Overview
- Many who follow custom take decorations down on Twelfth Night on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, while others wait for Epiphany on Jan. 6.
- Folk beliefs caution that removing decorations too early or too late can bring bad luck, though some Catholic households keep them up until Candlemas on Feb. 2.
- The National Fire Protection Association warns that dried-out live trees are a fire hazard, especially if lights are still in use.
- Local councils and recycling programs typically accept trees from late December through mid-January, and missed pickups can be offset by home composting.
- For artificial trees, experts recommend compressing and tying branches and storing them in a durable, spacious bag in a cool, dry place.