Whether choosing and cutting your own Christmas tree is a decades-old ritual in your family or a new addition to your holiday tradition, consult our guide to find a location near you.
Before you visit any of these Christmas tree farm, here are some tips - or reminders - to help you and your loved ones get the most out of the experience.
1. First, make sure to dress in warm, practical clothing when visiting any of these locations - a sturdy pair of shoes is an essential accessory for every member of the family.
2. Before you pack the gang into the car, call or visit the Web site of your intended destination to check that weather conditions are favorable and that the type of tree you're looking for is still available-this becomes more important as it gets closer to Christmas when the snow really starts to fly and the tree supply has been picked over (some locations may sell out of trees before their listed close date).
3. Most farms allow dogs, but call to check before you pack up your pet.
4. Check to see if the tools you'll need, like a saw and netting to pack up your tree, are provided. Most farms provide you with tools and optional assistance in cutting down and carrying your tree, but it's best to be prepared. If you have to bring your own tools, opt for a handsaw and steer clear of axes or chainsaws, as they're usually not allowed.
5. When you've chosen your tree, cut it as close to the ground as possible so you'll have enough trunk left to cut it a second time at home. This second cut allows the tree to soak up more water, which makes for a healthier, greener tree come Christmas morning.
6. Once your tree is placed in your home, keep the room temperature a bit lower, around 65 degrees (or at least keep the tree away from direct heat), to help keep it looking and smelling fresh throughout the holiday season.
7. Water your tree daily. Fresh trees tend to be very thirsty, so check your tree regularly to make sure the base is always covered with water.
8. Enjoy!
For region-specific guides, visit:
Southeast New York; Long Island; Fairfield County, Connecticut; New Jersey
NEW YORK
Westchester County
Outhouse Orchards
130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem
914-277-3188; www.outhouseorchards.info
Open Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, 8am-6pm daily. Store on premises with homemade pies and donuts, farm produce, and holiday decorations.
Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm
1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights
914-245-5111; www.wilkensfarm.com
Open November 28 through December 13, 10am-4:30pm. Each family member gets a free cup of hot cider while you choose and cut your own Christmas tree. Farm market, bakery, and gift shop with roping, tree stands, and decorations.
Putnam County
Hardwick Tree Farm
213 Wood Street, Mahopac
845-528-5814
Open weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, 8am-dusk. Saws and bailing provided. Free hot cider and cookies.
Dutchess County
Abel's Tree Farms
435 North Clove Road, Verbank
845-677-6395; www.abelstrees.com
Open Friday after Thanksgiving, weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, 9am-dark. Complimentary bailing and handling assistance provided. Free hot chocolate and free wagon rides to fields. Also available: wreaths, tree stands, tree preservatives, and automatic tree watering devices. A variety of hot food available.
Battenfeld Christmas Tree Farm
856 Route 199, Red Hook
845-758-8018; www.christmastreefarm.us
Open daily November 28 through December (check Web site for closing date), 8am-4pm. Handmade, decorated wreaths available.
Bilmar Nurseries
26 Bilmar Boulevard, Pleasant Valley
845-635-3206; www.bilmarnurseriesinc.com
Open daily November 27 through Christmas Eve, weekends 9am-4:30pm, weekdays 10am-4:30pm. Hay wagon and fire truck rides to and from the fields on weekends. Refreshments available for purchase on weekends. Tools and bailing provided.
Fabulous Firs (satellite farm of Bilmar Nurseries)
664-702 Van Wagner Road, Poughkeepsie
845-635-3206; www.bilmarnurseriesinc.com
Opens November 27, open weekends November 28 through December (check Web site or call for availability), 9am-4:30pm. Hay wagon rides to and from the fields. Tools and bailing provided.
Sonny Sky Tree Farm (satellite farm of Bilmar Nurseries)
Rombout Road, LaGrange
845-635-3206; www.bilmarnurseriesinc.com
Opens November 27, open weekends November 28 through mid-December, 9am-4:30pm. Tools and bailing provided.
Evergreen Farm
407 North Tower Hill Road, Millbrook
845-677-3785; www.evergreentree.com
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday November 27 through December 20, 9:30am-4:30pm. Handsaws and free bailing available. Precut trees and fresh, handmade holiday wreaths also available.
Hahn Farm
1697 Salt Point Turnpike, Salt Point
845-266-3680; www.hahnfarm.com
Open November 27 through December 22, weekends 9:30am-4:30pm, weekdays 12pm-4:30pm. Precut trees also available. Hayrides and hot chocolate available on weekends only. Families receive a complimentary cup of hot chocolate with tree purchase.
Meadowland Farm
Schultzville Road, Clinton Corners (one mile east Taconic State Parkway)
845-266-4966; patzplace@aol.com
Open December 5-20 weekends only, 9am-dusk. Tools and assistance provided.
Primrose Hill Farm
203 Fiddler's Bridge Road, Staatsburg
845-889-4725; www.primrosehillfarm.com
Open December 4-6 and 11-13, 9am-4pm. Tools and assistance provided. Christmas shop with wreaths, gifts, ornaments, crafts, baked goods, and hot chocolate.
