How to Decorate Christmas Trees in 99 Nights Forest (June 2026)

I’ve spent countless hours navigating the snowy forests of 99 Nights in the Forest during the Christmas Week 2 update, and I can tell you that decorating Christmas trees is one of the most rewarding activities in this event. Released on December 20, 2025, this festive update transforms the survival horror experience into a heartwarming holiday mission where you help the elves create a safe zone by illuminating the North Pole with Christmas Lights.

The Christmas tree decoration mechanic isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a strategic gameplay element that unlocks the North Pole as a permanent secondary safe zone where you can build structures and escape the relentless threats of the forest. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything from collecting Christmas Lights to decorating all 12 trees and maximizing your Candy Cane rewards.

Table of Contents

What Are Christmas Lights in 99 Nights in the Forest?

Christmas Lights are special event items introduced in the Christmas Week 2 update that serve a crucial purpose in the game’s festive storyline. According to the elves in the game, they’re terrified of the deer (the game’s main antagonist), but the deer is afraid of Christmas Lights. This creates an interesting dynamic where you’re essentially weaponizing holiday decorations to protect the elves.

Christmas Lights Purpose and Features

Feature	Details
Primary Use	Decorate Christmas trees in North Pole Biome
Total Required	12 lights minimum (14 recommended)
Reward per Tree	3-4 Candy Canes
Event Objective	Create a safe zone for elves
Spawn Locations	Random trees and wolves across the forest

These collectible items are not craftable and cannot be purchased from any shop. Instead, you must gather them organically through exploration and combat, making them a test of your survival skills and map awareness.

How to Get Christmas Lights: Two Primary Methods

Based on my extensive testing and community feedback, there are two highly effective methods for collecting Christmas Lights in 99 Nights in the Forest. Each method has its advantages depending on your playstyle and available resources.

Method 1: Chopping Trees with Christmas Lights

This is my preferred method, especially for newer players or those who want to avoid combat. As you explore the forest, you’ll notice certain trees have multicolored Christmas Lights wrapped around their trunks and branches. These trees stand out dramatically against the white, snowy landscape, making them easy to identify.

Step-by-Step Tree Chopping Guide:

Equip Your Axe: Make sure you have at least a standard axe, though a Strong Axe or Good Axe will speed up the process significantly.
Scout the Forest: Look for trees with glowing, multicolored lights wrapped around them. These are distinct from regular snowy trees.
Chop Down the Tree: Approach the illuminated tree and use your axe to chop it down just like any other tree.
Collect the Drops: When the tree falls, it will drop approximately 3 pieces of wood along with 1 Christmas Light.
Repeat the Process: Continue exploring and chopping down lit trees until you have at least 12 Christmas Lights (I recommend collecting 14-16 to have extras).

Pro Tips for Tree Method:

Christmas Lights on trees respawn throughout the game, so you can revisit areas
Trees near the North Pole Biome often have higher spawn rates
Use the 99 Nights in the Forest Lumberjack class for faster wood and light collection
Bring a Good Sac to carry more Christmas Lights at once

Method 2: Hunting Animals with Christmas Lights

This method is more dangerous but can be faster if you’re already hunting for food and resources. Various hostile animals, particularly wolves, spawn with Christmas Lights wrapped around their bodies.

Step-by-Step Hunting Guide:

Look for Illuminated Enemies: Scan the forest for wolves, bears, or other animals that have glowing Christmas Lights wrapped around their bodies.
Engage in Combat: Use your preferred weapon (bow, spear, or firearm) to hunt these creatures. Wolves are the most common and easiest targets.
Collect the Drops: After defeating the animal, it will drop its normal loot (meat, pelts) plus 1 Christmas Light.
Manage Your Health: Keep bandages handy, as wolves can deal significant damage, especially Alpha Wolves.

