I Dread Untangling String Lights Every Year, But This Pre-Lit Christmas Tree is a Gamechanger – and it's $200 Off Right Now

Don't panic, there's still time to upgrade your Christmas tree – get one for less in the sales now

A real christmas tree lit up with fairy lights in a living room with a fireplace, decorated with a fir garland
(Image credit: Layered Lounge)

Nothing dampens my holiday mood quite like battling with a tangle of string lights. Even with Christmas music floating through the speakers and a glass of egg nog in hand, I'm filled with dread at the mere thought of pulling those lights apart. So, to guarantee maximum festive joy this year, I've overhauled my Christmas tree ideas and opted for a pre-lit Christmas Tree – the Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce, which is 35% off right now.

With December around the corner, I was worried that I was cutting it too fine, but the waiting has paid off: I'd say this Black Friday deal is pretty incredible, and I know I can keep my tree for years to come.

Classic Blue Spruce Christmas Tree
Save 36% ($197)
Classic Blue Spruce Christmas Tree: was $546 now $349 at Balsam Hill

At a discount of nearly $200 (for the 4.5ft with LED lights), this deal is too good to miss. The Classic Blue Spruce is a brilliant all-round tree that creates a traditional Christmas feel, and I love that there are so different size and lighting options to choose from.

Pre-lit trees can be controversial, but they're the only way of banishing my lighting woes for good – so I know this one is a good investment. I've always admired Balsam Hill, but it was Skye McAlpine's gorgeous Balsam Hill Christmas tree which really persuaded me to take the plunge; ultra-realistic and unbeatably convenient, I couldn't ask for more from an artificial tree.

Plus, like all of Balsam Hill's trees, the Classic Blue Spruce is totally customizable. I'll be going for the 4.5-foot version, owing to my rather small apartment. (I know that tabletop trees are best for small-space decorating, but what can I say; I've fallen in love with the spruce.)

Christmas tree behind round table covered with gifts

(Image credit: Future)

As well as a variety of size options, Balsam Hill's Classic Blue Spruce is also available with a choice of lights, too. You can opt for an unlit tree, if you're brave, but I'll be treating myself to a tree with LED clear lights. (Though the colored lights are tempting, too.)

Bringing classic Christmas cheer to my living room with none of the string light-induced stress, I have a feeling that this pre-lit tree is about to herald a whole new era of Christmas decorating ideas. I'm envisioning pre-lit artificial foliage, a cordless Christmas wreath with twinkling lights, and plenty of faux lit green cedar branches arranged in statement vases. I'm feeling wonderfully festive already.

Shop More Pre-Lit Christmas Decorations


If you fancy channeling a more playful vibe this year, take your lead from Joanna Gaines' kitsch and nostalgic tree, which feels retro and fun.

Martha Davies
Content Editor

Martha is a Content Editor on the Living team at Homes & Gardens. Her love for lifestyle journalism began when she interned at Time Out Dubai when she was 15 years old; she went on to study English and German at Oxford, before covering property and interior design at Country & Town House magazine. To Martha, living beautifully is all about good food and lots of colorful home decor.