Mistletoe is one of those holiday decorations that people talk about all year but only think to buy in the final weeks before Christmas. Whether you want a fresh sprig of real American mistletoe or a reusable artificial arrangement, knowing where to shop before the season hits saves you from settling for whatever wilted bundle is left on the shelf. This guide covers every reliable source, from big-box stores to specialty growers who ship real mistletoe straight to your door.
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What Is Mistletoe and Who Hangs It?
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on the branches of host trees like oak, elm, and sycamore. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe traces back to Norse mythology, where the plant was linked to Frigg, the goddess of love. Celtic druids also considered it sacred, believing it had healing properties and symbolized fertility. Today, it is one of the most recognizable Christmas decorations in the continental United States and Canada.
American mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) is the species most commonly sold as a holiday decoration. It produces white berries and small evergreen leaves that stay green through winter. European mistletoe (Viscum album) is a related species used in traditional herbal medicine, though it is less common in American retail. Both species are hemiparasites, meaning they perform some photosynthesis on their own but draw water and nutrients from their host plant through a structure called a haustorium.
Families, couples, and party hosts are the main buyers. If you are decorating for a holiday gathering or just keeping the tradition alive, the demand spikes between late November and mid-December. Stock disappears fast, so plan ahead.
5 Features That Separate Good Mistletoe From Bad
Not all mistletoe sold during the holidays is worth buying. Here is what separates a good purchase from a disappointing one.
Fresh vs. artificial. Real mistletoe has a natural look and subtle scent that artificial versions cannot replicate. Fresh sprigs last about two to four weeks if kept cool and lightly misted. Artificial options are reusable year after year, which saves money over time. Pick based on how much authenticity matters to your holiday setup.
Berry condition. On a real sprig, the white berries should be plump and firmly attached. Shriveled or missing berries mean the plant was harvested too early or stored poorly. Note that the berries are toxic to humans and pets, so keep fresh sprigs out of reach of children and animals.
Stem and leaf color. Healthy leaves are deep green, not yellowed or brown at the edges. The stems should feel pliable, not brittle. Dry, cracking stems mean the plant is already dying.
Size and arrangement style. You can buy loose sprigs, pre-made kissing balls, or pieces mounted on decorative ribbon. Loose sprigs give you flexibility. Pre-arranged options work better if you want something ready to hang immediately. Measure your doorway first.
Packaging for shipping. If ordering online, check whether the seller ships in ventilated packaging. Real sprigs sealed in plastic for days turn brown. The best growers use breathable wraps and overnight or two-day shipping during the holiday season.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Mistletoe
The most common mistake is waiting until the last week before Christmas. By then, fresh stock is gone and you are left with dried-out leftovers or overpriced rush shipping.
Confusing holly with this plant. Holly has pointed, spiny leaves and red berries. This holiday greenery has smooth, rounded leaves and pale, clustered fruit. They look nothing alike up close, but generic holiday bundles sometimes mix them together without clear labeling.
Ignoring the toxicity risk. Both the berries and leaves of the real plant are poisonous if ingested. Households with curious pets or small children should either hang it well out of reach or choose a high-quality artificial version. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs and cats.
Buying from unknown online sellers. Random marketplace listings sometimes ship dried-out or moldy clumps. Stick to established specialty sites or verified sellers with actual customer reviews and photos.
Overpaying for basic sprigs. A simple fresh sprig should cost between $5 and $15. Elaborate kissing balls or large arrangements run $20 to $40. Anything priced well above that range for a standard bundle is overcharging for the holiday rush.
Where to Buy Mistletoe In Store
Walmart
Walmart, the largest brick-and-mortar retailer in the U.S., stocks artificial arrangements in their seasonal decoration aisle starting in early November. Selection varies by location. Larger Supercenters tend to carry more options than Neighborhood Market stores. Fresh sprigs are rare here, so expect plastic or fabric versions. Call your local store to check availability before making the trip, since smaller locations may skip this item entirely. Browse their selection online if the in-store shelf is empty.
Local Florists and Garden Centers
Independent florists and garden centers are the most reliable source for fresh, real sprigs during the holiday season. Many order directly from growers in Oregon, Oklahoma, or Texas, where the plant grows naturally on oak trees and other hardwood trees. Prices run slightly higher than big-box stores, but you get a fresher product with better presentation. Call ahead starting the first week of December to reserve yours.
Craft and Hobby Stores
Stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels carry artificial versions among their holiday floral supplies. These tend to be higher quality than the budget options at big-box retailers, with more realistic leaf and berry details. Check the seasonal floral aisle, usually near the Christmas decorations and wreath-making supplies.
Where to Buy Mistletoe Online
Online retailers offer the widest selection of both fresh and artificial options, and ordering early guarantees delivery before the holiday rush.
