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I grew up with a live Christmas tree every single year, and some of my core childhood memories come from those nights wandering through Christmas tree lots in Arizona. We didn’t have big farms or forests, so my family would bundle up, pile into the car, and head to the nearest lot under twinkling lights. All six of us kids had a say, which meant we’d sometimes hop from lot to lot until everyone agreed on the perfect tree. Those evenings felt simple and magical, and they shaped the way I see Christmas even now.
Here in East Texas, we get something extra special. We have real tree farms where families can walk the fields, breathe in that fresh pine, and cut down their very own Christmas tree. I’ve gathered a full list of cut your own farms around the 903 so you can create those same core memories with your own kids.
** I do my best to keep all details up to date, but things can change quickly with hours, prices, and activities. Please double check with each farm before you head out so your family adventure goes as smoothly as possible.
Some of the links on this site may be affiliate links, meaning if you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Native Branch Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 7149 County Road 3600, Brownsboro, TX 75766
Website
Native Branch Christmas Tree Farm is one of those sweet East Texas gems where traditions turn into memories. Tucked away in Brownsboro, this family-run farm gives you the full cut-your-own Christmas tree experience without any admission fees, making it a favorite spot for families looking for real Christmas trees near Tyler and Chandler.
Open Black Friday through the third Sunday after Thanksgiving or until sold out.
Hours
1st Friday (Opening Day): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Subsequent Fridays: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sundays: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cost
No admission fee
Opening weekend special: First 50 trees are $50 (any tree up to 8 ft)
Activities & Amenities
This is where the magic happens for the kids. Native Branch offers a full lineup of family-friendly Christmas activities that keep everyone happy while you hunt for that perfect tree:
Hayrides
Hot chocolate
Gift shop
Playground
Campfire
Photo ops
Scavenger hunt
Christmas craft
Tree prep and all materials included
What to Expect
Families can explore the rows of trees together, sip hot chocolate, enjoy a hayride, and let the kids play while you take your time picking the perfect one. Native Branch has become a go-to spot for families wanting a hands-on choose-and-cut Christmas tree experience near Tyler and Brownsboro, with plenty of festive extras to make the day feel special.
Plantation Pines Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 10098 CR 429, Tyler, TX 75704
Plantation Pines is one of those places where the simple magic of Christmas comes alive. Tucked in the heart of Tyler, this family farm has become a beloved tradition for East Texas families looking for a cut-your-own Christmas tree experience with all the cozy touches that make the day feel special. From hayrides to hot cocoa, everything here is designed to help families slow down and make memories together.
Season & Hours
Opening Day: Thanksgiving Day, 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Black Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sundays: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Weeknights (Mon–Fri): 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
(Pre-cut trees only on weeknights; no hayrides.)
Cost
No admission fee
Choose-and-cut and pre-cut trees available
Virginia Pine: 6–12 ft, grown onsite
Fraser Fir: 5–11 ft, shipped from North Carolina
(Tree pricing varies by size and type.)
Activities & Amenities
Choose-and-cut trees
Pre-cut options
Hayrides (weekends only)
Campfires
Complimentary coffee & hot chocolate
Gift shop
S’mores kits available for purchase
Farm games
Picnic area
Play area for kids
Fresh wreaths
Tree shaking & baling included
What to Expect
Plantation Pines is a full experience from start to finish. Families grab a saw, hop on the hayride, wander the rows of trees, and enjoy that classic moment of choosing “the one.” Back at the gift shop, warm drinks and a cozy fire help keep the day relaxed and joyful. It’s one of the most family-friendly Christmas tree farms near Tyler, perfect for creating yearly traditions and sweet memories with your kids.
Pond Hill Farm
Address: 13896 FM 1255, Canton, TX 75103
Pond Hill Farm in Canton is a full-day Christmas adventure for families who love a cut-your-own Christmas tree experience paired with lots of activities for the kids. This East Texas farm offers wagon rides, farm animals, a Christmas market, and plenty of festive fun to make the day unforgettable.
