I Found an Artificial Christmas Tree That Actually Looks Realistic (It’s Gorgeous!)

As much as I love the look and smell of a real Christmas tree, caring for it and getting one every single year would be a hassle for me. I prefer buying an artificial tree with the intention of using it forever, so when I was on the hunt for a full-bodied one this year, I was excited to test out this new and exclusive Noel Christmas Tree from Grandin Road.

The Noel Christmas Tree from Grandin Road is a full-bodied artificial pre-lit Christmas tree that comes in a 7-foot or 9-foot size. Made in Poland, this lifelike tree arrives ready to assemble in three sections that secure into a metal stand. It uses warm white LED lights (the 7-foot has 660 lights, and the 8-foot has 1,170),and there are six light settings: an all-on option; a staggering, strobing, and blinking twinkle; a fading/showing glow; and an option that combines all five. Lights are controlled via a floor pedal, and the tree plugs into a standard outlet. 

I opted for the 7-foot tree because it was the best fit for my space. It arrived quickly and in a very secure package that took some work taking apart; but honestly, I prefer that over some boxes I’ve received lately that look like they’ve been through it. I did the assembling all by myself and can attest that it was really easy to do, even though I’m 2 feet shorter than the tree. I just needed a step stool to place and arrange the top piece.

As you put each of the three sections on top, make sure to connect all the light cords (there’s two) as you go, instead of trying to hunt for them like I did at the end. I like to do an initial fluffing of the tree as I go, and then when it is fully assembled, I go through each section, adjusting and fluffing the branches to achieve the style I want. A thing to note is that a handful of sprigs fell off the tree as I was unboxing and placing the pieces together, but it was very minor and not even noticeable on the tree.

Unlit in the daylight, the tree looked so good already. I love how full-bodied it is and how easy it was to put together and fluff up the tree. I didn’t have to wear gloves (which I have had to with my last tree, which will now be my designated office tree) to protect my hands from the branches because it wasn’t too rough to manage. 

Then, I waited until the late afternoon to see what the lighting settings looked like, and when I clicked the petal, seeing the lights made me feel so excited for the Christmas season. When I think of an iconic Christmas tree, this one definitely fits the bill. I can’t wait to put presents under the tree and sit on the couch watching the lights while sipping a hot peppermint mocha. 

If you’re in the market for an artificial Christmas tree that looks lifelike, is full-bodied, and will last for years to come, I definitely recommend this one from Grandin Road. It arrived quickly and safely, which is another reason to love this tree. The cost of an artificial tree has a very wide range, from $100 to $1,000, but the really good ones I’ve seen are in the upper level of that bracket.

It makes sense, too, since it’s often high-quality and intended to last for years. If you still want that “real Christmas tree smell,” you can always adorn your tree with scented tree ornaments (like these scented stems from Glasshouse Fragrances that smell like freshly cut fir and spruce).

Another reason to buy this one? All of Grandin Road’s Christmas items are 25% off, and there’s free shipping for Christmas trees with code TREESHIP. 

Buy: Grandin Road Noel Christmas Tree, $899.25