As a child, I went every year with my family to a local Christmas tree farm to cut down our tree.  It was inevitably freezing cold, someone (usually me) desperately had to go to the bathroom, someone (ok, me too…) had forgotten their mittens, epic arguments over the size and shape would ensue…in short, it was magical!  It’s time to introduce my own kids to that wonderful holiday tradition, and there are plenty of places in Fairfield and Litchfield Counties where you can cut your own tree.

Warrups Farm, Redding
If you’re looking for picturesque, head to one of our favorite CT farms; Warrup’s Farm in Redding.  This organic farm boasts a beautiful old farmhouse – stunning all year, but especially so at holiday time – as well as a barnyard where you can visit with the farm animals.  Come pick a white or blue spruce tree – cut your own or have them cut it for you – and pick up some of the farm’s own maple syrup or maple sugar candy – a tasty Christmas present for someone on your list!

11 John Read Road, Redding, CT 203-938-9403

Jones Family Farm, Shelton
In Shelton, CT you’ll find the Jones Family Farm – 400 acres of beautiful farmland owned and operated by the Jones family for more than 200 years.  The farm offers pre-cut Christmas trees, or the opportunity to cut your own.   All “harvest your own” tree buyers receive a lovely pewter Christmas ornament made by the famous Woodbury Pewter.  The tree farm is open from the weekend before Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. Hours are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. The farm is closed on Thanksgiving and closes early on Christmas Eve. If you are planning to cut your own tree you are encouraged to arrive no later than 4pm.

606 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Shelton, CT 203-929-8425

Maple Row Tree Farm, Easton
Maple Row Farm has been in the Edwards family since the 1700’s – and they’ve been growing Christmas trees for the past 60 years.  Customers can cut their own trees (bring your own saw or borrow one at the farm) or can have it cut for them. Prices vary depending on the method you choose, see their website for details. There are warming huts (wow!) and restrooms amidst the over 200 acres of trees, and a not to be missed holiday store featuring crafts from local artisans, holiday wreaths, and roping. There are hay rides too, and refreshments, all adding up to a picture perfect holiday memory. 

North Park Avenue, Easton, CT, 203-261-9557

CT Audubon Society H. Smith Richardson Tree Farm, Westport
If you’re looking to make a difference with your Christmas tree purchase, head to CT Audubon Society’s H. Smith Richardson Tree Farm in Westport. A portion of the proceeds from your purchase supports the CT Audubon Society whose mission is to conserve natural resources and wildlife. This small farm abuts Audubon sanctuary land, and you may be able to spot some Connecticut bird species while you search for the perfect Christmas tree. The farm is open from the Saturday after Thanksgiving until December 23. Hour vary so it’s best to check in before you go.

Sasco Creek Road, Westport, CT 203-259-6305

Paradise Tree Farm, Redding
Offering cut to order (or cut your own) organic trees in Redding, CT is Paradise Tree Farm.  Open every day between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Paradise will create wreaths and roping for you if you call ahead. Plus, they’ll prune your tree to your liking…what more could you want?

224 Lonetown Road, Redding, CT  203-938-2490

Everett’s Corner Tree Farm, Easton 
The Everett family has been growing Christmas trees since 1954. The farm will be open November 25, 26, 27, and December 3, 4, 9, and 10 from 9:00 am until dusk. All trees, all sizes are $55 and purchases are cash or check only.

Rte 59 (at Sherwood Road), Easton, CT 203-268-2508

Sam’s Tree Farm, Newtown
This place gets the prize for best deal around.  Sam’s only sells White or Blue Spruces.  The 12-acre farm has been a family affair for 55 years — the Nezveskys will help you drag, bale, and tether your tree.  They take just cash or check, have restrooms available, and say dogs are more than welcome.

138 Huntingtown Road, Newtown, CT 203-426-2170

Paproski’s Tree Farm, Newtown
I haven’t been, but Paproski’s touts beautiful views, along with five acres of trees.  Add in hot cider, cookies, and a small petting zoo, and you’ve got more than you need!  Saws, restrooms and baling available, too. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome. 

5 Hattertown Road, Newtown, CT 203-426-5487

Fairview Tree Farm, Shelton
Fairview is just a stone’s throw from one of the biggest Christmas tree farms around, but you might find this fits your family’s tastes a little better.  Fairview is a fourth generation farm offering full-service hauling, baling, and tethering, PLUS a Christmas shop, refreshments and hay rides from Santa himself on weekends. You can even book children’s parties with Mrs. Claus. $65 cut your own up to nine feet. Any taller will cost an additional $10 per foot. Pre-cut sizes run 4′-12′; prices vary. The farm also offers live balled and burlap trees.

486 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Shelton, CT  203-944-9090

Bare Plain Farm, Shelton
The Wells family farmers settled in Shelton in 1758, but they’ve only been growing Christmas trees for 25 of those many years.  Field trees are $50 including tax, and pre-cuts are $60.

109 Old Mill Road, Shelton, CT  203-929-3966

Paradise Tree Farm, Redding
After dark?  Come anyway.  Care about the environment?  All trees are organic and hand-pruned.  Want to tag your tree and pick it up on Christmas?  Done.  Paradise also has an assortment of tall trees and will prune your tree to your liking.   Saws, baling, restrooms … and Santa, too!  Wreaths and roping are done by order, and some wreaths are available on display.  Cash or check only.

224 Lonetown Road, Redding, CT  203-938-2490

Bob’s Tree Farm, Bethel
Bob’s is no frills — a guy with three acres, who will help you load up your tree of choice.  

66 Turkey Plain Road, Rt. 53, Bethel, CT  203-241-3450