This year I’ve started what may become a new family tradition: chopping down our own Christmas tree.
As I look back at my childhood memories of Christmastime, our family tradition was to drive down Zarzamora St. or Military Dr. to find just the right tree at one of the stands on the side of the road. My sister and I always looked forward to the excursion. I remember my grandma used to get a tiny tree to place on top of her cedar chest. Under the tree would be an extensive nativity scene and extra monitos (animals and toy figures) set atop an old-fashioned cotton batting tree skirt.
As my son gets older I want him to have his own special memories. In addition, I want him to have an appreciation for agriculture and nature.
Texas is home to many “choose and cut” Christmas tree farms. There’s even a Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association, and their website has tons of useful information including a farm locator and tips on how to care for and recycle your tree.
Wondering which is more environmentally friendly: real or artificial trees? So was I. This article from the City of Hutto, Texas helped me to better understand the options. What I’ve read from different sources is that using a real tree is actually better for the environment and even good for the economy, especially if you’re supporting a Texas farm.
Below you’ll find six different tree farms within driving distance of San Antonio. Admittedly, most of these are day trips, but they sound like they are worth the drive!
A few things to know before you go: The farms I’ve listed do provide all the equipment necessary to choose and cut your tree, including a measuring pole, saw, and wagon (at some farms). Trees are priced by type and height. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain!
Seiler’s Christmas Tree Farm
- Location: 4100 Jakes Colony Rd., Seguin, Texas 78155 | (830) 401-4590 | Directions on website
- Approximate distance from San Antonio: 40 miles (45 minutes)
- When to go: Open Thanksgiving–Christmas Eve., Monday, Saturday, and Sunday, 9:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M.; and Tuesday–Friday, after 4:00 P.M.
- Trees: Virginia Pine, Loblolly Pine, Leyland Cypress, and Carolina Sapphire
- Pricing: All trees are $6 per foot. Trees below five ft. are $24 (to preserve future tree quality). Most trees are marked with the height and price. Wagons and saws provided.
- Other helpful information: Wreaths and pecans (shelled and unshelled) also available for purchase.
Devine Acres Farm
- Location: 944 FM 2200 West, Devine, Texas 78016 | (830) 665-9730 | Directions on website
- Approximate distance from San Antonio: 40 miles (40 minutes)
- When to go: Open November 27–December 20, Thursday–Sunday, 12:00–6:00 P.M.
- Trees: Leyland Cypress and Arizona Cypress
- Pricing: Leyland Cypress trees range in size from three to ten feet tall and sell for $9 per foot. Arizona Cypress trees are up five ft. tall. Cash and credit/debit cards accepted. No checks, please.
- Other helpful information: No admission fee if purchasing a tree. In addition to the tree chopping, there are plenty of family-friendly activities at Devine Acres Farm. Here’s Bridget’s post about her family’s experience at Pancakes with Santa at Devine Acres Farm.
Pipe Creek Christmas Tree Farm
- Location: Texas Hwy. 16 & Phil’s Road, Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 | (210) 426-6191 | Directions on the website
- Approximate distance from San Antonio: 45 miles (1 hour)
- When to go: Open daily, 11:00 A.M.–6:15 P.M.
- Trees: Afghan (Eldarica) Pine, Leyland Cypress, Arizona Cypress, Fraser Fir, and living Christmas trees
- Pricing: Afghan (Eldarica) Pine, Leyland Cypress, and Arizona Cypress trees available to choose and cut for $6.95 per foot, with a $26 minimum. Premium precut Fraser Fir trees from North Carolina (kept in water and shade) start at $59.95. Living Christmas Trees (Leyland Cypress trees available in 15-gallon pots) up to six ft. are $79.95; over six ft., $89.95. Cash, check, or credit card accepted. Saw and measuring pole provided.
- Other helpful information: Free hayrides on the weekends (weather permitting).
St. Nick’s Christmas Tree Farm
- Location: 12638 N. State Hwy. 16, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 | (830) 685-3412 | Directions on website
- Approximate distance from San Antonio: 70 miles (1 hour, 20 minutes)
- When to go: November 27–December 20, Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 A.M.–dusk.
- Trees: Afghan Pine, green Leyland Cypress, and blue Arizona Cypress (for those with allergies)
- Pricing: All trees are $5.50 per foot. Cash or check only; no credit cards.
- Other helpful information: Enjoy outdoor activities, hot chocolate, and gourmet coffee or tea while you choose and cut the perfect tree. Free popcorn and candy canes for the kids.
Elgin Christmas Tree Farm
- Location: 120 Natures Way off Roy Davis Rd., Elgin, Texas 78624 | (512) 281-5016
- Approximate distance from San Antonio: 110 miles (1 hour, 50 minutes)
- When to go: Open November 27–December 20, Monday–Saturday, 10:00 A.M.–5:30 P.M., and Sunday, 12:00–5:30 P.M.
- Trees: Virginia Pine, Loblolly Pine, and Leyland Cypress
- Pricing: Virginia Pine, Loblolly Pine, and Leyland Cypress from under 4 ft. to 13 ft.; prices range from $27–$131. Cash, check, and credit/debit cards accepted. Bow saw provided.
- Other helpful information: Dogs on a leash are always welcome.
Evergreen Farms Christmas Trees
- Location: 242 Monkey Rd, Elgin, Texas 78621 | (512) 281-4833 | Directions on website
- Approximate distance from San Antonio: 110 miles (1 hour, 50 minutes)
- When to go: Open November 27–December 24, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 A.M.–dark, and weekdays, 12:00 P.M.–dark.
- Trees: Virginia Pine and Leyland Cypress, as well as pre-cut Noble and Fraser Fir
- Pricing: Virginia Pine and Leyland Cypress are $7 per foot up to 8 ft. and $8 per foot up to 10 ft. Pre-cut Noble and Fraser Fir trees also available. Noble Firs are $9 per foot; Fraser Firs are $8 per foot up to 8 ft., $9 per foot for trees 8–10 ft., and $12 per foot for trees 10 ft. and over. Cash, check, and credit/debit cards accepted. Bow saw provided.
- Other helpful information: One of the owners is a retired forestry professor! Great descriptions of the trees on their website. On the weekends, families can enjoy more activities like roasting marshmallows and pinecone painting for a small fee.
Unfortunately my sister, who lives in New Hampshire, won’t get to be part of my son’s first “choose and cut” experience. But coincidentally, as I was working on this post, she was hunting for her own perfect tree. As the photos below demonstrate, she found a Christmas tree farm in Maine and took home a good-looking Fraser Fir (in a climate where they are able to grow) that she cut down herself. It’s fun to know that, even though we may be on the opposite sides of the U.S., we can still take part in the same holiday activity of choosing and chopping down our own Christmas trees!
May the traditions that come with the Christmas season bring you and your family joyous memories!