So you want to cut your own Christmas tree? Then how fun are you! There are so many amazing Christmas tree farms to choose from, and you can easily find them near you by using our Farm Fun Finder. Most of them are family affairs and have been around for a long time - generations in most cases, and they are run like a tight ship but so warm and friendly. This is these farmers' best time of year, so understand you're in for a fun outing and festive occasion.

But, there are a few things that you need to know before you get started!

According to the National Christmas Tree Association …. ok, did I get your attention? Yes, there's actually an association for this! Where was I? OH, yes. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, the cutting down of a Christmas tree is a 2-person project. So bring your BFF or partner. Heck, bring everyone! One to cut, the other to hold the limbs out of the way and steady the tree as it falls. Or perhaps even stopping it from falling?!

Typically, a saw will be provided to you. I don't know about you, but I think that's pretty cool! However, be prepared and ask your selected farm in advance. You'd hate to arrive in your lumberjack gear and be unable to actually cut one down! So, call first. They'll tell you what you need to bring.

Then, what to wear? Girlfriends, leave the stilettos at home. Wear boots, dress warm, bring gloves and be ready for some outdoor action! There are farms that will delight you silly. There are wagon rides to be taken through hundreds of acres of trees, as well as bonfires to roast marshmallows and tons of cider to sip at many of these farms. It is an experience! Bring it on!

Speaking of experience, really let it loose and make the most of this one! Be prepared for a full day of fun, as seriously, how fun is this going to be for your whole crew? And, don't shoot the messenger, but leave the family pet. Yes, many farms don't want the cute pup with you, as the farmers are often afraid of trees being, ahem, "marked!" So call first to see if pets or allowed, and if so bring a leash.

If you're curious about the types of trees that will work best for you, then I suggest you do a bit of homework. Or do what I do and just wing it and see what strikes my fancy! Here's an awesome tree guide that will help you see the different types of the most popular trees grown on farms nationwide.

Many farms will help you shake off any dead needles, wrap the tree, put it on a stand, even sell you a stand, and help you get on your merry way.

Don't forget to load up on garland and buy a fresh wreath while you're at it! Nothing smells better than the forest pine scent in a living room with the waft of a fireplace. I just love it, and I am feeling so ready for the season! How about you!?

Overall, I think you're going to have a blast. Please let us know how it goes, would you be so kind? We have a Facebook page and would welcome your posts and comments! OR tweet to us @farmstarliving.

We're so excited for you – and bundle up!

MIDWEST

Williams Tree Farm 4661 Yale Bridge Rd Rockton, Illinois 61072 (815) 624-7579

Helping make holiday memories for over 60 years, Williams Tree Farm is one of the biggest tree farms in the Illinois. Along with over 350 acres of trees to choose for the perfect tree, they also offer winter activities such as hayrides, a kiddie train and a children’s farm. Even Santa pops by this farm to say hello and pet the animals!

Activities: U-Cut/Fresh Cut Trees Pre-Cut Trees Gift Shop Hayrides Children's Farm Kiddie Train Santa Visits Pony Rides Trees: Pines, Firs, Spruce

Kuipers Family Farm 1N318 Watson Road Maple Park, Illinois 60151 (815) 827-5200

Kuipers Family Farm is the place to pick the perfect Christmas tree. They have an assortment of firs, pines and spruces to choose from and ready to be decorated. Along with the tree, take in some of the seasonal events such as the children’s petting zoo, a tree decorating contest, or allowing your little boy or girl to meet Santa Clause! Come to Kuipers and start your holidays the right way!

Activities: U-Cut/Fresh Cut Trees Pre-Cut Trees Children’s farm Handmade wreaths Petting Zoo Meet Santa Refreshments Tree types: Pines, Firs, Spruces

Dull’s Tree Farm 1765 W Blubaugh Ave Thorntown, Indiana 46071 (765) 325-2418

Dull's Tree Farm is dedicated to helping you and your family start the Christmas season right! Dull’s has 29 beautiful acres planted with a selection of popular varieties of trees for you to choose from. You'll love their restored post-and-beam corncrib where they will make fresh wreaths and custom decorate them to suit your taste. If you bring your porch planters, they'll even fill them full of real Dull Christmas greens for you! Bring the whole family for an outing that could become part of your holiday traditions.

