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The cut-your-own Christmas tree season starts over Thanksgiving weekend at many farms, but be sure to call ahead to confirm availability and hours.

Use this handy guide to find the perfect Christmas tree farm for your family.

Christmas Tree Farms and Cut-Your-Own Farms in New Jersey

1. Barclay's Tree Farm – Cranbury

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan
This family-run, decades-old Christmas tree farm offers five varieties of cut-your-own Christmas trees. Any Christmas tree up to 9 feet tall is $75. Trees over 9 feet are $150. Saws are provided or the staff can cut the Christmas tree for you. They'll also trim the trunk and help secure the tree to your car for the trip home. Barclay's also sells wreaths, tree stands, watering elves, tree removal bags, and local honey. For 2023, it's only open on Black Friday, and then the weekends of November 25-26 and December 2-3. Cash or check only. On Saturdays, kids can meet Santa. 

2. Simonson Farms – Cranbury

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan
Simonson offers thousands of cut-your-own Christmas trees and a selection of pre-cut Christmas trees, too. Trees range from $65-100, depending on height. Fraser firs are not available this year, nor are tall trees. The Dey Road outpost accepts cash or pre-payment with a credit card at the retail lot. The Cranbury Neck Road outpost accepts cash and credit card. Both locations open on Black Friday, November 24, and then on weekends, with Cranbury Neck Road also open on weekday afternoons, but only until dark.

3. The Evergreen Farm – Lebanon

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan
This family-run farm offers a variety of trees. Trees cost $12 per foot, including cutting, baling, drilling a hole at the bottom, and tying it to your car. The Evergreen Farm opens for the season on Saturday, November 18, and remains open on weekends through Sunday, December 17. It's also open on Friday, November 24. All forms of payment are accepted.

4. Anne-Ellen Christmas Tree Farm, Shop, and Village – Manalapan

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan
This 50-plus acre Christmas tree farm offers several varieties of cut-your-own Christmas trees along with a holiday shop that sells thousands of unique holiday decor items and lots of opportunities to take fun photos, plus a hayride to an immersive Christmas village walk-through. Tree prices start at $70 and increase depending on the size. Anne-Ellen Tree Christmas Tree Farm is open daily, and the Christmas Village is open through Saturday,  December 30.

5. Cherryville Farms – Pittstown

Just over an hour from Midtown Manhattan
This family-run farm offers five varieties of cut-your-own Christmas trees. The friendly staff helps you as much as you want, from sawing to hauling the tree to your car. There's a gift shop on-site. If kids find one of the hidden elves, they'll win a candy cane prize. FREE hot chocolate is doled out with every tree purchase. The farm opens Friday, November 24, and is open on weekends through Christmas, or until its stock sells out. Cash or check only. No pets are allowed. The Christmas tree farm has a strict photography policy in place that prohibits any staged photoshoots.

6. Evergreen Valley Christmas Tree Farm – Washington

Just over an hour from Midtown Manhattan
This 145-acre, family-owned Christmas tree farm has spectacular mountain views. The Christmas tree farm has more than 10,000 trees ready for cutting, including a field full of blue spruce, Norway spruce, and Douglas fir all up to 8 feet tall. Pre-cut Fraser firs are also available. It's open Wednesdays-Sundays from Black Friday through Saturday, December 23. Wagon rides and Santa visits are available on select dates.

Read about more New Jersey Christmas tree farms.

Douglas and Fraser firs are available at Wilkens Farm's cut-your-own fields in Westchester. Some pre-cut Fraser firs are also available.

Christmas Tree Farms in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley

7. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm – Yorktown Heights

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan
This family-run farm has been around for more than 100 years and offers Fraser firs and a limited number of Douglas firs in 2023. Online reservations are required between Saturday, November 25, and Friday, December 1, but not needed after that date. Reservations require a $40 deposit, which is applied toward the price of your tree. You don't need reservations at all to check out the farm market or bakery, which has tons of delicious items. Snag a FREE cup of hot apple cider with each Christmas tree purchase. No pets are allowed.

8. Stuart's Fruit Farm – Granite Springs

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan
This Westchester Christmas tree farm offers cut-your-own Douglas fir trees and pre-cut Fraser fir trees. The season starts on Black Friday, and it's open Wednesdays through Sundays thereafter. While you're there, hit the bakery to pick up homegrown produce and freshly baked treats. Cash or check only.

9. Battenfeld's Christmas Tree Farm – Red Hook

About 2 hours from Midtown Manhattan
Battenfeld's cut-your-own Christmas tree farm is filled with six different tree varieties and handsaws can be borrowed (for a fee) or purchased to cut your own tree. Once you've loaded your pick onto the tree taxi and sent it off to the bailing barn, peruse the Christmas Shoppe for holiday decor or grab a snack from the concession stand while you wait to load your tree for the ride home. Wreaths, centerpieces, and more greenery can also be purchased here. Be sure to check out the special weekend events, including wagon rides and visits with Santa himself. The fee for cutting your own tree is $90 plus tax.

