The origins of the decorated Christmas tree remain a topic of discussion. Latvia claims its place in history, citing records suggesting the first documented decorated tree appeared in Riga in 1510.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, members of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a group of unmarried merchants and foreign traders, decorated a tree with artificial roses, paraded it through the marketplace, and then burned it.

A plaque commemorating this event, inscribed in eight languages as “The First New Year’s Tree in Riga in 1510,” is on display in Latvia, and Riga continues the tradition annually.

However, Tallinn, Estonia, contests this claim, asserting that the Brotherhood of Blackheads introduced a Christmas tree to Tallinn’s Town Square in 1441, as noted by Visit Tallinn.

Tallinn also maintains its own annual Christmas tree tradition in the main square.

Both cities offer festive winter activities, including Christmas markets and performances.

While the debate over the first public Christmas tree continues, the tradition of indoor Christmas trees is less contested. The National Christmas Tree Association suggests this practice emerged in the 1600s, with decorations such as apples, red paper, and gilded nuts.

The tradition gained popularity in the United States in the 1800s, with the first Christmas tree farm established in New Jersey in 1901 by W.V. McGalliard, who planted 25,000 Norway spruce trees, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.

Currently, approximately 15,000 Christmas tree farms operate across the United States, providing many families with a cherished holiday tradition.