Most people either take their Christmas tree down on Twelfth Night (January 5th or 6th) or around New Year’s, but there’s no single “correct” day—it depends on tradition, safety, and personal preference. If you have a real tree that’s drying out or dropping needles badly, you should take it down earlier for safety.

Traditional dates

In Christian and older European traditions, Twelfth Night marks the end of Christmas.

  • Many follow the 12 days of Christmas, starting December 25 and ending on January 5 or 6 (Epiphany), and take decorations down then.
  • Some believe leaving decorations up past Twelfth Night brings bad luck, so they aim to be done by the evening of the 5th or 6th.

Popular modern habits

A lot of households now go by convenience rather than strict tradition.

  • Some people strip the tree on December 26 if they’re “over” Christmas, while others choose New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to start the year fresh.
  • Forum and social posts often show mini “camps”: Boxing Day takers, New Year’s takers, and Twelfth Night traditionalists, all defending their timing as the most sensible.

Safety and practical tips

For real trees, safety can matter more than tradition.

  • If needles are yellowing, brown, or crunchy, or the tree has been up more than about 5–6 weeks, it’s time to take it down to reduce fire risk.
  • Check local council or city guidance for tree recycling dates; many collections or drop‑off points are scheduled for early January.

Different viewpoints

People talk about this a lot online, and the tone is usually half-joking, half-serious.

  • Some see keeping the tree up into January as cozy and mood‑boosting in dark winter weeks; others feel it drags Christmas out and prefer a clean slate right after New Year’s.
  • Etiquette and lifestyle outlets tend to say: choose Twelfth Night if you like tradition, New Year’s if you like symbolic fresh starts, or earlier if your tree is a dry hazard.

Quick Scoop answer

  • Classic answer: Take your Xmas tree down on Twelfth Night, January 5–6.
  • Practical answer: Any time between December 26 and early January is fine—just don’t keep a dry real tree up for weeks.
  • Social vibe: Expect lighthearted debate every year, but ultimately, you choose what feels right for your home.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.