Saltsman Christmas Tree Farm
214 Route 308, Rhinebeck
845-876-8801; www.saltsmantreefarm.com
Open November 28 through December 24, 10am-dark. Precut trees also available, as well as wreaths, kissing balls, and other holiday decorations.
Solvang Tree Farm
80 Bedell Road, Poughkeepsie
845-473-0224; www.christmastreesny.org/solvang/
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday November 27 through December 20, 9am-4:30pm. Rope and bailing provided. Precut trees also available. Small petting zoo, refreshment stand, and gift shop.
Wonderland Farm
191 White Schoolhouse Road, Rhinebeck
845-876-6760; www.wonderlandfarm.com
Opens the Friday after Thanksgiving, 9:30am-dusk. Open Saturday and Sunday November 28 through Christmas Eve, 9:30am-dusk. Saws and binding provided. Selection includes 10-14 feet trees. Hot cider and cocoa available.
Orange County
Graney Tree Farm
24 Lang Drive, Pine Bush
845-361-3022
Open weekends November 28 through Christmas Eve, 10am-dusk. Rope provided. Decorated and undecorated wreaths available.
Manza Family Farm
730 Route 211, Montgomery
845-692-4364; www.manzafamilyfarm.net
Open daily December 5 through Christmas, 8am-5pm. Precut trees, wreaths, and roping also available. Gift shop on premises.
Pine View Farm
575 Jackson Avenue, New Windsor
845-564-4111; www.pineviewfarmny.com
Open December 12 and 13, 9am-4pm. Tools and assistance provided. Homemade wreaths and Christmas decorations available.
Stone Oak Farm
207 Stony Bar Road, Slate Hill
845-355-4751
Open weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, 9am-4pm. Other times by appointment.
Sumner's Wintergreen Tree Farm
123 Brola Road, Middletown
845-386-2032
Open weekends in December, 9am-4pm.
Ulster County
Bell's Tree Farm
647 Mettacahonts Road, Accord
845-626-7849; www.bellschristmastrees.com
Open November 27 through Christmas Eve (open until noon); weekdays 9:30am-dusk, weekends 8am-dusk. Hayrides offered weekends only November 27 through December 13, 11am-3:30pm. Precut trees also available. Tools and assistance provided. Gift shop on premises.
Hardenburgh Christmas Tree Farm
206 Hardenburgh Road, Ulster Park
845-658-8894; www.hardenburghfarm.com
Open weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, 9am-dusk. Tractor rides through the tree fields offered. Tools and assistance provided. Precut trees and handmade wreaths also available. Holiday and gift shop on premises.
Mountain Fresh Farms
Baileys Gap Road, Highland
845-795-2260 (weekdays); 845-795-2728 (weekends); www.mountainfreshfarms.com
Open November 27-29, December 5-6, 12-13; 9am-4pm. Tools and assistance provided. Refreshments available. Hayrides and firepit with make-your-own s'mores. Santa appearances throughout the day.
LONG ISLAND
Suffolk County
Carter Christmas Tree Farm
123 North Country Road, Miller Place
631-331-4699
Open November 21 to start tagging trees, open weekends 9am-5pm through December 20. Tools provided.
Dart's Christmas Tree Farm
2355 Main Bayview Road, Southold
631-765-4148; www.dartstreefarm.com
Open daily, November 27 through Christmas Eve, 9am-5pm. Precut trees also available. Hayrides, hot chocolate, snacks, handmade wreaths, tree cutting supplies, and friendly elves to cut and carry your tree for you.
Lewin Farms
812 Sound Avenue, Wading River
631-929-4327; www.lewinfarms.homestead.com
Free wagon rides. Open November 28 through December 20 daily, 9am-5pm.
Matt's Christmas Tree Farm
309 Weeks Avenue, Manorville
631-874-6260; www.mattschristmastreefarm.com
Open daily November 27 through Christmas Eve, 8am-4:30pm. Tools and assistance provided.
Mike's Christmas Tree Farm
323 Weeks Avenue, Manorville
631-874-3551; www.mikestreefarm.com
Opening November 27 at 10am; open November 28 through Christmas Eve daily, 8am-5pm. Precut trees and fresh wreaths also available. Tree wrapping and saws provided.
Muller's Christmas Tree Farm
338 Woodland Avenue, Manorville
631-878-1060
Open December 5-6 and 12-13, 9am-dark. Christmas shop with wood stove, Santa's chair, and other photo opportunities.
Santa's Christmas Tree Farm
30105 Main Road, Cutchogue
631-734-7627; www.santastreefarmofli.com
Open November 27 through December, 9am-5pm. Tools and assistance provided. Santa appearances on weekends; Christmas shop on premises.
Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm
20685 Main Road, Mattituck
631-298-4619 or 631-298-4118; www.shamrockchristmastreefarm.com
Open November 27 through Christmas Day, 9am-5pm. Tools and assistance provided. Precut trees, handmade wreaths, and crafts also available. Santa appearances on weekends, 12-5pm. Shamrock Express train rides. Complimentary cup of hot chocolate and bag of popcorn on weekends, with purchase.
