Choosing the perfect Christmas tree is a beloved holiday tradition, but timing your purchase can make a big difference in cost.

When Is the Best Time to Buy?

According to Square, a business technology company that analyzed data from over 3,000 U.S. Christmas tree sellers in 2023, the best time to buy depends on your priorities—whether it’s snagging a deal or starting the holiday season early.

Tree Prices and Sales Trends

Last year, the most popular day to purchase a tree was Black Friday, when the average price was around $112. Many tree farms, like Dull’s Tree Farm in Thorntown, Indiana, reported their busiest day of the season right after Thanksgiving. “We sell a tree almost every 17 seconds on Black Friday,” said co-owner Tom Dull.

For shoppers who waited until the first Saturday in December—the second most popular shopping day—the average tree price dropped slightly to $105.

Prices Drop Closer to Christmas

If saving money is your goal, waiting until just before Christmas can yield the best deals. Square’s research lead, Ara Kharazian, noted that “the cheapest time to buy a Christmas tree is right before Christmas,” though they added, “the best time is whichever day maximizes joy in your household.”

By the week before Christmas, most sellers had offloaded over 90% of their inventory and reduced prices to clear out the remaining stock. Trees bought during this time cost an average of $85—32% less than Black Friday prices.

Christmas Tree Facts

• Each year, 25-30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the U.S., according to the National Christmas Tree Association.
• The top tree-producing states include Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington.

Whether you prioritize getting the best deal or starting your decorating early, planning ahead can help you make the most of this holiday tradition.

The information for this story was provided by the National Christmas Tree Association and Square, which sampled more than 3,000 Christmas tree sellers in the U.S.

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(Image credit: Northstar Wisconsin Christmas Trees)