When to Put Up the Christmas Tree: Why October Might Be the Perfect Time

The calendar has just flipped to October. The air is cooler, pumpkin spice fills coffee shops, and front porches are dotted with cheerful gourds and golden mums. But if you’re anything like us, you may already feel the tug of tinsel and twinkle lights. Which begs the question: is October too soon to put up your Christmas tree?

For years, tradition held that trees went up after Thanksgiving. But as the holidays have become a season of their own, families have found joy in stretching the celebration. After all, why limit the sparkle to just a few short weeks? There’s no rule that says your tree must appear overnight, fully dressed in red and green. In fact, one of the most delightful trends is letting your tree evolve over the season.

Think of it as a story told in ornaments. In October, your tree can double as a harvest display—warm lights and autumn-themed ornaments blending with the coziness of fall. Old World Christmas offers playful pieces like the Acorn Ornament or the Witch Pumpkin Ornament, which nestle beautifully among autumn décor. Pair them with rustic ribbons or even a few faux leaves, and you’ve got a tree that feels right at home next to your jack-o’-lanterns.

When November arrives, you can transition seamlessly into Thanksgiving. Add the Turkey Ornament or a classic Cornucopia Ornament to honor the holiday of gratitude. This is also the perfect time to start weaving in timeless pieces like the Pinecone Ornament, a symbol of renewal that feels both autumnal and wintery. By now, your tree is starting to whisper hints of Christmas, without skipping over the joys of the season you’re in.

Then comes December, the moment everyone’s been waiting for. This is when you can layer on the sparkle: glass Santas, glistening snowflakes, glittering angels, and of course, treasured keepsakes from years past. If you’ve already been enjoying your tree since October, you’ll have the fun of transforming it into a true Christmas centerpiece rather than setting everything up at once. It’s like watching your home slowly shift into holiday magic.

Of course, some people prefer the thrill of tradition—waiting until Thanksgiving weekend or the first days of December to make it official. That’s part of the beauty of decorating: there’s no one “right” way. Whether you’re an early bird eager to savor every twinkle light, or someone who loves the dramatic reveal of a freshly trimmed tree, the most important thing is that your tree reflects your style and spirit.

So, is it too soon to put up your Christmas tree in October? We say: absolutely not. If the thought of glowing lights and hand-crafted ornaments brings joy, then now is the perfect time. Let your tree be a canvas that celebrates the entire season—from the harvest of October to the festivities of December. After all, the holidays aren’t just a date on the calendar—they’re a feeling we get to embrace for as long as we’d like.