The Best Christmas Tree Farms to Visit This Holiday Season
With the holidays approaching, many families partake in the cherished tradition of finding (and decorating) the perfect Christmas tree. Some choose the convenience of an artificial or pre-cut tree, but ’tis the season for festive fun! So, we’ve rounded up a few of America’s best Christmas tree farms to visit this December. Add these choose-and-cut farms to your winter bucket list.
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Jones Family Farms
Shelton, Connecticut
Operating for over 150 years, Jones Family Farms is one of the oldest and most charming tree farms in the country. This gem offers a variety of options, including blue spruce, Fraser fir, Douglas fir, balsam fir, white pine and white fir. Half the fun is merely exploring the farm’s lush 200 acres.
Jones Family Farm makes our list of America’s best Christmas tree farms thanks to all its holiday happenings. Aside from tree cutting, the farm has a winery where visitors who prefer vino over hot cocoa can make a toast. There’s also warm trail mix-flavored cookies for the kiddos. Don’t forget to pop into the farm’s Holiday Gatherings Gift Shop to stock up on cute crafts, ornaments and other trinkets.
Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm
Mattituck, New York
Cathy and Joe Shipman may not be as household names like Mr. and Mrs. Claus, but they sure know how to make every visitor feel at home. At Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm, customers can cut their own Douglas fir tree or opt for a pre-cut Fraser fir, potted spruce tree or wreaths. If you worked up a hunger strolling the 20 acres, retreat to the Shamrock Snack Barn for local clams and oysters. The farm offers even more holiday cheer with wine tastings, carolers and a shop filled with ornaments, life-sized nutcrackers and sleighs.
See more: Wilson Glyn Christmas Tree Farm in Tennessee Creates Lasting Holiday Memories
Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm
Waynesville, North Carolina
If you’re a Christmas holiday devotee who starts celebrating even before Thanksgiving, this Christmas tree farm is for you. Family-operated for over a century, Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm opens just before Turkey Day. Select a fresh Fraser fir, then Santa’s helpers can cut it, bale it and tie it to your car – or opt to saw a tree down yourself. Fido is also welcome at this pet-friendly locale.
For a seasonal stay, book one of the farm’s onsite log cabins. In addition to picking out your tree, you can make memories hiking, fishing, tubing and snowball fighting.
Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest
Eustis, Florida
A lengthy sleigh ride from the North Pole, the Sunshine State is actually home to many Christmas tree farms. On the outskirts of Orlando, discover the whimsical 17 acres devoted to Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest. The staff provides saws so you can cut a sand pine, red cedar or Arizona cypress. Plus, there are pre-cut trees, potted trees and fresh wreaths. At this farm, you can even fly through the sky like just Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer via Santa’s Flight Zipline.
See more: Deck the Halls With a Florida Christmas Tree From Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest
Trinity Tree Farm
Issaquah, Washington
On a hilltop in Seattle, find a 36-acre winter wonderland at Trinity Tree Farm. Whether you cut your own or ask for assistance, choose a Douglas, noble, grand or Fraser fir. You won’t find Santa’s sleigh here, but you will appreciate taking memorable photos beside a 1955 antique fire engine. Check the event schedule to coincide your visit with one of Trinity’s holiday wreath-making workshops. Plus, on weekends, the farm has a breakfast, lunch and espresso bar.
Frosty Mountain Tree Farm
Sebastopol, California
On the border of Sonoma, head to Frosty Mountain Tree Farm for a U-pick experience that’ll warm your heart. Surrounded by assorted varieties like Douglas fir, Scotch pine, sequoia redwood, Leyland cypress and noble fir, you’ll enjoy all the feels – and scents and sounds – of Christmastime. After trimming timber, picnic near the big red barn or take advantage of the onsite treats like Christmas cookies, homemade popcorn and fresh apple cider. Children of all ages can also settle in for story time with Mrs. Claus.
Dull’s Tree Farm
Thorntown, Indiana
Not long after pumpkin season at Dull’s Tree Farm, visitors flock back to select a Scotch pine, white pine or Canaan fir. Stop into the barn to design a custom wreath comprised of your choice of ribbons, bows and details. If you’d like to burn off some calories from all that Christmas cookie snacking, take to the 1.5-mile Pioneer Trail at Dull’s, which encompasses a fun scavenger-style challenge.
Walnut Ridge Farm
Indianola, Iowa
“The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole may celebrate chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but when it comes to America’s best Christmas tree farms, expect to go nuts for Walnut Ridge Farm. The farm offers Scotch pine, white pine, Fraser fir, Canaan fir and concolor fir trees. Fans in tune of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” will love Walnut’s Kissing Ball, one of several signature greenery items available for purchase.
Wonderland Tree Farm
Pea Ridge, Arizona
As their slogan states, Wonderland Tree Farm is “where Christmas traditions begin.” Aside from the tradition of choosing a Christmas tree, Wonderland hosts some unconventional (but wonderful) events. During “Duck the Halls,” visitors can search for hidden Christmas duckies throughout the property and redeem them for prizes. During “Holly Jolly Pony Extravaganza Days,” it’s all about holiday horseplay.
Plantation Pines Christmas Tree Farm
Tyler, Texas
The phrase “everything is bigger in Texas” also applies to Plantation Pines Christmas Tree Farm, which sells trees up to 12 feet tall. Here you’ll cut Virginia pine trees and find pre-cut Fraser firs. There’s plenty of festive fun, too, including hot chocolate, hayrides, jumbo checkers and farm animals. Be sure to purchase one of the s’mores kits to roast by the cozy campfire.
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Tips for Your Christmas Tree Farm Visit
- We’ve rounded up some of America’s best Christmas tree farms above, but you can locate additional farms at pickyourownchristmastree.org and the National Christmas Tree Association website.
- Check farm websites to learn about on-site amenities. Bring snacks, water, cash (as credit cards may not be accepted) and rope to tie the tree to your vehicle.
- Santa certainly dresses the part, and you can too. Wear holiday-themed garments so selfies are Christmas card-worthy.
- Set your radio to a holiday station to get in the spirit while en route to the farm.