Preparation for the New Year will cost a penny: economists told about the rise in prices for artificial Christmas trees and balls

Associate Professor of the Faculty of Economics of RUDN University, Candidate of Economic Sciences Sophia Glavina in an interview with the correspondent of "MK" noted that the situation with New Year's goods this year is characterized by a significant increase in prices and an abnormally early start of the season - in November, and some stores even from mid-October. “According to analytical platforms (Check Index, Data Insight) and reports of retailers, the festive season of 2026 was one of the most expensive in the last few years,” she says. This is especially felt in the sector of artificial Christmas trees and Christmas toys, most of which were imported. As for live trees, their prices are difficult to estimate.

But the average price of artificial Christmas trees increased by 11-20%. If last year the basic model could be found cheaper, now the average cost of artificial spruce is about 3700 - 3800 rubles. Models with a height of 180 cm (the most running size) cost from 6 000 to 25 000 rubles depending on the quality of needles (PVC, cast or mixed).

Sets of balls and tinsel have risen in price by an average of 14-15%. The average check for the minimum set of jewelry increased to 500 – 600 rubles. “The main reason is inflation and the rise in cost of logistics,” the economist explains. Most artificial Christmas trees and plastic toys are imported from China. The weakening of the ruble during the year directly affected the purchase prices that retailers passed on to the consumer.”.

When asked by the correspondent of MK whether prices will rise in December, Sophia Glavina said that from the point of view of economic theory and retail practice, prices are traditionally higher in December. “Russians, taught by the experience of past years and inflation expectations, began to buy in advance,” she continues. This year, an anomalous surge in demand was recorded in October-November (sales growth by 350-500% compared to last year).

Traditional price reset before the New Year is canceled

What awaits Russians in December, when the New Year will be felt? Those who are late with purchases need to be prepared that by December, either the most expensive segment or illiquid (non-standard sizes, specific colors) will remain on shelves and marketplaces. According to the economist, the traditional model, when stores reset prices before the New Year to sell off leftovers, now does not work. “Because of high inflation and expensive logistics, sellers do not have margins for deep discounts. On the contrary, prices for balances usually rise in December, as demand is still high and there is no choice.

In turn, Associate Professor of the Department of International Commerce and Logistics of the RANEPA Candidate of Economic Sciences Svetlana Ilyashenko expressed the opinion that not all New Year's attributes will rise in price in December - it depends on the category of goods, the volume of warehouse stocks, the purchase price, logistics and demand for specific models. But the expert also confirmed that, of course, closer to the holidays, the assortment of holiday products is gradually reduced and popular models can run out. And although some residues of goods can be sold at discounts right before the New Year, it is still more expedient to make New Year's purchases earlier - this is not so much an opportunity to save as an opportunity to choose exactly what you need. If you are looking for an artificial Christmas tree of a certain height, shade and design, a quality garland or jewelry in a single style, it is better not to postpone the purchase until the last days of December.

What is the demand for New Year’s products today?

The basis of seasonal demand is still artificial Christmas trees, Christmas toys, electric garlands and interior decor. At the same time, buyers increasingly perceive the New Year decoration as a single composition, rather than as a set of individual jewelry. People try to choose products that are combined with each other in color, texture and style.

According to Svetlana Ilyashenko, today there is a noticeable interest in two areas of decorating houses for the winter holiday. The first is a restrained, more natural design: calm shades, wood textures, coniferous compositions, jewelry without excessive shine. The second is emotional, nostalgic decor: glass toys, traditional shapes, figurines and jewelry, reminiscent of family New Year traditions, including decorations in the aesthetics of the USSR.

Today, people are increasingly eager to buy products designed for several New Year's seasons. That is, buyers are looking at the strength of the fasteners, the quality of painting, the ability to replace elements and ease of storage. This is especially important for artificial Christmas trees and electric garlands, which are purchased for more than one year.