Season & Hours
Gates Open:
Nov. 24–26: 2 PM–dark
(Pre-cuts only; no entry fee; wagon & raft rides closed)Nov. 28–30: 9 AM–dark
Weekends in December: 9 AM–dark
(All activities open until sold out)
Cost
$20 entry fee per vehicle
(Includes all activities except canoe rentals)Cut-your-own Virginia Pines: $80
Pre-cut Fraser Firs: Starting at $120
Canoe Rentals: $20 per half hour
State sales tax applies; all sales final
Trees Available
Cut-your-own: Virginia Pines, 6–10 ft
Pre-cut: Fraser Firs, 7–9 ft
Activities & Amenities
Pond Hill Farm is packed with festive things for kids and families to enjoy:
Wagon ride
80-foot underground mine slide
Racer slides
Huck Finn raft ride
Canoe rentals
Farm animals
Photo ops
Christmas market featuring:
Hot chocolate & apple cider
Wreaths
Ornaments
Home decor
Kid items
T-shirts
Farm Details:
Saws provided
Trees are shaken & baled
Customers must load trees
No dogs allowed
Follow their Facebook for updates
What to Expect
Pond Hill Farm is one of the most activity-rich Christmas tree farms in East Texas, perfect for families who want more than just picking out a tree. Kids can slide, explore, raft, and visit the animals while you enjoy the Christmas market or paddle across the pond. It’s a playful, memory-filled spot that turns choosing your Christmas tree into a whole Christmas adventure.
Solstice Tree Farm
Address: 4210 US Hwy 80, Big Sandy, TX
Solstice Tree Farm gives families that classic cut-your-own Christmas tree adventure with a peaceful, country feel. From hayrides out to the fields to warm holiday drinks by the fire, this farm is all about simple traditions, unrushed moments, and memories your kids will look back on with full hearts. Their Virginia Pines are grown right on the property, and they also bring in beautiful Fraser Firs from the Blue Mountains for families who want that fir-tree fragrance and full, soft needles.
Season & Hours
Saturday Nov. 22nd | 9am-5pm
Sunday Nov. 23rd | 2pm-5pm
Tree Types & Pricing
Cut-your-own Virginia Pines:
$9–10 per foot
Grown onsite. Strong branches, great for ornaments, and well-suited to East Texas soil and climate.Pre-cut Fraser Firs:
$16–18 per foot
Shipped in from a family farm in the Blue Mountains of North Carolina. Soft needles, blue-green color, and the most popular pick for standard-height ceilings.
What to Expect
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the family and given a hand saw and simple instructions. A hayride takes you out to the Christmas tree field, where you can wander the rows and find “the one.” Once you fell your tree, the wagon circles back to pick you up.
Back at the barn:
Your tree will be shaken and blown clean
Staff will bale it in netting for easy transport
Twine is provided so you can secure it to your vehicle
They make the whole process simple and beginner-friendly, even if it’s your first time cutting a Christmas tree.
Activities & Amenities
Solstice Tree Farm creates a warm, cozy atmosphere families love:
Space for kids to run and play
Yard games
Outdoor seating
Signature holiday drinks
Cookies & snacks
Fireside seating
Fresh, handmade wreaths (made onsite from pine, cedar, and fir boughs)
Made-in-the-USA tree stands available for purchase
No additives needed for fresh tree care — just water
What to Expect as a Family
This is a quieter, more peaceful Christmas tree farm — perfect for families who want the traditional choose-and-cut experience without the crowds. Kids get the thrill of a hayride and plenty of space to explore, while parents can sip a holiday drink and enjoy the simplicity of the season.
Solstice has become a sweet tradition for many East Texas families looking for a real Christmas tree experience just outside the busier towns.
Kadee Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 5054 Hwy 69 South, Greenville, TX 75402
Kadee Christmas Tree Farm is a festive, activity-filled spot in Greenville where families can cut their own Virginia Pine or choose from a huge selection of pre-cut trees. This farm is known for its popular Trail of Lights, warm drinks, fire pits, and classic Christmas traditions that make the whole visit feel magical for kids and parents alike.
Season
November 22 – December 14, 2025
(Closed Thanksgiving Day)
Hours
Tree Sales
Mon–Fri: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sat–Sun: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Cut-your-own fields close at 5 PM
Trail of Lights
Nightly, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Admission: $8 per person
Kids 3 & under: Free
Trees Available
Cut-Your-Own Field (Limited Supply)
Virginia Pine
$60 minimum
Hand saws provided
No chainsaws
Pre-Cut Trees
6–7 varieties of imported pre-cut trees
Sizes range from tabletop to 14–16 ft
Tree stands available for purchase
Cost
Trail of Lights: $8 per person
Cut-your-own: $60 minimum
Pre-cut trees: pricing varies by size and variety
Activities & Amenities
Kadee Farm is full of cozy family experiences to make your Christmas outing something special:
Fire pits with s’mores
Hot chocolate
Hot apple cider
Fresh wreaths, garland, and mantel pieces
Holiday market items
Plenty of photo ops throughout the farm
Farm Services
Saws provided
Trees shaken & baled
Family-friendly environment
No chainsaws
Check their Facebook for updates
What to Expect
Families love Kadee Farm for its festive atmosphere and the added magic of the Trail of Lights. You can spend the afternoon choosing and cutting a tree, grab a drink by the fire, and then wander through the glowing light trail as the sun sets. It’s one of the most enchanting Christmas tree farms in East Texas, especially for families wanting a fun, memory-packed holiday outing.
