Every year, millions of Americans make the trip to Christmas tree farms to select their family’s tree, with approximately 30 million trees purchased annually across the United States. With over 15,000 Christmas tree farms in operation, many of these businesses are family-owned, creating a special holiday tradition that spans generations. For these farms, the holiday season is about much more than just selling trees—it’s about creating lasting memories for families who return year after year.
Creating Traditions at Family-Owned Christmas Tree Farms
Visiting a family-owned tree farm offers a unique, personalized experience that often becomes a cherished tradition. These farms attract both returning families and first-time visitors looking to create their own holiday memories. Whether it’s a small farm in a southern climate like Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest in Florida or a more traditional farm in upstate New York, these farms offer activities, holiday cheer, and family-friendly fun.
Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis, Florida, proves that Christmas cheer can thrive in any climate, thanks to festive snow machines and family-oriented events. Jodi Utsman, the farm’s co-owner, shared that the farm’s charm draws people who want to enjoy a magical holiday experience even in warmer weather.
Sustainability is Key
Many tree farms, like Krueger’s Christmas Tree Farm in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, are committed to eco-friendly practices. The farm avoids pesticides and uses herbicides sparingly, helping to maintain a sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to holiday tree farming.
Santa’s Tree Farm and Village: A Half Moon Bay Tradition
Celebrating its 50th year, Santa’s Tree Farm and Village in Half Moon Bay, California, has become a staple in the community, with families returning for decades. Natalie Sare, who co-owns the farm with her husband, Dan, shared how special it is to see second-generation visitors bringing their children to the farm. “They say, ‘I used to come here as a kid, and now I’m bringing my own kids.’ It’s such a rewarding experience,” Sare said.
Highlights at the farm include:
- Santa Express: A trackless train built by the Sare family that takes guests on a tour of the farm, complete with holiday music.
- Elves Work Shoppe: Featuring puppet shows written by Natalie’s son, Michael, adding a personal touch to the farm’s offerings.
- Santa and Mrs. Claus: These beloved holiday figures greet families and pose for photos, making every visit extra magical.
The farm also offers a unique mistletoe experience, where visitors can buy fresh mistletoe and share a kiss under the holiday tradition. The tree-cutting experience is intimate, allowing families to choose their tree in a peaceful, beautiful setting.
Stokoe Farms: A 212-Year-Old Holiday Destination
In Scottsville, New York, Stokoe Farms has been welcoming visitors for more than 40 years to shop for Christmas trees. The farm is located just outside Rochester and attracts over 8,000 visitors each year. With family traditions at the heart of the farm, many locals return for their yearly tree hunt.
Megan Melville, a longtime customer and now part of the staff, shared how her family makes a tradition of selecting their tree each year, saying, “It’s always been a joke that we’re like ‘The Brady Bunch,’ but not quite.” Her husband and father-in-law both worked at the farm, and now their children help during the busy tree season.
In addition to tree shopping, Stokoe Farms offers plenty of activities for all ages:
- Animal Encounters: Visitors can interact with baby kangaroos, goats, and other farm animals.
- Nature Trail: The farm’s trail includes a treehouse, rope course, slides, and even a whimsical “Hillbilly Hen Chicken Show.”
- Delicious Treats: Stop by the Old Barn Grill or the Cocoa & Cookie Corner to enjoy hot chocolate and cider donuts.
Memories Made with Every Tree
For many families, picking out the perfect Christmas tree goes beyond the tree itself—it’s about creating lasting memories. At Stokoe Farms, guests often share stories about their own family traditions, and some even decorate tree tags for the Trees for Troops program, which sends Christmas trees to service members both at home and abroad.
The Christmas tree shopping season is a time for bonding and tradition, as families come together to celebrate the season and create memories that will last for years to come.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree
- Measure Before You Go: Make sure you know the height of the space where your tree will go.
- Freshness is Key: Look for vibrant green needles and a strong scent.
- Consider the Type of Tree: Common varieties include Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, and Nordmann Fir, each with its own unique scent and needle structure.
Whether you’re visiting a farm for the first time or continuing a long-standing tradition, choosing your tree at a family-owned farm is a magical way to embrace the holiday season and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Source: FOX News