Where's your favorite local hot-spot to get a Christmas tree in the Berkshires?
Getting our Christmas tree a day or two after Thanksgiving has always been a holiday tradition. This year it was no different except we bundled up the cousins who were still in town and took them with us. We've been to many farms throughout the years, but you never know what you're going to find afield the day you go. So whether you like to cut down your own tree, or want to have one already cut for you, here's a pretty comprehensive list of places to get your Christmas trees in the Berkshires this season.
Clearview Christmas Tree Farm, 108 Dodwells Road, Cummington
Open from the day after Thanksgiving and that weekend, for hours, call first: (413) 634-5342
Crane Hill Tree Farm, Johnson Hill Road, Washington
This has been our favorite for years. The kids love scouring the fields for the "perfect" tree and wrapping up the day, by browsing the little gift shop of homemade ornaments and treats, and slurping down a big cup of hot chocolate. And if you are going to head to Crane Hill you better do it by Thanksgiving weekend, as they sell out very quickly. To make an appointment please email cranehilltreefarm@verizon.net or call (413) 623-5865 and leave a message with your available dates & times and a callback number.
Frederick's Tree Farm, Route 8, Hinsdale
This one's a small farm in our hometown of Hinsdale and we have found a couple of trees here in the past. It's hit or miss for the big trees, but the smaller trees are pretty great. We suggest you call ahead just to make sure they are open. (413) 655-8551
Holiday Brook Farm, 100 Holiday Cottage Road, Dalton
Years ago we used to cut our trees at Holiday Brook Farm. This may have even been pre-kids, I can't remember (Mark, can you help me with this?) I don't believe you can cut your own trees at the farm anymore, but they do have fresh-cut local trees for purchase, an open-air market this year, and a variety of animals that you might get a peek at. Also, new this year, professional photo booth sessions for the family. Call ahead for an appointment. Trees are available beginning Nov. 27 through Dec. 20, 9 a.m.to 5 p.m.
Forthill Farm, Fort Hill Ave., Pittsfield
When I put out a call on Facebook last year for our reader's favorite tree farms, I received several recommendations for Forthill Farm. According to their Facebook page, Forthill Farm has fresh-cut trees, kissing balls, and wreaths and are open Friday through Sunday.
Keyes Perennial Farm and Nursery, 495 Berkshire Trail, Cummington
Fresh cut Cummington Christmas trees all grown at the farm. Hand made swags, memorials, boxwood trees and centerpieces.
Christmas tree varieties:
U-Choose and Cut varieties: Balsam Fir, Blue Spruce, Concolor Fir, Norway Spruce. You Choose and We cut varieties: Balsam Fir, Blue Spruce, Concolor Fir, Norway Spruce.
PreCut varieties: Balsam Fir, Blue Spruce, Concolor Fir, Norway Spruce. Living, rooted tree varieties: Balsam Fir, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce.
Open: Thursday from 11 am to 2 pm, Friday from 10 am to 2 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm, Sunday 10 am to 3 pm, November 24 through December 19.
Seekonk Tree Farm and Nursery, 32 Seekonk Cross Road, Great Barrington
Because Seekonk is pretty far from our home, I haven't made it south to check this one, but I've seen lots of family Instagram posts from our readers who snagged some beauties in past years. It also has a tree shaker and bailer which I miss from our previous tree farm haunts off Barker Road that has since closed. They encourage you to visit the farm early to purchase your tree. You can make a reservation to tag your tree or buy your tree online. They will harvest it, shake it, drill it if necessary, and have it baled ready for pickup.
Strawberry Acres, 370 Pittsfield Rd, Hinsdale
Family-owned farm with acres and acres of trees to choose from, pre-cut trees available as well. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Black Friday, until December 20. Cash-only.
Whitney's Farm Market, Route 8, Cheshire
Whitney's is just as much fun in the winter as it is in the summer and fall at this time of year. I've never gotten my tree there, but I've gotten wreaths and snacks in the market. I've driven by in past years and they always look ready for the holidays with fresh-cut trees, wreaths, kissing balls, and the like.
Taft Farms, 119 Park St. North, Great Barrington
Soft-needled Balsam Firs are what you get a Taft Farm, along with all the green decor you can imagine — wreaths, centerpieces, garland.
Windy Hill Farm, 686 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington
I drive by Windy Hill often (mostly in the Fall, and I never have time to stop and pick some apples ... someday), but they are also a great stop at Christmastime for gifts, decorations, and, of course, fresh-cut trees. This place will definitely find you in the holiday spirit when you leave. A visit to Windy Hill’s holiday shop, open Nov.-Dec., is a tradition for many area families, whether for a fresh-cut Christmas tree, a handmade wreath, winterberry wreath, roping, a bundle of greens, holiday tabletop arrangements, kissing balls, boxwood trees, candle wreath or something from their extensive selection of decorations.
Ward's Nursery, 600 South Main St., Great Barrington
When I was growing up, visiting Ward's was a holiday tradition in my house, only then it had a location in Pittsfield. We'd feed the animals, visit with Santa, and browse the decorations in their Christmas shop (we always got to pick one). Our resident Shire Mama got her fresh-cut tree from Ward's last year, and her family LOVED it. I just heard the Christmas room is open already, oh this brings back memories!
Ioka Valley Farm, Route 43, Hancock
Head to Ioka for a tree and you're sure to be there for a while. Everyone can take some time to warm themselves by the fire, browse the hand-crafted gifts and decorations or sit down and grab a bite to eat in the Calf-A that Santa usually visits the first full week in December.
Itty Bitty Tree Farm, 1100 Rt. 9, Windsor
Pre-cut Christmas trees. Open Saturday and Sunday 9-5, Thursday and Friday 1-5, starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Directions: Driving through Windsor it is hard to miss, a big field with a large sign.
Woodlife Farm Market, 36 Old Route 20, New Lebanon, NY
Pre-cut Christmas trees, wreaths, gifts, groceries, kitchen menu, deli sandwiches and more!
Other Tree Spottings in and Around the Berkshires
- Congregational Church, Lee
- Carr Hardware, various locations
- Big Y, various locations
- Dalton Fire Station, Flansburg Ave., Dalton
- Dalton VFW, East Housatonic St., Dalton
- Pop Cares, 1356 Church Street, North Adams
- Four One Tree & Landscape, 142 Main Street, Sheffield (Monday-Friday 2-5 p.m., Weekends 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
If you have a Christmas Tree Farm or Location we didn't include, we'd love to hear about it! Please email me at taylors@macaronikid.com.
