American Christmas Tree Preferences Unveiled in Holiday Survey
In the spirit of the holiday season, we delve into the most popular ways Americans are decorating their artificial Christmas trees in 2025.
This year, the focus is on pre-lit, realistic, and flocked (snow-dusted) trees, with a preference for natural or cozy winter themes. These trees are often adorned with warm white lights for a classic, inviting glow, although colorful and statement lighting options are also gaining traction.
When it comes to ornaments and decoration styles, traditional ball ornaments in varied sizes and finishes remain popular staples. The use of glass ornaments and delicate decorations contributes to a timeless, elegant appearance. For themed designs, red and white ball ornaments, star-shaped ornaments, and mini flags are favored in patriotic-themed decor. Dried florals and simple natural accents are favored in minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired trees. Garlands and ribbons, such as bold red ribbons and white bead or tinsel garlands, add layering and depth to the decoration.
Regarding lighting preferences, pre-lit trees with warm white LED lights are most popular for convenience and aesthetic warmth. These lights provide an even glow without the hassle of stringing, appealing to busy households. While warm white is the dominant choice, some decorative styles embrace colorful or playful lighting to match bold or maximalist tree themes.
Interestingly, tree types and decoration themes show a preference for flocked (snow-dusted) trees, which pair well with white, silver, or pastel decorations to evoke a cozy, wintry feel. Natural, understated trees with widely spaced branches emphasize simplicity and organic décor elements like dried florals and delicate string lights. Cozy cabin or rustic styles employ thick snowy trees adorned with classic and rustic ornaments, capturing a warm holiday ambiance.
A survey conducted in November 2023, with over 3,000 Americans participating, found that the ideal American Christmas tree is artificial, 5.8 feet tall, strung with beads, and adorned with store-bought ornaments. The survey also revealed that 46% of Americans agree that the day after Thanksgiving is when you should put the Christmas tree up.
While angels came in second place as the favorite Christmas tree topper, with 21%, some Americans top their Christmas tree with classic holiday characters like a Santa topper, a reindeer figurine, a snowman, or the Grinch. Highlights for eccentric Christmas tree toppers include a lawn gnome, Luke Skywalker, a UFO miniature, a ceramic figure of E.T., and a disco ball.
Notably, 73% of Americans choose store-bought ornaments over homemade ones, and 77% of Americans are choosing artificial trees for Christmas this year. However, a small portion of Americans use other decorations on their Christmas trees (>1%).
In summary, Americans tend to choose artificial Christmas trees that are realistic and pre-lit with warm white lighting, decorated with classic ball ornaments, star shapes, ribbons, and sometimes natural or patriotic elements, reflecting preferences for convenience, tradition, and personalized style in 2025.
In the realm of blogs, discussions surrounding the most fashionable Christmas tree decor for 2025 might include trends like favoring flocked (snow-dusted) trees and adorning them with warm white lights to emulate a cozy, wintry feel. Bloggers could explore the variety of ornament and decoration styles, such as traditional ball ornaments and delicate decorations, or themed designs like patriotic-themed decor or minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired trees.
As the lifestyle gurus of the food-and-drink sector, online platforms might delve into the art of pairing festive meals with the perfect cocktail or wine, whilealso discussing how to smartly decorate the dining table to match the Christmas tree.
Home-and-garden enthusiasts could discuss how to extend the holiday décor beyond the Christmas tree, offering tips for creating a festive atmosphere with adequate lighting, festive accessories, and perhaps even homemade ornaments for a personal touch.