Activities: U-Cut/Fresh Cut Trees Pre-Cut Trees Petting Zoo Gift Shop Fresh Wreaths Tree types: Scotch Pine, White Pine and Canaan Fir, Fraser Fir, West Coast Noble Fir, Concolor Fir and Nordman Fir

Bowen's Christmas Tree Farm 996 S 260th St Pittsburg, KS 66762 (620) 231-1307

Wondering where to pick up the perfect Christmas tree? Look no further than Bowen’s Christmas tree farm. With a huge assortment to choose from, Jim & Karen Bowen will ensure that this tree will make your holiday season that much more memorable!

Activities: U-Cut/Fresh Cut Trees Gift Shop Fresh Wreaths Tree Types: Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir, White Pine, and Wisconsin Scotch Pine

Owasso Christmas Tree & Berry Farm 11039 N 129th E Ave Owasso, OK 74055 (918) 272-9445

For over 20 years, Paula and Bill Jacobs have been providing the community with quality Christmas trees. Known as the perfect farm to find your special holiday tree, Owasso offers a cornucopia of Christmas trees to ensure that your holidays are enjoyable as well as a memory to be treasured. After you have selected your perfect tree, Owasso offers a hayride back to the cabin where you can warm up with delicious cider and browse around for ornaments for your tree. Cozy!

Activities: U-Cut/Fresh Cut Trees Hayrides Refreshments Fresh Wreaths Gift Shop Tree Types: Virginia Pine, Grand Noble Fir, Douglas Fir, Frasier, Fir

NORTHEAST

McCarthy Tree Farm 1061 Dutch Neck Rd Middletown, DE 19709 (302) 836-3171

At McCarthy Tree Farm, the spirit of Christmas is tradition, family, and friends. Stop on by and enjoy the campfire while sipping warm cider and listening to Christmas music. Make cutting a live Christmas tree a holiday tradition for you and your family at McCarthy Tree Farm.

Activities: Campfire Beverages Petting zoo Playground Gift shop Tree Types: White Pine, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir

Glove Hollow: A New Hampshire Christmas Tree Farm 395 Daniel Webster Hwy Plymouth, NH 03264 (603) 520-9096

With a rich history, Glove Hollow has been owned and operated by the Ahern Family since 1897. With over 75,000 trees on 435 acres, Glove Hollow Christmas Tree Farm is a wholesale and cut your own Christmas Tree establishment. Their fertile river bottom land along the Pemigewasset grows some of the finest Fraser and Balsam Fir anywhere. The hand-shearing techniques paired with the fertilizer program are used to produces a natural looking tree with good color.

Activities: U-Cut/Fresh Cut Trees Tours Horse Drawn Hayride Farm Animals Gift shop Tree Types: Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir

Perfect Christmas Tree Farm 999 U.S. 22 Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 (908) 387-1225

Owners John & Cynthia Curtis have a big love for trees. With their 40 acre farm, they grow over 42 different varieties of trees to choose from. Perfect Christmas Tree Farm offers you the perfect tree for your space, the look you want, and at a price you can afford. You can choose and cut your Christmas tree or select a pre-cut tree or a tree grown in pot to plant out door after the season ends. For those who like classic, traditional trees, or rare exotic Christmas trees, you will be able to find the perfect Christmas Tree for you and your family!

Activities: U-Cut/Fresh Cut Trees Hayrides Story time with Mrs. Claus Christmas Shop Concessions Crafts Petting zoo Tea party Wreaths Tree Types: Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Concolor, Canaan, Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine, Grand, Turkish, Korean, Nordman, Nikko Fir, and many more.

Clark’s Christmas Tree Farm 4191 Main Rd Tiverton, RI 02878 (401) 624-4119

Both “Choose & Cut” trees are offered at Clark’s Christmas Tree Farm and trees that have been pre-cut. Cut trees will be harvested the week of Thanksgiving, and will be fresh through New Year given proper care. They also carry several types of tree stands that have been found to work best for ease of installation. They also offer “Stand Strait” tree stands, which this has believed to be the best and last tree stand you’ll ever own! Visit their post & beam barn for hot cider and treats.

