Pre lit trees vs traditional

[Respectfullydisagree]

Hello all,

looking to purchase a Christmas tree that my family can use year after year, my question is that how many years do you get from a pre lit tree before the lights give up? Granted you could still make use of the tree and purchase additional lights. But wondering if I should just do this in the first place. Thoughts?

I've never had a pre-lit tree, as we tend to alternate between white lights and coloured ones depending on what theme we've decided on that year. To be honest, I'd go for a good quality unlit one.

We had one for about 6 years before 2 branches gave up...annoyingly on opposite sides of the tree so you couldn't turn it to the wall.
It was either from B&Q or Homebase I think, and was about £50 about 20yrs ago
We replaced it with a good quality unlit one and tons of lights. We have both warm white and multicoloured so I can swap them each year.

We’ve got a Balsam Hill pre lit and from what I recall it has a 10 yr guarantee on the lights . Our first one is at least 5 yrs old now and we’ve had no problem

I've got a lit and unlit and had it 5-6 yrs. I will be gutted when the lights to as its been a game changer and the lights looks so much better than when we put on ourselves. I think its a risk as they could break but its been well worth it for me, they def look better as the lights are attached to the branches.

I gave up with artificial trees when our last one finally fell apart after about 15 years. We get a real tree nowadays (or just don't bother with getting one at all!)

I must say though that if I were in the market for another artificial tree, I'd be very attracted to a pre-lit one. Putting all the lights on (and taking them all off afterwards) is a right pita, so I think it's great to have that already done for you!

We've had our prelit tree for 4 years and it's the best Christmas thing I've ever bought! Saves my sanity! It was pricey from Balsam Hill but if I recall correctly we bought it on sale out of season so it was a bargain. I'd never go back to having to put lights on the tree again, too much of a faff for me.

Our prelit one is fab. Not even a crazy expensive one like balasm hill! Just a regular one but it's perfect. Wouldn't go back to unlit now. Much tidier and looks so pretty.

I love that we can reuse it rather than buying new every year /whole tree issue!

Our pre-lit was from Homebase at least 10 years ago and is still going strong (touch wood).

I do add an extra string sometimes - the game changer is to drape the lights vertically up and down the height of the trees, rather than round and round - fewer tangles and it somehow looks better.

Wind the string around a long piece of card to store.

Every year I have my Christmas break down over the bloody lights so I am going for a prelit. My mum has had hers now for about 8 years so lasting well

We've had a pre lit tree for 3 years now. This is number 4 (not up yet). It's much easier than faffing around with lights but I do miss the coloured ones. They remind me of Christmas when I was wee.

I love my prelit tree- it was a cheapie from Morrisons in the sale and I love it. This year will be its 6th year and it is still going strong in spite of much love and attention from 3 young kids and 2 dogs! I would definitely get another prelit tree.

Thank you everyone’ that’s very helpful. Think I will opt for.a pre lit one and give it a go!

Pre lit ones are fab. They've come on so much in recent years, look so much better. They should last 10+ years at least and the lights don't fail.