Here are the fun extras some of our favorite Christmas tree farms have to offer!

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms in Northern Virginia

1. Hank's Christmas Trees at Hartland Farm — Markham

An hour's drive west of DC, Hartland offers a wide variety of Christmas tree varieties to cut down, including white and scotch pine; blue, Serbian, and Norway spruce; and Douglas, Fraser, and Concolor firs. All cut-your-own trees are under nine feet and cost $60. Pre-cut Fraser firs, fresh wreaths, tree stands and food, and Christmas ornaments are also available for purchase, and every guest gets a free hot chocolate. Saws, tree shaking and wrapping, and tie-down assistance are provided free of charge.

2. Oak Shade Tree Farm — Rixeyville

This family-owned farm has a great selection of white pines and Norway spruces available to cut down. You can also select from fresh, pre-cut Fraser firs, blue spruces, and more at various prices. The farm provides saws, and staffers are on hand to help bundle the tree in netting and secure it onto your vehicle. Leashed dogs are allowed. Warm up at the firepit and browse the Treehouse shop for family-made wooden decor, jams, rugs, and more. Be sure to visit the chickens, mini goats, and rabbits.

3. Snickers Gap Tree Farm — Round Hill

Snickers Gap offers hand-shaped Douglas firs and Colorado blue spruces ranging in size from under seven feet to over 11 feet. The farm provides saws for cutting and twine for tying the tree to your vehicle, but you're on your own when it comes to securing the tree to your car. Fresh wreaths and apple cider are available for purchase, and the Snack Shack serves up hot dogs, hot chocolate, and other snacks. Wagon rides may be available, and visitors are welcome (and encouraged) to take photos in the Christmas tree farm.

4. Country Loving Christmas Tree Farm — Leesburg

This family-run farm offers a limited supply of cut-your-own white pines, Scotch pines, Norway spruces, Frasier firs, and red cedars, as well as fresh wreaths and garlands. The tree selection becomes very limited after December 1, so go early. The farm is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, plus on weekdays by appointment only. Leashed pets are welcome.

5. Valley Star Farm — Luray

About 10 minutes away from Luray Caverns (maybe a full day trip is in order?), Valley Star Farm has acres of white pines, Norway spruces, Colorado blue spruces, Canaan firs, Concolor firs, and Douglas firs for you to cut down (or have them cut down for you) while enjoying spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pre-cut trees are available as well, and the farm offers free shaking and bagging. Most of the trees cost between $50 and $60.

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Meet Santa after cutting down your tree on select dates at Butler's Orchard. Photo courtesy of Butler's Orchard

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms in Maryland

6. Butler's Orchard — Germantown

Butler's Orchard's cut-your-own Christmas trees, which include Douglas and Canaan firs ranging from five to eight feet tall, cost $84.95 apiece. Pre-cut trees are also available. The farm provides saws, shaking, and baling, and will secure your tree to the top of your car for you. Advance reservations are required for $5 per car, which includes admission to Holiday Harvest Days, where families can visit farm animals, play on slides and a playground, and more. Santa will also visit on December 3, 10, and 17 from 11am - 3pm.

7. Gaver Farm — Mount Airy

Cut your own Christmas tree at Gaver Farm, which offers Colorado blue spruces, Douglas and Canaan firs, and white pines. Trees range in price from $65 to $85. Fresh 10- to 15-inch balsam and fir wreaths are also available for purchase in the wreath shop, as are swags, pine roping, window boughs, bows, tree bags and stands, and more. On weekends the Christmas Cafe serves up hot cocoa and cider, apple cider donuts, hot beef sandwiches, and other food and drinks. Professional photography sessions are available for $50 by appointment only.

8. Friendship Trees — Friendship

Friendship Trees offers a good selection of fir, pine, and spruce Christmas trees to cut down, as well as pre-cut Fraser firs (up to 12 feet tall) from North Carolina. An on-site Christmas shop sells wreaths, ornaments, crafts, holiday decorations, and more. Leashed dogs are welcome.

9. Naughty Pine Nursery — Dickerson

This family-owned farm's selection of cut-your-own trees includes Douglas firs, blue spruces, and Norway spruces. You can also opt for a pre-cut Fraser fir or Scotch pine tree. Prices for cut-your-own trees range from $60 for trees up to eight feet tall to $600+ for trees over 22 feet tall (though who can fit one of those in their house?). While you're there, pick up some seasoned oak firewood.

10. Otterdale View Christmas Tree Farm — Union Bridge

All cut-your-own Christmas trees at Otterdale View cost $75 and are up to seven feet tall. Varieties include Canaan firs, white pines, Scotch pines, and Norway spruces, as well as a limited selection of blue spruces and concolor firs. The farm lends out red tarps to kneel on during the tree-cutting process and to help you drag your tree out of the field. After cutting your tree, visit the craft shop to browse holiday decorations and tree accessories, sip complimentary warm apple cider, and watch the toy train circling the store.

11. Showvaker's Christmas Tree Farm — Manchester

While it's a bit of a hike (nearly two hours north of DC), Showvaker's is the place to go if you want a BIG tree. The farm has trees as tall as 18 feet, and people who can help you cut them down if the task seems too daunting. Staffers will also shake and bale the tree and help you secure it to your vehicle. Showvaker's offers eight varieties of fir, spruce, and pine trees starting at around $80.

Kids can visit with Santa on the first three weekends of the season (starting November 25, 2023) from 11am to 3pm, or leave letters for him in his special mailbox. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and grab a bite to eat at the Wagon Wheel Cafe. Leashed dogs are allowed at the farm and personal photos are permitted, though professional photographers must schedule an appointment.

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You don't have to travel far to find the perfect Christmas tree. Photo courtesy of Dan and Bryan Christmas Trees

Where to Go If You Don't Want to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

12. Dan and Bryan Christmas Trees — Woodley Park

If leaving town and cutting your own Christmas tree seems overwhelming this year, Dan and Bryan's popular tree lots are a great compromise. They are located at Church of the Annunciation in DC and in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Trees cut fresh from their West Virginia farm include Douglas and Fraser firs in all shapes and sizes. In the past, the company (formerly called Sundback trees) even delivered Christmas trees to the White House and the Vice President's home! Roping, stands, and fresh wreaths are also available for purchase.

This article was first published in 2020 and is updated annually.