The Key Dates for Taking Down Decorations
Just as there are traditional dates for putting up your Christmas tree, there are important dates for taking it down. The timing isn't arbitrary — it's rooted in centuries of Christian tradition and folk superstition.
The Most Common Date
Twelfth Night is the evening of January 5th — the twelfth night after Christmas Day. In English tradition, this marks the end of the Christmas season and the last opportunity to remove decorations without bad luck.
Used in: UK, Ireland, Commonwealth countries
The Feast of the Three Kings
Epiphany celebrates the arrival of the Magi (Three Wise Men) to visit baby Jesus. Many consider this the "official" end of Christmas. Some leave decorations up through January 6th, taking them down on January 7th.
Used in: Catholic countries, Spain, Latin America
The Extended Deadline
Candlemas (Feast of the Presentation) marks the end of the extended Christmas-Epiphany season. If you miss Twelfth Night, tradition holds you must leave decorations up until Candlemas — 40 days after Christmas.
Used in: Traditional Catholic, some Anglican churches
For Julian Calendar Christians
Orthodox Christians using the Julian calendar celebrate Christmas on January 7th, with the season extending to Theophany (Epiphany) on January 19th. Trees typically come down after this date.
Used in: Russia, Serbia, Georgia, Ethiopia
🗓️ 2026 Key Dates
January 5th (Monday): Twelfth Night evening — traditional deadline
January 6th (Tuesday): Epiphany / Three Kings Day
January 19th (Monday): Orthodox Theophany
February 2nd (Monday): Candlemas — final deadline
🔮 Superstitions & Bad Luck
🌿 Tree Spirits
Ancient belief held that spirits sheltered in evergreens during winter. Removing decorations too early left these spirits homeless and vengeful, bringing bad luck to the household.
⚡ Bad Luck All Year
Many believe leaving decorations up past Twelfth Night brings bad luck for the entire year. The severity ranges from minor misfortune to serious calamity, depending on the tradition.
🍀 The Candlemas Rule
If you miss Twelfth Night, you must leave everything up until Candlemas (February 2nd). Taking down decorations between these dates is considered especially unlucky.
🎄 Never Burn Inside
Burning Christmas greenery inside the house (rather than outside) was said to bring death to the family within the year. Always dispose of trees and wreaths outdoors.
When Different Countries Take Down Trees
United Kingdom
Twelfth Night (January 5th) is the traditional deadline. Most Brits have trees down by the first weekend of January, with many removing them on January 2nd when returning to work.
United States
No fixed tradition — most Americans take down trees in the first week of January, often on the first weekend after New Year's Day. Some wait until after January 6th (Epiphany).
Germany
Traditionally kept until Epiphany (January 6th) or even until January 7th. Some regions follow Candlemas traditions, keeping trees up until February 2nd.
Spain
Trees stay up through January 6th (Three Kings Day / Día de los Reyes), when children receive gifts. Decorations typically come down January 7th.
Philippines
The world's longest Christmas extends until the Feast of the Three Kings (first Sunday after January 1) or even Candlemas (February 2). Some keep trees up until February!
Sweden
"Julgransplundring" (Christmas tree plundering) traditionally occurs on St. Knut's Day (January 13th) — exactly 20 days after Christmas. The tree is stripped and children eat the edible decorations.
Ireland
Known as "Nollaig na mBan" (Women's Christmas) on January 6th. Traditionally, women rested while men did housework and took down decorations. Trees come down by January 7th.
Practical Considerations
Real Trees: When Freshness Expires
Beyond tradition, real trees have a practical lifespan. A well-watered tree typically lasts 4-6 weeks after cutting. If you bought your tree in early December, it may start dropping needles significantly by mid-January regardless of tradition. Signs it's time:
- Excessive needle drop (more than normal shedding)
- Needles turning brown or gray
- Branches becoming brittle and dry
- Tree no longer taking up water
- Fire hazard concerns (dry trees ignite easily)
Artificial Trees: Store Properly
Artificial trees can be taken down whenever convenient — they won't die! However, proper storage extends their life:
- Use a tree storage bag to prevent dust and damage
- Store in a cool, dry location
- Don't compress branches too tightly
- Remove batteries from any electronic components