Christmas Tree Buying Guide

There’s something special about putting up the Christmas tree. It’s the moment the festive season really starts to take shape — ready for twinkling lights, favourite decorations and presents underneath.

Whether you love the traditional look of a green tree, want the easy glow of a pre-lit Christmas tree or feel like bringing a little more colour to Christmas with a novelty tree, there’s a style to suit your space.

Not sure where to start? From finding the right Christmas tree size to choosing between full, slim, pre-lit and colourful styles, our Christmas tree buying guide is here to help.

How to choose a Christmas tree

Before you start thinking about baubles and tree toppers, take a look at the space where your tree will live.

Start by measuring the height and width of the area. Remember to leave some room between the top of your tree and the ceiling, especially if you're planning to add a star or another Christmas decoration on top.

Then think about the shape. A full Christmas tree can make a wonderful centrepiece in a larger living area, while a slim tree is an easy way to bring festive cheer to smaller rooms and tighter corners.

Finally, think about your Christmas style. A classic green tree gives you plenty of freedom to change your decorating theme each year, while snowy, flocked, pink and other novelty trees make a statement before you've added a single decoration.

What size Christmas tree should I choose?

Finding the right Christmas tree size is all about balancing impact with the space you have available.

A 90 cm (3 ft) Christmas tree is a cheerful little addition to a tabletop, home office, kids' space or bedroom. It's also a fun option if you like adding Christmas touches to more than one room.

A 1.2 m (4 ft) Christmas tree brings a little more height without taking over the room. Try one in an apartment, smaller living room or entryway.

For many homes, a 1.8 m (6 ft) Christmas tree offers plenty of decorating space while still fitting comfortably beneath a standard ceiling.

If you've got more room to play with, a 2.1 m (7 ft) Christmas tree can create an eye-catching festive centrepiece.

Whatever size you choose, check your measurements first — including the width of the tree — and leave room for those all-important finishing touches.

This decision can make a big difference when you're working with a particular space.

Full Christmas trees create a traditional silhouette with plenty of room for decorations. They're well suited to open living areas or anywhere you'd like the tree to become a focal point.

Slim Christmas trees give you height while taking up less floor space. Try one beside a sofa, in a smaller living room, near an entryway or anywhere a wider tree could feel a little crowded.

Before choosing, measure both the available height and floor area. It's an easy step that can help your tree feel right at home.

Pre-lit or unlit Christmas tree?

Both can bring plenty of Christmas joy — the difference is how you'd like to decorate.

A pre-lit tree keeps setup simple because the lights are already arranged throughout the branches. Once it's assembled and shaped, you're ready to move on to the fun part: decorating.

An unlit tree gives you more freedom to create your own lighting style. You can choose the colour and placement of your Christmas lights and change the look whenever you feel like something fresh.

Think about how much customisation you'd like and how you usually decorate. Your Christmas routine can help point you towards the right option.

Make your Christmas tree look full

Whichever tree you choose, give the branches a little attention before reaching for the decorations.

Once your artificial tree is assembled, gently shape the branches and individual tips, working around the tree section by section. Spread them in different directions and adjust any visible gaps until you're happy with the overall shape.

Take your time here. A few extra minutes shaping the branches creates a fuller-looking base for your decorations.

Then comes the joyful part.

Choose a decorating direction from Kmart's Christmas by theme ranges or make the look completely your own. Add Christmas lights if your tree isn't pre-lit, layer on decorations and finish with the topper you love.

You can even carry the look beyond the tree with coordinating Christmas home décor, Christmas dining and entertaining pieces and festive touches around the house.

Find your Christmas tree at Kmart

Traditional or colourful, full or slim, little or tall — the right Christmas tree is the one that works for your home and the way you love to celebrate.

Explore our Christmas range to discover Christmas trees, lights, decorations and finishing touches at our famously low prices.

Then put on your favourite Christmas tunes, gather everyone around and start decorating. Christmas is ready to shine.