Bizarre Christmas Laws: 7 Rules You Never Knew Existed in the U.S.

Think you know all about Christmas regulations? Think again. While most people focus on creating the perfect holiday atmosphere, they might unknowingly break some peculiar local laws.

Some of these rules emerged from genuine safety concerns, while others stem from historical quirks that have persisted into modern times. 

Here are the seven bizarre laws that might make you think twice about your festive celebrations.

1. The Christmas Debt Holiday

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Arkansas implemented an unusual law in 1838 prohibiting debt collection on Christmas Day. Any payments due on December 25th must be handled on Christmas Eve instead.

On the other hand, Louisiana took a different approach in 1837, offering debtors a grace period until December 26th. 

This creates an interesting contrast in how different states handle financial obligations during the holiday season.

2. Mandatory Mexican Christmas Bonuses

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Employers in Mexico must provide an “aguinaldo” – a mandatory Christmas bonus equaling at least 15 days of wages – by December 20th. (ref) Established in 1970, this law ensures workers receive additional compensation during the holiday season.

Companies failing to comply face severe penalties, with fines reaching 5,000 times the minimum wage. 

Costa Rica maintains a similar requirement, demonstrating how some countries legally enforce holiday generosity.

3. Christmas Light Removal Rules

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San Diego residents must remove outdoor Christmas lights by February 2nd or face a $250 fine. (ref) While indoor decorations remain unrestricted, this regulation helps maintain community aesthetics.

Maine takes a stricter approach, requiring removal by January 15th, while other municipalities have similar restrictions. 

These laws aim to prevent year-round holiday displays and maintain neighborhood order.

4. Natural Christmas Tree Restrictions

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New York City prohibits natural Christmas trees in retail stores, (ref) while Philadelphia bans them in high-rise and multi-unit buildings. (ref) These restrictions stem from fire safety concerns and building codes.

Violators in Philadelphia face a $300 fine under the 1982 fire code, which limits natural tree displays to single-family or two-family residences. 

The regulations aim to prevent potential fire hazards in densely populated areas.

5. Christmas Tree Transportation Laws

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Michigan requires residents to carry proof of purchase when transporting Christmas trees. This regulation helps prevent unauthorized tree cutting and ensures proper documentation of tree sales. (ref)

Since 2011, a 15-cent tax has been assessed on Christmas tree sales nationwide to fund marketing programs, though this is primarily levied on wholesalers.

6. Holiday Alcohol Restrictions

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Arkansas maintains a complete ban on alcohol sales during Christmas Day. (ref)

This regulation requires residents to plan holiday celebrations by purchasing desired spirits before December 25th. 

The law makes Arkansas one of the few states with such strict holiday alcohol restrictions, though it doesn’t prohibit the consumption of previously purchased alcohol in private residences.

7. The Three Reindeer Rule

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Following the U.S. Supreme Court case Lynch v. Donnelly, government properties must balance religious holiday displays with secular elements. (ref)

This regulation ensures that public Christmas displays maintain religious neutrality.

The property must include secular holiday decorations for every religious symbol displayed, leading to the informal name “Three Reindeer Rule” among legal professionals.

Nancy Maffia » nancy
Nancy Maffia
Author & Editor | + posts

Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.