Advent Sunday, which falls on November 29, 2026, is the traditional date to put up Christmas decorations, marking the beginning of the countdown to Christmas. For those who like to follow tradition, it could be the perfect opportunity to spend the weekend decorating the house, putting up the Christmas tree, and switching on the festive lights.
With Halloween now over, many people will already be thinking about getting their homes ready for Christmas. As November gets underway, households across Merseyside will soon face the annual debate: when is it officially acceptable to put up the Christmas decorations?
For some, the moment Halloween finishes is the green light to get the tinsel, baubles and fairy lights out of the attic. Others are firmly in the camp of waiting until December, arguing that Christmas should not start too early.
Most Popular Time in Britain
However, there is no hard-and-fast rule about when decorations should go up, and plenty of households prefer to wait until December. In fact, research by YouGov published last year found that the first week of December was the most popular time for people in Britain to put up their Christmas decorations.
Around 35% said they usually decorated during the first week of December, while a further 22% waited until the second week. Meanwhile, one in ten said they typically put their decorations up in November.
The research also found that 42% of Britons thought the beginning of December was the right time for decorations to appear in people's homes.
Practical Considerations for Real Trees
It is a question that divides households every year. Some people love making the most of the festive season and want their decorations up as soon as possible, while others prefer to enjoy November before turning their attention to Christmas.
For anyone planning to have a real Christmas tree, there is also a practical consideration. A cut tree may not look its best if it is brought indoors too early, so waiting until closer to Christmas can help it stay fresh throughout the festive period.