Pro Tips for Hunting Method:

Wolves wrapped in lights are more common than other lit animals
Hunt during the day when visibility is better
Bring teammates to help with tougher enemies
Combine this method with regular hunting to multitask
Bears with lights drop the same amount but are much more dangerous

Best Practices for Collecting Christmas Lights

Regardless of which method you choose, here are my top strategies for efficient Christmas Light collection:

Optimal Collection Strategy:

Time Management: Dedicate Day 1-2 entirely to Christmas Light collection before other objectives
Campfire Upgrades: Upgrade your campfire to Level 3 first to expand your map and access the North Pole
Bring Essential Supplies: Pack a Flashlight (for night visibility), Food (to avoid starvation), Map (for navigation), and Good Sac (for increased inventory)
Team Coordination: If playing with friends, split up to cover more ground but stay within voice chat range
Mixed Approach: I recommend using both methods—chop trees while traveling and hunt lit wolves you encounter naturally

Finding the North Pole Biome

Before you can decorate any Christmas trees, you need to access the North Pole Biome. This festive area was added specifically for the Christmas Week 2 update and serves as the hub for all decoration activities.

North Pole Location and Access

The North Pole Biome is located on the northern edge of the map, directly north of your main campfire. Here’s how to reach it:

Upgrade Your Campfire: You must upgrade your campfire to at least Level 3 to expand your map radius enough to access the North Pole area.
Use Your Map: Open your map and look for the northern section. The North Pole Biome will be clearly marked with distinctive buildings and structures.
Navigate North: From your campfire, head directly north. You’ll know you’re getting close when you see Gingerbread houses, a giant spinning candy cane pole, and Santa’s Workshop in progress.

North Pole Biome Features

Once you arrive, you’ll find several notable landmarks:

Santa’s Workshop: A large building under construction (the main storyline hub)
Gingerbread Houses: Decorative structures scattered throughout the biome
Giant Candy Pole: A massive rotating peppermint pole (excellent navigation landmark)
Christmas Trees: 12 undecorated green trees without snow on top
Elf NPCs: Various elves working on construction (after trees are decorated)
Blueprints: Building blueprints scattered around for constructing in the safe zone

The entire biome has a magical, festive atmosphere with soft lighting and falling snow, creating a stark contrast to the dangerous, dark forest outside.

How to Decorate Christmas Trees: Complete Walkthrough

Now comes the main event—actually decorating the Christmas trees to complete the quest and unlock the North Pole safe zone. This process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Identifying Decoratable Trees

Not all trees in the North Pole can be decorated. You need to look for specific trees:

Decoratable Tree Characteristics:

Green color: These trees are vibrant green, not white or snowy
No snow on top: Unlike other forest trees, these lack snow coverage
Distinct appearance: They look like traditional Christmas trees
Interactive prompt: When you approach, you’ll see an interaction prompt
Limited quantity: Exactly 12 trees can be decorated (no more, no less)

The decoratable trees are scattered throughout the North Pole Biome in various locations. Some are near Santa’s Workshop, others are by the Gingerbread houses, and a few are positioned near the biome’s edges. Their placement varies slightly between game sessions, so you’ll need to explore the entire area.

Step-by-Step Decoration Process

Once you’ve located an undecorated Christmas tree, follow these steps:

Approach the Tree: Walk up close to the green Christmas tree until the interaction prompt appears.
Equip Christmas Lights: Make sure you have at least one Christmas Light in your inventory (check your bag).
Hold ‘E’ to Decorate: Press and hold the ‘E’ key on your keyboard. Your character will begin the decoration animation.
Wait for Completion: The animation takes approximately 2-3 seconds. Don’t move or release the key during this time.
Collect Your Reward: Once decorated, the tree will light up brilliantly with multicolored lights, and 3-4 Candy Canes will drop at the base.
Move to Next Tree: Find the next undecorated green tree and repeat the process.

Important Notes:

Each decoration consumes 1 Christmas Light from your inventory
You cannot decorate the same tree twice
The tree’s lights will remain permanently lit after decoration
All 12 trees must be decorated to trigger the completion cutscene

Tracking Your Progress

Keep track of how many trees you’ve decorated:

Trees Decorated	Candy Canes Earned	Status
1-3 trees	9-12 Candy Canes	Just started
4-6 trees	18-24 Candy Canes	Halfway there
7-9 trees	27-36 Candy Canes	Almost complete
10-11 trees	36-44 Candy Canes	Final stretch
12 trees	36-48 Candy Canes	Quest complete!

I recommend decorating trees methodically in a circular pattern around the North Pole Biome to avoid missing any. Mark decorated trees mentally or with voice chat if playing with friends.

