Holiday cheer comes early as Pune markets flooded with varieties of Christmas trees

“The market for Christmas trees has evolved over the years. From real, living pine trees to a wide range of artificial ones, there is something for everyone. While the traditional green tree remains the favourite, we also see demand for unique options like light green, light pink, and even full-white Christmas trees. This alternative colour adds a modern touch to Christmas décor, but they don’t quite match the symbolic significance of the green tree,” he said.

Xavier is optimistic about this year’s sales. “I anticipate an 80-89 per cent increase in sales, possibly exceeding 90 per cent, given the growing demand and the steady flow of customers visiting the shop,” he said.

In Pimpri market, another seller, Ramkumar Yadav, 58, has noticed the same dynamic trends. “The market for Christmas trees is thriving, and we are seeing a mix of preferences for both real trees and artificial ones. The price for a live 2-ft pine tree is Rs 400 and above, while a 5-feet Balsam Fir Christmas tree fetches a price of Rs 17,680. They bring an authentic festive feel with their natural fragrance and are a beautiful way to embrace the season’s spirit,” Yadav said.

Durability and convenience

On the other hand, artificial trees offer durability, convenience, and a variety of options, making them a popular choice for many households, he added.

Artificial Christmas trees are available in a range of colours from green to snow-covered ones priced according to their size. The small ones (2ft to 3 ft) cost around Rs 400, while the large ones can cost up to Rs 7,000 to Rs 9,000 depending on the snow design.

Pre-decorated trees of 4-ft, embellished with cheerful accents like pine cones and berries cost Rs 8,500. Their larger variants can cost up to Rs 18,600. “LED-lit multi-colour light options are widely available to bring a modern sparkle to the celebrations. The price ranges from Rs 550 to Rs 42,860,” Yadav said.

Customers, too, bring their unique perspectives to choosing the perfect tree. David Harry, 52, prefers real Christmas trees. “I usually prefer a real Christmas tree because it captures the true beauty of Christmas and aligns with a ‘Go Green’ mindset. If I choose a real tree, my preference is pine,” he said.

For Jacqueline Jijo Philips, practicality and creativity play a big role. “I prefer a non-lit artificial tree for the creative freedom of decorating with family. But a pre-lit tree is great for quick setups. Sustainability matters to me, so I choose high-quality artificial trees to minimise waste while keeping family traditions alive,” Philips said.

Meanwhile, Johnson D’Souza, 41, prefers an artificial Christmas tree because it can be reused for a longer time. “I still cherish the memory of buying my first Christmas tree from my own earnings — it was a moment of pride and joy,” D’Souza said.

For many, Christmas trees represent a deeper cultural unity. According to Yadav, one thing that truly makes him proud as an Indian is seeing people of different faiths buying Christmas trees.

“It’s heart-warming to see how everyone comes together to celebrate the joy of the season, transcending boundaries of religion. It reminds us of the unity and diversity that define our country. For me, the Christmas tree is not just a festive item — it’s a symbol of togetherness, love, and shared celebration,” he mentioned.

Anil Pawar, a 58-year-old Maratha man residing in Pimpri for the past 13 years, said he has joyfully celebrated Christmas with his family all these years. “This year is especially special for us because I got my dream job, and we wanted to make the season even brighter with an 8-ft Christmas tree. While we wholeheartedly celebrate our own festivals, Christmas and Easter have become integral to our family traditions,” Pawar said.