E5 Family Farm
Address: 2806 County Rd421 N., Henderson, TX
E5 Family Farm offers a simple, classic Christmas tradition that so many East Texas families love. This smaller, family-run farm focuses on cut-your-own Virginia Pine trees, fresh handmade wreaths, and cute photo spots that make your visit feel cozy, personal, and full of sweet moments with your kids.
Season & Hours
Opening Day 2025: Thanksgiving Day, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tree Cutting Hours:
Black Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, November 28: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, November 29: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, December 6: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, December 7: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, December 13: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, December 13: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tree Pricing
Virginia Pines: $10 per foot
Sizes: 5 ft – 10 ft (with a limited selection of 12 ft and taller)
Activities & Amenities
E5 Family Farm keeps it simple in the best way. Families can enjoy:
Cut-your-own Christmas trees
Fresh Christmas wreaths
Photo props and fun family photo spots
Open field space for kids to explore and run
This is the kind of Christmas tree farm that feels like visiting family — low-key, easygoing, and filled with meaningful traditions.
What to Expect
Families wander the open rows to find the perfect Virginia Pine, cut it together, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the farm. The photo props make it easy to capture a sweet memory before heading home to decorate. With weekend-only hours and a small-town feel, E5 is one of those hidden gem Christmas tree farms in East Texas that families return to year after year.
Danville Farms
Address: 2000 Danville Rd, Kilgore, TX
Danville Farms has been growing Virginia Pine trees for East Texas families for 40 years. This beloved farm is entering its final season, making it a special place to visit if you want to create one more memory at a classic cut-your-own Christmas tree farm before they retire. With fresh trees, handmade wreaths, and a simple country atmosphere, this farm has been part of so many family traditions.
Season & Hours
Opening Day: November 26, 2025
Hours:
Wednesday, Nov. 26: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed Thanksgiving Day
Friday & Saturday, Nov. 28 & 29: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 30: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Monday–Thursday, Dec. 1–4: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 5 & 6: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, Dec. 7: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Trees Available
Virginia Pine: Cut-your-own
Pre-cut Fraser Firs: 6–10 ft, shipped in from North Carolin
Activities & Amenities
Danville Farms keeps things simple and meaningful, focusing on the trees and the tradition:
Choose-and-cut Christmas trees
Pre-cut Fraser Firs
Fresh wreaths and garland (ready or made to order)
What to Expect
This is a peaceful, old-fashioned Christmas tree farm where families can stroll the rows, choose a tree, and enjoy the quiet countryside. With this being their final season after four decades, visiting Danville Farms feels a little extra special. It’s a chance to celebrate a long-loved East Texas tradition and make one last memory at a place that has been part of so many families’ Christmas stories.
Merket Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 785 FM 1794W, Beckville, Texas 75631
Website
Merket Christmas Tree Farm is one of those East Texas places that feels like stepping back into the Christmases we grew up with. This family-owned farm welcomes kids of all ages with hayrides, hot cider, wreaths, and even a stop by Santa’s mailbox. It’s a simple, down-home Christmas tradition that families treasure year after year.
Season & Hours
Opening Day: Thanksgiving Day, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Regular Hours Until Christmas Eve:
Monday–Thursday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Friday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Trees Available
Virginia Pines
Leyland Cypress
Fraser Firs (pre-cut, shipped in)
Flocked trees available
Activities & Amenities
Merket Farm offers a sweet variety of family-friendly Christmas fun:
Visit with Santa on select weekends
Leave a letter in Santa’s mailbox
Petting critters for kids
Hot cider
Handmade wreaths
Candy, sweets, and homemade jelly in the shop
Photo opportunities around the farm
They’re also just 15 miles from the Wonderland of Lights in Marshall, making it the perfect spot to pair with a holiday lights outing.
What to Expect
This is the kind of Christmas tree farm where families slow down and enjoy the moment. Kids can explore the field, visit the animals, and sip hot cider, while you wander the rows of trees to find the perfect one. Whether you’re cutting down a Virginia Pine or choosing a beautiful pre-cut Fraser Fir, Merket Christmas Tree Farm brings that small-town East Texas charm that makes the season feel extra meaningful.
Iron Hill Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 5676 County Road 1560, Grapeland, TX
Iron Hill Christmas Tree Farm is one of those peaceful East Texas spots where kids can run between the trees, families can sip hot cocoa by the fire, and everyone slows down enough to enjoy the moment. With train rides, s’mores, and hayrides, this farm turns picking your Christmas tree into a fun, memory-filled tradition.
