The tree is up, the presents are unwrapped, and Christmas Day has passed. Now comes the question: when do the decorations come down?
Twelfth Night — January 5th or 6th
The most traditional date is Twelfth Night. It falls on January 5th or 6th depending on your tradition.
Superstition says leaving decorations up past Twelfth Night brings bad luck. Whether you believe that or not, it’s a tidy end to the season.
Epiphany — January 6th
Epiphany celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men. In many European countries, decorations stay up through this date.
If you want the full twelve days of Christmas, this is your target.
Candlemas — February 2nd
Some traditions hold that decorations can stay until Candlemas on February 2nd. This is rare in modern practice, but it does have historical backing.
New Year’s Day — The Practical Choice
Many people pack up on January 1st or 2nd. The new year feels like a fresh start.
It’s also practical for real trees, which become fire hazards if left too long.
Storage Tips
Label boxes by room or type. Next year’s setup will be much faster.
Wrap string lights around cardboard to prevent tangling. Store ornaments in egg cartons.
Vacuum underneath where the tree sat. Needles and glitter get everywhere.
Planning for Next Year
As you pack up, note anything that needs replacing. A broken light set? A wobbly tree stand? Write it down now.
When next November arrives, check our Christmas countdown to see how many days, weeks, and sleeps you have to prepare.
Ready to start the decorating process? Read our companion guide: When should you start decorating for Christmas?