History of Christmas trees
Christmas trees have a very long history, though the practice of bringing trees inside and decorating them is more recent.
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.; thumbnail: Universal Images Group/Image QuestLearn about the history of Presidents' Day, an American holiday that is popularly recognized as honoring presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who were both born in February.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Thousands of years ago, a monster named Nian prowled the Chinese countryside...
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Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzGenuine Gorgonzola cheese bears a G printed on its packaging.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Learn more about Christmas Eve.
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EarthCam (A Britannica Publishing Partner)Time-lapse video by EarthCam of the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens in Las Vegas, Nevada, as it transforms its seasonal exhibit from autumn to winter, featuring its enormous Christmas tree.
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Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzThe Christmas tradition of gift giving.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.It all goes back to Queen Elizabeth I. And witches.
News •
Future Christmas tree numbers to be hit by extreme weather, say farmers
• Nov. 7, 2026, 2:16 AM ET (BBC)
Transcript
NARRATOR: Today, most people associate a decorated evergreen tree with Christmas. Yet, historically, such trees were meant as more than just decorative pieces. Long ago, people used to decorate trees with delicious treats that normally didn't belong to their everyday diets. The evergreen bough is an old custom, something akin to a maypole. Christmas trees were mentioned for the first time in the mid-16th century in Alsace. In a document there authorities express their concern about evergreen tree stocks. At that time Christmas trees were not commonly stood in the living quarters of private households, they instead hung them from the ceiling to save space.
FELICITAS HOPTNER: "It started with people bringing evergreen trees into their living rooms. It is a symbol of life, which is scarce in the cold and meager months of the year."
NARRATOR: In the 17th century the church branded the custom of bringing evergreen trees into the home a heathen custom, yet people continued to do so. The nobility was first in line to exploit the opportunity to showcase their riches. Austrian Empress Elisabeth even put up a tree for each of her children in the imperial salon. Christmas tree decorations were a luxury far too expensive for all but the high society - everything handmade.
HOPTNER: "1831 is the first year in which we can say Christmas tree baubles made of glass were available for purchase."
NARRATOR: When tinsel was first produced it was a meter long. And, even today, Christmas decoration producers have continued to adjust to modern fashions. And this has given rise to some odd creations.
HOPTNER: "In America it is relatively common for people to hang a glass cucumber on their tree. The first person to spot the cucumber when they come down to open presents either gets to open their presents first while the others wait until they're done, or they get an extra gift."
NARRATOR: This custom still has yet to catch on in Europe.
FELICITAS HOPTNER: "It started with people bringing evergreen trees into their living rooms. It is a symbol of life, which is scarce in the cold and meager months of the year."
NARRATOR: In the 17th century the church branded the custom of bringing evergreen trees into the home a heathen custom, yet people continued to do so. The nobility was first in line to exploit the opportunity to showcase their riches. Austrian Empress Elisabeth even put up a tree for each of her children in the imperial salon. Christmas tree decorations were a luxury far too expensive for all but the high society - everything handmade.
HOPTNER: "1831 is the first year in which we can say Christmas tree baubles made of glass were available for purchase."
NARRATOR: When tinsel was first produced it was a meter long. And, even today, Christmas decoration producers have continued to adjust to modern fashions. And this has given rise to some odd creations.
HOPTNER: "In America it is relatively common for people to hang a glass cucumber on their tree. The first person to spot the cucumber when they come down to open presents either gets to open their presents first while the others wait until they're done, or they get an extra gift."
NARRATOR: This custom still has yet to catch on in Europe.
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