Activities: U-Cut/Fresh Cut Trees Petting zoo Gift Shop Wreaths Treats Beverages Tree Types: Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, Canaan Fir, Nordmann Fir, Spruce

Dirr Nurseries Christmas Tree Farm 6066 Goshen Rd Goshen, OH 45122 (513) 625-2000

Starting in the 1960s, Dirr Nurseries has grown into a premiere cut-your-own Christmas tree farm. Open the day after Thanksgiving and open 7 days a week until Christmas Eve, you can find a big tree but not at a big price. They offering the largest selection ever of both Cut-Your-Own Christmas trees and Ball & Burlap Christmas Trees. Their wreathes are freshly made, by hand, from scotch pine, white pine or cedar, harvested from their farm. Each wreath comes decorated with their own hand made red bow, pine cones and artificial red holly berries.

Activities: Fresh Cut/U-Cut Trees Fresh Wreaths Beverages Cookies Petting zoo Nativity display Free Pictures with full size Santa sleigh All-weather roads Provided Tree Saws Tree Types: White Pine (B & B), Norway Spruce (B & B), White Pine (U-Cut), Balsam Fir (U-Cut), Canaan Fir (U-Cut), Scotch Pine (U-Cut)

NORTHWEST

Minnesota Bob Smith’s Christmas Trees 1920 W. Dimond Blvd Anchorage, AK 99515 (218) 349-1754

This season, Bob Smith’s Christmas Tree Farm is bringing back an exciting tradition to keep the holiday spirit alive! Established in 1962, the Anchorage farm is hosting a great variety of trees, being one of the only remaining Christmas Tree farms in the area! Ranging from Balsam Firs and Colorado Spruces to Norway Pines and Fraser Firs, this Alaska farm has everything to meet your needs and make your holiday the best one yet.

Activities: Pre-Cut Trees Tree Types: Balsam Firs, Canaan Firs, Colorado Spruces, Fraser Firs, Norway Pines, Scotch Pines, White Pines, White Spruces

Rusty Gate Tree Farm 12000 E. Ogara Rd Harrison, ID 83833 (208) 689-9868

Located just an hour away from Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene, Rusty Gate Tree Farm is giving you the opportunity to find your perfect tree for the holidays! Officially opening its doors the day after Thanksgiving the Idaho farm will allow you to choose from a large variety of firs and Colorado blue spruces - all at reasonable prices! They will even shake the old needles out of your tree and wrap it up, free of charge!

Activities: Pre-Cut/U-Cut/We-Cut Trees Tree Types: Balsam Firs, Colorado Blue Spruces, Concolor Firs, Corkbark Firs, Fraser Firs, Grand Firs, Nordman Firs, Turkish Firs

Plumper Trees 11435 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd Portland, OR 97231 (503) 645-9561

Choose from a wide selection of fir and noble trees, pick your favorite holly, evergreen, and eucalyptus wreaths, or purchase garlands, kissing balls, and mistletoe - this Portland destination has everything and more to offer! Not to mention snow-filled slides, Santa visits to the farm, hot and appetizing refreshments, and friendly farm animals! You can also head over to their 100 year old milk barn and check out the Farm store, where you’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, homemade jams, kettle corn, and other festive items.

Activities: Pre-Cut/U-Cut/We-Cut Trees Concessions Farm Animals Gift Store Santa Visits Snow-filled Slides Tree Types: Douglas Firs, Grand Firs, Nobles

Cedar Falls Tree Farm 15200 Cedar Falls Rd SE North Bend, WA 98045 (425) 785-3571

Just east of North Bend, Washington, Cedar Falls Tree Farm is offering up a great selection of fresh, U-Cut Christmas trees in the woodlands of the Northwest. Situated in the elegant Snoqualmie Valley, the farm will open up after Thanksgiving and provide a variety of choices, ranging from fully sheared trees to more natural alternatives with the option to have your ideal tree, wrapped just for you! And, once you’ve found your tree, head over to the campfire, warm up, and enjoy hot cider and candy canes. 'Tis the season!

