The Surprising History of Christmas Trees
- Ren Gudino
- 16 hours ago
- 5 min read
Whether you pull your Christmas tree from a box or set it in a stand filled with water, the tradition behind it is centuries old. Long before ornaments and lights, evergreen trees played a role in winter ceremonies as far back as Ancient Rome, later becoming a beloved fixture in German homes. Though early American Puritans tried—and failed—to ban many holiday customs, the Christmas tree persisted. Over generations, it spread across the country, eventually giving rise to modern Christmas tree farming. Today, real trees support farmers, rural communities, and a tradition deeply tied to place and season. This deep dive explores the origins of the Christmas tree, its journey across America, and six iconic displays worth seeing for yourself.
Origins & Influence
The Very First Decorated Christmas Tree
Germans were chopping down entire evergreens and decorating them in their homes as early as the 16th century. These trees were embellished with candles, fruits, and nuts to symbolize prosperity for the coming spring. Though some sources claim Martin Luther as the first example of a Christmas tree, there is little proof of this. Though they may have been the first to bring the trees into their homes, but they did not create the tradition of decorating a "Christmas tree."
Some sources claim the origin of a decorated tree can be traced to Ancient Rome, where trees were decorated with small pieces of metal during a winter festival for the god of agriculture. During the Middle Ages, a "Paradise Tree" was decorated with apples to represent Adam and Eve on December 24th. One of the earliest accounts is from 1510, in Latvia, where local merchants decorated a tree with artificial roses, danced around it, and then set it ablaze as a tribute to the Virgin Mary. Records from Alsace, France, in 1530 (which was German territory at the time) show trees being sold in the marketplace to be taken home—though these were not decorated at the time.
The next century, Germans brought home the tree and decorated it, creating the tradition we annually cherish today.
Christmas Trees in America
In 1747, Moravian Germans brought their Christmas tree tradition to eastern Pennsylvania in the form of a wooden pyramid, surrounded by fresh greenery, candles, fruit, and nuts. The first recorded image of an actual tree decorated for Christmas is from John Lewis Krimmel in 1813. Gift-giving was also a noted tradition, starting with fruit, nuts, or various treats (including illustrated scriptures or paintings). By 1820, woodworkers and potters began handcrafting religious-themed toys for the holiday, making toys a common gift. Those wanting to outshine others offered baked goods, as the materials to produce them were considered a true luxury.
However, the earliest American Puritans saw any traditions added to the holiday as "pagan mockery." Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell preached against singing carols or decorating trees, and some communities banned Christmas celebrations.
When the trend spread through England, it gained popularity quickly after an illustration of a decorated Christmas tree appeared in the Illustrated London News in 1848, from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. By 1850, it would be Godey's Lady's Book that would solidify the tradition when they published the image of the British royal family celebrating Christmas around their decorated tree. One year later, Christmas trees were sold commercially by taking trees from the forest.
The Christmas Tree Industry
By 1883, Sears, Roebuck & Company offered the first artificial trees, charging $.50 for 33 limbs, or $1 for 55. As the natural supply of evergreens was over-harvested, magazines began promoting using branches from other trees wrapped in cotton. In 1901, W. V. Galliard planted 25,000 Norway spruce trees on his New Jersey farm, making the first Christmas tree farm. The idea was a hit, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt started his own Christmas tree farm in the 1930s.
Today, approximately 30 million Christmas trees are sold annually, mostly coming from Oregon and North Carolina. Though artificial trees have been seeing a steady increase in sales, the American Farm Bureau Association (AFBA) urges Americans to purchase a real tree. Since these trees take 7–10 years to grow, farms have to plan for sales a decade in advance.
Tree farms help absorb carbon, stabilize soil, and preserve open space. Many of these farms have existed for decades, without many options for pivoting. Laborers tend to every single tree throughout its lifetime, trimming to maintain its shape, monitoring for pests and disease, and watching closely for any moisture concerns. Unlike other seasonal farms, Christmas tree work has a higher demand, since all trees must be harvested, packaged, loaded, and delivered to sell in a brief window between November and December.
Artificial trees may be more practical and cost efficient, but supporting local farmers and rural communities by bringing home a traditional living tree, coming home to the smell of pine, and hanging your family ornaments on a real branch with soft needles can't be beat.
Top Christmas Trees to See in 2026
Across the country, cities vie for the most impressive Christmas tree displays as centerpieces of their whimsical holiday scapes. Here are 6 must-see Christmas trees that draw thousands of visitors from around the world:
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, New York City, New York: The most famous Christmas tree in the US, featured in numerous films and television shows, is located in Midtown Manhattan. This tree is typically a Norway spruce over 80 feet tall, covered in 50,000 LED lights, and topped with a Swarovski-crystal star that weighs 900 lbs. Visit here for viewing details.
Biltmore Estate Tree, Asheville, North Carolina: Inside this historic Gilded Age mansion stands a fully-decorated 35-foot Fraser fir in the middle of the official Banquet Hall. See here for more info about tours.
Galleria Dallas Tree — Dallas, Texas: The often-named tallest indoor Christmas tree sits in the center of the Galleria's ice rink at roughly 95 feet tall. Head here for more details.
The Lake Coeur d'Alene Christmas Tree — Coeur d'Alene, Idaho: A grand holiday tradition on the lake with a massive display of holiday lights, activities, and lake cruises with a 60-foot artificial Christmas tree, complete with 12,150 synchronized lights that reflect off the lake's surface. Details can be found here.
Christmas Tree at the Princess — Scottsdale, Arizona: Christmas time transforms the desert landscape into a winter wonderland with ice skating, a forest of "snow-covered" evergreens, and a 40-foot, music-synced Christmas tree. Information available here.
Union Square Christmas Tree — San Francisco, California: Check out one of San Francisco's most famous traditions, the giant Christmas tree that towers around 83–90 feet high, surrounded by ice skating, lights, and holiday wonder. More about it can be found here.
Takeaway
Putting a live Christmas tree in your home is a way to keep America's traditions alive, supporting farmers, rural communities, and the environment, while bringing a bit of nature into your home.
From Ancient Rome to the early colonial days of our country, the Christmas tree has symbolized a time of familial love, gift-giving, and honoring spiritual beliefs
Across the country, major cities have used the Christmas tree as the centerpiece of ornate and massive holiday displays.
As you head to visit loved ones or are taking in a grand display, remember to utilize our Holiday Travel Guide. We're here, making the signs that mark the way, so you can keep your eyes on the road. Safe travels!
All sources are included as hyperlinks within the text.
Photos are hyperlinked to their source as well.
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