As the festive season nears there’s nothing quite like the scent and feel of a real Christmas tree.
The wonderful, fresh smell of pine paired with twinkly decorations and tinsel creates a truly special atmosphere that simply can’t be faked.
In case you ever wondered, the tradition of Christmas trees first started in Germany and were then decorated with edible treats like gingerbread.
The custom eventually came to Britain sometime in the 1830s and rose to popularity in 1841, when Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert had a beautifully decorated tree set up in Windsor Castle.
While nowadays it couldn't be easier to get your hands on a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree, the natural options are still hugely popular among Brits celebrating the holiday season and we've rounded up the best possible options you can buy online.
Before you go shopping, here’s what you need to know about some of the most popular Christmas tree types.
Norman fir: this classic tree is a big hit in the UK for its symmetrical shape and great needle-retaining abilities. It has good space between branches, making it easy to hang decorations, and boasts a lovely aromatic fragrance too.
Fraser fir: for quality and affordability, you can’t go wrong with this slim tree which fills your home with a lovely sweet scent. Since it has slightly flat needles, it lasts well and keeps fresh longer than other Christmas tree species, offering up to a month of freshness. Ideal for smaller spaces.
Norway spruce: with its dark green foliage and conical shape, this traditional Christmas tree has been popular since the sixteenth century. Its needle retention is considered poor unless the spruce is cut and cared for properly.
Find a Christmas tree that stands out from the crowd with our edit below.
John Lewis & Partners Fraser Fir Real Christmas Tree
The Scottish-grown trees at John Lewis are nothing short of impressive and this Fraser Fir is our particular favourite. With an abundance of branches, it is beautifully proportioned and packaged with attention to detail. Each tree is carefully selected by hand – so you can expect nothing but the best when it arrives. Available from 5ft to 9ft.
From £75 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Pines and Needles Nordmann Fir
Tightening the purse strings? Look no further than the affordable Pines and Needles Christmas tree range.
The six foot Normann Fir is rich in colour and boasts soft glossy foliage and strong branches. It has an extremely low drop count, meaning this tree should last well throughout the festive season. A decoration service is also available for those who are short on time.
£59.95 | Pines and Needles | Buy it now
M&S Christmas Tree in Basket
This branches of this charming little tree have been decorated with artificial powder, creating the look of a snowy spruce. Ideal for small spaces indoors and outdoors, the plant is pretty winter-proof but needs to be sheltered from harsh weather conditions like rain and snow. It comes presented in a lovely woven basket with a decorative garland.
£38 | Marks and Spencer | Buy it now
Patch Nora Nordman Fir Christmas Tree
At Patch, you can find a range of natural Christmas trees along with essentials like stands, skirts and some fabulous decorations. The Nora – also known as the Nordman Fir – is a wonderfully fragrant, naturally wide, plush tree with bright green foliage. This one is pretty large at the bottom, but you can always trim some of the lower branches if you have a small space. Available in five sizes from 3ft up to 8ft.
From £39 | Patch | Buy it now
B&Q Large tree in Metal container
If you like the idea of a real tree but aren't keen on the maintenance, opt for this easy-to-care for arrangement that comes presented in a winter-ready metal container. Simply repot the unscented plant after the first year into a larger planter for continued growth.
£20 | B&Q | Buy it now
Bloom and Wild Treasure Tree
Even your desk or window can look festive with this mini fir from the UK's first letterbox flower brand, Bloom and Wild. This one stands at 40cm tall and, if cared for properly, can last well beyond the festive season. It even comes with an assortment of colourful baubles and warm white lights to get you started.
£35 | Bloom and Wild | Pre-order now
Pines and Needles Norway Spruce
If you're a stickler for tradition, then the Norway spruce is for you. This wonderfully fragrant, dense conifer stands at 11 feet tall and must be watered regularly to keep needle-drop to a minimum.
£126.95 | Pines and Needles | Buy it now
Verdict:
The luxurious, full-bodied Fraser Fir tree from John Lewis is no doubt our favourite option and is reasonably priced, too. For small spaces, you can't go wrong with Marks and Spencer's beautifully presented Tree in Basket.