10. Emmerich Tree Farm – Warwick

About 1 1/2 hours from Midtown Manhattan
When it comes to variety, it's hard to beat the selection at Emmerich Tree Farm, which grows 12 different types of fir, spruce, and pine. Families can pick the perfect one and cut it themselves or get some help from farm staff who helps prepare your tree for a stand, shakes off the old needles, bales it up, and then ties it to your car's roof. Families can also shop for fresh wreaths and garlands to complement their seasonal decor. Emmerich makes the long drive worthwhile by offering free hot cocoa, a hot dog truck, and doughnuts—dogs are welcome, too. Book a reservation in advance of visiting—your $40 deposit goes toward the cost of your tree (prices range from $11-16 per foot). The 2023 season starts on Black Friday, November 24, and runs on weekends through Saturday, December 9, so be sure to make a reservation soon.

11. Manza Family Farm – Montgomery

About 1 1/2 hours from Midtown Manhattan
Live animals—including a donkey, goats, and pigs—add to the Christmas atmosphere at this farm, which invites visitors to cut their own Norway spruce trees. Pre-cut Douglas, Fraser, and Concolor fir trees are available for sale, plus a selection of potted, living trees that can be planted after the holidays. The farm aims to make your day a true holiday experience. Children can enjoy pony or horse-drawn wagon rides, pose for a festive holiday photo, and even visit Santa on the weekends. Coloring books and candy canes are given to every child.

12. Christmas Tree Lane – Wallkill

About 1 hour, 40 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
What could be more Christmas-y than cutting your own tree at a farm on Christmas Tree Drive? This family-owned Christmas tree farm sells a wide variety of pine and spruce, plus it supports the local Boy Scout pack with wreath sales. Enjoy hot chocolate and freshly roasted marshmallows by the fire, and be sure to visit Grandma's Barn for unique handmade holiday gifts. Kids will be delighted with a ride on the reindeer barrel train, and everyone can enjoy tasty eats like mac and cheese, nachos, and empanadas from Food by Nicole. On certain days, kids can meet Santa or the Grinch! The farm is open weekends from Saturday, November 25-Sunday, December 17.

13. Solvang Christmas Tree Farm – Poughkeepsie

Solvang's selection of cut-your-own Christmas trees range in size from 3-9 feet tall, but it's a flat $75 fee no matter the size you choose. Larger Fraser firs can be had starting at $189, and pre-cut trees are also available in sizes from 7-10 feet tall. It has saws on hand for you to borrow, and will bale and tie your tree. When you've found the perfect tree, visit the Christmas Cabin for more decorative goodies, check out the animals, and enjoy some hot chocolate and treats. The farm opens for the season on Black Friday, November 24.

Long Island Christmas Tree Farms and Cut-Your-Own Christmas Trees

14. Tilden Lane Farm – Greenlawn

About 50 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
This centuries-old family farm carries a variety of Christmas trees, all priced at $80 and up. Cut-your-own Christmas trees are hugely popular, so staff recommends you visit on the opening day of the season, Saturday, November 25, for the best selection. The staff helps tie your tree to the car, and you can also snag wreaths and holiday decor during your visit. Open weekends through Sunday, December 10. Cash or check only.

15. Elwood Christmas Tree Farm – Huntington

About 50 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
A variety of trees grow on this 20-acre Christmas tree farm near NYC. You must bring your own hand saw to cut-your-own Christmas tree, or the staff can cut it for you. Farm staff can also help you tie it to your car. Pre-cut firs are available. It's open beginning Friday, November 24, and then on weekends through December 24. On weekdays, call for a reservation to cut your own, or select a pre-cut tree in the afternoons. The on-site, pre-cut lot is open on weekends, too. Cash or check only.

Read about more Long Island Christmas tree farms.

At CT Audubon Tree Farm, different kinds of spruce can be cut, and pre-cut varieties can be purchased.

Christmas Tree Farms in Connecticut

16. CT Audubon Society H. Smith Richardson Tree Farm – Westport

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan
A portion of the proceeds from trees sold here is donated to the Connecticut Audubon Conservation and Education programs. Because the farm is located in a nature sanctuary, you should spot some spectacular birds. A variety of spruce is available to cut, and pre-cut varieties can be purchased. Please bring your own saws. The farm is open Saturday, November 25-Saturday, December 23 on Tuesdays-Sundays.

Things To Know Before You Go to a Christmas Tree Farm

• We realize we already said this, but it bears repeating: Make sure you call ahead to confirm hours, tree availability, prices, and attractions. Many farms are small, family-run establishments that might need to close unexpectedly.
• Keep in mind that approximate driving times do not include traffic. Sadly, you're probably going to run into some, especially as we get closer to Christmas.
• Some farms require you to bring your own saw while others let you borrow one. That said, it might be helpful to bring your own anyway, as there can be a wait for a loaner.
• Bring your own rope to tie up the tree, too. Not all farms provide it. You may want to throw in a blanket to protect the top of your car as well.
• Christmas tree-cutting season typically starts on Black Friday. Plan your trip ASAP, and don't wait until Christmas Eve.
• Many farms only accept cash. Make sure you have a good amount with you.
• Come prepared to work. Tough gloves are essential; cut low to the ground, and shake your tree to get rid of any unwanted pests. Don't know what you're doing? Be sure to ask the staff for help.

A version of this story was published in 2016; it is updated annually.

Photos courtesy of the farms