Picking out and decorating a Christmas tree is one of the quintessential family traditions of the season. 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 the rest of the month. (Pro tip: Measure your living room space ahead of time, because outdoor trees look deceptively small.)
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 mid-section of the tree as we haul it up front. And they get a real kick out of the “tree shaker,” which wobbles loose needles right out.
Bring warm boots and gloves on your tree farm visit. It can be muddy, and their hands will get cold while handling the tree.
In normal years, candy canes and hot apple cider await chilled little hands at many farms. And some offer wagon rides, Santa appearances and other cheerful holiday events. The pandemic has many farms cutting back on these extras this year. Also, in most places everyone over 2 needs to wear a mask.
Cutting Your Own Tree on Forest Service Land
With a $10 permit, you can head up to the mountains and cut your own Christmas tree. You can get a permit online here. Getting a tree early, before snow falls, usually means better access on forest roads. Most trees are reached by narrow, unplowed mountain roads.
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 intended destination’s website or call ahead of time to check on their hours and whether they still have trees. Many sell out quickly.
Before you go, check if the farm’s mask policy and other COVID-19 precautions are compatible with your family’s needs. Here’s a list of farms, with information about their extras and mask policies. It was compiled before Thanksgiving, and in the coming weeks, some things may shift.
KING COUNTY
Carnation Tree Farm
Extras: Carnation Tree farm sells garlands, wreaths, mistletoe and tree stands. (No Santa this year.)
Mask policy: Wear masks at all times.
31523 NE 40th St, Carnation. 425-333-4510
Extras: There will be free hot cider and coffee, plus treats from the North Bend Bakery. You can take Christmas photos this year in a specially staged open-air tent. (No Santa this year.)
Mask policy: “Masks are required as you drive into our farm and in all areas of the warming shelter, open air tent photo area, bailing stations, pay stations, restrooms. No masks required in the fields unless other customers are close by. We have high quality cloth Christmas theme masks available for purchase.”
15515 468th Ave SE, North Bend. 425-888-2099
Extras: You can expect hot drinks, Santa Claus, and abundant Christmas decorations. (No hayrides or prepared foods this year.)
Mask policy: Wear masks when social distancing isn’t possible.
17225 SE Green Valley Rd, Auburn. 253-709-6293
Extras: Train rides!
Mask policy: Masks are optional while outdoors and distanced from people outside your party.
23604 SE 192nd St, Maple Valley. 425-432-1111
Enchanted Winds Tree Farm CLOSED For 2020
18021 Issaquah-Hobart Rd, Issaquah. 425-432-4573
Fall City Farms
Mask policy: Wear masks in the parking and tree shed area and any time you are around people from another party.
3636 Neal Rd, Fall City. 425-222-4553
Honeytree Farm
Extras: Free hot drinks and candy canes. Santa is usually around.
Mask policy: “Customers may use face coverings at their discretion since this is an outdoor experience.”
21606 SE Green Valley Rd, Auburn. 253-333-8934
Extras: Hot cider, served by a bonfire.
Mask policy: Wear a mask at all times.
42999 SE 120th St, North Bend. 206-909-6954
McMurtrey’s Red-Wood Christmas Tree Farm
Extras: Hot beverages and candy canes.
Mask policy: Wear a mask, particularly when in the processing area.
13925 Woodinville-Redmond Rd, Redmond. 425-482-6795
Mountain Creek Christmas Tree Farm
Tree cutting is by appointment only this year. (No hot drinks this year)
Mask policy: Wear a mask at all times.
6821 440th Ave SE, Snoqualmie. 425-888-1770
Papa’s Tree Farm
Extras: Cider and photo opportunities. (No train this year.)
Mask policy: Not specified.
26429 SE 200th St, Maple Valley. 425-433-8117
Extras: hot coffee and other beverages.
Mask policy: Wear a mask at all times.
20306 NE 50th St, Redmond. 425-868-3017
Three Tree Farms
Extra: Warm up by an outdoor fire with a free blueberry muffin and some hot chocolate or cider. Lattes available in 9+ flavors.
Mask policy: Masks required.
28033 SE 216th St, Maple Valley. 425-432-4372
Trinity Tree Farm
Extras: Food stand open on weekends. (No Santa or train this year)
Mask policy: Wear a mask at all times.
14237 228th Ave SE, Issaquah. 425-391-8733
Wilson Hill Tree Farm
This farm has a system whereby you pre-tag the tree you want as early as October, and then make an appointment to pick it up later.
Extras: Wreaths and other decorations available, Santa may be around, but at a distance.
Mask policy: Wear a mask at all times.
20241 SE 232nd St, Maple Valley. 425-432-2805
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
Big Lake Trees
Extras: Free candy canes. (No beverages this year)
Mask policy: Wear a mask at all times.
19117 State Rte 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-5124
Extras: Wreaths for sale. (No Christmas Craft Cottage, cider, food or outdoor fireplace this year).
Mask policy: Weare a CDC-recommended mask at all times. Read the COVID-19 farm rules before you go.
19301 95th Ave NE, Arlington. 360-435-9260
Lochsloy Acres Christmas Tree Farm
Lochsloy Acres is by appointment only this season, and there are no appointments left.
5511 State Rte 92, Lake Stevens. 425-308-0355
Paterson’s Lazy Acres Tree Farm
Extras: Free hot cider and candy canes.
No mask policy listed.
1315 188th St NE, Arlington. 360-652-7661
Pilchuck Secret Valley Christmas Tree Farm CLOSED FOR 2020
9533 Mose Rd, Arlington. 360-435-9799
Stocker Farms
Extras: Photo opportunities.
Masks required.
8705 Marsh Rd, Snohomish. 360-568-7391
PIERCE COUNTY
Cox Christmas Tree Farm
Extras: Free candy canes for kids. Wreaths, cones and tree-stands available for purchase.
Mask policy: Wear masks while in the barn.
40605 Meridian Ave E, Eatonville. 360-832-6673
Double Four Tree Farm
You can only cut your own tree if you pre-selected it before Thanskgiving. There are pre-cut trees available.
Mask policy: Masks required at all times.
4217 72nd St ., Tacoma. 253-535-9267
Harvey’s Harvest Christmas Trees CLOSED FOR 2020
7315 166th Ave E, Sumner. 253-863-0533
Holiday U-Cut Christmas Trees
Extras: Hot cider, candy canes, a Santa letter and a free ornament.
Mask policy: “Although our operation is outside, we recommend all customers wear masks.”
39908 Dean Kreger Rd E, Eatonville. 360-832-8733
Snowshoe Evergreen Christmas Tree Farm U-Cut closed for 2020
You can go for pre-cut Christmas trees.
Extras: Goodie bag for each child (Kid Zone closed).
Mask policy: Wear a mask at all times.
10716 State Rte. 162 E, Puyallup. 253-845-5199
