While there might be nothing that can truly replicate a real fir in your living room, there's a reason why so many people love the best artificial Christmas trees. Real trees are messy; they need watering, a hefty stand, and then properly disposed of come January 2nd.
Fake trees, of course, need nothing but decoration. Many come pre-lit, so there is no fussing with temperamental string lights or errant bulbs. And when it's time to bid adieu to the holidays, you simply take the branches apart and store the tree in your basement or hall closet until next year. What is better still is if you can get them at a discounted price.
The best artificial trees now look so realistic. There are plenty of alternatives out there that look just as good as the real deal without any of the fuss; you just have to know exactly where to buy Christmas decorations.
Best trees over 7 feet
Price: $499
If you've been anywhere near TikTok recently, you've probably seen a video about this uber-realistic, 9' artificial tree from Home Depot. This baby's got 3,400 color-changing LEDs, 4,539 memory-wire branch tips, and comes with a remote control that cycles through 10 different light functions. Can you see why it's viral?
Price: $150
I love Target for budget quality; this 7.5-ft option plays right into that. A bit fuller and taller than the other Target tree on this list, it's understandably more expensive (though it's not pre-lit).
Price: $254
Was: $289.43
When browsing the thousands of product listings on Amazon, I like to keep an eye out for the handy "Amazon's Choice" flag to let me know which options are worth investigating. After taking a look, I can see why this robust piece from National Tree Company got the grand honor; it's branches are extremely full and it comes in multiple sizes, if 9-feet is too large for you.
Best flocked trees
Price: $84.99
Was: $89.99
This flocked tree from Yaheetech (Another "Amazon's Choice") looks as though it's covered in fresh-fallen snow. And the pre-lit gold lights complement that coloring perfectly, like something out of a Hallmark movie.
Price: $196
Was: $410
A minimalist's dream. This all-white, pre-lit fir exudes luxury, especially at the 9-ft height option. If you love this sleek look but don't want to sacrifice the feel of a traditional tree on Christmas morning, maybe stick this one in your sitting room or entryway, instead.
Price: $559.20
Was: $699
This might be my favorite option so far — leave it to CB2 to completely elevate the faux fir game. The champagne coloring on this 7.5-ft tree is so much warmer than I expected, and would go great with decor from, say, Anthropologie's holiday decor section.
Best smaller trees
Price: $55
For something a bit smaller (and a bit more budget-friendly), I've had my eye on this pre-lit Alberta Spruce from Target, a well-reviewed option available for just $55! Now that's a Christmas miracle.
Price: From $149
If you're working with an apartment this holiday season, a pencil tree might be the best option for you. Go for height, not width. This flocked option from Pottery Barn, available in 6 different heights (including 5'), gets the job done beautifully! Christmas done small.
Price: $49.98
At 5-ft, this pre-lit fir is big enough to display but small enough to put up in most rooms. It's a great mid-level option, available for only $50 at Home Depot. To bring things up a notch, try decorating it with this trending holiday color.
What are the best artificial Christmas trees made from?
When you're shopping online, it can be hard to tell exactly the texture of the Christmas tree you're buying without a close-up image of the branches, but there's an easy way to tell what you're getting from the materials it's made from.
Traditionally, Christmas trees were (and still are) made from PVC strips cut to imitate the needles on a real tree. These are the flat, papery style trees you probably remember from your childhood, but that many manufacturers still create today, as they're more affordable.
Modern Christmas trees that look super realistic tend to be made from moulded plastic known as PE. These trees use moulds to create a realistic representation of a tree branches with individual needles. They're more expensive, but they look better.
You may also find trees that combine the two types - this gives a realistic look, but allows for a fuller-looking tree that's more budget-friendly than a full PE tree.
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