What Happens After Decorating All 12 Trees?

The moment you decorate the 12th and final Christmas tree, something magical happens. This is one of my favorite moments in the entire Christmas update.

The Completion Cutscene

Immediately after decorating the final tree:

Cutscene Triggers: A special cinematic sequence begins automatically
Visual Celebration: The entire North Pole lights up dramatically with all 12 trees glowing
Elf Celebration: The elves cheer and celebrate your accomplishment
Safe Zone Activation: The North Pole officially becomes a protected area
Achievement Notification: You’ll receive confirmation that the quest is complete

North Pole Safe Zone Benefits

Once all trees are decorated, the North Pole transforms into a secondary safe zone with several gameplay advantages:

Safe Zone Features:

No Enemy Attacks: Hostile creatures (deer, wolves, cultists) cannot enter the North Pole
Building Permissions: You can now construct structures using blueprints found in the area
Permanent Safety: The safe zone remains active for the rest of your run
Team Rallying Point: Perfect meeting spot for coordinating with teammates
Resource Storage: Safe location to store items without fear of raids

This secondary safe zone becomes incredibly valuable during later nights when the main campfire area becomes overwhelmed with threats. Many players use the North Pole as a backup base for high-day survival attempts.

Rewards: Candy Canes and Christmas Shop Items

The primary reward for decorating Christmas trees is Candy Canes, the exclusive currency for the Christmas event shop. Let’s break down the rewards system and what you can purchase.

Candy Cane Earnings Breakdown

Each decorated tree rewards you with Candy Canes:

Per Tree Rewards:

Minimum: 3 Candy Canes per tree
Maximum: 4 Candy Canes per tree
Average: 3.5 Candy Canes per tree

Total Event Rewards:

Minimum total: 36 Candy Canes (12 trees × 3)
Maximum total: 48 Candy Canes (12 trees × 4)
Average total: 42 Candy Canes per complete run

This means you can earn between 36-48 Candy Canes per game session just from decorating trees. Combined with other Candy Cane sources like rescuing elves, you can accumulate enough currency to purchase multiple items from the Christmas Elf Shop.

Christmas Elf Shop Items

The Candy Canes you earn can be spent at the Christmas Elf Shop in the main lobby. Here are some of the exclusive items available:

Premium Shop Items:

Gifting Elf Class: A temporary Christmas class with unique abilities (requires 100+ Candy Canes)
Snowman Class: Permanent class available during the event (requires 150+ Candy Canes)
Christmas Skins: Festive cosmetic skins for weapons and items
Holiday Decorations: Special furniture and base decorations
Christmas Weapons: Limited-time holiday-themed equipment

The shop inventory rotates and updates throughout the Christmas event, so check back regularly for new items. I recommend prioritizing the classes first, as they provide gameplay advantages, then focusing on cosmetic items.

Additional Candy Cane Sources

To maximize your Candy Cane collection, combine tree decoration with these other methods:

Rescue Elves: Save trapped elves around the map for 5 Candy Canes each plus a gift box
Complete Elf Quests: Some elves offer quests that reward additional Candy Canes
Daily Login Bonuses: Log in during the event period for bonus currency
Event Challenges: Participate in special Christmas challenges for extra rewards

For a comprehensive guide on all Candy Cane farming methods, check out our 99 Nights in the Forest Candy Cane guide.

Advanced Strategies and Pro Tips

After decorating Christmas trees across dozens of game sessions, I’ve developed several advanced strategies that significantly improve efficiency and success rates.

Optimal Progression Route

Here’s my recommended step-by-step progression for your first game session:

Day 1 Strategy:

Spawn into the game and immediately craft a basic axe
Chop trees near your starting campfire to gather initial wood
Begin upgrading your campfire toward Level 3 (requires wood and stones)
While gathering resources, collect any Christmas Lights from lit trees
Craft a map and flashlight for better navigation

Day 2-3 Strategy:

Continue campfire upgrades until you reach Level 3
Collect at least 12-14 Christmas Lights (mix of tree chopping and wolf hunting)
Craft a Good Sac to increase inventory capacity
Stock up on food and bandages for safety
Explore and memorize the route to North Pole

