You know why we decorate a tree at Christmas. You even know the story of the Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree. That's all well and good, but these stories don't teach us what we need to know. They don't settle those conflicts that pit us against each other every year: on what date can you put up and decorate the Christmas tree in your home?
During the festive season, there are several types of people: those who have decorated their entire house, including the tree, by November 1st. Those who wait until the last minute. And those who observe their own traditions.
Originally, when the festive season was intended to celebrate the winter solstice and the return of longer days, the Christmas tree was put up and decorated around December 21. The tree represented the renewal of life. In the Middle Ages, it was customary to put up the tree on December 24, Christmas Eve.
Over the centuries, this tradition has evolved somewhat. Depending on region and custom, the tree may be put up at the very beginning of December, in the early days of Advent. Traditionally, the tree is put up on the fourth Sunday before Christmas (the last in November, or the first in December, depending on the calendar). Depending on the country's culture, the tree may also be decorated on Saint Nicholas Day, December 6.
Other traditions recommend putting up the tree twelve days before Christmas, on December 13. And if you prefer natural trees, you'll want to follow this recommendation.
In fact, natural trees are subject to the harsh passage of time: the earlier you put them up, the more likely they are to look sad on December 25. Professionals therefore advise you to buy your tree around two weeks before Christmas, so that it's fresh enough to last until the New Year.
So there are plenty of options to choose from. And the choice of decoration is entirely up to you! You can always find inspiration by admiring the Christmas trees and window displays in Parisian department stores.
Paris department stores' Christmas window displays 2026: the lineup, themes and novelties
Paris department stores are gradually unveiling their 2026 Christmas program. Decorated shop windows, themes of the year, seasonal animations and installations: see what Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Le Bon Marché and the other major retailers have in store for the year-end holidays. [Read more]
Paris department stores' Christmas window displays 2026: the lineup, themes and novelties
