The “right” time to take down a Christmas tree depends on which tradition you follow. Across cultures and centuries, several dates have become customary, each with its own meaning.
1. Twelfth Night (5 or 6 January) — The Most Common Tradition
In much of Europe and the UK, Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on Twelfth Night, which marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
- 5 January: The evening of Twelfth Night
- 6 January: Epiphany (the Feast of the Three Kings)
According to folklore, leaving decorations up beyond this point is considered bad luck, while taking them down earlier is seen as cutting Christmas short.
This is the most widely accepted traditional answer.
2. Epiphany (6 January) — A Religious Milestone
In Christian tradition, Epiphany celebrates the visit of the Wise Men to the baby Jesus.
- Decorations stay up through 6 January
- Tree is taken down at the end of the day or shortly after
Many churches and religious households still follow this custom.
3. Candlemas (2 February) — An Older, Less Common Tradition
An older Christian tradition keeps Christmas decorations up until Candlemas, which marks the presentation of Jesus at the temple.
- Date: 2 February
- Common in historical European practice
- Rare today, but still observed in some regions
Traditionally, greenery not removed by Candlemas was burned rather than stored.
4. New Year’s Day or Early January — A Modern Practical Choice
While not traditional, many people take down their tree:
- On 1 January
- During the first weekend of January
- When returning to work or school
This approach prioritizes practicality over tradition and is now very common.
What About Artificial vs. Real Trees?
Traditionally, these customs applied to real trees and greenery. Today, people often adapt the timing based on:
- Needle drop
- Fire safety
- Personal schedules
- Storage space
Summary of Traditional Dates
| Date | Tradition |
|---|---|
| 5–6 January | Twelfth Night / Epiphany (most traditional) |
| 2 February | Candlemas (historical tradition) |
| 1 January | Modern, non-traditional choice |
The Bottom Line
If you want to follow tradition, Twelfth Night (5 or 6 January) is the safest and most widely accepted time to take down your Christmas tree. Anything earlier or later is a personal choice—but tradition says don’t let it linger too long.