The holiday season just isn't the same without the fresh, woodsy scent of a Christmas tree filling your home. It’s that fragrance that makes the house feel warm and festive, almost as if the holidays were bottled up into a perfect aroma.
But with artificial trees being the practical choice for many of us—including my own family—that signature scent is often the missing piece. If you’ve found yourself in the same situation, wishing you could get that real Christmas tree smell even with an artificial tree, you’re in the right place. I’ve tried countless ways to bring that fragrance back, and today, I’m sharing all the tricks I’ve found that work wonders.
To make your house smell like a Christmas tree with a fake tree, use pine or fir essential oils in a diffuser, scented ornaments, or Christmas-themed room sprays. You can also use DIY simmer pots with natural ingredients like pine needles, rosemary, and citrus to create that fresh tree fragrance.
Why Do Real Christmas Trees Smell So Good?
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the scent of a real Christmas tree. That fresh, woodsy fragrance is a big part of what makes Christmas feel like Christmas. Real trees like fir, pine, and spruce have natural oils that release their signature scent into the air, creating that quintessential holiday atmosphere.
The Natural Oils in Real Trees
These natural oils—known as terpenes—are what give real trees their lovely smell. When the tree is freshly cut or its branches are disturbed, these oils are released, filling your home with that unmistakable aroma. It’s no wonder so many people miss that scent when using artificial trees; it’s an instant holiday mood booster!
How Does the Christmas Tree Scent Enhance the Holiday Experience?
There’s more to a Christmas tree’s scent than just smelling nice. The pine fragrance can evoke nostalgia, whether it’s the excitement of unwrapping gifts as a child or the warmth of family gatherings.
For many, the smell of pine instantly creates a festive, magical atmosphere. Adding that aroma to your home, especially with an artificial tree, can make the space feel cozier and more inviting. After all, the scent of Christmas is just as much a part of the holiday experience as the decorations themselves.
How to Make Your House Smell Like a Real Christmas Tree?
If you’re using an artificial tree, or one of our platform Christmas trees, don’t worry—you can still make your house smell just like a real one. Here are some tried-and-true methods for recreating that pine-fresh aroma:
Essential Oils and Diffusers
One of the simplest ways to scent an artificial tree is by using essential oils. These oils can help recreate that classic Christmas aroma and transform your home into a cozy holiday haven. You can also dilute the oils in a spray bottle and lightly mist the tree—just make sure to test a small area first to avoid any damage.
Here are some of the best essential oils I've found that really bring out the Christmas spirit, along with ideas on how to mix them for even better results:
Best Essential Oils for a Christmas Tree Scent:
- Pine: Pine essential oil is the go-to for creating that fresh Christmas tree scent. It has a bright, crisp aroma that evokes the feeling of walking through a wintery forest. Pine mixes well with cinnamon or clove to add a bit of warmth and spice, making the overall scent feel even more festive.
- Fir: Fir essential oil has a sweet, woodsy aroma that’s reminiscent of a real fir tree. It’s perfect for bringing a natural, outdoorsy scent indoors. Fir oil pairs beautifully with orange or vanilla, giving the scent a cozy, citrusy twist that enhances the holiday feel.
- Cedarwood: Cedarwood oil offers a deep, earthy fragrance that brings a sense of warmth and coziness. Its slightly smoky undertone is perfect for creating a rustic, cabin-in-the-woods Christmas vibe. Cedarwood blends well with eucalyptus for a fresh twist or sandalwood to enhance the depth of the scent.
- Spruce: Spruce essential oil has a slightly sweeter and more delicate aroma compared to pine, providing a balanced freshness that isn’t overpowering. It’s a great choice for anyone who prefers a softer, more subtle Christmas tree scent. Spruce mixes well with lavender for a calming holiday atmosphere or lemon to add a bit of brightness to the scent. This is my boys' favorite scent, and we always use it with our platform trees. We set up our snowy white Christmas tree, add this scent, and it creates that true Christmasy vibe in our home.
Scented Ornaments and Air Fresheners
Another great option is to use scented ornaments or room sprays. You can find ornaments infused with Christmas tree scents or hang sachets filled with pine-scented beads. Alternatively, a Christmas tree-scented room spray can help create a natural pine fragrance with just a few spritzes.
DIY Simmer Pots
For those who enjoy a bit of DIY, simmer pots are a wonderful way to fill your home with holiday scents. Just add water to a pot and simmer natural ingredients like pine needles, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and citrus slices.
These simple ingredients create a fresh, earthy aroma that brings that real Christmas tree scent into your home, perfect for adding a little extra warmth to the air on those chilly days. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best ingredients for a Christmas-scented simmer pot and what they combine well with:
Ingredients for a Christmas Scent Simmer Pot:
- Pine Needles: Pine needles bring that classic fresh, woodsy scent that instantly makes your home feel like it’s surrounded by a winter forest. They’re perfect for achieving that Christmas tree smell. Pine pairs wonderfully with citrus slices like lemon or orange to add a bit of brightness, or with cloves for a spicier, deeper aroma.
