Where to cut your own Christmas tree around Atlanta

A sampling of Christmas tree farms
Yule Forest in Stockbridge features outdoor exhibits, a tree display and a petting zoo when getting your holiday family tree.

Credit: Yule Forest

Credit: Yule Forest

Yule Forest in Stockbridge features outdoor exhibits, a tree display and a petting zoo when getting your holiday family tree.

Various websites list Christmas tree farms. They include the Georgia Christmas Tree Association at www.gacta.com and Pick Your Own Christmas Tree at www.pickyourownchristmastree.org.

It can be a good idea to phone the farm ahead of time, particularly if you’re going to a smaller one with limited hours. Check with the farm or their website for the types of trees they grow and sell. For instance Fraser firs do not grow in Georgia’s climate, but local farms may get them from North Carolina and sell them on site, along with the trees you can cut, such as Leyland cypresses.

Berry’s Christmas Tree Farm

70 Mount Tabor Road, Covington. 770-786-1370, www.berrystreefarm.com.

Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily

Features: Gift shop, hayrides, tree wrapping, saws provided. Santa Claus appearance.

Bottoms’ Christmas Tree Farm

5880 John Burruss Road, Cumming. 770-889-5235, www.bottomstreefarm.com.

Hours: 9 a.m. to dark today; thereafter 3 p.m. to dark Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to dark Saturdays; closed on Sundays.

Features: Hayride on Saturdays. Complimentary marshmallow roast and apple cider. Farm animals on display. Homemade jams, jellies and bread. Custom-made wreaths. Tree stands.

Kinsey Family Farm

7170 Jot-em Down Road, Gainesville. 770-887-6028, www.kinseyfamilyfarm.com.

Hours: Christmas season is Nov. 21-Dec. 20. They will be open every day during those dates except Thanksgiving day.  Mon.-Fri. noon-7 p.m. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends. 9 a.m.-6pm on Nov. 25 and 27.

Features: Music, roasting marshmallows, and hot chocolate at the barn. Take a free wagon ride through the tree plantation. Wreaths, garlands, tree stands and more.

Rex Christmas Tree Farm

950 Wilkerson Road, Rex. 770-474-3416, www.rextreefarm.com.

Open Thanksgiving day through Christmas eve. Hours: 3 p.m.-dark Monday-Thursday; daylight hours Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

Features: Complimentary spiced hot cider, candy canes and cookies. Wreaths, tree stands and mistletoe are for sale.

Smith’s Choose and Cut

230 Davis Road, Fayetteville. Trees sold at red barn across from house. 770-487-7474 or 770-487-0664. Directions.

Open year-round. Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends.

Features: Saws provided, tree wrapping, refreshments.

Thompson’s Tree Farm

1829 Prospect Road, Lawrenceville. 770-513-2552, www.thompsonstreefarm.gacta.com.

Open Nov. 21-Dec. 20. Hours: Noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends. Thanksgiving Day: 2-5 p.m., Friday after Thanksgiving: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Features: Hayrides on weekends. Goats and cows to feed. Gift shop with free hot chocolate and cider. Jams, jellies, wreaths and bows. Santa visits Sat., Dec. 5, from 10:30 a.m-1 p.m., and will be available for free picture taking with children.

Worthington Tree Farm

145 Twin Oaks Drive, Hampton. 770-478-4355 or 770-478-3677, www.georgiachristmastrees.com.

Selling season is Nov. 25-Dec. 20. Hours: 2:30-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 12:30-6 p.m. Sunday.Thanksgiving weekend: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thurs, Fri. and Sat., 12:30-6 p.m. Sunday.

Features: Free hayrides to and from fields on weekend, weather permitting; children’s attractions, Christmas crafts, gifts, wreaths, bows, garland, tree decorations and more. Saws provided.

Yule Forest Hwy 155

3565 Ga. 155, North Stockbridge. 770-954-9356, www.aboutyule.com.

Opening Thanksgiving day. Hours: 9 a.m. to dark daily.

Features: Free hayride, puppet show and petting zoo on the weekend. Outdoor classroom with exhibit on farming. Fun zone: $3.

For more ideas about gifts, decorating, where to eat and what to do, check out our complete Atlanta Holiday Guide.