Amazon
Amazon carries hundreds of artificial arrangements and a smaller selection of fresh sprigs from third-party sellers. Prime members can get two-day delivery on most artificial options. For fresh orders, read the seller reviews carefully and check the shipping method. Shop their full selection and use the “fresh” filter if you want the real thing. Prices range from $5 for a basic plastic sprig to $30 or more for elaborate kissing ball arrangements.
Mistletoe.com
This specialty retailer ships real, hand-harvested Oregon product picked from the great oaks of the Pacific Northwest. If plastic versions feel too cheap for your holiday setup, this is the go-to source. They also sell real holly and other fresh holiday greenery. Orders typically ship in ventilated packaging to keep the sprigs alive during transit. Visit their site to see current availability, as stock sells out quickly once December starts.
Mistletoeing.com
Mistletoeing.com sells organic, fresh product in both traditional and contemporary arrangements. What sets them apart is their shipping transparency. A countdown on the ordering page shows exactly how late you can place an order with each shipping tier and still receive it before Christmas. They offer standard, expedited, and overnight options. If you are the type who waits until the second week of December, this site takes the guesswork out of delivery timing. Check their ordering deadlines before the season ends.
Etsy
Etsy is a solid option for handmade or unique artificial arrangements. Independent sellers create custom kissing balls, beaded versions, and vintage-style decorations you will not find at chain stores. Shipping times vary by seller, so order by late November for safe delivery. Read seller reviews and check for photos from actual buyers before purchasing.
Top Picks for Buying Mistletoe This Season
These picks cover the most common buyer needs, from fresh real sprigs to durable artificial options that last for years.
Best for real, fresh sprigs: Mistletoe.com Oregon Harvest Bundle. Hand-picked from oak trees in the Pacific Northwest. Arrives with green leaves and plump, intact fruit clusters. Around $15 to $25 depending on size. Check price on Amazon
Best budget artificial: Kurt Adler Kissing Ball. A well-reviewed plastic kissing ball with realistic leaf detail and attached ribbon for hanging. Under $10 at most retailers. Reusable season after season. Check price on Amazon
Best overall artificial: Sullivans Artificial Bundle. Fabric and plastic blend that looks convincing from a distance. Includes multiple stems per pack, so you can decorate more than one doorway. Around $12 to $20. Check price on Amazon
Best for organic fresh: Mistletoeing.com Traditional Sprig. Certified organic, shipped in breathable wrap with delivery countdown. Best ordered by the first week of December. Around $18 to $30. Check price on Amazon
| Pick | Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mistletoe.com Oregon Harvest | Fresh, real | $15 to $25 | Authentic holiday feel |
| Kurt Adler Kissing Ball | Artificial | Under $10 | Budget-friendly, reusable |
| Sullivans Artificial Bundle | Artificial | $12 to $20 | Multiple doorways |
| Mistletoeing.com Sprig | Fresh, organic | $18 to $30 | Guaranteed holiday delivery |
Frequently Asked Questions About Mistletoe
Why do people kiss under mistletoe?
Kissing under the mistletoe is a tradition rooted in Norse mythology. The story goes that Frigg, the goddess of love, declared the plant a symbol of love after her son Baldur was resurrected. The custom spread through Europe and became a standard part of Christmas celebrations in English-speaking countries by the 1700s.
Is mistletoe poisonous to pets?
Yes. Both American and European varieties are toxic to dogs, cats, and other household pets. The berries and leaves can cause gastrointestinal distress, drooling, and vomiting if ingested. Hang fresh sprigs high enough that pets cannot reach fallen berries, or use an artificial alternative.
How long does real mistletoe last after cutting?
A fresh sprig typically lasts two to four weeks indoors. Misting it lightly with water every few days and keeping it away from direct heat sources helps extend its life. Once the leaves start turning brown and curling, it is time to replace it.
Can you grow your own mistletoe?
Technically yes, but it is slow and unpredictable. The seeds need to germinate on a living host tree branch, and the process takes several years before the plant produces visible growth. Most people find it far easier to buy fresh sprigs each season from a grower or specialty retailer.
What is the difference between American and European mistletoe?
American mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) grows primarily in the southeastern and southwestern United States. European mistletoe (Viscum album) is native to Europe and parts of Asia. Both are parasitic plants with white berries, but they belong to different plant families within the order Santalales. In U.S. stores, nearly all commercially sold holiday sprigs are the American species.
Reviewed by the wheretobuyguides.com editorial team. Last updated: April 2026.
The easiest path to finding the right mistletoe this holiday season is to order online by early December. Fresh sprigs from specialty growers like Mistletoe.com or Mistletoeing.com ship directly to your door, while holiday ornament retailers and Amazon cover the artificial side. If you prefer shopping in person, call your local florist or garden center first to confirm they have stock. Whichever route you pick, do not wait until the week before Christmas. This seasonal decoration sells out fast once November ends, so the best time to order is right now.