Where America’s Christmas trees really come from

Few things spark the holidays like the scent of a fresh Christmas tree strapped to the roof of your car. Every year, millions of families set out on their own quest for the perfect tree — part tradition, part adventure. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 14.5 million trees are cut nationwide. That’s a lot of evergreens!

So buckle up: we’re heading out on a road trip to explore the ten states that grow the most Christmas trees, with some festive detours along the way.

#10 Minnesota

Minnesota residents cut over 150,000 Christmas trees. The Gopher State has many varieties to choose from, including popular selections such as Colorado spruce and Norway pine.

After a long journey with our Christmas tree tied to the top of the car, we will enjoy shopping for holiday gifts at the Mall of America. Then, we will head further north to see the rugged nature of Voyageurs National Park, one of America’s least-visited national parks.

#9 Ohio

Ohioans cut nearly 200,000 Christmas trees to celebrate the season. Several species of fir, pine, and spruce grow across the state, but the Scotch pine is the most popular choice.

Ohio’s northeast corner is a hub for Christmas tree production, making it the perfect stop on our holiday road trip. And since “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is a personal favorite, we’ll add two must‑see detours: the scenic trails of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

#8 New York

New Yorkers cut more than 300,000 trees. The Scotch pine and the Douglas fir are two of the most commonly selected Christmas trees in the Empire State.

As we head east with our trees in tow, we will stop at the majestic Niagara Falls. Our second stop is the Finger Lakes, where we will sip wine while savoring vineyard and lake views. The region also has plenty of waterfalls to admire.

#7 Virginia

Virginians cut over 575,000 trees. Although Virginia pines grow in the state, they grow much better in the Deep South. The white pine is the state’s most common Christmas tree variety.

As we head south to Old Dominion, we will split our time between two towns to savor views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Roanoke offers many colorful adventures and culinary delights, while Salem yields history and excellent boutique shopping.

#6 Wisconsin

Wisconsinites, or Cheeseheads if you prefer, cut over 600,000 trees. Popular varieties include balsam fir, Fraser fir, spruce, Eastern white pine, and Scotch pine.

As we head north to Wisconsin, our car gets weighed down with five lush trees strapped to the roof. We still have time to explore the beautiful parks in Door County. Here, we can enjoy unique activities such as island hopping, lighthouse climbing, and stargazing. Views of sparkling Lake Michigan and Green Bay reinvigorate us to finish our long journey.

#5 Pennsylvania

Keystone State residents cut more than 700,000 trees. Popular varieties include Colorado spruce and Douglas, Fraser, and balsam firs.

We will dive into American history in Philadelphia as we crisscross back to the east. Attractions include the Liberty Bell, the United States Mint, the Edgar Allan Poe House, and LOVE Park.

#4 Washington

Although nicknamed “The Evergreen State,” Washington is not the leading Christmas tree-producing state. It is, however, fourth with over 900,000 cut trees. The most popular selections are Douglas, Noble, Grand, Fraser, and Nordmann firs.

While the trek to Washington is long, it is worth it. We will visit the legendary Olympic National Park to explore its lush rainforests and rocky coasts. Then, we will head to Seattle to experience its magical Christmas market.

#3 Michigan

Michiganders cut nearly 1.8 million trees. Popular varieties include Fraser fir, Scotch pine, Douglas fir, blue spruce, and Black Hills spruce.

While Michigan offers many natural wonders, our tree bundle is weighing the car down. We will visit the breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which features sandstone cliffs, caves, and beaches along Lake Superior’s coastline.

#2 North Carolina

Tar Heel State residents cut over 3.2 million trees. While several Christmas tree varieties grow in North Carolina, the Fraser fir is the most common.

North Carolina offers just about every type of destination, from beaches to mountains to cities. Since I am partial to national parks, we will head to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a true mountain getaway. We can relax in our log cabin between hiking trails with jaw-dropping views of forested mountains. Now topped with nine Christmas trees, our car is slowing down.

#1 Oregon

Oregonians cut nearly 5 million trees, shipping many outside the state for others to enjoy. The most popular varieties are Douglas, Noble, Grand, and Nordmann firs.

By this point, our bumper is dragging under the weight of ten trees, spitting sparks as we drive across Oregon. We still have time to visit a somewhat secret area called Waterfall Alley, where we can see breathtaking waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge.

Enjoy Your Christmas Tree

Christmas trees remain one of the season’s most cherished symbols. Whether you cut your own, pick up a live tree from a store, or decorate an artificial one, the joy comes from the time spent together around it. And if your tree is fresh, chances are it came from one of these top‑producing states we’ve just visited on our holiday road trip.

After all those miles, it’s time to unpack and sweep out the car — but I’m grateful for the journey and the reminder that so many regions contribute to this beloved tradition.

A heartfelt thank‑you to the Christmas tree farms and their dedicated staff, whose hard work brings holiday cheer to families across the country. Wishing you a festive season filled with light, laughter, and the scent of evergreens.