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.
Before you head out, bring warm boots and gloves — it can be muddy, and little hands get cold quickly. Many farms offer wagon rides, Santa visits, hot cider, cocoa, or small gift shops, making it easy to turn your Christmas tree outing into a full family adventure.
How to cut your own Christmas tree near Seattle
- Choose a U-cut Christmas tree farm close to home (see King, Snohomish, and Pierce County lists below).
- Check each farm’s website or social feed for hours, parking, and tree availability — many sell out early.
- Bring gloves, waterproof boots, and a tarp or blanket for the car ride home.
- If you plan to cut a tree on federal land, purchase a Christmas tree cutting permit online before you go and follow Forest Service maps.
Cutting your own tree on forest service land
With a $10 permit, you can head to the mountains and cut your Christmas tree down in designated areas of forest land (see maps online). Before you drive over, 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 in King County
- Open: Open as of November 15, 2025. Book by appointment only
- Location: 14500 NE 116th St, Redmond, WA 98052
- Phone: 425-606-9506
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.
- Open: November 28-30, 4-7, and possibly 13-14
- Location: 15515 468th Ave SE, North Bend.
- Phone: 425-888-2099
No appointments needed! Pre-cut and choose/u-cut trees are available for purchase. A variety of trees are listing on the website, and check hours for specific day you’re going. 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 4 and 7 for a visit with Santa. This event requires tickets.
- Open: Farm opens Nov. 22, activities on Nov. 28.
- Hours: Mon through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: 17225 SE Green Valley Rd, Auburn
- Phone: 253-709-6293
A pet-friendly place (as long as they are on a leash) where you can choose from a variety of trees. Santa Hours: Nov. 28, 29, 30, and Dec 6, 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hayride and hot dogs & popcorn start November 28.
- Open: Open as of Nov. 22.
- Hours: Weekends from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and weekdays from 1 to 4 p.m.
- Location: 23604 SE 192nd St, Maple Valley
- Phone: 425-432-1111
Not only does this place have trees, but a train too! Choose your tree, then ride the rails for $5 a person. Trees & Train rides will be available November 28-30, 2025. Midweek visits require an appointment.
- Open: Open as of November 22
- Hours: Friday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Location: 18021 Issaquah-Hobart Rd, Issaquah
- Phone: 425-432-4573
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.
- Open: Open as of November 28. 2025
- Thrasher Road Field: Weekends, 9 a.m. to dusk
- Mt. Si Road Field: 9 a.m. to dusk
- Location: 42999 SE 120th St, North Bend, and 43342 SE Mt. Si Roa,d North Bend
- Phone: 206-909-6954
Thrashers Road Field & Mt Si Road will be open on November 28, 9 a.m. to dusk. 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.
- Open: Open as of November 22, 2025
- Hours: Black Friday, Saturday + Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., then Mondays thru Fridays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Location: 14237 228th Ave SE, Issaquah
- Phone: 425-391-8733
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will be open again on November 28 at 8 a.m. For the season this farm is open every day in December until sold out. Monday-Friday, 11 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.
- Open: Open November 22-23 for pre-select from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Then, open November 29-30, December 6-7, and 13-14
- Location: 20241 SE 232nd St, Maple Valley
- Phone: 425-432-2805
No appointment required this year. 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.
Christmas Tree Farms in Snohomish County
- Open: U-Cut season open November 28-30, and December 5-7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: 19117 State Rte 9, Mount Vernon
- Phone: 360-454-9084
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.
Pilchuck Secret Valley Christmas Tree Farm
- Open: Open as of November 19 (closed on Thanksgiving)
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Mondays and Tuesdays
- Location: 9533 Mose Rd, Arlington
- Phone: 360-435-9799
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.
- Open: U-cut opens November 22-23, then pre-cut and u-cut November 28 through December 14
- Hours:
- U-Cut only: November 22-23 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- U-Cut and Pre-Cut: November 28-December 14, Monday through Thursday 12-5 p.m., Friday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (while supplies last)
- Location: 8705 Marsh Rd, Snohomish
- Phone: 360-568-7391
Kettle corn, hot cocoa, photo ops, and more. Spend the day at Stocker picking the perfect tree and enjoying a holiday outing. Trees available while supplies last!
Christmas Tree Farms in Pierce County
- Open: November 28-30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., December 1-5 from 12 o 4 p.m., and December 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: 40605 Meridian Ave E, Eatonville
- Phone: 360-365-5606
All Things Noël Christmas Store is open November 1-22, Wednesdays thru Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To continue the celebration, their U-Cut Season begins the day after Thanksgiving.
- Open: Open for pickup and cutting starting November 28
- Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: 4217 72nd St ., Tacoma
- Phone: 253-535-9267
Pre-reserve your tree during the first four weekends of November, starting Nov. 1. Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The farm closes on December 14.
