Christmas Tree Prices: What They Cost Then vs. Now

Additional Coverage:

How Much Christmas Trees Cost Now vs. All the Way Back to the 1960s (wealthgang.com)

The Evergreen Price Tag: How Much Does Your Christmas Tree Really Cost?

For many, the scent of pine and the sparkle of ornaments signal the start of the holiday season. The tradition of picking out a fresh Christmas tree has been a cherished ritual for decades.

But if you’ve noticed your wallet feeling a little lighter after securing your festive fir, you’re not alone. What was once a modest, almost forgettable expense has quietly transformed into a significant holiday budget item.

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, tracking the ever-climbing cost of real Christmas trees from the swinging sixties to the present day, and see just how much this beloved tradition has evolved.

1965: A Few Bucks for a Holiday Hug

Back in ’65, a real Christmas tree was a steal, typically setting you back a mere $2 to $4. You’d likely grab it from a friendly local lot or a roadside stand. Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly $18 to $35 in today’s money – still a pretty sweet deal for a centerpiece of holiday cheer.

1970: A Slight Nudge Upward

By 1970, prices edged up a bit, landing in the $3 to $6 range. Inflation and the rising cost of getting goods from farm to lot started to show their hand, but a full-sized tree was still well within reach for most families. Today, that would translate to about $23 to $45.

1975: Economic Headwinds Begin

The mid-70s brought economic jitters, with inflation and energy crises making their mark. Christmas trees reflected this, costing between $5 and $10.

Even with the climb, many households stuck with real trees. In today’s dollars, that’s roughly $30 to $60.

1980: Retail Lots Take Root

By 1980, your average tree was in the $10 to $15 ballpark. The late 70s inflation had pushed prices higher, but it was still considered a minor holiday purchase.

Retail lots were becoming more prevalent, offering a wider selection. That’s about $40 to $65 today.

1985: Artificial Alternatives Emerge

In 1985, trees generally sold for $15 to $20. Tree farms were expanding, which helped keep supply steady.

This era also saw the rise of artificial trees as a convenient, long-term option for some families. Today, that’s approximately $40 to $55.

1990: A Per-Foot Price Point

The 90s introduced a per-foot pricing model, with trees costing around $3.25 to $5.25 per foot. So, a six-foot tree would run you about $20 to $30.

Real trees were still the reigning champions. In current dollars, that six-foot beauty would be about $45 to $65.

1995: Steady Climb Continues

By ’95, the average Christmas tree was hovering around $25 to $35. Supply was good, but labor and land costs were slowly nudging prices upward.

Artificial trees continued to grow in popularity. Inflation-adjusted, these prices are roughly $45 to $65 today.

2000: A More Noticeable Expense

As we entered the new millennium, the average tree cost approximately $35 to $40. High demand and the long growth cycles of trees were starting to foreshadow future supply issues.

The tree was becoming a more noticeable seasonal expense. In today’s dollars, that’s about $60 to $70.

2005: Bigger Trees, Bigger Bills

By 2005, prices climbed to around $40 to $45. Rising fuel and labor costs played a role, and consumers were also leaning towards taller, fuller trees, which naturally increased the average price tag. Inflation-adjusted, that range is about $60 to $70 today.

2010: Post-Recession Pricing

In 2010, the national average for a Christmas tree was about $36. The ripple effects of the 2008 recession and earlier planting shortages influenced supply.

Despite economic uncertainties, tree sales remained robust. In today’s dollars, that price is roughly $50.

2015: Prices Take a Leap

By 2015, average prices jumped sharply to around $40 to $50, with some areas seeing even higher costs. A tree shortage, a direct result of reduced planting after the recession, pushed prices upward, and consumers definitely started to notice the steeper year-over-year increases. Inflation-adjusted, this is about $55 to $65.

2020: Pandemic-Fueled Surge

In 2020, Christmas trees averaged between $75 and $85. A perfect storm of supply shortages, labor issues, and pandemic-related disruptions, coupled with a surge in demand as families spent more time at home, made trees significantly more expensive than in previous decades. Adjusted for inflation, prices remain quite similar today.

2025: The New Normal?

Looking ahead to 2025, the average Christmas tree is expected to cost between $80 and $100, depending on its size and where you live. Ongoing labor shortages, rising transportation costs, and even climate challenges continue to impact prices.

What was once a charmingly inexpensive tradition has truly become a notable seasonal expense. Compared to the good old days of the 1960s, the price of a Christmas tree has multiplied several times over, even after factoring in inflation.

It seems the magic of the holidays now comes with a heftier price tag for that perfect, fresh-cut centerpiece.