Best Christmas Decor to Buy Early Before Prices Spike
Trees, lights, and ornaments are consistently cheaper in early fall than in December, so shopping now can save real money on the same exact decorations.
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Christmas decor pricing follows a predictable pattern: early-season stock arrives at a normal price, sells through as the holiday gets closer, and gets replenished at a markup once demand spikes in November and December. This guide covers five categories worth buying now rather than waiting, priced between $15 and $200, so you lock in a lower price before the seasonal rush hits.
1. National Tree Company pre-lit artificial tree — best big-ticket item to buy early
Pre-lit artificial trees are the single biggest Christmas decor expense for most households, and they’re also the item most likely to sell out in popular sizes once the holiday season officially kicks off. Buying in September or October means access to the full range of heights and light colors rather than picking through whatever’s left in November. National Tree Company’s lineup holds up well across multiple seasons of storage and reuse, which makes the upfront cost easier to justify. Expect $120-$220 depending on height.
2. Govee or GE color-changing string lights — best smart lighting to grab before the rush
Smart, app-controlled string lights have become a genuinely popular upgrade over basic single-color strands, and the most in-demand color and length combinations tend to sell out first once the holiday shopping season starts in earnest. Buying now means you’re choosing from full stock rather than settling for whatever length is still available. These lights also work for other seasonal and everyday decorating beyond just December, so an early purchase isn’t a single-use expense. Budget $25-$50 per strand.
3. Wondershop ornament sets (Target) — best variety while full collections are in stock
Target’s Wondershop line refreshes its ornament designs each year, and popular sets in specific colorways or themes routinely sell out well before Christmas week. Shopping early means access to full matching sets rather than the mismatched leftovers common by December. Ornament sets also store easily in their original packaging for reuse across several years, so buying ahead doesn’t mean committing to a single year’s trend. Expect $15-$35 per set.
4. Holiday Time inflatable yard decor (Walmart) — best outdoor decor to lock in early
Inflatable yard decorations, especially larger or character-themed pieces, are among the first Christmas items to sell out completely once the season starts, since outdoor display space and shipping logistics limit how much retailers restock. Walmart’s Holiday Time line covers a wide range of sizes and themes at accessible prices, and buying in early fall avoids the scramble once neighborhood displays start going up in November. Storage takes some closet or garage space, but most inflatables pack down small when deflated. Budget $30-$80.
5. Artificial wreaths and garland — best for consistent early-season pricing
Artificial wreaths and garland don’t fluctuate as dramatically in price as trees or ornaments, but the best designs and lengths still get picked over as the season progresses, leaving mostly plain options by December. Buying a full-length garland run for a staircase or mantel now means you can plan the exact look rather than making do with whatever’s left. These pieces also last for many seasons if stored flat or hung rather than crushed in a small box. Expect $20-$45 per piece.
How to get the best price
- Set price-tracking alerts now on the specific tree, light strand, or ornament set you want, since early-fall prices are typically the lowest point of the entire selling season for Christmas decor.
- Use a cashback browser extension at checkout, since several of these retailers run elevated cashback percentages on seasonal and home categories through early fall before dialing back for peak holiday demand.
- Buy big-ticket items like trees first and save smaller, lower-stakes purchases like ornaments for later, since trees sell out in specific sizes faster than ornaments sell out in specific designs.
- Check store return policies before buying, since some retailers extend holiday return windows into January specifically for seasonal decor bought in fall.
Christmas decor is one of the more predictable categories for early shopping to pay off, since the same exact products typically get more expensive, not less, as the season progresses and popular items sell through. Spacing purchases across a few weeks in September and October rather than one big shopping trip also makes it easier to catch individual price drops on each category as they happen.