Getting a Christmas tree is often one of the first signs of Christmas and if you'd like a real one, Christmas tree farms are the best places to go. They often have several varieties of tree available and they can assist you in finding the best type of Christmas tree for your home.
They are perfect for family days out, as you can take your children or grandchildren with you, plus many sites often have refreshments and other festive activities you can take part in, including food and drink stands, Santa's grotto, reindeer and Christmas light displays.
We have compiled a list of the best Christmas tree farms across the country, from family-friendly places to cut your own Christmas tree farms.
The best Christmas tree farms 2023:
Kingsley Farm Christmas Trees
Kingsley Farm offer Christmas tree reservations and the team will have your chosen tree delivered to you on a chosen date, or you can come back and collect it if you wish to. They also sell logs, which are barn stored and seasoned. You don't have to book ahead.
Location: Sussex/Surrey
Open: 3rd November until Saturday 23rd December, everyday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Badger Hill Christmas Tree Farm
Badger Hill Christmas Tree Farm is situated in Bedford. If you can't make it to their farm, you can order from a selection of trees online. Mini potted Christmas trees are also available to purchase from as little as £5.
Location: Bedford
Open: 25th November to 16th December, 9am to 4pm, 17th December 9am to 1pm
Woods Farm Christmas Trees
Woods Farm Christmas Trees have 40 years of experience in the tree business and they have even provided a tree for Number 10 Downing Street. They supply trees across the whole of the UK, meaning you can still get your hands on one, even if you don't get to visit it.
Location: Birmingham
Open: October 14 to December 24
Digby Farm
Digby Farm is a member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association and they run a Christmas tree recycling programme, where you can return your real tree from the 27th December 2023. They have two reindeer that you can pet and take photos with, plus you can feed them if they're hungry.
Location: Rutland
Open: 25th November to 24th December everyday, 10am – 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am – 4pm Sunday
Dartmoor Christmas Tree Farm
Dartmoor Christmas Tree Farm has won many awards throughout the years, including Christmas Tree Grower Of The Year. Situated in the heart of Devon, it's a choose and cut Christmas tree farm. You can book online, but you need to book a slot if you want to visit the farm.
Location: Devon
Open: November and December
York Christmas Trees Wigginton Lodge
York Christmas Trees in Wigginton Lodge have a Christmas tree barn where you can select a tree, wreath and decorations. They have Nordmann Firs as well as Norway Spruces and Frasier Firs.
Location: York
Open: 24th November to 24th December, Weekdays 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 9am-4pm
Ardo Christmas Trees
Ardo Christmas Trees sell "living trees" which means that their ones have been grown in pots since 2020 and will continue to until they are ready to be sold. They are grown in Aberdeenshire and are the low-to-no needle drop variety.
Location: Scotland
Open: Saturday and Sunday: 10am - 4pm or Monday - Friday: 3pm - 7pm (floodlit)
Gower Fresh Christmas Trees
Gower Fresh Christmas Trees is a great place for families with young kids to visit as they have a Winter Wonderland and Santa's Grotto, as well as the largest reindeer herd in Wales. It is family-run and they grow over 500,000 trees on the Gower Peninsula.
Location: Wales
Open: 25th of November
When do Christmas tree farms open?
Many Christmas tree farms open their gates in the middle of November or the beginning of December. Obviously this varies from place to place, but generally speaking, they cater to both early decorators and latecomers, giving you plenty of time to visit and find the perfect tree.
Don't forget to check their website or phone ahead, as some sites require bookings, particularly during their busier times.
Are Christmas tree farms sustainable?
Christmas tree farming isn't necessarily sustainable because the land being used to grow the tree could be used to grow other things like grains and vegetables. Plus, they aren't a great habitat for animals and if any animals are living in them, they will lose their home as it gets cut down.
However, there are some benefits of growing Christmas trees in farms, as they bring tourism to the area (particularly if the farm has other activities on) and they boost the morale and spirit of people, as well as provide jobs for local people. Also, some places allow you to rent a Christmas tree, with the intention of bringing it back and allowing it to continue to grow.
Many Christmas tree farm owners are participating in schemes where you can bring back your tree after the festive period and they will recycle it for you.
Even if you're not purchasing a real tree this year, heading to a Christmas tree farm is still a fun, festive activity. Who knows, you may get some inspiration for an alternative Christmas tree.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.