Pick a tree — or chop your own — at these festive Christmas tree farms in NYC
It’s that time of year when you start to prep that task list for the upcoming holly jolly season. After Thanksgiving, we’re in the home stretch toward peak holidays, and getting the most important holiday centerpiece — a Christmas tree — should be at the top of your list. These Christmas tree farms in NYC are packed with beautiful trees ready for picking. Find the perfect spruce or fir to complement your seasonal decorations. Make it easy and pick a pre-cut tree or go the adventurous route and chop your own. Not only will you find a top tannenbaum, you can make a day of it as many of these farms offer holiday activities like train rides, hot chocolate and even photos with Santa. Once you’ve found your tree, you can focus on a plan to visit all the holiday light displays, holiday markets and ice skating rinks around the city. Most tree farms open for business after Thanksgiving, but be sure to check each spot for operating hours.
Location: Shelton, Connecticut
After selecting the perfect evergreen — channel your inner Clark Griswold or select one of the pre-cut trees — to fill your home with holiday cheer, indulge in a hot chocolate and enjoy a festive hayride through the decorated tree fields. Then peruse the gift shop for ornaments and pick up a wreath, too!
Location: Easton, Connecticut
Dating all the way back to the 1700's, Maple Row Farm has been a Connecticut staple for hundreds of years. Since the 1950s, it has been families' go-to spot for Christmas trees. Offering a handful of selections, including Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir and White Pine, the farm's supply is nothing short of generous (much like Santa's workshop). Cut-your-own admission includes fun activities on Saturday and Sunday, including hayrides and seasonal treats. No need to bring your own cutting gear—this spot has everything you'll need.
Location: Red Hook, New York
This Hudson River Valley farmstead features 80-acres of evergreens, including Blue Spruce, White Pine, Balsam Fir, Concolor Fir, Douglas fir and Fraser Fir. Borrow a saw for a refundable deposit and head into the forest in search of your families future Christmas tree. Tykes will enjoy hopping on a horse-drawn wagon on the weekends and saying hello to Santa and his elves in the main bailing barn. Refuel after your wood chopping adventures with hot dogs, chili and cider from the farm’s snack shop.
Location: Cranbury, New Jersey
You'll be treated like long-lost friends at this family-run farm just off the New Jersey Turnpike. Take a moment to breathe in the glorious smell of pine, then let the helpful staffers set you up with a hacksaw and show you to their enchanting forest filled with robust Fraser, Douglas and White Firs, and plump Norway and Blue Spruce trees (they will cut the tree for you if you prefer). Once chopped, they'll bundle it up and tie it securely to the car for you, while you pick up fresh-tied plain or decorated wreaths and Watering Elves, a simple funnel system that makes it way easier to keep your tree hydrated until December 26.
Location: Washington Depot, Connecticut
If you’ve gone apple picking at Averill Farm in the fall months, you’ll want to return before the holiday season starts up to cut your own Christmas tree. The 260-acre farm includes two fields filled with your family’s future tree. If you didn’t bring your own tools, tree hunters can borrow a saw and cart to help the family lug their find back to their car. Warm up with some delicious homemade cider, apple cider donuts, jam and locally sourced produce and pies.
Travel time: Poughkeepsie, New York
You could end up walking a long way to find the tree of your dreams, and strollers struggle on muddy tracks, so families with tiny tots and early walkers will appreciate the smaller scale of this sweet 10-acre plot. The trees (mainly Scotch Pine and spruce) are planted close to manageable pathways and, once the choosing is done, little ones can visit with and feed the farm's friendly critters which usually include rabbits, pigs, sheep and hens. If you want to up the festive quotient, the historic Locust Grove Mansion is a 15-minute drive away.
Location: Calverton, New York
A go-to PYO spot for fruits and pumpkins turns into a winter wonderland come the end of the year. Lewin Farms offers a variety of Christmas trees—including Douglas Firs, Norway Spruces and White Pines, to name a few—that range up to 15 feet in height (just don't be surprised if that bad boy is a little cramped in a NYC apartment). It's recommended that guests arrive before 3pm if they're planning to cut their own trees, as the open field doesn't include any lights. Pre-cut trees are also available if you're not looking to work with a saw. Credit cards are not accepted on the u-pick fields or tree farm.
Location: Huntington, New York
If you're not too keen about venturing far from Gotham, Elwood Christmas Tree Farm is the way to go. Long Island's most western cut-your-own-tree venue allows you to walk over 20 acres in search of that picture-perfect holiday Douglas fir. While the lot of pre-cut trees is open daily, note that the cut-your-own experience is reserved for the weekends. Don't worry about having any trouble snatching your favorite tree—the crew will help you take care of the cutting if you lose steam.
Location: Yorktown Heights, New York
Once the leftovers Thanksgiving are gone, it's time to start thinking about Christmas. Cut-your-own Douglas and Fraser firs are available, and pre-cut Fraiser Firs are ready for the taking, while supplies last. Don't forget to stop by the market for holiday goodies and take a glance at the bakery offerings. Hey, that pie isn't going to eat itself! Added holiday bonus? Those who make a tree purchase can enjoy a complimentary cup of hot cider. Count us in!
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