Is Puttin up a Christmas Tree a Good Idea When Selling a Home

09 December, 2025

Is Putting Up a Christmas Tree a Good Idea When Selling a House?

Selling a home in winter often raises the same question. Should you put up a Christmas tree if you are trying to attract buyers If you are in the middle of marketing your property in December, you do not need to cancel Christmas. Seasonal decor can actually work in your favour, as long as you use it wisely.

A Christmas Tree Can Work, but Keep It Simple

A Christmas tree can make a home feel warm, welcoming and lived in. Many buyers visit properties in the colder months, and a tastefully decorated tree can help create that cosy feeling people associate with winter. It can also help viewers imagine themselves celebrating future Christmases in the space, which can be powerful from an emotional point of view.

The golden rule is to keep it simple. Choose a tree that suits the size of the room. A huge tree in a small living room will make the space feel cramped and smaller than it really is. Stick to neutral decorations and soft lighting rather than loud or themed displays.

Do Not Let Decorations Take Over

Seasonal decor should complement your home, not dominate it. Heavy garlands, bright ornaments and excessive window decorations can distract buyers and hide important features such as natural light, storage space or room size.

You want buyers to focus on the property itself, not your festive display. This means:

• Avoid blocking fireplaces, radiators or doorways
  
  

• Keep surfaces clear enough to show their size
  
  

• Use decorations sparingly so the room still feels spacious
  
  

Buyers are looking at the potential of the home, so keep sightlines open and avoid cluttering key areas.

Use Lighting to Create Atmosphere

Winter viewings often happen in the late afternoon when daylight is fading. This makes lighting particularly important. Warm, soft lighting can make your home feel inviting. Fairy lights or a few candles in safe holders can add charm without going overboard.

Just avoid flashing lights or anything too bold. Subtle is always better during the selling process.

Keep Outdoor Decor Minimal

Outdoor decorations set the tone before buyers even reach the door. A simple wreath or a few soft lights around a doorway can look elegant and welcoming. What you want to avoid is anything too large or noisy, such as inflatables or brightly coloured displays. These can distract from kerb appeal and sometimes put buyers off.

Buyers form an opinion in seconds, so give them a tidy, charming and well presented entrance.

Be Mindful of Photos and Online Listings

Most buyers will see your property online before they see it in person. If your home is photographed with Christmas decorations in place, those images may stay online into January and February, which can make a listing feel dated.

If you can, arrange for property photos to be taken before the decorations go up. If that is not possible, keep decorations as neutral as possible so the images still look fresh in the new year.

Keep the Home Clean and Clutter Free

Winter can bring muddy shoes, wet coats and messy floors. Add decorations into the mix and clutter can build quickly. Make sure your home stays clean and tidy throughout the season. Hoover pine needles, clear shelves, and avoid leaving gift bags or wrapping paper out.

A tidy home always shows better, no matter the season.

When Christmas Decor Helps

Seasonal touches can actually improve a viewing when done correctly. They help create a sense of comfort, warmth and homeliness. A tastefully decorated tree, a few soft lights and a clean, well presented space can make buyers feel relaxed and positive about your property.

You are not trying to impress them with Christmas spirit, but with how the home feels during the season.

Unsure how to present your home for viewings this winter
At Get an Offer we help sellers make the most of every season. If you would like advice on staging, pricing or preparing your home for the market, give us a call. We are always happy to help.