How Much Does It Cost to Decorate for Christmas?
Quick answer
A simple, complete Christmas look for a typical home costs about $200 to $600 the first year if you buy a mid-range artificial tree, lights, ornaments and a wreath. After that, most families spend far less each year, since the main pieces can be reused for many seasons.
Christmas is the biggest spending season of the year. The National Retail Federation expected Americans to spend about $890 per person on the 2025 holidays, with about $263 of that going to food, decorations, cards and other seasonal items. Decorations are only one part of that, so with a little planning they can stay affordable.
Typical Christmas decor prices
| Item | Typical price range | Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial tree, 7 – 7.5 ft | $100 – $500 | Many years |
| Real tree | $60 – $150 | One season |
| Indoor tree lights (per set) | $10 – $40 | Several years |
| Ornaments (starter set) | $20 – $80 | Many years |
| Front door wreath | $30 – $100 | Faux: many years |
| Garland for a mantel or stairs | $25 – $80 | Faux: many years |
| Outdoor lights for the house | $50 – $200 | Several years |
| Professional outdoor light installation | $300 – $1,500+ | Per season |
Real tree or artificial?
A real tree costs less in a single year, but you buy a new one every season. A mid-range artificial tree usually costs about the same as two to four real trees, so it starts to save money after a few years. Pre-lit artificial trees save time, but if the lights fail, they are harder to fix.
Ways to decorate for less
- Buy after Christmas. Ornaments, lights and wreaths are often 50% off or more right after the holiday.
- Use natural greenery. Clippings from your yard, pine cones and branches look beautiful in vases and on mantels.
- Stick to a color palette. Two or three colors look planned, even with inexpensive ornaments.
- Shop thrift stores. Vintage ornaments, brass candlesticks and baskets often cost a few dollars. See our thrift store shopping tips.
- Focus on a few spots. The tree, the front door and the mantel make the biggest impact.
- Switch to LED lights. They cost a little more up front but use less electricity and last longer.
A sample starter budget
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Tree | $100 (artificial) | $300 (pre-lit) |
| Lights | $20 | $60 |
| Ornaments and topper | $30 | $80 |
| Wreath | $30 | $70 |
| Mantel garland | $25 | $60 |
| Total | $205 | $570 |
Frequently asked questions
When should I buy Christmas decorations?
The best prices are usually right after Christmas. Early November is a good time if you want the best selection.
How can I store decorations so they last?
Wrap fragile ornaments in tissue, wind lights around a piece of cardboard, and store everything in labeled plastic bins in a cool, dry place.
Sources: National Retail Federation. Prices are national planning ranges, not quotes. See how we research costs.