Season & Hours
Opening Day: Thanksgiving Day at 3:00 PM
Regular Hours:
Friday & Saturday: Opens at 10:00 AM
(Earlier visits may be scheduled by messaging the farm.)
Activities & Amenities
Iron Hill focuses on simple, family-centered fun that kids absolutely love:
Hayrides
Train rides
S’mores
Hot cocoa
Fire pit gatherings
Plenty of beautiful photo spots
What to Expect
This is a relaxed, family-run Christmas tree farm where the kids can enjoy train rides and outdoor fun while you explore the rows of trees. Opening day includes s’mores by the fire, warm cocoa, and hayrides to kick off the season. If you need an earlier visit before their main hours, they’re happy to schedule a time for you — a sweet touch that shows just how much they care about families.
Iron Hill Christmas Tree Farm is a lovely option for East Texas families looking to enjoy a cut-your-own Christmas tree experience with plenty of festive extras.
Athens Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 8801 FM 317, Athens, TX 75752
Athens Christmas Tree Farm is such a peaceful little spot tucked out in the Athens countryside. It’s one of those places where the kids can wander between rows of pines, you can breathe in that fresh East Texas air, and everyone gets to be part of choosing the family tree together.
Season & Hours
Opening Day: November 22, 2025
Open Daily: 8 AM to 5 PM
Trees Available
Cut-your-own Virginia Pines
Activities & Amenities
While this farm keeps things simple, it’s the kind of classic Christmas outing that families love year after year. Here’s what to expect:
Family-friendly environment
Rows of cut-your-own Christmas trees
Plenty of space for kids to run and explore
Beautiful natural photo spots
What to Expect
Athens Christmas Tree Farm opens the week before Thanksgiving and wraps up on December 9. Weekdays are the best time to go if you want a quieter visit. Because the days get shorter this time of year, plan to have your tree cut by 4:30 PM. The farm keeps things easy and relaxed, offering just the essentials for a cozy family outing.
This is one of those sweet, simple East Texas farms where the memories come naturally and the tradition feels timeless.
Panola Orchard & Gardens
Address: 1413 FM 1186, De Berry, TX 75639
Panola Orchard & Gardens hosts one of the most festive family events of the season with their Christmas Tree Jamboree. This farm is always full of energy, laughter, and the kind of small-town Christmas charm that makes kids light up. From wagon rides and live music to petting zoo fun and Santa visits, it’s a full day of memory-making for families.
Season & Hours
Special Event Day:
Friday, November 29, 2024
Trees Available
Cut-your-own Christmas trees
Farm staff can cut your tree for you if preferred
Cost
Event activities vary in price (see below).
Activities & Event Schedule
Panola Orchard turns the day after Thanksgiving into a big family celebration. Here’s what’s happening:
10 AM–5 PM: Farm wagon rides to the Christmas tree field for selection and cutting
10 AM–5:30 PM: Farm Store open
10 AM–3 PM: Vendors
10 AM until sold out: Food trucks
11 AM–3 PM: Live band (The Texians)
11 AM–3 PM: Visit with Santa (free)
11 AM–3 PM: Petting Zoo (5 dollars per person, ages 2 and under free with paying adult)
1 PM–3 PM: Face painting (5 dollars)
What to Expect
This is a lively, activity-packed event perfect for families who want a whole Christmas outing in one place. Kids can visit Santa, enjoy the petting zoo, dance to live music, and hop on wagon rides while you pick the perfect tree. The farm store, local vendors, and food trucks make it easy to spend the entire day here together.
Panola Orchard & Gardens is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a festive, activity-filled Christmas tree adventure the whole family will remember.
How to Care for a Real Christmas Tree
If you bring your tree home more than a day before setting it up, keep it outside in a shaded, sheltered spot until you’re ready.
If you have a pool, you can even lay the tree in the water and let it soak for about 24 hours to help it rehydrate. We did this when I was growing up, and our trees stayed so fresh they kept drinking well into the new year.
Before bringing it inside to decorate, make a fresh cut at the base by trimming off a half-inch to one-inch slice from the trunk. This opens the tree’s channels so it can drink again.
Once it’s in the stand, fill it with water right away and keep it topped off. Those first couple of days are when your tree is the thirstiest, and it may drink up to two gallons a day. Keeping it well-watered is the key to a fresh, safe, and long-lasting Christmas tree.
Share this guide to the best cut-your-own Christmas tree farms with your friends and family. It’s the perfect way to start the Christmas Season- out wandering the rows, picking the perfect tree, and making sweet Christmas memories together.
If you’re looking for even more ways to make memories with your family this season, head over to these Christmas guides.
