As the Christmas-New Year holiday season approaches, shops in Pune are offering Christmas trees with a mix of traditional charm and modern innovations. From the natural appeal of real pine trees to the convenience of artificial trees, there’s something for everyone, meeting evolving preferences while keeping the festive spirit alive.
John Xavier, 72, owner of Festival Shop in Pune Camp, reflects on how the market has changed over the decades.
“The market for Christmas trees has evolved over the years. From real, live pine trees to a wide range of artificial ones, there’s something for everyone. While the traditional green tree remains a favorite, we also offer unique Christmas trees like light green, light pink, and all-white. “We also see a demand for alternatives. These alternative colors add a modern touch to Christmas decorations, but they don’t match the symbolic importance of the green tree,” he said.
Xavier is optimistic about this year’s sales. “Given the increased demand and the constant flow of customers coming to the store, I estimate sales to increase by 80-89 percent, possibly more than 90 percent,” he said.
In Pimpri Bazaar, another vendor, Ramkumar Yadav, 58, has seen a similar dynamic trend. “The market for Christmas trees is booming, and we are seeing a mix of preferences for real trees and artificial trees. A 2-foot pine tree costs Rs 400 or more, while a 5-foot balsam fir Christmas tree costs Rs 17,680. Brings an authentic festive feel and is a beautiful way to embrace the spirit of the season,” said Yadav.
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 colors ranging from green to snowy and priced according to their size. Small ones (2 feet to 3 feet) cost about 400 rupees, while large ones cost 7,000 to 9,000 rupees, depending on the design of the snow.
The 4-foot-tall pre-decorated trees, decorated with cheerful accents like pine cones and berries, are priced at Rs 8,500. Their larger variants can be priced up to Rs 18,600. “LED-light multi-color lighting options are widely available to bring a modern glow to festivals. Its prices range from Rs 550 to Rs 42,860,” said Yadav.
Customers, too, bring their own unique perspective to choosing the perfect tree. David Harry, 52, loves real Christmas trees. “I generally prefer a real Christmas tree because it captures the true beauty of Christmas and aligns with the ‘go green’ mentality. If I choose a real tree, my preference is pine,” he said.
For Jacqueline Zizo Phillips, practicality and creativity play a big role. “I prefer a waterless artificial tree for the creative freedom to decorate with the family. But for quick setups the pre-light tree is great. Sustainability is important to me, so I choose high-quality artificial trees to minimize waste while keeping family traditions alive,” said Phillips.
Meanwhile, Johnson D’Souza, 41, prefers an artificial Christmas tree because it can be reused over a long period of time. “I still remember buying my first Christmas tree with my own earnings – it was a moment of pride and joy,” said D’Souza.
For many, Christmas trees represent a deep cultural unity. According to Yadav, seeing people of different religions buying Christmas trees is one thing that makes him proud as an Indian.
“It’s heartwarming to see how everyone, across religious lines, comes together to celebrate the season. It’s a reminder of the unity and diversity that defines our country. To me, the Christmas tree is more than just an object of celebration—it’s a symbol of unity, love and shared celebration. ,” he said.
Anil Pawar, a 58-year-old Maratha man who has been living in Pimpri for the past 13 years, said that he has been celebrating Christmas with his family for many years. “This year is special for us because I got my dream job, and we want to brighten up the season with an 8-foot Christmas tree. While we celebrate our own festivals wholeheartedly, Christmas and Easter have become an integral part of our family tradition,” Pawar said.