Overview
- Tradition points to Twelfth Night on Monday, 5 January 2026 as the customary date to take down decorations.
- Some calendars mark Epiphany on 6 January, though UK guidance commonly follows the evening of 5 January.
- Experts warn that real trees dry out, shed needles and can become a significant fire hazard if left too long.
- Local councils and recycling programs typically accept real trees from late December through mid-January, so residents should check collection windows.
- If collections are missed, composting a cut-up tree is a practical option, and artificial trees should be compressed, bagged and stored in a cool, dry place.