Winter Farm Activities: Christmas Trees and Holiday Farms
Farm activities don't end when summer crops are done. Winter brings Christmas tree farms, holiday markets, and unique cold-weather farm experiences worth seeking out.
For most of the country, the u-pick crop calendar winds down in late fall. But winter farm activities are more diverse and rewarding than most people realize. From choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms to winter farmers markets, holiday wreaths to farm-to-table holiday dinners, winter offers farm experiences that are distinctly different from — but as meaningful as — any summer berry patch.
Choose-and-Cut Christmas Tree Farms
The most widespread winter farm activity in the United States is the choose-and-cut Christmas tree experience. Each year, millions of families drive to tree farms in November and December to select and cut their own tree — making this one of the largest agritourism activities in the country.
When They Open
Most choose-and-cut farms open the weekend after Thanksgiving (the last weekend of November) and remain open through mid-December or until inventory is sold. Some popular farms sell their best trees in the first two weekends; others have sufficient inventory to run through Christmas week.
What to Expect
Arrival: Many farms charge either by the tree (set prices by size or species) or let you select and cut, then weigh or measure the tree at checkout.
The selection process: Walking the rows of trees in cold December air, comparing heights, shapes, and fullness — this deliberate process is part of the value. Some farms have thousands of trees across multiple acres; others are small intimate operations with a few hundred trees.
Cutting: Farms provide handsaws. Some farms have staff who will do the cutting for you or alongside you. Children who have never watched a tree come down tend to find it genuinely exciting.
Post-cut services: Most farms offer:
- Baling or netting (wrapping the tree in plastic netting for easier transport)
- Shaking (mechanical shakers remove loose dead needles before the tree goes inside)
- Loading assistance (for large trees)
Farm store: Many tree farms have farm stores selling wreaths, garlands, poinsettias, hot cider and cocoa, and holiday baked goods.
Best Christmas Tree Species
Fraser Fir: The most widely sought Christmas tree species in the eastern US. Excellent needle retention, good fragrance, upturned branches ideal for ornaments.
Douglas Fir: The Pacific Northwest standard. Strong fragrance, soft needles.
Balsam Fir: Northern states specialty. The classic "Christmas tree smell" — intensely aromatic.
Blue Spruce: Distinctive silver-blue color, strong branches, somewhat sharp needles.
Scotch Pine: Excellent needle retention, strong branches, wide availability.
White Pine: Soft long needles, more casual appearance, light fragrance, affordable.
Freshness and Care
The key advantage of a choose-and-cut tree is freshness — the tree has not been sitting at a retail lot for weeks. Keep it fresh by:
- Making a fresh cut off the base immediately before placing in the stand
- Checking water daily (a thirsty tree can drink a quart per day)
- Keeping away from heat vents and direct sunlight
A properly watered fresh tree should hold its needles for three to four weeks.
Wreaths and Greens
Many Christmas tree farms and specialty farms also offer:
Cut-your-own greens: Some farms open their property for cutting mixed evergreen boughs — pine, cedar, spruce, fir — for wreath-making and decorating. This is a more niche offering but deeply satisfying for wreath and arrangement enthusiasts.
Pre-made wreaths: Most tree farms sell beautiful farm-made wreaths using their own evergreen trimmings and prunings. These are typically fresher and more aromatic than commercially made wreaths.
Garland: Fresh-cut garland for mantels and railings is available at tree farms. Fresh garland lasts considerably longer than commercial pre-made product.
Winter Farmers Markets
The farmers market season does not entirely stop in winter. An increasing number of communities support year-round or winter farmers markets, often moving indoors to community centers, fairgrounds, or market halls.
Winter farmers market offerings typically include:
- Root vegetables: Carrots, beets, parsnips, turnips, potatoes — crops that store well
- Winter squash: Butternuts, acorns, and other storage squash held from fall harvest
- Greenhouse greens: Salad greens, spinach, and herbs grown in heated greenhouses
- Preserved and value-added goods: Jam, honey, pickles, ferments
- Eggs and dairy: Farm eggs and local cheese available year-round
- Meat: Local farm-raised beef, pork, and poultry
Winter markets are often less crowded than summer markets and have a cozy, community feel worth seeking out.
Holiday Farm Events
Farm Dinners and Holiday Meals
Some farms host special holiday dinners — Thanksgiving and Christmas meals featuring farm-grown produce, local meats, and seasonal ingredients. These farm-to-table holiday experiences are typically ticketed, reservation-required events that sell out in advance. They represent one of the most direct connections between agricultural production and celebratory eating.
Winter Light Events
A growing number of farms and agritourism operations host winter light festivals — illuminated farm buildings, lit trails through orchards, and holiday lighting displays. These draw visitors during the quiet post-harvest winter months and can be beautiful experiences even in cold weather.
Horse-Drawn Experiences
Some farms offer horse-drawn wagon rides or sleigh rides in winter. These are highly seasonal and depend on snow in northern states. A small number of farms in New England, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota operate horse-drawn sleigh rides when snow conditions allow.
Supporting Farms in Winter
Winter is financially the hardest season for most u-pick farms. Revenue from picking is done; the farm is paying for equipment maintenance, land costs, and preparation for next season with minimal income.
Ways to support farms you love in winter:
- Buy gift cards. Many farms sell gift cards that can be used for spring and summer visits — a perfect gift for the farm-lover in your family.
- Buy value-added products. Farm jams, preserves, cider, and specialty items make excellent holiday gifts and support the farm during the off-season.
- Leave a review. End-of-season reviews written in November and December help farms attract new visitors the following spring.
- Share on social media. Tags and shares in winter keep farms in people's minds even when the season is quiet.