Christmas tree

valve

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "Christmas tree" has multiple meanings. In the context of oil production, a Christmas tree is an assembly of valves and fittings installed at the top of an oil well. This device is crucial for regulating the flow of oil and gas from the well and allows for the insertion of tools for subsurface work. These systems can range from simple setups for low-pressure wells to complex arrangements for high-pressure wells.12

Separately, a Christmas tree is also a decorated evergreen tree commonly associated with the Christmas holiday. Additionally, in drag racing, a "Christmas tree" refers to a set of colored lights used to signal the start of a race.2

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petroleum production
Surface valves
…valves, referred to as a Christmas tree, is installed at the top of the well. The valves regulate flow from the well and allow tools for subsurface work to be lowered through the tubing on a wire line. Christmas trees may be very simple, as in those found on low-pressure…
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…valves, referred to as a Christmas tree, is installed at the top of the well. The valves regulate flow from the well and allow tools for subsurface work to be lowered through the tubing on a wire line. Christmas trees may be very simple, as in those found on low-pressure…
Read More