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 variety of Christmas tree varieties to cut down, including white pine; blue spruce; Leyland cypress; and Douglas, Fraser, and Canaan firs. All cut-your-own trees cost $70. Pre-cut Fraser firs and fresh wreaths are also available for purchase. On weekends, every guest gets a free hot chocolate. Santa's Magical Train Ride runs from 5-8pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays by appointment only. Gloves, saws, sleds, tie-down straps, and cut-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. 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, and red cedars, as well as fresh-cut Frasier firs, wreaths, and garlands. The tree selection becomes very limited after December 8, so go early. The farm is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, plus on weekdays by appointment only. 

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, 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 are six to seven feet.

RELATED: Breakfast with Santa in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

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 $89.95 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 1, 8, and 15, 2024 from 11am-3pm.

7. Gaver Farm — Mount Airy

Take a free hayride to the fields to 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, and tree shaking and baling services are free. Fresh balsam and fir wreaths, swags, pine roping, and window boughs are also available. On weekends the Christmas Cafe serves up hot cocoa and cider, apple cider donuts, hot beef sandwiches, and more. Professional photography sessions are available for $50 by appointment.

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. 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 $85.

Kids can visit with Santa on the first three weekends of the season (starting Thanksgiving weekend) from 11am-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.

RELATED: The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

 
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

10. 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.

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