Unlit or Pre-Lit? Tips to Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree

Height, diameter, style and even color are a few of the choices to consider when buying an artificial Christmas tree.

However, there is another practical decision - whether or not to buy an unlit or pre-lit Christmas tree.

Pre-lit Christmas trees come with lights already installed by the manufacturer. Typically, the light strings are twisted into the branches for secure anchoring and even distribution.

Incandescent and LED mini lights are used most often, although some trees feature micro fairy lights or fiber optic lighting.

Today’s pre-lit trees feature a wide range of lighting technologies. Look for light systems that give you the choice of all-white, multicolor or pastel options on the same tree, as well as light modes that blink, fade or chase.

Newer artificial trees may also feature convenient lighting connections through the trunk of the tree. This saves you the frustration of having to find and link plug ends as the tree is assembled and ultimately makes tree set up quick and easy.

On the other end is the unlit Christmas tree, which does not have factory-installed lights.

Unlit trees offer flexibility in design and location, giving buyers the choice of whether or not to light it. They are a favorite of decorators who prefer rustic or minimalist looks.

Both types of trees have their benefits and drawbacks. The style you choose should fit your budget, taste and decorating needs.

Let’s explore some of the most common advantages and disadvantages of pre lit and unlit Christmas trees.

Unlit trees are a versatile choice for people who like to keep their design options open, or who change themes often.

An unlit tree provides a clean, simple look that aligns with minimalistic styles, especially natural, woodsy or rustic themes.

Since it doesn’t need to be plugged in, you can display an unlit Christmas tree virtually anywhere in your home and move it to a new spot whenever you want, even if there’s no outlet nearby.

Unlit trees expand decorating flexibility, giving you the opportunity to switch out styles and customize tree lighting with your choice of string lights. By using lights that are easily removable, you’re not committed to one look.

Add LED or incandescent string lights. Use more or fewer lights. Explore alternative lighting options such as berry lights, retro C7 and C9 bulbs, bubble lights and icicle lights. Christmas novelty lights shaped like stars, candy canes and dozens more seasonal designs also help personalize your Christmas tree.

When you add lights yourself, it’s also easier to replace them if a strand should fail.

Convenience is a factor, too, as hanging lights on an artificial Christmas tree can be a time-consuming and prickly endeavor that requires patience to achieve even coverage.

Also, without the weight of the lights or concerns about crushing and damaging them, an unlit tree may be easier to take apart, pack away and store.

While the above are great reasons to choose an unlit Christmas tree, possibly the greatest benefit is cost. The price of a tree without lights can be significantly lower than a pre-lit tree of the same size and style.

On the other hand, there are good reasons not to choose an unlit tree, especially if you plan to add your own lights after purchase.

Adding lights on an unlit artificial Christmas tree requires the extra steps of shopping for and hanging lights. Patience may be required to obtain the look you want and achieve even coverage.

Christmas lights are generally affordable – and shopping sales can help lower costs – but the purchase is an additional expense.

Furthermore, when Christmas is over, what goes on should come off. Consider removing lights before putting away your tree to prevent damaging or breaking the bulbs. 

As you can see, artificial unlit Christmas trees have their perks.

Buying an unlit tree can save money and setup time. Unlit trees are versatile, blending beautifully with many decorating styles. You can add lights, if you want – and the number and style of bulbs is up to you. Plus, tree placement is not tied to an electrical cord.

However, if these considerations are not priorities, a Christmas tree with lights might be a better fit.

The convenience of having the lights already strung is the biggest appeal for people who choose prelit Christmas trees.

Hanging Christmas lights is not a task everyone enjoys, so eliminating this step relieves stress and saves time. There’s no need to worry about how many lights to use, how to space them evenly on the tree or even how to make sure the cord ends in the right spot. Once the tree is assembled, you’re ready to decorate!

Artificial prelit Christmas trees with easy-connect options are even easier to set up. Light cords connect through the center pole, so there’s no need to search for and link plug ends.

Furthermore, some pre-lit Christmas trees offer a color-changing feature, with lights that can be switched between all-white and multicolor options and different modes to make them blink, flash or fade. Look for remote-controlled Christmas trees, too!

You will generally pay more for the convenience of owning a pre-lit tree. A tree with factory-installed lights can cost about $100 more than the same size and style unlit Christmas tree.

Furthermore, lighting styles typically are limited to incandescent or LED mini lights, which might cramp your creativity.

Some pre lit Christmas tree owners complain that light strands can burn out, leaving a partially-lit tree with a lopsided look. However, replacing broken bulbs can save strands and extend the life of the tree.

All Christmas lights eventually fail and replacing light strings on a pre-lit tree could be a time-consuming task that requires cutting them out with wire cutters. You’ll have to add your own lights if the pre-wired lights stop working.

The manufacturer of your bargain pre-lit tree may have skimped on the number of lights to save costs. If your tree isn’t as well-lit as you like, you’ll end up adding more anyway. Compare the number of lights listed on the product specifications for the trees you are considering.

Furthermore, many people don’t consider the size and weight of their Christmas tree, which is something they’ll have to contend with when it comes time to put it away.

Christmas lights add weight to a tree, which could make set up and storage more difficult if you live alone or have mobility issues. Since the lights stay on the tree, tree sections should be packed carefully to avoid accidentally breaking the lights.

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They’re convenient and easy to set up. Plus, some offer instant-connect and dual-color light options, with flashing modes and remote-control operation.

Nevertheless, a pre-lit tree is heavier than an unlit tree. Its weight and the need to pack the tree carefully to protect the lights may make it more difficult to store.

In addition, some owners of prelit trees feel that failed light strands can reduce the tree’s lifespan.

An artificial Christmas tree is an investment. Refrain from impulse buying so you can be confident in your purchase.

Before you shop for a new Christmas tree, compare the pros and cons of unlit vs. pre-lit trees and choose the kind that best suits your decorating style, patience level, time requirements and storage needs.

Browse Christmas Central’s extensive selection of artificial Christmas trees in all sizes and styles. Prelit and unlit Christmas trees are in stock now, ready to become the focal point of your holiday decor!

Check the left side of our product pages for filters to help you search for Pre-Lit Christmas Trees, Unlit Christmas Trees, light type and light color.