Shop October 22, 2024

Where to find the best artificial Christmas trees for a picture-perfect holiday

ABC News Photo Illustration, Balsam Hill, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Michaels,Getty
Shop artificial Christmas trees and Christmas decorations

It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas.

One key Christmas decor item is, of course, a Christmas tree. If you're not into using a real one, artificial Christmas trees are a great, reusable choice.

But what are the best options for you? "Good Morning America" tapped Antoinette Boston, a holiday decor expert and pro tree-decorator, as well as Josephine Kim, Balsam Hill director of merchandising for trees and greenery, to help us find the best trees and learn how to style them.

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Choosing a tree

"When it comes to choosing a tree, the best type is one that resonates with your personality and decorating style," Kim told "Good Morning America" in an email. "Other considerations are determining the space you'll be placing your tree -- do you have the space for a small tree or a tall one?"

"A good rule of thumb is to have at least 6 inches between the top of your tree and the ceiling," she continued. "This also accounts for a topper or any decorative stand that adds height to the tree. So, if you have the standard 9-foot ceiling and a 12-inch angel topper, you'd want a 7.5-foot Christmas tree. We measure our trees from the stand to the topmost tip."

Kim also pointed to factors like levels of realism, species, color and pre-lit trees versus unlit ones.

In terms of realism, Balsam Hill offers trees ranging from traditional to most realistic.

"PVC needles are flat and papery while polyethylene, or PE, needles have more dimension," Kim said. "Some trees feature a combination of both -- the more realistic the tree, the higher the PE count."

Balsam Hill Vermont White Spruce, 7.5', lit, "Most Realistic"

Price: $1,049 · 30% Savings
From Balsam Hill

Original: $1,499

As with finding a real tree, the experts said you should consider the species that suits your style best, from spruces to pines as well as their colors (a noble fir has a grey tint to it, for example, whereas a blue fir leans blue-green).

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Additionally, Boston recommended considering your intended decor.

"If you enjoy a heavily decorated tree, the type of tree is less important because you'll hardly see it," Boston told "GMA" in an email. "If you enjoy more tree showing, pick an option that has wispy tips that extend past the branches."

How to decorate your artificial Christmas tree

Boston said her favorite decorations for artificial trees are larger ornaments -- round baubles measuring 4 to 8 inches that "fill the tree quickly." Boston said she also adds ribbon for a "touch of luxury" and floral or themed stems inserted into the tree to "add a layer of dimension and fill empty spots."

Additionally, Boston suggested using real or faux cedar branches throughout the tree to make it look more realistic. "The real branches will also give your tree the nostalgic Christmas tree smell," she said.

As for those with a green tree who want a snowy or flocked tree instead, she recommended adding flocked stems and sprays. "This will give the illusion of a flocked tree and allow for either green or flocked in the future without having to purchase a second tree," she said.

To help save time, Boston recommended buying a pre-lit tree.

MORE: Christmas decor expert predicts the hottest holiday trends for 2023

"After purchasing lights separately, you've now spent the same amount as a pre-lit tree, and you still have to spend an hour or more stringing the lights," she said.

9 ft. Pre-Lit LED Grand Duchess Balsam Fir Artificial Christmas Tree

Price: $499 · From The Home Depot

Inspired to start your Christmas decor shopping? Continue below to shop our picks!

Artifical Christmas trees

BH Fraser Fir Trees, 7.5', Full Tree, LED Clear Lights

Price: $949 · 26% Savings
From Balsam Hill

Original: $1,299

Sanibel Spruce Trees, 7', LED Clear Lights

Price: $899 · 10% Savings
From Balsam Hill

Original: $999

Alpine Balsam Fir Trees, 6.5', LED Clear Fairy Lights

Price: $449 · 18% Savings
From Balsam Hill

Original: $549

National Tree Company Dunhill Fir Artificial Tree, 9 Ft, Dual Colored Lights

Price: $379.99 · 60% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $959.99

National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Full Christmas Tree, Green, North Valley Spruce, White Lights, Includes Stand, 9 Feet

Price: $275 · 49% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $539.99

Best Choice Products 6ft Pre-Lit Pre-Decorated Spruce Hinged Artificial Christmas Tree

Price: $99.99 · 16% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $119.99

6.5ft. Pre-Lit Flocked Virginia Pine Artificial Christmas Tree, Clear Lights

Price: $177.99 · 56% Savings
From Michael's

Original: $409.99

7.5 ft. Pre-Lit LED Jackson Noble Artificial Christmas Tree

Price: $299 · From Home Depot

Balsam Hill Balsam Fir Narrow Tree, 7.5' LED Clear Lights

Price: $799 · 5% Savings
From Balsam Hill

Original: $849

Balsam Hill Balsam Fir, 7.5', lit, "Most Realistic"

Price: $999 · 16% Savings
From Balsam Hill

Original: $1,199

National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Full Christmas Tree, Green, North Valley Spruce, White Lights, Includes Stand, 6.5 Feet

Price: $191.50 · 26% Savings
From Walmart

Original: $259.99

Goplus 6ft Sliver Artificial Christmas Tree

Price: $79.99 · From Amazon

Ornaments and ribbons

Antiqued Snowflake Christmas Ornament Collection

Price: $109 · 15% Savings
From Balsam Hill

Original: $129

Mixed Ornaments - Set of 12

Price: $39.50 · From Pottery Barn

Balsam Hill Essentials Tonal Ornament Set, Regular, Gold, Set of 24

Price: $129 · 13% Savings
From Balsam Hill

Original: $149

Wioihee 100Pc Christmas Ball Ornaments Shatterproof Balls for Christmas Tree Decoration Blue One Size

Price: $16.67 · From Walmart

Hammered Metal Star Ornament

Price: $6 · From West Elm

Balsam Hill Parisian Palace Ornament Set, Jumbo

Price: $99 · 16% Savings
From Balsam Hill

Original: $119

Balsam Hill Brown Christmas Ribbon

Price: $69 · 30% Savings
From Balsam Hill

Original: $99

Balsam Hill Glitter Ombre Christmas Tree Ribbon

Price: $79 · 20% Savings
From Balsam Hill

Original: $99

Florals, stems and sprays

30" Lighted Classic Christmas Wreath

Price: $70 · 53% Savings
From Wayfair

Original: $149.99

Christmas Picks Floral Picks, Red

Price: $13.49 · 20% Savings
From Walmart

Original: $16.99

Birch Branch Pack of 10 Branches 2-3ft White by TFPAPERGOODS

Price: $13.99 · From Etsy

Faux White Mini Berry Stem 48"

Price: $24.95 · From Crate & Barrel

Tree toppers

Capiz Angel Lighted Tree Toppers, 8"

Price: $89 · 10% Savings
From Balsam Hill

Original: $99

Silver Starburst Tree Topper

Price: $28 · From Anthropologie

Kraft & Glitter Gem Starburst Tree Topper - Gold

Price: $25 · From West Elm

Holy Angel Tree Topper

Price: $89 · 25% Savings
From Balsam Hill

Original: $119

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