For artificial trees, look for one labeled "fire resistant." The label indicates the tree is more resistant to catching fire. It does not mean the tree is fireproof.

Christmas tree fires are not common, but according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), they tend to be serious when they do occur. Between 2020 and 2024, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 143 home fires per year that started with Christmas trees, resulting in an estimated seven civilian deaths, 13 injuries and $15 million in property damage.

How do Christmas trees catch fire?

Christmas trees catch fire from sources including electrical problems with lights, open flames from nearby candles and heat sources placed too close to the tree. According to the NFPA, electrical distribution or lighting equipment is involved in about 40% of Christmas tree fires. Nearly 25% are started by lamps or bulbs, and 11% are started by candles. A dried-out tree ignites much faster than a well-watered one.

When should you take down a live Christmas tree?

Take down a live tree when it begins to show signs of drying out, such as increased needle drop, brittleness and duller color. Waiting too long raises the fire risk. The NFPA reports that 35% of Christmas tree fires occur in January, after many trees have had time to dry out.

Are Christmas lights a fire hazard?

Christmas lights can present a fire risk if cords, bulbs, outlets or connections are damaged, overloaded or used improperly. With some basic precautions, the risk can be managed. Consider these Christmas light safety steps:

• Inspect: Before hanging lights, inspect each strand. Replace any with frayed or damaged cords, broken sockets or loose connections.
• Review instructions: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how many strands may be connected end to end. Connecting too many can cause overheating.
• Overload awareness: Avoid overloading outlets with too many electrical devices.
• Outdoor precautions: Use indoor lights indoors and products labeled for outdoor use outside. When running cords outside, use extension cords rated for outdoor use. Plug outdoor lights into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, where that option is available.
• Watch surroundings: Keep light strands and cords away from curtains, drapes and other combustible materials. Don't pinch cords in doors or windows or place them where furniture could damage them.
• Fasten safely: Secure decorations without putting nails, staples or other fasteners through electrical cords.

Is it safe to leave Christmas lights on overnight?

Leaving Christmas lights on overnight or when you leave home is not a good practice. Lights can overheat or short circuit, particularly if they are older, damaged or connected to an overloaded circuit. Turning off all decorative lights before going to bed or leaving the house helps reduce this risk. A timer can also make it easier to manage when decorations are on.

What type of Christmas lights should you use?

Look for lights listed or certified by a nationally recognized testing organization such as UL, Intertek or CSA. ENERGY STAR-certified LED holiday light strings are designed to stay cool to the touch, which can help reduce fire risk compared with hotter incandescent lighting.

Electrical hazards aren't limited to seasonal lighting. Ting is a plug-in sensor designed to monitor a home's electrical network for certain electrical hazards. State Farm offers the Ting program to eligible policyholders in participating states. Eligibility and availability restrictions apply.

Keep holiday decorations away from heat and flames

Tinsel, garland, fabric decorations and holiday greenery may contain combustible materials. Keeping them away from heat sources is one of the more practical steps you can take to reduce decoration-related fire risk. A few precautions can help:

• Keep all decorations away from candles, fireplaces, space heaters and heating vents.
• Avoid draping combustible decorations near an open flame.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any inflatable or electrically powered decorations.

Is tinsel flammable?

Tinsel and similar decorative materials may be highly combustible depending on their composition. Treat all decorative materials as potentially flammable and keep them away from heat sources and open flames.

Candle fire safety during the holidays

Candles can add warmth, ambience, and fragrances to the holiday season, but they are among the more common causes of decoration fires during the holiday season. According to the NFPA, 12% of all candle fires in the U.S. occur in December — the peak month of the year.

To help reduce candle fire risk:

• Place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces.
• Keep them at least 12 inches away from trees, curtains, decorations, furniture and other flammable materials per guidance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
• Burn candles only in areas where you can keep an eye on them.
• Extinguish candles before leaving the room, going to bed or leaving home.
• Keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Flameless or battery-operated candles can provide a similar look without the open flame.

Cooking fire safety during the holidays

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires year-round, and the holiday season is no exception. According to the NFPA, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. When preparing a holiday meal:

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Keep towels, packaging, potholders and other combustible items away from heat sources.
• If children or pets are present, keep them at a safe distance from active cooking areas.

If you plan to fry a turkey this season, extra precautions apply.

Fireplace and heating safety during the holidays

Consider having your fireplace and chimney inspected before the season begins. A professional inspection can identify whether cleaning is needed and whether the fireplace is ready to use.

When using the fireplace:

• Keep a screen in place to help prevent embers from escaping.
• Keep stockings, greenery, garland and other decorations away from the firebox opening.
• Burn only materials appropriate for your fireplace rather than wrapping paper, holiday greenery or other decorations.

Nearly half of all home heating fires in the U.S. occur between December and February, according to the NFPA. If using heating equipment, keep portable heaters away from combustible decorations, curtains and furniture.

Make sure your home is ready for a fire emergency

Fire prevention steps are most effective when paired with basic preparedness measures.

Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed. Make sure there is a working smoke alarm on every level of the home. Additionally, keep exits clear so everyone can get out quickly if needed. If you do not have a home fire escape plan, the holiday season is a good time to create one.

Home insurance can be one part of protecting your home from unexpected loss. If you have questions about your coverage, consider talking with a State Farm agent.

The holiday season is a time for connection and celebration. Taking a few practical precautions with trees, lights, decorations, cooking and heating equipment can help you focus on what matters most. Happy holidays!