How to Dispose of Your Real Christmas Tree in Boquete

In Boquete, Panama, dispose of your real Christmas tree by burning it on January 6th (Three Kings Day) as part of local tradition, creating your own bonfire after it dries, or replanting living trees with root balls in your garden. The Three Kings Day bonfire is the most culturally significant method, marking the end of the Christmas season with a festive community gathering. Never leave trees on curbs for pickup, as Boquete has no municipal collection service.

If you bought a real Christmas tree this holiday season in Boquete and now find yourself wondering what to do with it, you're not alone. Many newcomers aren't sure about local customs for tree disposal. Having spent several holiday seasons here, I've come to appreciate how these traditions add a special touch to the end of the Christmas season.

The Three Kings Day Bonfire Tradition

The most popular and culturally significant way to dispose of your Christmas tree in Boquete is to burn it on January 6th, which is Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos). This date marks the end of the Christmas season in Panama and much of Latin America, celebrating the arrival of the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus.

Burning your tree on this day is considered a festive tradition rather than just disposal. Many families gather outside in the evening, light up their dried-out trees, and enjoy the bonfire together. It's a beautiful way to close out the holiday season with one final celebration. There's something wonderfully cathartic about watching the tree go up in flames, releasing the last of the holiday magic into the cool mountain air.

If you have neighbors who also have trees to burn, consider making it a community event. Bring some hot chocolate or wine, maybe some leftover holiday treats, and turn the disposal into a mini gathering. It's these small shared moments that build community here in Boquete.

Create Your Own Bonfire

If you don't want to wait until January 6th, or if you simply prefer a more practical approach, you can chop your tree into smaller pieces and use them for a backyard bonfire whenever it suits you. The dry pine burns well and creates a pleasant aroma that's distinctly holiday-like. Just make sure you:

• Let the tree dry out completely first, a freshly cut tree with moisture still in it won't burn well and creates more smoke
• Choose a safe location away from structures and overhanging branches
• Have water nearby as a precaution, even though our mountain air is often humid
• Check if there are any local burn restrictions during dry season (typically January through April)
• Consider wind direction so smoke doesn't blow toward neighbors or into your own house
• Never leave the fire unattended

Replant It (If You Have a Living Tree)

Here's a thought that some longtime Boquete residents swear by: if your tree still has its roots intact, put it back in the ground! A living Christmas tree with a healthy root ball can absolutely be replanted in your garden or property. Given Boquete's ideal growing climate, cool temperatures, regular rainfall, rich volcanic soil, your holiday tree could become a permanent part of your landscape.

I know one expat couple who has been doing this for years. They now have a small grove of former Christmas trees on their property, and each one brings back memories of a particular holiday season. It's a lovely living timeline of their years in Panama.

Of course, this only works if you purchased a true living tree with roots, not one that was cut at the trunk. Many trees sold as "live" Christmas trees have actually had their roots trimmed or removed, so check before you dig that hole. If the root ball looks healthy and substantial, you've got a good candidate for replanting.

What Not to Do

Unlike in some countries, there's no municipal Christmas tree pickup service here in Boquete. Don't leave your tree on the curb expecting it to be collected, it will just sit there and become an eyesore. Similarly, dumping it in a vacant lot or natural area is not appropriate and harms the environment. We live in such a beautiful place; let's keep it that way.

Also, avoid burning your tree if it's decorated with artificial materials like tinsel, spray-on snow, or certain types of lights. These can release toxic fumes when burned. Make sure your tree is completely stripped of decorations before any bonfire.

Final Thoughts

Whether you embrace the Three Kings Day tradition with a ceremonial burning, turn your tree into firewood for a cozy evening, or give it a second life in your garden, there's no wrong way to handle your post-holiday tree here in Boquete. It's just one of those small cultural moments that makes living abroad so interesting: even tree disposal comes with its own local flavor.

For me, the Three Kings bonfire has become a favorite ritual. There's something about standing in my yard on a cool January evening, watching the last of Christmas burn away, that feels both closing and hopeful. It's the official end of one year's celebrations and a clear step into whatever the new year will bring.

Happy New Year, and may your 2025 be as green as Boquete's beautiful highlands! For more insights on expat life in Panama, explore our guides to Panama City and other destinations.