Spruce Up Your Tree Game This Christmas

Whether your family decks the halls before or after Thanksgiving, the Christmas season is only officially in swing when a very tall tree is set up and fully decorated in the living room. And oh, what fun it can be to cut that tree yourself!

This December, ditch the fake tree and get your winter workout with a trip to one of these 11 cut-your-own (CYO) Christmas tree farms. Pull on your parka, turn on your favorite holiday tunes, and head out on the highway. At day’s end, cherish the memories made as you rock around your own version of a Rockefeller Center tree.

Note: Tree varieties and prices may change, so check websites before you go!

Arader Farm. The tree lovers here create a perfect family-friendly tree-cutting experience. While on the farm, kiddos can say “ho, ho, ho” to reindeer and other animals. Grab a bite to eat from the Arader Farm Food Truck before taking the new Walking Light Show tour. Then take a tractor ride to cut your own Douglas fir or Colorado blue spruce. On the way out, be sure to shop for ornaments, nutcrackers and more decor, like freshly made wreaths. 746 S. Trappe Rd., Collegeville. AraderFarm.com.

Bernard’s Tree Farm. This family-run business has been around for 60 years and counting. Open every day now through December 15, cut your own Christmas tree on their 40 acres of land from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All trees are $60, cash only. 121 Barneston Rd., Honey Brook. Facebook.com/BernardsTreeFarm.

Boswell’s Tree Farm. With 70 years of tree service, Boswell’s knows how to make your family tree-cutting tradition memorable. In past years, Boswell’s has offered a selection of Canaan fir, Douglas fir, white pine, Colorado blue spruce, Norway spruce or white spruce cut-your-own trees ($10 to $11/foot, depending on the variety, with a 5-foot minimum). Saws and rope are provided. Cash or check only. 1093 N. Grande Ave., Collegeville. BoswellsTreeFarm.com.

Clark’s Christmas Tree Farm. Like the elves in the North Pole, folks at this family-run farm work hard all year long to prepare for Christmas. Wheel a “tree train” out to the farm to cut down your own tree — Douglas firs or spruce varieties. Then grab hot chocolate or coffee and check out the Christmas Gift Shop with goodies like gifts and decor, wreaths and pine roping. 351 Pusey Mill Rd., Cochranville. ClarksChristmasTrees.com.

Corkum Tree Farm. Find your holiday tree at this family-run farm. Load your sled with a tree you cut yourself from a selection of Douglas and Canaan firs, Norway and Blue spruces, Concolor and white pines ($12/foot). Pre-cut tree varieties include Douglas, Nordmann, Turkish firs and more, with varying prices and sizes. Grab a bite from the food or beer trucks or shop artisan items (like felt animal ornaments from Ecuador) in the barn. Keep an eye out for special events now in the works. 797 Bridge Rd., Collegeville. CorkumTreeFarm.com.

Old Stone Farm. Visit this scenic, family-run farm for your holiday tree excursion. Warm up with hard apple cider from farm-grown apples before strolling past the orchard and pond to find your perfect tree. Old Stone also has a selection of beautiful Christmas decorations, including handcrafted wreaths. Stop by the newly restored, 200-year-old Pennsylvania bank barn on your way out. 688 Strickersville Rd., Landenberg. OldStoneFarm.com.

Sitko Tree Farm. These fourth-generation tree farmers have planted and grown trees for over 50 years. Sitko has choose-and-cut trees available in Douglas and balsam fir. Or pick from their pre-cut tree selection — Fraser, Douglas and balsam fir. Stop by the Lil’ Country Store, then come back and take a wreath making, tabletop arrangement or porch pot class. Display your new greenery on your front porch or as a Christmas dinner centerpiece. 1141 Kepler Rd., Pottstown. SitkoTreeFarm.com.

Spruce Grove Tree Farm. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, toast marshmallows and take a hayride at Spruce Grove Tree Farm. Cut your own tree or choose from live ball-and-burlap evergreens dug fresh from the farm, with many sizes and varieties to choose from. The property has farm animals, is Jeep- and pet-friendly, and hosts special events like food trucks and a visit from Santa on select dates. Plus the gift shop has homemade wreaths and holiday decor. 501 Blue Gill Rd., Oxford. SpruceGrovePA.com.

Westlake Tree Farms. Holiday spirit is in the air at Westlake Tree Farms. Hop on a wagon, sip cocoa and experience the Christmas spirit while searching for your special tree. Cut your own 6- to 8-foot Canaan fir ($18/foot). Or purchase a pre-cut tree ($16/foot) of Canaan (6 to 8 feet) or Fraser fir (10 to 12 feet). Stop by the Christmas Barn to see Santa and toy trains and to pick your ornaments. Get there early because stock is limited. 2421 N. Hill Camp Rd., Pottstown. WestlakeTreeFarms.com.

Wiggins Christmas Trees. In addition to their popular pre-cut location off Route 3, Wiggins has another West Chester location, at their farm where you can cut your own tree. On select Sundays, take the West Chester Railroad Christmas Tree Train from Market Street Station to Wiggins’ farm for a magical tree-shopping experience (tickets: $30/adult; $20/kids ages 2–12). Trees purchased will be loaded on the train for the ride back. Wiggins Farm has Douglas firs (avg. 7 feet), and trees are $80 for any size, cash only. Wreaths, stands and pine roping are also available. 1257 Westtown Thornton Rd., West Chester. WigginsChristmasTrees.com.

Yeager’s Farm & Market. Cut your own tree, up to 7.5 feet, starting at $15/foot with an $85 minimum. Choose from Douglas, Fraser, Canaan, Concolor and Nordmann firs. Blue and Norway spruce will be available in December. Plus fresh-cut trees are also available, 5 to 10 feet, individually priced. Hayrides on Sat. & Sun., 9 to 4 p.m. Top the day with a visit to the gift shop or a drive through their new holiday light show. 1015 Pike Springs Rd., Phoenixville. YeagersFarm.com/Christmas.