Find Your Perfect Budget Christmas Tree: Beautiful Options Under $300

Don’t let budget woes dull the excitement of looking for a new Christmas tree. It isn’t as hard as you think to find a tree you can afford.

Artificial Christmas trees last a long time, so it’s smart to buy the best tree you can afford. Even so, there are smart ways to stretch your dollar when looking for a cheap Christmas tree.

First, consider size and style. In general, you’ll pay less for:

• A short Christmas tree: Trees 4-feet or smaller

• A skinny Christmas tree: Trees with a “slim” or “pencil” profile

• An unlit Christmas tree: Go natural or add lights separately

• A less realistic Christmas tree: Trees with classic PVC “needles”

• An unconventional Christmas tree: White or colorful Christmas trees, tinsel trees, potted trees, trees with a more open branch structure

That being said, it’s possible to find standard-height and even high-quality, realistic Christmas trees at more affordable prices.

To jump-start your search, we’ve picked seven full-size Christmas trees that meet high standards for style and affordability (they’re all under $300), plus three small Christmas trees under $100.

In all, these 10 trees represent outstanding options for shoppers looking for the best value Christmas tree within their budget.

You’re probably already familiar with traditional artificial Christmas trees made of multiple adjustable branches arranged in a classic cone shape. The trees’ feathery “needles” are actually tiny ribbons of PVC plastic. Branches may have tapered or blunt tips and come in a range of green shades that mimic natural pine tree varieties.

Initially, most classic Christmas trees look pretty similar. Once you start shopping, however, you’ll begin to notice details that separate a so-so traditional tree from a true winner.

After determining the height and diameter of your perfect Christmas tree, there’s another number to know: the branch tip count. Generally, the more branches, the fuller the tree will appear. While ornaments, ribbons and decorations do wonders to fill open areas in a sparse tree, a high branch tip count can give some indication of the tree’s quality.

Other things to consider:

• Tree Style - Upswept or downswept branches

• Tree Color - Deep green, two-tone, true green, blue-green

• Light Style - Type and number of lights

• Convenience - Ease of set-up

With all that in mind, here are four lush and lovely full-size classic Christmas trees with budget-conscious prices. 

Some people want their artificial tree to look like the real thing – but realistic Christmas trees can be pricey.

In part, that’s because a lifelike Christmas tree features a mix of two different kinds of branches. Less-expensive PVC branches lack realism, but help create fullness. This full, green classic foliage often makes up the interior of the tree and creates a discreet backdrop for PE branches molded to resemble real pine needles.

Typically, the more realistic branches included on a Christmas tree, the higher the price, but there are still bargains to be found.

Our Real Touch™ line of lifelike luxury Christmas trees, wreaths and garland blends value with remarkable realism. For additional features such as dual-color LED lights and easy-connect power, explore our Real Touch™ Elite Christmas trees.

If you’re searching for a high-quality, realistic artificial Christmas tree for under $300, consider some of our favorites:

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A small Christmas tree is a great option for people on a budget. Small trees tend to be much less expensive than a full-sized Christmas tree, barely need decoration and are easy to store.

But if all that comes to mind when you think of a small tree is something sad and scraggly, maybe it’s time to take another look. These days, you don’t have to trade realism for affordability!

While they’re perfect for small spaces, Christmas trees between two and four feet tall have also gained favor as a decorative element throughout the home. They add style in foyers, on fireplace mantels, entry tables and corners – anyplace that can use a holiday pick-me-up.

At well under $100 each, we’ve chosen three budget-smart small Christmas trees to use as your primary or secondary Christmas tree. Plus, these picks are affordable enough to buy in multiples to add a holiday touch throughout the house or create a grouping.

One of the smartest tactics you can practice when searching for the perfect Christmas tree within your means is to educate yourself before you shop.

Knowing your budget, the size tree you need and the features you like most will help you stay on track and avoid an impulse purchase you may regret later.

Shopping early may help. Luckily, online Christmas tree retailers like Christmas Central sell trees – and offer sales – all year long.

But if Christmas is creeping closer and you still haven’t made a decision, don’t wait much longer! Quantities may be limited, and the best value Christmas trees tend to sell out well before the holiday.

Take a closer look at the hand-picked values listed above and shop our full selection of artificial Christmas trees.