The best time to remove Christmas decors is on Twelfth Night, which falls on January 5th or 6th. That date marks the end of the Christmas season and the arrival of the Three Wise Men, known as the Epiphany. Many believe taking them down after this day brings bad luck, while others prefer to do it right after New Year’s Day for a clean start.
Many people wonder how long to keep Christmas decorations up before they start to feel out of place. Some enjoy the sparkle a little longer, while others prefer a quick reset after New Year’s. The choice often comes down to tradition, superstition, or simple convenience.
“The tradition that it is bad luck to keep decorations up after Twelfth Night and the Epiphany is a modern invention,” said Dr. Michael Carter, English Heritage’s Senior Properties Historian. Still, many continue to follow the belief, taking it as a sign that the holiday season has officially come to an end. So, what’s the right time to pack up your Christmas ornament collection and turn off the lights for good?
The Traditional Time: Twelfth Night
If you like sticking with tradition, Twelfth Night is the time most people go by. It falls on January 5th or 6th, depending on how you count the 12 days of Christmas decorations for tree and the full holiday period. This date marks the end of the Christmas season and the arrival of the Three Wise Men, also known as the Epiphany.
According to folklore, keeping decorations up past Twelfth Night can bring bad luck. So, many families use this moment to take one last look at the tree and ornaments, maybe those 4" Glass Icy Silver Ball, Onion and Drop Ornaments, 3 Assorted sparkling on the branches, and then pack everything away until next year. It’s the classic time to decide how long to keep Christmas decorations up before your home feels ready for a new start.
Popular Times to Pack Away Decorations
Not everyone waits until Twelfth Night. People follow different routines based on what feels right for their home, schedule, and traditions. Here are some of the most common times to take down your Christmas decors.
After New Year’s Day
Plenty of people feel ready for a fresh start once the new year begins. Taking down the décor on January 1st or 2nd clears space and helps reset the mood for January. It’s also a good time to unplug those lights and say goodbye to the sparkle before the last day for Christmas lights. Many see it as a symbolic way to leave the old year behind and welcome new energy into their space.
The First Weekend of January
For some, the first weekend after New Year’s is the most practical choice. It gives enough time to enjoy the decorations without feeling rushed, especially if the holiday week was busy. This window is also when many families gather to carefully pack ornaments and DIY Christmas decorations together, making it part of their yearly tradition.
Personal Preference
Some prefer to keep the festive vibe going a little longer. If your Santa and Mrs. Claus figurine still makes you smile or your gingerbread Christmas display brings warmth to the room, leave them up another week. There’s no harm in it unless you’re superstitious. For many, the soft glow of lights and familiar gold decorations help ease the transition from holiday excitement to the quiet of January.
Whatever timing you choose, you can also use this period to refresh your space with new Christmas ornaments, store your favorite pieces safely, and decide what to keep for next year’s best Christmas decor ideas.
Why Some People Take Decorations Down Early?
Personal Convenience
The week after Christmas can get busy, especially with family gatherings, travel, or work catching up. Many people choose to take down decorations before New Year’s Eve to start the year organized and clutter-free. Having a clean space before January begins can make your home feel refreshed and ready for new goals.
Avoiding Bad Luck
If you’re someone who prefers not to take chances, removing your Christmas decors before January 6th can bring peace of mind. Folklore still says leaving them up too long could bring bad luck, especially past Twelfth Night. It’s a simple ritual that signals a clean break from the old year and the start of something new.
Changing the Mood
Some people take down decorations early because the holiday spirit fades once the celebrations end. After days of family gatherings and gift-giving, the bright lights and glitter can start to feel overwhelming. Taking them down can bring a sense of calm and help shift your home from festive chaos to peaceful normalcy.
Dying Trees and Safety Concerns
If you have a real Christmas tree, it might start drying out well before January arrives. Once the branches droop or needles begin to fall, it’s time to take it down—it can become a serious fire hazard once brittle. While you’re putting things away, store delicate pieces like your porcelain nativity set carefully to keep them in great shape for next year.
You can also save your gold decorations, garlands, and cool Christmas tree decorations for easy access next season.
A Guide to Choosing Your Great Time
|
When to Take Them Down |
Why It Works |
|
January 5–6 (Twelfth Night) |
Honors tradition and marks the Epiphany |
|
Right after New Year’s |
Refreshes your home for the year ahead |
|
Earlier, right after Christmas |
Great if you want to declutter quickly |
|
Later in January |
Fine if you enjoy keeping your decorations up a little longer, though folklore says not past Twelfth Night |
You might even do it in stages, lights and greenery one day, figurines like your elf ornament display the next. This approach helps you decide how long to keep Christmas decorations up without rushing.
Storing and Refreshing Your Holiday Decor
Taking decorations down can feel bittersweet. Each ornament carries a memory, the laughter while hanging lights, the warmth of gatherings, or the quiet moments spent under the glow of the tree. As the season fades, this is your chance to slow down, reflect, and pack those memories away with care.
Keep your gold decorations, garlands, and cool Christmas tree decorations neatly stored in labeled boxes so next year’s setup feels easier and more joyful. Handle your favorite pieces gently, whether they’re delicate keepsakes or handmade DIY Christmas decorations that tell your family’s story.
If you’re planning to refresh your collection next year, RC Home Decor is a great place to find everything from timeless ornaments to unique pieces like their silver glass drop ornaments and Santa and Mrs. Claus figurines. Our selection makes it easy to bring your holiday vision to life, whether you love classic sparkle or modern charm.
Packing away your decor isn’t the end of the season; it’s a quiet celebration of everything it brought. Each box you close holds a piece of joy that will wait patiently for next Christmas to arrive.
FAQs
What day is good luck to take down the Christmas tree?
Traditionally, January 5th or 6th, known as Twelfth Night, is considered the luckiest time to take down your Christmas tree. Many believe this marks the official end of the holiday season and keeps bad luck away.
Why do we take Christmas decorations down on January 6th?
People take their decorations down on January 6th to honor Epiphany, the day the Three Wise Men visited baby Jesus. It symbolizes the close of the Christmas season in Christian tradition.
Is January 6 the end of Christmas?
Yes, January 6th, or Epiphany, is widely seen as the end of Christmas. It’s the twelfth and final day of the holiday period, marking the moment the festive season officially concludes.
What is too early for Christmas decorations?
Putting decorations up before Thanksgiving or early November is often seen as too soon. Most people start decorating in late November or early December, giving enough time to enjoy the season without it feeling rushed.