Christmas trees are central to many holiday traditions, from hanging ornaments to unwrapping presents. Even the act of finding the perfect Christmas tree can be part of the holiday fun, especially since many farms practically become satellite offices of the North Pole each winter, complete with Santa visits and hot cocoa stands.
While you could channel your inner Paul Bunyan and get a permit to chop a tree down in the forest, Christmas tree farms are a much easier way to go and are well stocked with firs, spruces and pines (depending on what region you live in).
About 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States each year, according to the National Christmas Tree Association, and this locator map can help you find a farm near you.
Options run the gamut from choose-and-cut farms to those that have pre-cut trees to shop — just don’t forget to bring your measuring tape to make sure any tree you fall in love with will fit in your living room.
Read on for charming Christmas tree farms around the country that are cute enough for a Hallmark holiday movie.
Big Jim Farms in Albuquerque, New Mexico
For a Southwestern-style Christmas, visit Big Jim Farms to pick out a tree, visit with “Cowboy Santa” and even learn how to make tamales. The tractors are decorated in lights, luminarias give the scene a warm glow, and you might even smell roasted red chile and posole in the air.
Farm animals are a part of a live nativity scene, and a warm greenhouse is filled with poinsettias you can shop and there’s plenty of cute vignettes for photos.
The farm market is also well-stocked with New Mexican goodies, like red chile, ristras, winter squash, and wreaths.
Piper Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Newburgh, Maine
After choosing and cutting a fragrant Balsam Fir from Piper Mountain Christmas Tree Farm, head down to the big red barn for homemade donuts, hot apple cider and a free candy cane while you shop for ornaments.
The farm is known for its artisan wreaths, and ships the holiday decorations to all 50 states.
Santa visits, horse-drawn sleigh rides and food trucks all add to the experience.
Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Waynesville, North Carolina
Make a vacation out of your Christmas tree cutting experience at Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Visitors can spend the night in one of nine log cabins and hike around the property’s trails before choosing a Fraser fir.
Covered Bridge Ranch in Montrose, Colorado
You’ll probably leave Covered Bridge Ranch with not just a Christmas tree, but a family photo that’s a solid contender for your annual holiday card.
The scenic 300-acre ranch at the base of Colorado’s San Juan mountains has a wreath-decorating barn and a campfire for roasting marshmallows.
Christmas Ranch Tree Farm in Excelsior Springs, Missouri
Christmas Ranch Tree Farm is so cute, a holiday movie was shot here.
(Christmas Ranch Tree Farm)
This cute-as-can-be Christmas tree farm was actually the filming location of a holiday movie (“My Sweet Holiday,” which debuted on Lifetime in 2020).
Those shopping for a Christmas tree can cut down their own or find one among the pre-cut trees. Hot cocoa, hot apple cider and coffee as well as fresh-baked cookies are served in the farm’s barn.
Santa’s Tree Farm and Village in Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay is known as a pumpkin town. But when the seasons change, it’s all about Christmas trees on the area’s farms.
Take your pick of trees, from Douglas firs that have a nice evergreen scent to white firs, a Christmas classic at Santa’s Tree Farm and Village. Train rides and storytimes with Mrs. Claus round out the fun.
East Wind Christmas Tree Farm in Marshall, Wisconsin
Santa makes a cameo at East Wind Christmas Tree Farm
(East Wind Christmas Tree Farm)
You can choose between pre-cut and cut-your-own trees at East Wind Christmas Tree Farm, but the most interesting Christmas trees here are the painted ones that come in a variety of colors. They’re very Seuss-like!
Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm in Cutchogue, New York
With 8,000 Douglas firs to choose from, you’re sure to find your perfect tree at Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm.
The farm offers photos with Santa and his cherry red truck, and there’s a “Sensitive Santa” to visit in a quiet setting. For more winter fun, take a few spins around the farm’s ice skating rink.
Thomley’s Christmas Tree Farm in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Thomley’s Christmas Tree Farm
(Thomley’s Christmas Tree Farm / Airbnb)
Trips to Thomley’s Christmas Tree Farm have been part of family traditions for generations, as the farm has been around for more than five decades.
The farm grows Leyland Cypress, Virginia Pine and Carolina Sapphire trees and also brings in Fraser Firs from North Carolina and Virginia.
It also has an on-site glassblowing studio so you could bring home a tree and a beautiful ornament. You can also rent an Airbnb for a cozy farm stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When do most Christmas tree farms open for the season?
Most farms open from mid-November to Thanksgiving weekend, but the dates can vary by region and weather.
2. What types of Christmas trees are sold at U.S. tree farms?
Common varieties include Fraser fir, Blue Spruce, Douglas fir, Balsam fir, Noble fir, Virginia pine, and Leyland cypress.
3. Should I cut my own tree or choose a pre-cut one?
While cut-your-own trees are the freshest and make for fun photo opps, pre-cut trees are more convenient. A lot of times tree farms will have all of the equipment you need to cut a tree from saws to the twine and tarp.
4. How long will a real Christmas tree last?
With proper watering, most last 4–6 weeks. When you’re looking for a tree, give the branch a gentle tug. Few needles should fall off! You also want to keep your tree away from heat vents and direct sunlight at home to help it last longer.
5. What should I bring to a Christmas tree farm?
A measuring tape, gloves, a vehicle blanket or tarp, twine (if they don’t provide it), and cash in case small vendors don’t take cards.
6. Are pets allowed at Christmas tree farms?
Many farms are pet-friendly for well-behaved dogs, but policies vary, so check with the farm’s website beforehand.
7. How much do real Christmas trees cost?
Prices typically range from $60–$150 depending on size, type, and region. But if you’re looking for an enormous 20-foot tree, expect to pay upwards of $500. On the flip side, you can get some smaller trees under 4 feet for roughly $20 to $25.