Is it okay to have a Christmas tree? Are Christmas trees pagan?

TL;DR:

Some Christmas traditions, like the tree, may have distant pagan associations, but their current use by Christians is not tied to idolatry. When deciding whether it is okay to have a Christmas tree, what is most important is honoring Christ with sincere hearts and keeping Him at the center of our celebrations.

what does the bible say?

The Bible does not forbid Christmas trees, though it does warn against idolatry and adopting pagan worship practices. Passages like Jeremiah 10 and Isaiah 44 speak against making idols from trees, not against holiday decorations, so using those verses as arguments against decorating trees at Christmas is missing the point. Romans 14:5–6 and Colossians 2:16–17 help us see the importance of honoring God in our personal convictions and freedom in observing special days and traditions. While there are pagan roots to the worship of evergreen trees, the modern Christmas tree tradition began with Christians in 16th-century Germany who wanted to symbolize aspects of Christ’s birth, not pagan worship. Whether or not a Christian chooses to use a Christmas tree should be based on faith, discernment, and a desire to glorify Jesus in all things.

from the old testament

Deuteronomy 12:30–31 warns against adopting pagan worship practices; believers must be discerning not to mix idolatry with worship of God.
Exodus 12:26–27 encourages meaningful, intentional traditions that teach about God’s saving acts, showing that God values symbolic practices when centered on Him.
Some have wrongly used certain biblical passages to teach that the use of Christmas trees is sinful. For example, Jeremiah 10:1-16 forbids cutting down and decorating trees, like people often do at Christmas. Isaiah 44 notes the futility of cutting down a tree and forming part of it into an idol for worship. Both of these examples have nothing to do with Christmas trees. Both occurred before the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and were directed at the nation of Israel in regard to worship of idols. They are prohibitions against idolatry, not against having Christmas trees.

from the new testament

Romans 14:5–6 allows for personal conviction in observing special days or traditions; what matters is honoring the Lord in how we practice them.
First Corinthians 10:31 offers some encouraging words that can be applied regarding the use of a Christmas tree: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Colossians 2:16–17 warns against legalism and judgment about religious festivals or practices; points to the freedom Christians have in Christ.

implications for today

Some have argued Christians should not have a Christmas tree because the practice is associated with pagan worship. Christians today who use a Christmas tree do not use it in any form of pagan worship. Instead it is part of Christmas tradition, one piece in the larger celebration of the birth of Jesus. Simply having a Christmas tree is not inherently sinful since no pagan worship is taking place. Was that always the case? No, not necessarily.

There is evidence of trees, or at least evergreen boughs, being associated with pagan worship. However, the tradition of Christmas trees began with Protestant Christians in Germany in the 16th century. The star on the tree was used to remember the star followed by the wise men (Matthew 2:1-12). In some cases, trees were topped by an angel to remember the angels who appeared to the shepherds on the night of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:8-14). Clearly, the meaning of the Christmas tree was Christianized to celebrate Christ’s birth not to worship a false deity.

There is no biblical command regarding the use of Christmas trees, or Christmas at all. As mentioned, the modern practice of Christmas trees associated with the celebration of Christ's birth began only 500 years ago. Of course, this practice is also cultural, since evergreen trees are not available for use in celebration in some cultures. Celebrating Christmas with or without a Christmas tree or celebrating Christmas at all is a matter of conviction (Romans 14). What matters is that we honor God with a sincere heart and keep Christ at the center of our celebration. Whether we choose to include a Christmas tree or not, the focus should always be on glorifying God and remembering the gift of Jesus. As Romans 14 reminds us, each believer must be fully convinced in their own mind, acting in faith and not judgment. Traditions can be meaningful tools to point us to Christ—but only if our hearts remain anchored in Him.

understand

The Bible does not forbid Christmas trees—it warns against idolatry.
Modern Christmas trees have Christian origins, beginning with 16th-century German Protestants who used them to symbolize elements of Christ’s birth, not pagan worship.
Using a Christmas tree is a matter of personal conviction—what matters most is honoring Christ and keeping Him central in all our celebrations.

reflect

For what reasons do you include or exclude a Christmas tree in your Christmas celebration?
How can you ensure that your holiday traditions, including a Christmas tree, honor Christ above cultural or historical associations?
How do you personally discern whether a tradition like the Christmas tree helps or hinders your spiritual growth and worship of God?

engage

How can we honor Christ sincerely even when there are different convictions about Christmas traditions like the tree?
What does Romans 14 teach us about balancing personal freedom and respect for others in how we celebrate special days like Christmas?
How can understanding the Christian origins of the Christmas tree shape our perspective on cultural practices with pagan roots?