Activities: Bonfire Concessions U-Cut Trees Treats Beverages Tree Types: Alpine Firs, Douglas Firs, Fraser Firs, Grand Firs, Noble Firs, Nordmann Firs, Norway Spruces, Turkish Firs

Copenhaver Plantations 2610 Jennifer Ct Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 549-4983

Since 1982, Copenhaver Plantations has been supplying Montana and other residents with their seasonal needs, growing Christmas trees locally and preparing beautiful, handmade wreaths. This year, the Missoula farm will be opening every weekend after Thanksgiving, allowing you to choose from the best Christmas trees in town! Pick from excellent Scotch Pines, soft-needled Cannan Firs, or strong Colorado Blue Spruces. They also have beautifully, handcrafted wreaths using the freshest Alpine, Douglas, Grand Fir and Fraser boughs. From the traditional round wreaths, they also offer candy canes, snowflakes, and stars!

Activities: Concessions Gift Shop Pre-Cut/U-Cut Trees Custom Handmade Wreaths Tree Types: Alpine Firs, Austrian Hill Scotch Pines, Canaan Firs, Colorado Blue Spruces, Concolor Firs, Douglas Firs, Grand Firs

SOUTHEAST

Yule Forest 3565 North Hwy 155 Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770) 954-9356

Located in Stockbridge, Georgia, Yule Forest has been in operation for over 35 years and serving up a wide variety of Christmas trees and wreaths. This season, head to the fabulous farm and pick out the perfect Christmas tree, all the while sipping on delicious apple cider and listening to festive music. But wait, there’s more! Jump on the hay rides, take a tour of the farm, meet Santa Claus, make candy canes, explore the trails, see the agricultural exhibits, or run through the obstacle course! If you adore the holiday season, then this is certainly a great stop for you!

Activities: Cannon Shooter Concessions Exhibits Films Giant slides Hay Rides Obstacle Course Petting Zoo Pre-Cut/U-Cut Trees Santa Visits Tours Trails Tree Types: Blue Ice Cypress’, Burkii Cedars, Fraser Firs, Green Giant Arborvitaes, Leyland Cypress’, Snow Flocked Trees, Virginia Pines

Daniel Christmas Tree Farms 1711 NC 55 East Dunn, NC 28334 (910) 897-7520 or (910) 659-8759

With their first tree planted in 1980, Daniel Christmas Tree Farm has maintained a wonderful variety of trees throughout several generations. Based in the small city of Dunn, this North Carolina farm is warmly welcoming you to keep up with your holiday traditions, start new ones, and join in on the farm fun! Choose from six different kinds of Christmas, including Carolina Sapphires, Fraser Firs, Leyland Cypress’, Red Cedars, Virginia Pines, White Pines! Once you’ve picked out your favorite tree, catch a wagon ride around the farm! After that, jump in on a wreathing-making class or chow down on s’mores around the fire pit! Doesn’t that sound great?

Activities: Bonfire Classes Concessions Gift Shop Pre-Cut/U-Cut Trees Tours Train Rides Wagon Rides Tree Types: Carolina Sapphires, Fraser Firs, Leyland Cypress’, Red Cedars, Virginia Pines, White Pines

Valley Christmas Tree Plantation 482 St. Clair Lane Huntsville, AL 35811 (256) 851-9375

For over 30 years, Valley Christmas Tree Plantation has been growing, nurturing, and supplying quality Christmas trees to Alabama natives! With acres and acres of elegant trees, this Huntsville farm definitely has what you’re looking for this season. You’ll be able to choose from a large assortment of Colorado Blue Spruces, Fraser Firs, Virginia Pines, White Pines, and more. So, head over to Valley Christmas Tree Plantation and start a delightful family tradition!

Activities: Hand crafted fresh wreaths, mailbox covers, center pieces and crosses Wrapping/baling services Shaking services Wholesale orders Hot Beverages Bow saws and a measuring stick will be provided. Concessions Tours Tree Types: Arizona Cypress’, Colorado Blue Spruces, Fraser Firs, Leyland Cypress’, Virginia Pines, White Pines

Lazy Acres Plantation 596 Lazy Acres Rd Chunky, MS 39323 (601) 655-8264

Since 1980, Lazy Acres has been playing a big role in family traditions, opening up its 120-acre farm to create incredible holiday memories. Continuing with that same enthusiasm, this Mississippi farm is hosting a number of activities to delight you throughout the festive season. This winter, get your family and friends together, find the perfect Christmas tree, meet with Santa & Rudolph at his workshop, then enjoy a hayride during an all-new, interactive outdoor light show! Celebrate this special time of the year with Lazy Acres.

