It’s that time of year. Families flock to Christmas tree farms in November and claim the trees they’ll cut down when they return in December. Others simply show up, choose a tree and cut it down—strapping it to the roofs of their vehicles for the ride home. Either way, it’s a New England tradition that’s been recreated for generations—one of few that embrace the old-fashioned, family aspect of Christmas. Check out these Massachusetts Christmas tree farms and continue—or begin—a tradition with your family.
Featuring 40 acres farmed with Christmas trees, Cranston’s Christmas Tree Farm is run by fourth generation farmers who once raised sheep instead. Opening the day after Thanksgiving, come find your perfect tree and cut it down so you can take it home. Check out the delicious pure maple syrup for sale, too.
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Turkey Hill Farm opens earlier in November so customers could tag their trees. They’ll be open every day after Thanksgiving until all Christmas trees have been cut down. The blue spruce trees they grow were recently awarded “Best in Show” at the Topsfield Fair. Enjoy free hot cider when you visit.
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Crane Neck Christmas Tree Farm has become part of the familiy tradition for many families in the West Newbury area. Less than an hour from Boston, you can tag and cut your trees, or buy one that’s already been cut for you. Choose from balsam, Douglas and Fraser Fir. Do note that they don’t accept either debit or credit cards.
Mistletoe Christmas Tree Farm urges families to choose and cut down their Christmas tree together this year. Strong believers in nostalgia, they believe cutting down the Christmas tree is the kind of activity that makes memories to last a lifetime.
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Houde’s Christmas Tree Farm starts their season the day after Thanksgiving. They invite you to "stroll around the farm and take in the views of Mt. Wachusett and Southern New Hampshire". Check the website or call to see when Santa will be visiting the farm. Stay and have hot chocolate, too.
Growing Christmas trees since 1955, Pieropan Christmas Tree Farm is open seven days a week starting the day after Thanksgiving, through Christmas Eve. They are noted for their stump-culture method, which is a sustainable alternative to the conventional means of growing Christmas trees. It’s unlikely you’ll find a better deal around, as they offer their trees at $30 each when you cut them yourself, no matter the size.
Enjoy a hayride, sip some hot chocolate and warm up by the fire pit when you visit Sleighbell Christmas Tree Farm. Opening the day after Thanksgiving from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., they’ll remain open Friday-Sunday until they sell out. Seven types of trees are offered. They don’t allow tagging, so plan to cut and haul your tree when you visit.
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Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm farms 130 acres of trees at their family owned and operated business. They feature Fraser and Balsam trees that reach up to 40 feet-tall. Opening for their season the day after Thanksgiving, they're open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m to 4 p.m., and offer hay rides on the weekend!
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MerriHill Tree Farm will remain open daily through Christmas Eve. Featuring trees up to nine feet tall, you may cut your own or buy a pre-cut tree. No credit or debit cards are accepted, but hot cider and cookies are offered after finding a tree!
Featuring a massive Christmas tree farm, Wood Street Christmas Trees sells a variety of trees over eleven feet in height. They don’t allow tagging, but have plenty of trees available for you to cut. Check the website for their hours after Thanksgiving. They are always closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. If you’re interested in replanting your Christmas tree, ask about their live Norway spruce with Root Ball. Just $80 each, these allow you to enjoy your tree year-round.
