Christmas tree farms, updated for November 2024:
Picking out and decorating a Christmas tree is one of the quintessential family traditions of the season for those who celebrate in this way. When you visit a U-cut tree farm, you get to enjoy the cold, pine-scented air as you find a special tree that will bring your family joy for the rest of the month. (Pro tip: Measure your living room space ahead of time, because outdoor trees look deceptively small out in the field.)
My kids love our annual tree farm outing because they get to be involved in all tasks. Once we’ve chosen our tree, with Dad’s help, they each get a turn with the farm-provided hand saw. Both clutch the midsection of the tree as we haul it up for wrapping and loading. My kids also get a real kick out of the “tree shaker,” which wobbles loose needles and bugs right out.
Bring warm boots and gloves on your tree farm visit. It can be muddy, and little hands will get cold while handling the tree. At some farms, candy canes and hot apple cider or cocoa await. Some offer wagon rides, Santa appearances, and other cheerful holiday events.
Cutting your own tree on forest service land
With a $10 permit, you can head to the mountains and cut your Christmas tree down, on designated areas of forest land (see maps online). Before you drive over though, don’t forget to purchase your permit online. Getting a tree early, before heavy snow falls, usually means better access on forest roads. If this is your first time on forest service land, don’t expect to find a traditional full-bodied tree. Families will find trees with plenty of character, making them a lovely addition to your decor.
Finding a U-Cut Christmas tree farm
Locate a nearby Christmas tree farm on the Puget Sound Christmas Tree Association website, which also features directions, hours and other holiday happenings at the farms. The list below has numerous U-cut locations, but visit your destination’s website or call ahead of time to check their hours and whether they still have trees. Many sell out quickly.
Christmas tree farms: King County
By appointment only on November 16, 2024
Here’s where you should go if you’re looking for an organic tree. Book your appointment online. While you’re there, pick up a handmade wreath.
Location: 14500 NE 116th St, Redmond, WA 98052
Phone: 425-606-9506
Opening day: Friday, November 29, 2024. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Open Friday-Sunday
Listed as a national historic site, this farm is celebrating 40+ years. Take a stroll to pick your perfect tree. The Farm also offers garland, wreaths and a gift shop full of locally-made products.
Location: 3851 Tolt Ave Carnation, Wa 98014
Phone: 425-369-7999
Opening day: Friday, November 29, 2024. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and then every weekend until sold out
Preseason appointments are available on November 23rd and 27th. Pre-cut and choose/u-cut trees are available for purchase. A variety of trees are listing on the website.
The farm also offers complimentary hot cider, cocoa, and smores (for purchase), fire pits and a small gift shop. A hay ride is also available this year. Join the evening of December 6 and 8 for a visit with Santa. This event requires tickets.
Location: 15515 468th Ave SE, North Bend.
Phone: 425-888-2099
Opening day: Friday, November 29, 2024. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
A pet-friendly place (as long as they are on a leash) where you can choose from a variety of trees. Santa visits November 29, 30, and December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: 17225 SE Green Valley Rd, Auburn
Phone: 253-709-6293
Opening day: Friday, November 22, 2024
Monday to Friday 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday open 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Not only does this place have trees but a train too! Choose your tree then ride the rails. At $5/person enjoy a cool ride around the farm. You can call for an appointment.
Location: 23604 SE 192nd St, Maple Valley
Phone: 425-432-1111
Opening day: Friday, November 29, 2024
Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. through December until sold out
Pick your tree and then head into the red barn for cookies and hot cider. Browse the assortment of gifts while you’re there, warming up.
Location: 18021 Issaquah-Hobart Rd, Issaquah
Phone: 425-432-4573
Opening day: Friday, November 29, 2024. at 9 a.m.
Thrashers Road Field & Mt Si Road will be open on November 29, 9 a.m. to dusk, and then Saturdays and Sundays or until sold out.
Choose from two farm locations, each carrying different types of trees. Check the website to choose which one you’d like to visit. Note: Cash and check only.
Location: 42999 SE 120th St, North Bend
Phone: 206-909-6954
Opening day: Saturday, November 23, 2024
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will be open again on November 29 at 8 a.m.
For the season this farm is open every day in December until sold out. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and weekends, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Check out this farm for the trees and the photo ops, special events and more! See the website for more details.
Location: 14237 228th Ave SE, Issaquah
Phone: 425-391-8733
Opening day: November 29-30, 2024
November 29-30, December 7-8, and 14 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This farm has a system whereby you pre-tag the tree you want as early as November 2, then make an appointment to pick it up later. Don’t miss wreaths, garlands and the gift shop too.
Location: 20241 SE 232nd St, Maple Valley
Phone: 425-432-2805
Christmas tree farms: Snohomish County
Open: Nov 29-Dec 1 (Fri-Sun) and December 6-8 (Fri-Sun), 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Choose a tree from one of three fields, then sit down to write and post a letter to Santa. Grab a hot cider and sit by the fire in the farm’s warming hut.
Location: 19117 State Rte 9, Mount Vernon
Phone: 360-454-9084
Pilchuck Secret Valley Christmas Tree Farm
Opening day: Friday, November 22, 2024. open daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. until sold out
Closed on Thanksgiving day
Enjoy a wide selection of trees. Plan accordingly if you want to get something large. Extras include locally-made wreaths, trim, decorations, table runners and more. Note about pets: Clean up after your animal and no leg-lifting onto the trees.
Location: 9533 Mose Rd, Arlington
Phone: 360-435-9799
Opening day: TBD for 2024 (check website for updates)
Kettle corn, hot cocoa, photo ops, and more. Spend the day at Stocker picking the perfect tree and enjoying a holiday outing.
Location: 8705 Marsh Rd, Snohomish
Phone: 360-568-7391
Christmas tree farms: Pierce County
Open: November 29-December 1, 2024. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
U-cut dates/hours are December 2-6 (12 p.m. – 4 p.m.) December 7-8 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Don’t miss a musical light show and the gift shop. celebration of the Christmas season begins November 1, 2024, with the opening of their All Things Noël Christmas Store and ‘Tis the Season event on November 2. There may be a Santa sighting as well. To continue the celebration, their U-Cut Season begins the day after Thanksgiving.
Location: 40605 Meridian Ave E, Eatonville
Phone: 360-365-5606
Pre-reserve on November 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 2024 (close on Dec 15, 2024)
Opening day for U-cut or pick-up: Friday, November 29, 2024
Pre-reserve your tree in November so you can come back and cut it yourself. Otherwise, go to the farm to choose from a variety that are left or from the pre-cut section.
Location: 4217 72nd St ., Tacoma
Phone: 253-535-9267
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