Tilden Lane Farm
48 Wyckoff Street, Greenlawn
631-261-6392; www.tildenlanefarm.com
Open weekends only through mid-December, 9am-3pm.
Nassau County
Grandpa Tony's Tree Farm
305 Weeks Avenue, Manorville
516-639-3587
Open November 27 through December daily, 8am-5pm.
Fairfield County, Connecticut
Busy Acres Tree Farm
548 Quassapaug Road, Woodberry
203-263-4786; www.busyacrestreefarm.com
Open November 27 through December, weekdays 12-3:30pm, weekends 9am-3:30pm. Tree carts available to help transport your tree. Handmade wreaths also available.
Everett's Corner Tree Farm
136 Sherwood Road, Easton
203-268-2508; www.everettscorner.com
Open December 5-6 and 12-13, 9am-dusk. Tools and assistance provided.
Fairview Tree Farm
486 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Shelton
203-944-9090; www.fairviewtreefarm.com
Precut trees also available. Tools and assistance provided. Hand decorated wreaths also available. Call for hours.
Jones Family Farm
606 Walnut Tree Road, Monroe
203-929-8425; www.jonesfamilyfarm.com
Open November 19 through December daily, 9am- 5:30pm. Arrive before 4pm if you plan on cutting your own with a provided saw. Recommended to bring your own tarp to bundle your tree for the journey home. Holiday decorations and traditional crafts and ornaments for sale. Refreshments available.
Maple Row Tree Farm
538 North Park Avenue, Easton
203-445-1618; www.mrfarm.com
Open daily through December, 9am- 4:30pm. Hayrides, refreshments, and gift store on weekends. Precut trees also available.
Rose's Berry Farm, LLC
295 Matson Hill Road, South Glastonbury
860-633-7467; www.rosesberryfarm.com
Open weekends November 14-November 23, 10am-4pm; open November 27-December 24, Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm, weekends 9am-4:30pm (fields closed to new customers at 4pm). Christmas shop with wreaths, gifts, and baked goods.
Staib Tree Farm
49 Walnut Hill Road, Bethel
203-748-1610
Open for tagging through November. Open for cut-your-own Thanksgiving weekend through December 20, weekdays 12-4pm, weekends 10am-4pm.
New Jersey
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm & Shop
114 Daum Road, Manalapan
732-786-9277; www.annellenfarms.com
Open daily, Thanksgiving weekend through December 23, 9am-8pm. Tools and assistance provided. Holiday shop with wreaths and other Christmas decorations.
Barclay's Christmas Tree Farm
35 Orchardside Drive, Cranbury
609-799-1855; www.barclaystreefarm.com
Open weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, 9am-5pm. Tools and assistance provided. Fresh plain or decorated wreaths and tree stands for sale.
Cherryville Farms
14 Joe Ent Road, Flemington
908-806-4580; www.cherryvillefarmsnj.com
Open weekends starting November 28, 9am-dark. Tools and assistance provided. Wreaths, crafts, and refreshments available.
Edward's Trees, Wreaths and Crafts
338 Jacobstown-Cookstown Road, Wrightstown
609-758-7729 or 609-234-2628; www.edwardstrees.com
Open daily November 27 through Christmas Eve, 9am-4:30pm. Tools and assistance provided. Precut trees available. Wreaths, crafts, and other holiday accessories available.
Fleming Farms
55 Kings Highway, Long Valley
908-852-6996; www.flemingfarms.com
Opening November 29, 10am-4pm; open weekends in December, Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Free netting available. Tree stands for sale. Free coloring book for kids.
Hidden Pond Tree Farm
End of West Field Road, Mendham
973-865-6362; www.hiddenpondtreefarm.com
Call for hours. Precut trees also available. All trees grown at the farm are pesticide free. Refreshments available, free hay rides.
Holiday Tree Farm
44 Augusta Hill Road, Augusta
973-948-7488; www.holidaytreefarmnj.com
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday November 27 through December 20; 9am-5pm. Saws provided. Christmas shop on premises with wreaths for sale.
Shale Hills Farm
98 Pond School Road, Sussex
973-875-4231; www.njchristmastrees.com
Open weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, 9:30am-dark. Precut trees also available. Santa appearances throughout the day.
Simonson Farms
Two locations: 260 Dey Road and 59 George Davison Road, Cranbury
609-799-0140; www.simonsonfarms.com
Open daily through December; weekdays 12-7pm, weekends 9am-6pm (fields close at dark). Saws available. Trees can be netted at the farm for $1.
The Evergreen Farm
4 Bass Lane, Lebanon
908-236-9550; www.theevergreenfarm.com
Open beginning November 1 for tagging, by appointment. Open for the season on weekends beginning November 21, 9am-dark.
Wyckoff's Christmas Tree Farm
249 County Road 519, Belvidere
908-475-4508; www.wyckoffs.com
Open daily November 27 through Christmas Eve, 8am-4:30pm. Country gift shop with holiday decorations open weekends only.