Day 4+ Strategy:

Travel to North Pole Biome with your Christmas Lights
Systematically decorate all 12 trees in a circular pattern
Collect all Candy Cane drops immediately
Explore the newly safe North Pole area for blueprints
Return to main campfire to continue survival run

Team Coordination Tips

If you’re playing with friends, coordination makes the process much smoother:

Team Roles:

Collector: 1-2 players focus entirely on gathering Christmas Lights
Protector: 1 player guards collectors from wolves and deer
Builder: 1 player continues campfire upgrades and base building
Decorator: 1 player handles the actual tree decoration in North Pole

This division of labor allows you to complete the Christmas event while maintaining your survival infrastructure. Communication is key—use voice chat or the in-game chat system to coordinate movements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve seen many players make these mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

Mistake #1: Not Collecting Enough Lights

Solution: Always collect 14-16 lights, not just 12, to have a buffer

Mistake #2: Decorating Trees During Dangerous Nights

Solution: Decorate during daytime when visibility and safety are better

Mistake #3: Forgetting to Upgrade Campfire First

Solution: Campfire Level 3 is mandatory to access North Pole—don’t skip this

Mistake #4: Ignoring Combat Preparation

Solution: Bring weapons and bandages even though North Pole is safe—the journey isn’t

Mistake #5: Not Collecting Candy Canes Immediately

Solution: Pick up Candy Canes right away; they can despawn if you leave them

Mistake #6: Trying to Solo Without Proper Gear

Solution: If playing alone, ensure you have adequate weapons and healing items

Speed Run Strategy

For experienced players looking to complete the tree decoration as quickly as possible:

Pre-Game Preparation: Know the map layout and North Pole location beforehand
Class Selection: Choose Lumberjack class for faster resource gathering
Efficient Routing: Plan a tree-chopping route that maximizes Christmas Light collection
Skip Non-Essentials: Focus only on campfire upgrades and light collection, ignore side quests
Time Your Run: Start early in the day cycle to have maximum daylight hours
Target: Complete all 12 trees by Day 3-4 in a speed run scenario

Christmas Week 2 Update: Context and Timeline

Understanding the broader Christmas event helps you make the most of the tree decoration feature.

Christmas Event Timeline

The 99 Nights in the Forest Christmas event is divided into three weekly updates:

Week 1 (December 14-20, 2025):

Santa’s Workshop construction begins
Elf rescue missions introduced
Christmas Elf Shop opens in lobby
First wave of holiday items released

Week 2 (December 20-27, 2025):

Christmas Lights and tree decoration added
North Pole Biome becomes fully accessible
Gifting Elf Class released
Additional shop items introduced

Week 3 (December 27, 2025 – January 3, 2026):

Final Christmas update (details upcoming)
Workshop completion likely
Final event rewards and challenges
Event conclusion and item removal

The tree decoration feature is specifically part of the Week 2 update, meaning you have approximately one week to complete this activity and earn your Candy Canes before the event progresses or potentially ends.

Event-Exclusive Content

Several items and features are only available during the Christmas event period:

Temporary Content:

Christmas Lights (only obtainable during event)
Gifting Elf Class (limited-time purchase)
Special holiday skins and cosmetics
Christmas-themed blueprints

Permanent Content:

Snowman Class (permanent addition to game)
North Pole Biome (remains after event)
Christmas tree decorations (persist in your game)
Earned Candy Canes and purchased items

Make sure to complete the tree decoration quest and spend your Candy Canes before the event ends, as you may not get another chance until next year’s Christmas event.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get Christmas Lights in 99 Nights in the Forest?

Christmas Lights can be obtained by chopping down trees that have multicolored lights wrapped around them or by hunting and killing animals (especially wolves) that have lights on their bodies. Each lit tree or animal drops 1 Christmas Light when defeated.

How many Christmas trees can I decorate in 99 Nights in the Forest?

You can decorate exactly 12 Christmas trees in the North Pole Biome. After decorating all 12 trees, a special cutscene plays, and the North Pole becomes a permanent safe zone for the remainder of your game session.

Where is the North Pole in 99 Nights in the Forest?

