Where to Get Your Christmas Tree

Your Christmas tree guide

Find the perfect Christmas tree.

Where to get a real tree near you, how to pick a fresh one, and how to keep it green and beautiful all season long.

Find a tree farm near youHow to choose a tree
Independent guideLinks to the national tree farm locatorGives back at Christmas

Looking for a tree farm near you? Here's how to find one.

This is an independent guide, not a tree farm, and it isn't affiliated with any farm. The National Christmas Tree Association's free locator lists real tree farms and lots by state, so you can find one close to home. Call ahead or check the farm's website for this season's dates and hours.

Open the farm finder

Choosing a real tree

How to pick a fresh tree

A few quick checks at the farm or lot help you bring home a tree that lasts through the season.

More tips: NCTA selection tips

1

Measure first

Measure your ceiling height and the floor space. Leave room for the stand and a topper.

2

Do the freshness test

Run a branch through your hand. Needles on a fresh tree should stay put, and branches should bend without snapping.

3

Look at the color and smell

A fresh tree has rich color and a strong, clean scent. Skip trees with a lot of brown, dry needles.

4

Check the trunk

Make sure the base is straight and the bottom few inches are clear of branches so it fits the stand.

Tree care

Keep your tree fresh and green

Water is everything. These habits keep needles on the branches and your tree looking its best.

1

Make a fresh cut

Cut a thin disk off the bottom of the trunk just before the tree goes into the stand, straight across, so it can drink.

2

Use a stand that holds water

A common guide is about 1 quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. Don't whittle the sides of the trunk to fit.

3

Check the water every day

A new tree can drink a lot in the first days. Never let the water drop below the base of the trunk.

4

Keep it cool

Place the tree away from fireplaces, heaters, vents, and sunny windows, which dry it out faster.

Safety first: use lights rated for indoor use, turn them off when you go to bed or leave the house, and keep the tree well watered. A dry tree is a fire risk.

Source: National Christmas Tree Association care tips.

Real vs artificial

Which tree is right for you?

Real tree

That fresh evergreen scent and a fun family outing to pick it. Real trees are grown on farms, support local growers, and can often be recycled into mulch after the holidays. They need daily water and some cleanup.

Artificial tree

Set it up year after year with no watering or needles to sweep. Pre-lit options save time. Choose one you love so you get many seasons out of it, and store it in a sturdy bag or box.

Tree gear

Everything for a beautiful tree

From a sturdy stand to the lights and skirt, here's a checklist for setup day.

Artificial

Pre-lit artificial tree

A realistic, pre-lit tree you can reuse for years. Check the height against your ceiling and the light color you prefer.

Shop ideas soon

Real tree

Sturdy water-holding stand

Look for a stand that holds plenty of water. A common guide is about 1 quart of water per inch of trunk diameter.

Shop ideas soon

Lights

Warm white LED lights

LED strings run cool and use far less energy. Check that they are rated for indoor use.

Shop ideas soon

Finishing touch

Classic tree skirt

A skirt hides the stand and catches needles. Pick a size a little wider than your tree's base.

Shop ideas soon

Real tree

Tree watering funnel

A long funnel makes daily top-ups easy without crawling under the branches.

Shop ideas soon

Real tree

Tree removal bag

Slip it under the stand when you set up, then pull it up around the tree to carry it out tidily.

Shop ideas soon

Lights

Outlet timer

Put the lights on a timer so they glow every evening and switch off when you go to bed.

Shop ideas soon

Real tree

Hand saw for a fresh cut

A small pruning saw makes a fresh cut at the base just before the tree goes in the stand.

Shop ideas soon

Shopping links are coming soon.

Part of something bigger

The Great Christmas Project

This page is a friend of The Great Christmas Project, a joyful giving movement where artists create, people give, and children receive, so no child wakes up on Christmas morning with nothing under the tree.

Visit The Great Christmas Project

Coming soon: Christmas Lights, a heartfelt tribute song. Watch for it, download it, and share it with everyone you love. Every download helps put musical instruments in the hands of kids in need. 🎄