Learn about the best tree farms in Virginia, where you and your family can bundle up and pick out your perfect Christmas tree.
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” December is here already! From carols playing in stores across Virginia to the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers finally being eaten, it can’t be denied that the holidays have come to the Old Dominion. And for many Virginia families, that means it’s not long until it’s time to put up the tree. But where will you be getting yours?
While many people pick up a pre-cut tree, if you want to make getting your tree into a bit of an adventure in and of itself, you might want to consider going to a cut-your-own tree farm. These farms allow you to choose your own living Christmas tree and cut it yourself, either with tools provided or tools of your own.
The climate in Virginia means that Christmas trees like spruces and firs can be grown all over the state, leading to plenty of cut-your-own tree farms to choose from! But which should you head out to when you need to pick out your tree? Whatever part of the state you live in, you’ll have plenty of choices. To get you started, here are some of the best cut-your-own tree farms in Virginia:
1. Buttonwood Farm
22042 Newlin Mill Rd, Middleburg
Located just a short drive from Northern Virginia’s busiest enclaves, the cozy, historic town of Middleburg is a picturesque corner of the state at any time of year, but especially at the holidays. Best of all, you can pick your own Christmas tree at Buttonwood Farm, which grows four different varieties of evergreen for you to choose from. The team at Buttonwood will provide you with saws and help you load your tree, after which you can treat yourself to a cup of the farm’s hot cider.
2. Clouse’s Pine Hill Farm
2696 Green Spring Road, Winchester
A tradition in the northern Shenandoah Valley, Clouse’s Pine Hill Farm means business when it comes to Christmas trees. Not only do they offer seven different varieties of evergreens for you to choose and cut yourself, but the fun also doesn’t end there. You can pick up handmade, fully decorated wreaths and enjoy fresh donuts and hot dogs after working up an appetite on the farm. Kids will have plenty to enjoy as well, including a “Reindeer Express” ride and a chance to meet Santa!
3. Francisco Farms
343 Bethel Green Road, Staunton
Since 1979, Francisco Farms has been offering some of the most beloved choose-and-cut Christmas trees in the Shenandoah Valley. While they also operate a lot closer to Richmond, for the cut-your-own experience, you’ll need to head to the main farm. In addition to the trees, you’ll find freshly made wreaths and a friendly farm dog to say hello to. Francisco Farms is, as they put it, “old school,” and accepts cash only, so be sure to stop by an ATM on your way there.
4. Historic Greenbrier Farms
225 Sign Pine Road, Chesapeake
Historic Greenbrier Farms in Chesapeake are Christmas tree specialists who love trees in all their varieties. While they warn visitors that cut-your-own trees are first-come, first-served, and quantities may be limited, they have trees of all shapes and sizes to suit anyone’s needs. In addition to cut-your-own trees, they also offer pre-cut trees and live, plantable trees for a year-round, environmentally friendly celebration. Visitors can also shop for treats in their farmer’s market, and enjoy plenty of family-friendly photo ops, including with none other than Santa Claus.
5. Loudoun Nursery
16457 Short Hill Road, Purcellville
Loudoun County’s plant specialists, Loudoun Nursery in Purcellville, are usually an intimate, appointment-only establishment, but for weekends during the holiday season, that all changes. During their designated Christmas tree season, no appointment is necessary to come on by, choose, cut, and take home your Christmas tree. Remember that Loudoun Nursery is exclusively pick your own, so don’t ask about pre-cut options—you’re in your own hands here!
6. Moose Apple Christmas Tree Farm
2425 Wickliffe Road, Berryville
It’s hard to forget a name like Moose Apple Farm, but that’s just one reason that this Berryville spot has been a Virginia favorite for over two decades. With a variety of different tree types to choose and cut, you’ll find the perfect tree here, although, unless you’ve pre-tagged your tree, reservations are required to have the most selection access. After you’re done, choose a handmade wreath or browse their Christmas shop for the perfect gift.
7. Oak Shade Christmas Tree Farm
14455 Waterford Run Lane, Rixeyville
Come for the trees, stay for the beauty! Oak Shade Christmas Tree Farm, located high in the mountains of Culpeper County, has beautiful cut-your-own white pines and Norway spruces for you to choose from. Beyond that, though, there are gorgeous mountain views to be savored, and an on-site artisan shop where you can find homemade jam, honey, carved wooden Adirondack chairs, and handmade hooked rugs, among other locally-made delights. Be sure and say hi to the friendly farm animals while you’re there, including miniature goats and donkeys, and a bundle of nose-twitching bunnies!
8. Snickers Gap Tree Farm
34350 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill
Was this farm named for a caramel and peanut-filled candy bar, the act of chuckling, or something else altogether? You’ll have to ask when you visit! That’s not all that makes Snickers Gap Tree Farm worth your time, though. Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Snickers Gap has been growing evergreens for more than 40 years, so they know their stuff. Come down and cut a Douglas fir or a Colorado blue spruce, and they’ll help you shake, secure, and load it. Then, swing by the farm shop for wreaths, garlands, and jugs of delicious local apple cider, or pick up a hot dog for the road at their snack shack.
9. Woods Tree Farm
13941 Clement Town Road, Amelia Court House
If the North Pole relocated to Virginia, Woods Tree Farm would likely be the place. They describe themselves as “a Christmas destination,” and they aren’t kidding around. Woods Tree Farm offers both pre-cut and cut-your-own Christmas trees, but the farm is also just a place to enjoy a festive day out. Once you’ve picked, cut, and loaded your tree, head on back to their fire pit to toast some marshmallows and make s’mores, or even have a snowball fight—whether or not there’s recently been snow! Children will even have the opportunity to write letters to Santa or enjoy storytime with Mr. Claus himself.
