Forget Santa’s workshop—Decorator’s Warehouse in Arlington, Texas, might just give the North Pole a run for its money. At more than 60,000 square feet (about the size of a football field), it’s the largest Christmas store in the Lone Star State and ranks as one of the biggest in the country—second only to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland in Michigan, which holds the title of the largest holiday store in the world.
A Hallmark Movie History
With his white beard and rosy cheeks, co-owner David Hansen could easily pass for Santa himself. He lights up as he recalls the delight on children’s faces when they first walk through the store’s doors. But creating Christmas magic wasn’t always his line of work.
During a recession, Hansen lost his construction job just before the holidays. To make ends meet, he and his wife, Kathy, started selling Christmas trees out of their garage.
“I bought 2,000 Christmas trees from a vendor,” Hansen recalls. “I had to borrow ten thousand dollars from my grandfather. I remember making two-by-two signs that I nailed on every telephone pole in Arlington.”
Their bet paid off—the trees sold out quickly, and business was so brisk that neighbors complained about the traffic. Forced to find a new space, the couple bought their first warehouse—an unheated, un-air-conditioned building in the middle of Texas. Through determination and plenty of holiday spirit, the Hansens grew their business into today’s destination: 60,000 square feet of twinkling lights, ornaments, and festive décor, plus a fast-growing national online presence.
Credit:
Courtesy Decorator’s Warehouse
A Christmas Tradition
With thousands of ornaments, wreaths, floral arrangements, lights, Christmas trees, and elaborate displays, shoppers often spend hours wandering the aisles to take it all in.
“Every year we change the store up—we take everything down and rebuild from scratch,” Kristin Black, Second Generation Owner/Creative Director, explains.
It’s not just a hodgepodge of holiday décor, either. Each season, the Hansens and their team curate themed collections, drawing inspiration from social media trends, customer feedback, and design shows across the country. Nostalgic tinsel trees? A sleek, minimalist look? Chances are, you’ll find both.
“Equally important is the feedback we hear from our community,” Black adds. “Many of our most beloved collections were born out of listening to what our customers are asking for. By blending these insights with our own creative vision, we’re able to bring in themes that feel both current and timeless, ensuring every decorator finds something that sparks joy for their home.”
Though Christmas reigns supreme here, Decorator’s Warehouse also stocks smaller seasonal selections for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, the Fourth of July, and Easter.
Credit:
Courtesy Decorator’s Warehouse
The Whole World Comes to Arlington
What started as a neighborhood business has grown into a destination that draws visitors from around the globe.
“We have design teams that visit from New Zealand and Dubai every single year, toting their suitcases to ship what they buy back home,” Black adds.
It’s not just international guests, either—local families have turned visits into annual traditions. Now, second- and third-generation shoppers return year after year, continuing the holiday ritual that began decades ago in a Texas garage.