The North Pole Biome is located on the northern edge of the map, directly north of your main campfire. You need to upgrade your campfire to Level 3 to expand your map radius enough to access this area. Look for Santa’s Workshop, Gingerbread houses, and a giant spinning candy cane pole.

How do I decorate Christmas trees in 99 Nights in the Forest?

To decorate a tree, approach a green Christmas tree (without snow on top) in the North Pole Biome, make sure you have Christmas Lights in your inventory, then press and hold the ‘E’ key. Your character will decorate the tree, and it will light up with colorful lights while dropping 3-4 Candy Canes.

What do I get for decorating Christmas trees?

Each decorated Christmas tree rewards you with 3-4 Candy Canes. After decorating all 12 trees, the North Pole becomes a secondary safe zone where enemies cannot attack you, and you can build structures using blueprints found in the area.

Are Christmas Lights craftable in 99 Nights in the Forest?

No, Christmas Lights cannot be crafted or purchased. They can only be obtained as drops from chopping down illuminated trees or defeating animals that have Christmas Lights wrapped around their bodies during the Christmas event.

Can I decorate Christmas trees multiple times?

No, each Christmas tree can only be decorated once per game session. Once you light up a tree, it remains lit permanently for that session, and you cannot decorate it again. You must find different undecorated trees to continue the quest.

What is the best class for collecting Christmas Lights?

The Lumberjack class is excellent for tree chopping efficiency, while the Ranger class provides good combat capabilities for hunting lit wolves. For newer players, any starting class works fine—focus on bringing a Good Sac for increased inventory capacity.

How long does the Christmas event last?

The Christmas event runs in three weekly updates from December 14, 2025, through early January 2026. The tree decoration feature was added in Week 2 (December 20, 2025) and will likely remain available through the event’s conclusion.

Can I complete the tree decoration solo?

Yes, the tree decoration quest can be completed solo, though it’s easier with teammates. Make sure you have adequate weapons, bandages, and resources before attempting. Upgrade your campfire to Level 3 first, collect 12+ Christmas Lights, then head to the North Pole during daylight hours for safety.

What happens if I die before decorating all 12 trees?

If you die during your run, you’ll need to start over in a new game session. The North Pole safe zone only activates after all 12 trees are decorated in a single session. Any progress is lost if you die or leave the game before completion.

Does the North Pole safe zone persist after the Christmas event?

The North Pole Biome remains accessible after the Christmas event ends, but event-specific features like Christmas Lights spawning and tree decoration may be removed. It’s best to complete the quest during the active event period to ensure full functionality.

Final Thoughts

The Christmas tree decoration mechanic in 99 Nights in the Forest represents more than just a holiday-themed side quest—it’s a meaningful addition to the core gameplay that rewards exploration, resource management, and teamwork. By transforming the North Pole into a permanent safe zone, developers have created a tangible benefit that enhances long-term survival strategies and gives players another defensive position against the forest’s relentless threats.

My experience decorating Christmas trees across multiple game sessions has taught me that success comes down to three key factors: preparation (upgrading your campfire and gathering supplies), efficiency (collecting 12+ lights before heading to North Pole), and execution (systematically decorating all trees during safe hours). Whether you’re a solo survivor or part of a coordinated team, following the strategies outlined in this guide will help you complete the quest quickly and maximize your Candy Cane rewards.

The Christmas event as a whole showcases the developers’ commitment to keeping 99 Nights in the Forest fresh and engaging with seasonal content that respects the game’s survival horror roots while adding festive charm. The tree decoration activity perfectly balances challenge and reward, requiring players to venture into dangerous territory while offering substantial benefits for those who succeed.

As Week 2 of the Christmas update continues and Week 3 approaches, I encourage you to complete the tree decoration quest as soon as possible. The limited-time nature of these events means missing out now could mean waiting an entire year for another opportunity. Plus, the exclusive items in the Christmas Elf Shop are genuinely worth collecting, especially the unique classes and skins that won’t be available once the event concludes.

So grab your axe, gather your friends, and head into the snowy forest to collect those Christmas Lights. The elves need your help, Santa’s Workshop isn’t going to build itself, and that mysterious two-legged deer isn’t going to stop hunting just because it’s the holidays. Stay safe out there, survivor—and may your Christmas trees shine bright through all 99 nights in the forest!