Getting a Christmas tree officially kicks off the holiday season in one’s household. Sure, you could just grab a pre-cut tree from a big box retailer. But ‘tis the season for Christmas-inspired date nights and a tree farm is the perfect setting! So, we’re “making a list and checking it twice” of the best Christmas tree farms for date night.
Santa’s List for Date Night
- Place: Select a u-pick/u-cut tree farm. Nationwide locations are compiled at pickyourownchristmastree.org and the National Christmas Tree Association. And we have recommendations below too.
- Pack: Check the farm website to learn about onsite amenities. Consider bringing snacks, water, handi-wipes, cash (if cards are not accepted) and rope to secure the tree to your vehicle. Restrooms may not be available or limited to port-o-lets at some farms, so take a bathroom break before arrival.
- Suit up: Santa dresses the part; consider doing the same as well with red and green attire. Wearing festive garments will help you to capture the most holiday spirited selfies.
- Tune in: Set your radio or Pandora to a Christmas station and get in the spirit on your drive to the farm.
Festive U-Pick Farms
Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm | Waynesville, North Carolina
If you’re a Christmas lover who starts celebrating before Thanksgiving, this is the place for you. Family-run for over 100 years, it opens mid-November and even operates on Thanksgiving Day. It’s pet-friendly so Fido can come too! Aside from lush green trees, Boyd Mountain sells vibrant colored varieties! And, for a festive couple’s getaway, you can book a farm log cabin. That way, aside from cutting a tree, you can hike, fish, tube and have epic snowball fights (then kiss and make up). boydmountainchristmastreefarm.com
Jones Family Farms | Shelton, Connecticut
Jones Family Farm has over 200 acres for u-cut, but plan to pair this rustic rendezvous with upscale date night activities too. Take a cooking class at the Harvest Kitchen Studio or visit the farm’s winery. In fact, why not purchase a few wine bottles for the holidays? Try the Cabernet Franc, a medium-full bodied red wine with notes of dark fruit, spice and earthiness — perfect for Christmas dinner; the Black Currant Bouquet, a robust dessert wine made of black currants — delish for a cookie exchange gathering; and the Whimsical White, a sparkling white with flavors of grapefruit, honeysuckle and peach — just the right pop for New Year’s Eve. jonesfamilyfarms.com
Plantation Pines Christmas Tree Farm | Tyler, Texas
The phrase “go big in Texas” applies to this farm which sells trees up to ten feet tall. And, they have plenty of farm festivities too, like hot chocolate, hayrides and farm animals. Be sure to play jumbo checkers and then roast s’mores by the campfire. plantationpinesfarms.com
Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest | Orlando, Florida
Far from the North Pole, the sunshine state has plenty of lush Christmas tree farms. Located in Eustis outside of Orlando, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest has 17 acres filled with 17,000 trees. So we guarantee you’ll find the right tree with your Mr./Mrs. Right. Farmers provide the saw so you can pick your own Sand Pine, Red Cedar or Arizona Cypress. Or, purchase a pre-cut tree, a northern spruce or fir brought in from Michigan or North Carolina, a potted tree or fresh wreath. And plan to soar above the trees on Santa’s Flight Zipline! santaschristmastreeforest.com
Frosty Mountain Tree Farm | Sebastopol, California
On the outskirts of Sonoma, head to Frosty Mountain for a fun u-pick experience. After working up an appetite cutting down your tree, picnic near the big red barn. Or, take advantage of the snack menu to get your fill of Christmas cookies, homemade popcorn and fresh apple cider. Since Christmas is for kids of all ages, go ahead and enjoy the hayride and petting zoo too. frostymountaintreefarm.com
Trinity Tree Farm | Seattle, Washington
Nestled on a hilltop in the Seattle, discover 40 beautiful acres of Christmas trees. Who needs a sleigh when you can snap commemorative photos by the 1955 antique fire engine? Plus, warm up with complimentary beverages as you tackle your Christmas shopping list at the log cabin gift boutique. trinitytreefarm.com
Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm | Mattituck, New York
Santa Claus must have lucky leprechauns on his ‘nice’ list because Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm has tons of holiday happenings, like wine tastings, carolers and a great shop filled with ornaments, life-sized nutcrackers and beautiful sleighs. After cutting your tree, head to the Shamrock Snack Barn for local clams and oysters. shamrockchristmastreefarm.com
Kuipers Family Farm | Maple Park, Illinois
If you’d rather have Santa’s helpers do the cutting, head an hour west of Chicago for a selection of fresh pre-cut trees. Known for its apple orchard, Kuipers Family Farm serves up yummy apple cider doughnuts, plus fresh pies and cakes in its bakery. kuipersfamilyfarm.com
More Date Night Merriment
Your Christmas tree date night was awesome and you can continue the merriment with more holiday bonding. Here are some follow-up date night ideas:
- Decorate with your darling. Spend an at-home date night adorning your tree together. Print out Christmas conversation starter questions to have a merry and memorable dialogue while you decorate.
- Make a spark. While at the farm, ask for wood scraps trimmed off trees. Use these, along with traditional firewood, to heat things up with a cozy night by the fire. Snuggle and sip eggnog or hot chocolate.
- Get crafty. Aside from wood trimmings, ask the tree farmer if you can have scrap pine branches. Use these aromatic pieces to create Christmas centerpieces and other holly-jolly household décor.
- Design holiday cards. If you print custom Christmas cards, be sure to incorporate photos from your tree picking date night!
The Gift of Goodwill
Trees for Troops is a nonprofit effort by the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation that provides free, farm-grown Christmas trees to U.S. military members and their families. You can help by visiting a u-pick farm that offers proceeds to Trees for Troops, making a monetary donation or by buying a tree for a military family. Do good date nights rock!
Feature photo credit: Boyd Mountain Tree Farm
Nancy DeVault is the managing editor of Date Night Guide and a contributor to publications such as Babble, AmeriDisability Services Magazine and Orlando Magazine. She enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband and toddler.