- Rosemary: Rosemary has an herbal, slightly pine-like fragrance that adds depth to the simmer pot, enhancing the freshness of the pine. It works great alongside cinnamon sticks to balance the herbal notes with a warm, spicy touch, or combined with eucalyptus for a cool, invigorating effect.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Cinnamon sticks add that warm, spicy scent that’s quintessential for the holidays. The aroma is comforting and adds a festive touch to the mix. Cinnamon pairs well with pine needles to add warmth to the fresh scent or with citrus slices to create a spicy-sweet aroma that fills the room.
- Citrus Slices (e.g., Orange or Lemon): Citrus slices are perfect for adding a hint of sweetness and brightness to your simmer pot. The zesty scent of oranges or lemons helps to cut through the richer notes, making the overall fragrance lighter and more uplifting. Citrus blends well with pine needles for a balanced fresh scent, or with cloves to create a cozy, spiced citrus aroma.
- Cloves: Cloves have a strong, spicy scent that adds a rich, warming note to the simmer pot. They’re great for bringing a cozy, festive feel to your home. Cloves mix beautifully with cinnamon sticks to emphasize the warm spices or with orange slices for a traditional holiday scent that’s both spicy and sweet.
Using Scented Candles
Scented candles are an easy way to add a festive smell to your home. Look for candles with scents similar to the ones we've already discussed, such as pine, fir, or woodsy aromas. Names like "Frosted Pine" or "Winter Forest" are great choices to create that real Christmas tree aroma without any hassle.
Incorporate Fresh Greenery
Adding fresh greenery, such as wreaths, garlands, potted plants, or even fresh flowers, can help bring a natural fragrance into your home. Fresh greenery pairs well with artificial trees, adding a layer of authenticity and depth to the scent. Fresh flowers like eucalyptus or winter roses can also enhance the festive atmosphere and provide an extra pop of color.
How to Deal with the Smell of an Artificial Tree?
Fake Christmas trees are convenient, but they sometimes come with an unpleasant plastic smell. Here’s how you can manage that and still create a festive, inviting atmosphere.
Eliminating the Plastic Smell
To get rid of the plastic smell, try airing out the tree for a few days before setting it up. You can also sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the branches, let it sit for a few hours, and then gently brush it off—this helps absorb any unwanted odors.
To prevent smells during storage, consider placing an open container of baking soda in the box with the tree throughout the year. This should help keep any plastic odors at bay until next Christmas.
Using Fragrance to Mask Unwanted Smells
If your tree still has a lingering plastic scent, using pine-scented sprays or hanging scented ornaments can effectively mask it.
The key is to use natural scents that complement the holiday vibe, helping to cover any unwanted odors while adding a festive touch.
How Our Platform Christmas Trees Help Create a Perfect Christmas Setting
Our platform Christmas trees offer a unique way to decorate for the holidays—and with a little creativity, you can make them smell just as magical as they look. Whether you choose our white tree for a snowy winter wonderland or our green with berries version for a traditional feel, you can enhance the experience with the perfect Christmas tree scent.
The platform design also provides extra space for adding natural elements—think small potted pine branches or fresh wreaths—to complement your artificial tree. It’s all about making your home feel festive, full, and ready for the holidays.
You can explore our platform Christmas trees here for more ideas on how to create that perfect Christmas setting.
FAQs:
Can I Mix Different Christmas Scents in My Home?
Yes, blending complementary scents like pine and cinnamon can create a more layered, festive aroma.
How Long Should I Run a Diffuser to Make the House Smell Like a Christmas Tree?
Running a diffuser for 30-60 minutes should be enough to spread the scent without overwhelming the room.
How Can I Make My Artificial Tree Smell Good Without Using Chemicals?
You can use natural essential oils, simmer pots, or fresh greenery to add a natural scent without chemicals.
What Is an Eco-Friendly Way to Make a Fake Christmas Tree Smell Natural?
Using essential oils or simmer pots with natural ingredients adds a festive scent without harsh chemicals. For more eco-friendly tips, check out our article on eco-friendly Christmas tree options.
How Do I Choose Colors to Complement My Artificial Christmas Tree?
Green trees pair well with red and gold for a traditional look, while white trees look great with blue and silver. For more ideas, visit our guide on the best colors for decorating a Christmas tree.
Closing Thoughts
Bringing the smell of a real Christmas tree into your home—even when you’re using a fake one—isn’t as hard as you might think. From diffusing essential oils to using DIY simmer pots, there are many ways to recreate that authentic pine scent that makes Christmas feel so special.
And with our platform Christmas trees, you can combine beautiful design with festive aromas for a truly magical holiday experience. Ready to enhance your Christmas decor?
Check out our platform trees here and start planning your most memorable Christmas yet!
