Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

These farms—all within 1½-hour drive from NYC—are our top picks find the perfect tree!

By Barbara Russo

Sure, you can head to a local shop and pick out a Christmas tree in a short amount of time, but why not make a day out of it? Gather up the family, leave the city for the day, and head to one of the tree farms in our area to enjoy some holiday fun! Cut your own tree—or pick out a pre-cut beauty—and indulge in hot cocoa as you enjoy the spirit of the season.

As with any family outing, it’s best to call in advance to confirm hours, availability, COVID-19 policies before you go.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY

Stuart’s Farm

62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs • stuartsfarm.com • 914-245-2784

Hours: Season opens late November

Price: Call for information

Find and cut your perfect Christmas tree, then visit the on-site bakery that has hot and cold cider, fruit pies, fresh apple cider doughnuts, jams, and jellies.

Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm

1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights • wilkensfarm.com • 914-245-5111

Hours: Nov. 27 to mid-December, Wednesday-Monday, 10am-4pm. Check the website before visiting to see if the farm started requiring reservations.

Price: Call for information

This farm offers Douglas and Fraser fir trees, as well as pre-cut Fraser firs. Enjoy a farm market, gift shop, and bakery, plus a free cup of hot cider with every tree purchase.

PUTNAM COUNTY

Cockburn Farm

1611 Route 9, Garrison • cockburnfarm.com • 845-424-3574

Hours: Nov. 26-Dec. 24, daily, 9am-5pm

Price: $25 and up, depending on tree

Choose from a variety of firs that range in size from 3 feet and taller. Hand saws are available to borrow. Handmade wreaths and grave blankets are for sale. Santa is sometimes on-site; check schedule online.

ORANGE COUNTY

Emmerich Tree Farm

101 Sleepy Valley Road, Warwick • emmerichtreefarm.com • 845-986-0151

Hours: Friday, Nov. 26, entry times from 9am-3:30pm, Nov. 27-Dec. 5, Saturday-Sunday, entry times from 9am-3:30pm. Reservations required and now available online.

Price: Call for information; $40 deposit required when making reservation, which will go toward the purchase of your tree

Free trimming, drilling, shaking, and baling.

Manza Family Farm

730 Route 211, Montgomery • manzafamilyfarm.net • 845-692-4364

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10am-5pm, Friday-Sunday; 10am-6pm

Price: Norway spruces are $60

Roping available. Pre-cut trees and wreaths for sale; outdoor gift shop on premises. Santa is on-site most December weekends, 11am-4pm!

Pine View Farm

575 Jackson Ave., New Windsor • pineviewfarmny.com • 845-564-4111

Hours: Dec. 11-12, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-4pm

Price: To be announced

Choose from a variety of tree species, including blue, white, and Meyer spruces, and several different firs. Bow saws and tree carts available. Staff will bale and secure your tree to your vehicle.

Stone Oak Farm

207 Stony Bar Road, Slate Hill • stoneoaktreefarm.com • 845-355-4751

Hours: Season opens late November

Price: Call for information

More than 8 acres of spruce and fir trees. Staff will bundle your tree into netting.

LONG ISLAND

Elwood Pumpkin Farm

1500 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington • elwoodpumpkinfarm.com • 631-368-8626

Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 10am to dark; Monday-Friday, 3pm to dark. Precut lot remains open daily until 7pm.

Price: Call for information

A 20-acre farm that offers trees in a variety of sizes. Bring your own saw to cut your tree, or the staff can cut one for you. Pre-cut trees are available. Staff will help you tie your tree to your car.

Tilden Lane Farm

43 Wyckoff St., Greenlawn • tildenlanefarm.com • 631-533-5960

Hours: Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5, and Dec. 11-12, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-3pm

Price: All trees $75

The farm has a limited supply of cut-your-own trees, so go early. Pre-cut trees and hand-made wreaths available.

NEW JERSEY

Barclay’s Christmas Tree Farm

35 Orchardside Drive, Cranbury • barclaystreefarm.com • 609-799-1855

Hours: Opens Nov. 26; hours are to be announced

Price: $65-$120

Choose from Douglas, white, and fraser firs, plus blue and Norway spruces. Saws, rope, and netting are available for free.

Simonson Farms

118-260 Dey Road, Cranbury • simonsonfarms.com • 609-799-0140

Hours: To be announced.

Price: Tree prices start at around $50

Head to this third-generation farm to choose from pre-cut, choose-and-cut, balled, and burlap trees.

Hidden Pond Tree Farm

4 W. Field Road, Mendham • hiddenpondtreefarm.com • 973-865-6362

Hours: Daily after Thanksgiving, 8am-6pm

Price: Most trees are $85

Pre-cut trees and refreshments are available. Free hayrides (weather permitting). Christmas shop with wreaths, greenery, and more. Cash or checks only.

Rolling Green Farm

61 Hacklebarney Road, Long Valley • 908-879-7457

Hours: Friday, Nov. 26, 10am-5pm; Nov. 27-Dec. 25, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm

Price: All cut-your-own trees $50.

Wreaths and other items available for sale in the shop. Pre-cut trees can be trimmed.

Country Heritage Farm

129 Plains Road, Augusta • countryheritagefarm.com • 973-875-5590

Hours: To be announced

Price: Cut-your-own trees start at $72

Saws provided. Christmas shop with decorations, wreaths, tree stands, and more on-site. Staff will haul customers’ trees from the field if hayrides aren’t running.

Holiday Tree Farm

44 Augusta Hill Road, Augusta • holidaytreefarmnj.com • 973-948-7488

Hours: Nov. 26, plus Saturday-Sunday through Dec. 25, 9am-4pm

Price: All trees $62

Trees range in size up to 9 feet. Saws provided. Christmas shop on premises with wreaths and other decorations for sale.

Shale Hills Farm

98 Pond School Road, Sussex • shalehillsfarm.com • 973-875-4231

Hours: After Thanksgiving: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm

Price: All trees $95

Santa will make appearances, Christmas movies in the hayloft, and petting zoo in the barn.

Stonerow Tree Farm

242 Wykertown Road, Branchville • stonerowfarm.net • 973-875-7968

Hours: Opens Nov. 27: Saturday-Sunday, 9am-4pm throughout the season.

Price: All trees $60

Spruces and firs available. Saws and twine available. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

Evergreen Valley Christmas Tree Farm

77 Jackson Valley Road, Washington • evergreenvalleychristmastrees.com • 908-835-0557

Hours: Nov. 26-Dec. 23, Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-4pm

Price: Tree prices start at $40

Browse thousands of Christmas trees of all kinds and enjoy a free wagon ride. Assistance provided.