Vermont Christmas Tree Roundup: Where You Can Buy the Best Tree

Updated for 2024!

Are you new to Vermont and wondering where to get a freshly-cut Christmas tree this year? Or maybe just a live one, even if it is pre-cut? Or maybe you have always had an artificial tree but want a change?

Either way, I was in your shoes once. I grew up in New York State in a household with an artificial tree in our living room. Once I was married, my husband and I started out using a two-foot-tall aluminum tree that had been in his family for years due to space constraints and sentimental reasons. Once we moved into a house, however, I decided that I really wanted to try having a real Vermont Christmas tree. I’ve never looked back.

It is my pleasure to share this list we’ve compiled of some great Vermont Christmas tree farms. The information here is everything you need to find your perfect Vermont Christmas tree!

So, where does one go when they are in search of a real Christmas tree in Vermont? Obviously, it will vary a bit depending on where you are in the state. I’ve divided the list into farms by county. Also, note that there is information later in this post about cutting your own from a Vermont State Forest! Check it out!

Chittenden County

White’s Tree Farm, Essex, and Jericho, VT

White’s is a very popular tree farm in Chittenden county, and it has two locations: Essex and Jericho. Historically, they open the day after Thanksgiving and have open hours until their inventory has run out. You might want to call ahead – they do not have a website or social media so hours may not be readily available and you may want to check to see if one or both locations are open. (A few years ago, they opened only one location while replenishing trees in the other location). In the past, they offered Balsam fir, Canaan fir, and Fraser fir trees. You can either borrow one of their saws and head out into the field to cut your own tree or you can pick a pre-cut one from the display near the entrance of the field. Either way, there are always plenty of trees to choose from. Enjoy a free hot chocolate when you check out.

Purinton Maple and Tree Farm, Huntington, VT

2024 Hours: Friday, November 29, Open Weekdays 12 pm-4:30 pm and Weekends 9 am-4:30 pm, through Christmas Eve unless otherwise noted on their website or Facebook page.

Another popular tree farm in Chittenden County, Purinton’s grows about 14,000 trees on 14 acres of land, according to their website. You’ll have plenty to choose from! Hand saws are provided for cutting and sleds are also available. While you’re there, pick up a wreath or kissing ball, or choose from various maple gifts. Dogs are welcome but must be on leash.

Handy Hill Farm, Williston, VT

Follow Handy Hill on Facebook for updates on opening and hours. According to their Facebook page, trees up to five feet tall are, at minimum, $60. They accept cash, check, and Venmo. They offer both Balsam and Fraser Fir trees. If you are looking for a tree on the taller side, they are known for having many larger trees.

Isham Family Farm, Williston, VT

Isham Family Farm in Williston is a year-round local business that sells cut-your-own Christmas trees during the holiday season.

This year, 2024, if you are interested in an early tree, email [email protected] or message Isham Farm on Facebook; they are working on possibly having early trees available the weekend before Thanksgiving, as per their website. Also, keep tabs on their website for more updates and hours.

Whitcomb Family Tree Farm, Essex, VT

You knew they were popular when it came to finding pumpkins and for their corn maze, but Whitcomb Family Farm is on this list now, too! Here in 2024 for their inaugural year, Whitcomb Family Farm has 4 acres of Christmas Trees planted on the farm in Essex, VT. Many varieties of trees are available, including Balsam, Canaan, and Fraser Firs. Trees will be available to cut yourself, but some trees will also be available for purchase. They will provide saws for cutting your own tree and dogs on leash will be welcome. They accept cash, check, and card (Apple Pay). Stay updated for opening day and hours by following their website.

Chapin Christmas Tree Farm, Essex, VT

Historically, Chapin has specialized in very tall trees (mostly 10- 13 feet). Call ahead and make an appointment to purchase here (802-871-5353).

Upper Meadow Tree Farm, Underhill, VT

Upper Meadow Farm will be CLOSED THIS YEAR, 2024 to allow for their young trees to grow for next year.

Upper Meadow takes pride in their trees, which are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. In other years, they have provided saws and free tree wrapping upon request.

Aldrich Tree Farm, Richmond, VT

2024 Hours: Opens on November 29. Monday through Friday 12 pm-4 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am-4 pm until they are sold out.

Aldrich Tree Farm has about 6,500 trees of varying heights. They provide saws and toboggans if needed as well. In addition, they participate in the Trees for Troops program- just ask how you can take part!

Franklin County

Larry’s Tree Farm, Bakersfield, VT

2024 Hours: Opening day is Saturday, 11/23 9 am-5 pm, Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

2024 Prices: Cut your own Trees are $60

2024 Pictures with Santa by TK Photography from 11 am-2 pm on 11/30, 12/1, 12/7 and 12/8

Larry’s offers both cut-your-own and pre-cut Balsam and Fraser Fir trees. Wreaths, kissing balls, and maple syrup are among other items to buy for the Christmas season at Larry’s.

Addison County

Russell Farm, Starksboro, VT

2024 hours: Opening on Friday, November 29th from 10 am-4 pm. After that open weekends from 10 am-4 pm until December 15, 2024.

Want to immerse yourself in holiday activities for an afternoon? Book your appointment at www.therussellfarm.com for a 30-minute horse-drawn ride to get a Christmas tree for $100 (tree included). Or cut your own in their South Lot or buy a pre-cut; both of those options are $60. Don’t forget to check out their maple syrup selection before you leave, too. Handmade wreaths and garlands are also available, but you must call ahead to order (802-453-2208) or email them at [email protected].

Werner Tree Farm, Middlebury, VT

2024 Hours: Opening on November 29th at noon. After that, they are open Tuesdays through Fridays, 12 pm-5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays 10 am-5 pm, however, the cut-your-own fields are only open until 4 pm due to darkness.

