Choosing the right Christmas tree is often the first big decision of the season. Whether you lean toward a classic green or a snow-dusted white, there’s another choice that can make or break our decorating plans: pre-lit vs unlit artificial trees.

Both options have their fans and for good reason. The best one for you comes down to your style, budget and how much control you want over the finished look.

Personally I have always gotten the unlit ones as i have a collection of Christmas lights and like the freedom of choosing what lights to use each year. If you’re not sure read on and hopefully this post will help you choose what works best for you.

What is a Pre-lit Tree?

A pre-lit artificial Christmas tree comes with lights already installed throughout its branches. These light are typically LED, which means they last longer, use less energy and emit less heat than traditional bulbs. Most modern pre-lit trees offer warm white lighting, though many models now include multicolor settings or even app-controlled options.

Pros of Pre-lit Trees:

• Instant glow: No untangling strings of lights or trying to get even coverage.
• Fewer cords: One plug for the entire tree means less fuss and a tidier look.
• Faster decorating: You can jump straight into ornaments, garlands and ribbons.

Cons of Pre-lit Trees:

• Less flexibility: Thy light placement is fixed, so it may not suit every decorating style.
• Harder to replace lights: IF a section goes out, troubleshooting can be tricky.
• Higher upfront cost: Pre-lit models usually cost more than unlit ones.

What is an Unlit Tree?

An unlit artificial tree is exactly what it sounds like – a blank canvas without any built-in lighting. You can add your own lights, choose the type of bulbs and customize the layout to your liking.

Pros of Unlit Trees:

• Creative freedom: Choose warm or cool lights, multicolor, vintage bulbs or twinkling strands.
• Easier to refresh: You can replace or update your lighting from year to year.
• Often more affordable: Unlit trees usually cost less upfront.

Cons of Unlit Trees:

• More setup time: Stringing lights evenly can be a challenge.
• More storage: You’ll have to store both the tree and separate lights.
• Wiring mess: It can take longer to hide cords for a clean look.

Which One is Right for You?

If you love a quick and easy setup with a polished look, a pre-lit tree is a great choice. If you prefer more creative control – or love to change your color scheme each year – an unlit tree gives you the flexibility you need.

Pro tip: Some people combine the two – starting with a warm white pre-lit tree and layering on extra lights for a custom effect.

Whichever option you choose, the key is picking a high-quality tree with strong branch tips and a realistic silhouette. A little planning now can make you holiday decorating smoother and more magical.