A Christmas tree or Tannenbaum is one of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas . It is normally an evergreen coniferous tree that is brought into a home or used in the open , and is decorated with Christmas lights and colourful ornaments during the days around Christmas . The Christmas tree , also known as a Yule tree , is a decorated evergreen coniferous tree , real or artificial , and a tradition associated with the celebration of Christmas .