Make the Season Bright by Cutting the Cost of Christmas Decorations -- Savings Experiment

Christmas decorations should evoke holiday cheer, but with the high cost of trees, ornaments, lights and more, their price tags may just bring out holiday tears. Here's how to lower the cost of decorations, while making the season bright.

Our experts headed to three big box retailers with a holiday shopping list that included: a tree, lights, ornaments, tinsel/garland, a tree-top star, stockings, stocking hangers and a wreath. The cost of all these items came to a total of $182.99 at Target and $172.86 at Kmart, while Walmart offered the biggest savings. The entire shopping list cost just $150.74 there.

If you're looking to cash in on even more savings, rethink your wreath. Although Walmart was the least expensive place to buy all of the decorations, its wreath was priced at $40.07. Meanwhile, Target's cost $25, and a pre-decorated version at Kmart was on sale for only $18. That's less than half of Walmart's wreath!

So, if you want the best bargain on Christmas decorations, head to Walmart for the majority of your shopping list, and buy your wreath at Kmart. You'll get the most bang for your buck, while celebrating the most wonderful time of the year in style.