2024 Prices: Pre-cut 6”-8” trees are $65 plus tax. Smaller and larger pre-cut trees are available and will vary in price by size. (Larger trees up to 20” are available but must be pre-ordered). Cut-your-own trees are ALL $65 plus tax, no matter what size; a 3” tree or a 9” tree you cut yourself will both cost $65 plus tax.

Werner Farm is special because it offers a wider variety of trees than most tree farms in Vermont. You can find Balsam Firs, Canaan Firs, Fraser Firs, Blue Spruce, White Spruce, and other mixed and exotic types of trees. They provide saws and offer free netting and twine to help transport your tree home. They will even help you load your tree onto your car for no extra charge.

They also offer free hot cocoa and cookies on the weekends and you can visit with their animals; they have horses and sheep. While you’re in their shop you can watch them make wreaths- pre-order if you want one for yourself! You can also pick up a tree stand or wreath hanger in the shop while you’re there. Dogs on leash are welcome at Werner Tree Farm but, as always, make sure to clean up after your furry friends.

Washington County

Sunnybrook Farm, Middlesex, VT

Sunnybrook Farm is located near to Montpelier. They grow their Balsam Fir Christmas trees without using herbicides. According to their webpage, they were the only farm recognized by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, “As selling Vermont Organic Farmers Certified Christmas trees” in September 2016. Follow them on Facebook or send them an email for more information.

2024 Updates: Sunnybrook is opening on December 1st, but is by appointment only. The number of smaller trees they have this year is limited, but they have many larger trees per their website. Call ahead if you’d like (802-229-4184).

Meadow Ridge Farm, Middlesex, VT

2024 Hours: Saturdays and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9 am-4 pm.

According to their Facebook page, they sold out of Christmas trees before December last year, so I’d recommend you go early in the season if you want one from Meadow Ridge! Meadow Ridge provides saws to cut your own trees and will shake and net your trees for no extra fee. They also have a selection of pre-cut trees to choose from and offer free coffee, hot chocolate, and homemade Christmas cookies, so take advantage of that during your visit!

Orange County

Gilbert Tree Farm

2024: According to their website, they will be opening on November 23rd at 9 am. Regular hours after that will be Fridays 1 pm-6 pm, Saturdays 9 am-6 pm, and Sundays 12 pm-6 pm, except November 29th- the Friday after Thanksgiving- when they will be open 9 am-6 pm.

At Gilbert’s, you can cut your own tree or they will cut it for you. They’ve been open for tagging since September, so head on over to reserve your tree! Follow them on Facebook here.

Lamoille County

Paine’s Christmas Trees, Morrisville, VT

2024 Hours: Paine’s will be open November 15 and will be open from 9 am to 5 pm every day!

Paine’s also offers wreaths, garland, brush, ornaments, and decorations for sale.

Follow their Facebook page, for updates.

Northern Vermont Llama Co & Christmas Tree Farm

2024 Hours: Starting on November 29th, they will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9 am-5 pm. Dogs on leash are welcome.

Located in Waterville, VT, this farm has a variety of sizes of trees for you to cut down as well as a stock of pre-cut trees you can choose from. They also offer ‘misfit’ trees. Kissing balls and some wreaths are also available on-site. Garlands and/or wreaths can be pre-ordered to pick up or you can have a wreath shipped directly to someone special! While you’re there, visit their holiday gift shop, watch the trains run through their Christmas villages and visit their llamas! They are also on Facebook.

Rutland County

Winslow Farms, Pittsford, VT

2024 Hours: Starting November 29th, they will be open Fridays – Sundays. Check their website for more updates.

The majority of trees at Winslow Farms are Balsams. Last year, they had trees mostly up to 11 feet tall (with a few taller than that) and provided saws and sleds for cutting.

Orleans County

Moffatt’s Tree Farm, Craftsbury, VT

2024 Hours: Recently, on their Facebook page, they were trying to gauge interest in opening early due to Thanksgiving being so late in November. Watch for more updates there. Otherwise, beginning November 29th, they will be open daily from 9 am-4:30 pm until Christmas Eve. Dogs on leash are welcome.

2024 Prices: $7 per foot.

Moffatt’s carries a variety of sizes of Balsam and Fraser Firs. Can’t wait until they open? You can go and pre-tag your tree per instructions on their website so you can come back and cut it when they open for the season. Moffatt’s also sells maple syrup, so buy some gifts while you’re there!

Cut Your Own: Vermont State Forests

Everything you need to know about this is here. There are a lot of guidelines, so read this entire link to be sure you are cutting and transporting your tree safely and with respect for the environment. Also, note that permits to cut trees are only issued during the month of November, so hurry if you plan to try this!

How Else Can I Buy a Real Tree?

Of course, there are always tree sales on the sides of the road. They crop up everywhere. The Boy Scouts have some local spaces and some farms rent out local gas station parking lots to try to sell their pre-cut trees. True Value and many other stores also sell pre-cut trees.

I hope you head out there and have a great experience finding a real Christmas Tree this holiday season!

I’ll leave you with some tips to help your real tree last longer:

• Fir trees generally last longer than spruces.
• After sawing a few inches off the already cut trunk bottom, soak the tree in water before bringing it inside, if possible.
• After your tree is inside, saw off a couple more inches (this probably means you should cut a long trunk for your tree to begin with).
• Keep your tree away from radiators and fireplaces as best you can.
• Water your tree every day.
• Use low-heat decorative lights; LEDs are best.
• Run a humidifier, if possible.
• Some people suggest adding aspirin or even Sprite to the tree water, but this is not something we know a lot about.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Vermont Mom!