Those shopping for a Christmas tree are once again faced with the same choice: Buy a pre-cut tree from the store, or drive to the East End and chop it down yourself.
Sure, either way the buyer is going home with a tree that will fill the home with that pine-fresh smell and embrace all those special family ornaments. But ask anyone who’s grabbed a saw, marched into the woods and hunted down that perfect tree—there’s nothing like chopping down your own tree.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent-flyer looking for a new farm to try, here are 10 Christmas tree farms on Long Island to visit this holiday season to find that perfect tree:
Carter Christmas Tree Farm
This farm promises old-fashioned holiday fun while cutting down a fresh Christmas tree. Tree wrapping is available for most trees, and handsaws are provided. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Trees ranging in size from 3 to 10 feet. 123 N. Country Rd., Miller Place. 631-331-4699 cartertreefarm.org
Dart’s Christmas Tree Farm
Pick trees at this third-generation historic North Fork family farm’s “Magic Forest” and enjoy a fittingly festive seasonal family outing. Open from Black Friday through Christmas Eve, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 2355 Main Bayview Rd., Southold. 631-765-4148. dartschristmastreefarm.com
Elwood Christmas Tree Farm
Long Island’s westernmost Christmas tree farm invites you to bring your own saw and search their 22-acre farm for that perfect tree. They will tie the tree to the car free of charge. Bring a blanket to protect your roof. No credit cards, and you have to call and make a reservation or make an appointment. They also sell pre-cut Frasier Firs. 1500 East Jericho Tpke., Huntington. 631-368-8626. elwoodpumpkinfarm.com
Lewin Farms
Travel through the farm on a large tractor-drawn wagon as you search for the perfect tree. Saws are available for rent with a $5 deposit, which is taken off the total purchase. Refreshments and a snack stand are all on site. Pre-cut and “balled” trees also available. $65 for all frees, while live-balled trees aree $75. Varieties include Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce and White Pine. 812 Sound Ave., Calverton. 631-929-4327. lewinfarm.com
Matt’s Christmas Tree Farm
Guests will be provided with all the tools needed to cut the perfect tree. With a selection of more than 10,000 trees, there will be quite the variety. Trees range in size from 2 to 8 feet tall. All are $15 per foot. 305 Weeks Ave., Manorville. 631-875-1465. mattschristmastreefarm.com
Paul’s Christmas Tree Farm
The wide variety of trees for sale here include Blue Spruce, White Spruce, White Pine, Douglas Fir, Norway Spruce, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir and Canaan Fir. They also sell pre-cut trees, wreaths, potted trees and other novelties in their gift shop. 240 Frowein Rd., Center Moriches. 631-878-8645. ctfany.org
Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm
This farm has 45,000 trees chose from, including Douglas Fir, Concolor Fir and Blue Spruce, up to 15-feet tall. On the weekends there will be a special guest appearance from Santa Clause from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There’s also pony rides, live reindeer that you can feed, and a large retail store filled with gifts, fresh wreaths, custom bows, and more. They’ll even help you chop your tree, carry it to the car, and rope it to the roof. Tailgating, picnics, and dogs on leashes are always welcome. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 30105 Main St., Cutchogue. 631-734-8641. santaschristmas
Tilden Lane Farm
This two-century-old farm has a variety of different trees to choose from. Saws will be provided, and there is plenty of help. 43 Wyckoff St., Greenlawn. They also sell holly and wreaths. 631-261-6392 tildenlanefarm.com
Zuhoski Farms
Cut your own tree with your saw or borrow theirs when you find the perfect one. Enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate or cider and some popcorn while sitting around the fire pit. Pet-friendly, dogs on leashes are always welcome. Trees are $80 and up. You can also purchase fresh wreaths, centerpieces and garlands. Wreaths are $40. Open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 11825 Oregon Rd., Cutchogue. 631-734-5036. zuhoskifarms.com
Finks Christmas tree farm
Closed Christmas day. $10 per person ages 3 and up but free with a Christmas tree purchase. Santa visits from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on weekends from Nov 26-Dec 18. 6242 Middle Country Road, Wading River. finksfarm.com