Activities: Concessions Gift Shop Hay Rides Holiday Lights Pre-Cut/U-Cut Trees Santa Visits Tree Types: Carolina Sapphires, Fraser Firs, Leyland Cypress’

Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest 35317 Huff Rd Eustis, FL 32736 (352) 357-9863

Since 1989, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest has been upholding one of the longest family traditions there is to date: Christmas tree cutting! Across 16 acres of farmland, this Florida farm boasts a wonderful selection of Arizona Cypress’, Red Cedars, and Sand Pines - all waiting to be picked by you and the family for your holiday celebrations! Hosting a number of other activities to keep you entertained, the Eustis destination also prides itself in its extensive set of attractions. You won’t want to miss out on this one!

Activities: Concessions Farm Animals Gift Shop Hay Rides Horse & Pony Rides Jumping Pillow Maze Petting Zoo Rides Pre-Cut/U-Cut Trees Reindeer Haystack Santa’s Workshop Santa Visits Zipline Tree Types: Arizona Cypress’, Red Cedars, Sand Pines

SOUTHWEST

Mountain View Christmas Trees 1986 Mountain View Drive Paradise, CA 95969 (530) 872-0165

Mountain View Christmas Tree Farm offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Take a guided tour through their evergreen forest and select the perfect tree for the season! You can cut your own or just pick one that's been freshly selected. Make sure to visit with the farm animals while you're there, and stay warm by cozying up by the fire and roasting hot dogs and making s’mores. Glorious!

Activities: U-Cut/Fresh Cut Trees Bonfires Roasting Marshmallows & Hot Dogs Farm Animals Fresh Wreaths Tree Types: Scotch Pines, Sugar Pines, White Fir, Douglas Fir, Cedar, Giant Sequoia, Leyland Cypress, Colorado Spruce

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm 120 Natures Way Elgin, TX 78621 (512) 281-5016

Come experience some holiday farm fun at Elgin Christmas Tree Farm. So much to enjoy, where to begin? Take your time finding the perfect tree, select your perfect, freshly made wreaths, embark on a scenic hayride, spend some ooh'ing and aaah'ing time with the farm animals, get lost in a crazy maze and more! Too much adventure for you? Then take a moment to shop – decorations and gifts at the Christmas Cottage are perfect for the home and stockings!

Activities: U-Cut/Fresh Cut Trees Fresh Wreaths Hayrides Petting Zoo Playground Crazy Maze Christmas Cottage Tree Types: Virginia Pine, Leyland Cypress, Fraser Fir

North Pole Pines 2546 West 3100 North Farr West, UT 84404 (801) 731-6466

Is this the year that you cut your own tree? Well, North Pole Pines is the perfect place to come find a tree for the season and find the one that has your name on it! Perhaps you'll event want to make it a tradition every year. You get to choose from a few varieties that you'll love, including White Spruce and Scotch Pines.

Activities: U-Cut/Fresh Cut Trees Tree Types: Scotch Pines, White Spruce, Balsam Fir

Helemano Farms Whitmore Avenue & Center Street Central Oahu, HI 96786

Helemano Farms grows and sells Hawaii’s favorite Christmas Trees. The farm will have Leyland Cypress & Norfolk Pine trees as well as?assorted varieties of potted Leyland trees and crafted wreaths. So come pick out a tree and even cut it yourself!

Activities: Pre Cut Christmas Trees Tree Types: Norfolk Pine, Leyland Cypress

Windsors’ Christmas Tree Farm 33741 Hwy. 257 Windsor, CO 80615 (970) 686-5253

There’s nothing more fun for the holidays then going out with the family and picking out your own Christmas Tree. Windsors’ Christmas Tree Farm is the perfect place to do that, as well as get all of the festive green decorations for your home. Their wreaths are so fresh and festive. So bundle up the family and embark on finding the freshest and most perfect Christmas tree for your home.

Activities: U- Cut Trees Fresh Wreaths Decorations Tree Types: Scotch Pine, Blue Spruce, Myers Spruce, Douglas Fir

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