stories. Edible treats like gingerbread and chocolate hang from branches. Apples originally symbolized fruit from ancient myths. Modern decorations focus on color and light.
Timing and etiquette
Families erect trees during Advent or on Christmas Eve. Customs vary by location regarding when to remove them. Many believe it is unlucky to take down decorations before Twelfth Night. Others wait until Candlemas to end the season. The tree remains a central fixture in homes throughout this period.
How Christmas tree is kept
Families choose a tree, either living or artificial. They bring it indoors and secure it in a stand. Members decorate the branches together. Adults handle electrical lights while children place ornaments. Sweets and small gifts hang from the limbs. The tree stays up until the holiday season concludes.
When and where
It appears during Advent and remains until Twelfth Night or Candlemas.
It is strongest in Germany, Estonia, Latvia, and the United States.
What Christmas tree means
The tree represents life during winter. Early versions linked to pagan beliefs about nature spirits. Christian adaptations connected it to redemption stories. The lights symbolize hope and guidance. The shape points upward toward heaven.
On the table
- apples
- gingerbread
- chocolate
- candy canes
- wafers
- nuts
- dates
- pretzels
Days Christmas tree is marked
Questions people ask about Christmas tree
When is Christmas tree marked?
Christmas tree is kept as part of Christmas, which is on Friday, 25 December 2026.
What is a Christmas tree?
It is a decorated evergreen or artificial tree used to celebrate Christmas. People place it in their homes during the winter season.
Where did the tradition start?
The custom began in Central Europe, specifically Germany and the Baltic states, during the Renaissance period.
What do people hang on the tree?
Common decorations include lights, baubles, tinsel, and angels. Edible items like apples, nuts, and sweets are also popular.
See also
HalloweenAn annual observance on 31 October marking the eve of All Saints' Day, rooted in Christian tradition and Celtic heritage
DiwaliA five-day festival of lights celebrated across India and its diaspora to mark the victory of light over darkness.
Good FridayA solemn Christian holy day commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.Good reading and sources
- Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
- BBC - ReligionsBBC, Article
- Georgians rediscover Christmas tree traditionsBBC, Article
- BBC - ReligionsBBC, Article
- Georgians rediscover Christmas tree traditionsBBC, Article
- Christmas tree on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Christmas tree", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryParampara rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
More from Germany
All the traditions of Germany
🇮🇹 Rome, Italy and 4 moreChristmas
A festival of Jesus's birth, kept on 25 December with gifts, lights and shared mealsFestival
🇩🇪 Nuremberg, Germany and 5 moreChristkind
The traditional Christmas Eve gift-bringer across Central Europe and Latin AmericaFestival
🇵🇭 Cebu City, Philippines and 4 moreSinulog Festival
An annual Philippine dance festival and Catholic devotion honouring the Santo NiñoFestival
🇩🇪 Germany and 5 moreMaypole
A tall wooden pole, garlanded and danced around, raised at May Day, Whitsun or MidsummerFestival
The same idea elsewhere
Midwinter and the longest night compared
🇮🇷 Iran and 5 moreYaldā Nightشب یلدا
A solstice night of poetry, fruit and family, kept from Iran through Central AsiaFestival · Dinner
🇨🇳 Shanghai, China and 1 moreJiaozi餃子
Crescent Chinese dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, eaten for fortune and feastsTable custom · Breakfast
🇵🇪 Cusco, PeruQoyllur Rit'iQuyllurit'i
An Andean mountain pilgrimage uniting indigenous star lore and Catholic devotionSpiritual
🇯🇵 JapanYuzu bath柚子湯
A winter solstice soak in hot water with whole yuzu citrus, kept across JapanSeasonal