Your Complete Guide to Buying Wholesale Christmas Decorations

Are you looking to buy Christmas decorations in bulk, either for your business or a large-scale project? You’ve come to the right place. Sourcing decor wholesale can unlock significant savings and a much wider variety of products. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to get started.

What Does "Wholesale Christmas Decorations" Mean?

Buying wholesale means purchasing goods in large quantities directly from a manufacturer or a distributor, rather than from a retail store. This process is designed for business-to-business (B2B) transactions. When you buy wholesale, you are getting products at a much lower price per item because you are buying in bulk and cutting out the retail middleman.

The key difference between wholesale and retail is the price and quantity. For example, a single glass ornament might cost $8 in a retail shop. A business buying that same ornament wholesale might pay only $2.50 per piece, but they would be required to buy a minimum quantity, such as 24 pieces or a full case.

This model is ideal for:

Retailers: Store owners who need to stock their shelves for the holiday season.
E-commerce Sellers: Online businesses that sell holiday decor.
Interior Designers & Decorators: Professionals hired to decorate homes, offices, or commercial spaces.
Event Planners: Organizers of corporate holiday parties, weddings, or community events.
Organizations: Churches, schools, and municipalities that decorate large public spaces.

The Major Benefits of Sourcing Decor Wholesale

Choosing to buy your holiday decorations wholesale comes with several powerful advantages, especially if you are purchasing for a business or a large venue.

1. Significant Cost Savings

This is the most compelling reason for most buyers. The price difference between wholesale and retail is substantial. By purchasing directly from the source, you avoid the retail markup, which can often be 100% or more. These savings can dramatically lower your business expenses or project budget, allowing you to either increase your profit margins or decorate more lavishly for the same amount of money.

2. Access to a Wider and More Unique Selection

Wholesale suppliers offer an incredible range of products that you will never find in a typical big-box retail store. They carry exclusive designs, a greater variety of colors and styles, and specialized items. If you want your store’s inventory or your decorating project to stand out, wholesale is the best way to find unique ornaments, lighting, wreaths, and garlands that are not available to the general public.

3. Create a Cohesive, Professional Look

When decorating a large space like a hotel lobby, an office building, or a shopping center, consistency is key. Wholesale suppliers allow you to purchase dozens or even hundreds of matching items. This ensures your design theme is perfectly executed with consistent color palettes, styles, and quality across the entire space, creating a polished and professional result that is difficult to achieve by shopping at multiple retail stores.

4. Higher Quality Products

Many wholesale suppliers specialize in high-quality, commercial-grade decorations. These items are built to be more durable and last longer than many consumer-grade products. This is especially important for outdoor displays or decorations used in high-traffic commercial areas.

How to Get Started: What You'll Need

Before you can start placing orders, most legitimate wholesalers will require you to prove that you are a genuine business. Here is what you typically need to have ready.

A Resale Certificate or Business License: This is the most important document. It’s also known as a seller’s permit or sales tax ID. This certificate proves that you are a business and allows you to purchase goods tax-free, as you will be collecting sales tax from the end customer (if you are a retailer).
Federal Tax ID Number (EIN): Most businesses have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. Many wholesale suppliers will ask for this on their account application form.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Be prepared to meet a minimum order requirement. This can be a minimum dollar amount (e.g., a first-time order of $250) or a minimum quantity per item (e.g., you must buy a full case of 12 wreaths). These MOQs vary greatly between suppliers.

The process usually involves filling out a new customer application on the supplier’s website and submitting copies of your business documents for approval.

Where to Find the Best Wholesale Christmas Suppliers

Now for the most important part: where do you actually find these suppliers? They operate in a few different channels.

Online Wholesale Marketplaces

These websites bring together thousands of brands and suppliers into one convenient platform. They are a great starting point.

Faire: One of the most popular online marketplaces for independent retailers. Faire has a large and well-curated holiday section, offers flexible payment terms, and is known for its user-friendly platform.
Alibaba: For those looking to source directly from manufacturers, often overseas, Alibaba is the largest platform. You can find incredibly low prices, but be prepared for very high MOQs, longer shipping times, and the need to handle customs and import logistics.
AmericasMart Atlanta: While it’s a physical market, AmericasMart has a robust online platform where registered buyers can browse and shop from their permanent showroom vendors year-round.

Direct from Major Brands and Distributors

Many of the top holiday decor brands that supply retail stores also have their own wholesale programs. You can apply for an account directly on their websites.

Kurt S. Adler: A legendary name in Christmas decorations, known for their licensed products (like Disney and Coca-Cola) and traditional ornaments.
Raz Imports: Known for their beautiful, themed collections of high-end ribbons, floral stems, and ornaments. They release stunning new collections each year.
Creative Co-op: This company offers a wide range of home decor, including a massive and stylish selection of holiday items that are very popular with gift shops and boutiques.

Attend Industry Trade Shows

For serious buyers, trade shows are invaluable. They allow you to see and touch the products in person, discover new trends, and build relationships with suppliers.

Atlanta Market (at AmericasMart): Held in January and July, this is one of the biggest gift and home decor markets in the world. Their winter show is a primary buying event for the next Christmas season.
Dallas Market Center: Another major hub for gift and home decor, with large markets held throughout the year where holiday items are showcased.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an individual without a business buy wholesale? Generally, no. Most legitimate wholesalers require a business license or resale certificate. However, some “cash and carry” wholesale warehouses may be open to the public, but their selection might be limited.

How far in advance should I order for the Christmas season? Most businesses place their main Christmas orders between January and July. Popular items from top brands can sell out by late summer, so planning well ahead is essential to get the best selection.

Are shipping costs high for wholesale orders? They can be. You are often ordering large, bulky boxes, which may need to be shipped via freight rather than standard parcel services. Always factor in the cost of shipping when calculating your total expenses.