Christmas 2026: Best Christmas Tree Farms Near NYC — Cut Your Own in New Jersey

 

Cutting your own Christmas tree is one of those traditions kids remember forever — the cold air, the rows of evergreens, the hot chocolate afterward, and the great debate over which tree is "the one." New Jersey has some of the best choose-and-cut farms within an hour or so of Bergen County. Most farms open in late November, so use this guide to plan now and book your weekend before the best trees are gone.

The Farms: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ — a tractor-drawn wagon ride up to the Christmas Tree Barn, complimentary cocoa or cider by the fire, and a team that will cut, bag, wrap, and tie your tree to the car; species include Douglas Fir, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, and Noble Fir; open daily 9 AM-6 PM from around November 20 into early January, with Country Christmas Weekends and a Brunch with Santa on select December dates. Hidden Pond Tree Farm, 4 Westfield Road, Mendham, NJ — around 500 trees including Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, Fraser Fir, and Canaan Fir, open daily 9 AM-5 PM from late November through Christmas Eve; hayrides, bonfires, marshmallow roasting, a Christmas train, and a snack bar with hot chocolate; dog-friendly. Evergreen Valley Christmas Tree Farm, Washington, NJ — a third-generation family-run farm across about 145 acres with eight kinds of trees, including large 9- to 11-foot Canaan firs; a free wagon ride takes you around the farm; cut it yourself or have it cut for you; pair with gift shopping in nearby downtown Hackettstown. Glenview Farm, 2 Glenview Lane, Blairstown, NJ — walk a plantation atop the Kittatinny Mountain Range to choose your own tree, with balled-and-burlapped trees, custom wreaths and roping, and free hot chocolate and cookies. Conover's Farm, 3105 Hurley Pond Road, Wall Township, NJ — a specialty Christmas tree farm in business for over 40 years, with more than 3,000 trees from 4 feet to over 12 feet; reserve a tree with their two-part tag system.

Seasonal Highlights: Late November is prime time — farms freshly stocked, cold enough to feel festive, and ahead of the December crowds. Many farms sell out of the most popular sizes by mid-December, so earlier is better, and a weekday visit means shorter lines.

What Kids Can Do: Ride the tractor wagon (Alstede, Evergreen Valley); roast marshmallows at the bonfire (Hidden Pond); ride the Christmas train and meet Santa on select December weekends; help pick the tree; warm up with hot chocolate and cookies.

Tree-Picking Tips: Measure your ceiling and your car before you go and bring a blanket to protect the roof; shake the tree and check for fresh, green, flexible needles; ask the farm for a fresh trunk cut and netting; at home, get the tree into water right away and keep the stand filled; check each farm's hours and dates before you drive, since seasonal hours shift every year and small farms can sell out early.

Make a Day of It: Chester and Mendham pair with a Morristown stop afterward (Morristown National Historical Park is nearby); a Washington/Hackettstown trip fits downtown gift shopping; end any tree-hunting day with a warm meal.