More Danes are buying artificial Christmas trees this year, with several major retailers reporting a sharp rise in sales of plastic versions. The trend is linked to convenience and durability, even though environmental experts question whether it is the greener choice.
Growing Interest in Plastic Christmas Trees
Each December, Danish homes are filled with lights, food, and timeless rituals tied to Christmas traditions. For many families, the scent of real spruce is central to the celebration. Yet, across Denmark, more people are now decorating artificial Christmas trees instead of natural ones.
Retail chains including Plantorama, Jem & Fix, Imerco, and JYSK all report higher demand for artificial trees this year. Plantorama says its sales are up roughly 40 percent compared to last year, while Jem & Fix has seen a 20 percent rise. The same pattern is found at Billigblomst in Langeskov, where sales have climbed steadily for several seasons but jumped even more this year.
Customers often point to practical reasons. They want a tree that keeps its shape all December without dropping needles. Better quality artificial trees, designed to look increasingly realistic, have also encouraged more buyers.
Environmental Impact and Long-Term Costs
Surprisingly, while many Danes emphasize sustainability, the shift toward plastic trees may seem contradictory. According to the industry group Danske Juletræer, one in five Christmas trees in Denmark is now made of plastic. Back in 2016, that share was only around six percent.
Studies show that a plastic tree must be reused for about 19 years before it becomes more climate-friendly than purchasing a new real tree each year. Trees made of synthetic materials require significant energy for production and transport. Natural trees, on the other hand, can absorb CO2 as they grow and are often locally sourced.
Even though artificial trees might seem like the easier option, environmental experts stress that they only become a responsible choice if kept for many years.
Convenience and New Habits
Because of that, convenience may be the main reason for the shift. Artificial trees are easy to store and reuse, requiring no watering or cleanup. For those who start decorating early, sometimes right after Halloween, the sturdy plastic version can last indoors far longer than a fresh spruce.
In Germany, Denmark’s largest export market for Christmas trees, one-third of trees this year are already plastic. Danish growers, however, do not see the trend threatening business. Fewer growers remain active in Denmark, and this year’s strong sales mean producers are finally earning again after several challenging seasons.
A Question of Tradition
While demand for artificial trees grows, many Danes still hold tightly to the symbolic meaning of cutting down or picking out a real one. The sound of snapping branches, the smell of spruce, and the shared outing to choose the tree are key parts of the holiday spirit. For these families, Christmas without a natural tree would feel incomplete.
At the same time, many retailers expand their seasonal offerings, from ornaments to gifts, and see artificial trees as part of a modern, time-saving approach to holiday preparation. Department stores and home goods shops such as Danish department stores now devote large sections of their winter displays to these reusable trees.
Looking Ahead
As more Danes adopt plastic Christmas trees, the debate between convenience and authenticity continues. Some see the change as part of a broader shift toward practicality in busy households, while others view it as a move away from cherished customs tied to real trees and nature.
Whether the trend will persist depends on how families weigh their priorities—holiday spirit, cost, or sustainability. For now, it seems Danes are finding new ways to keep their festive traditions alive, even if that means replacing the scent of spruce with something a little less natural.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: How does Denmark celebrate Christmas?
The Danish Dream: Best department stores in Denmark for foreigners
DR: Jul uden gran i stuen: Salget af kunstige juletræer er stigende
