Best Christmas Tree Farm In Virginia And Others To Visit

VIRGINIA—You might be a fan of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” — who isn’t? — but let’s be honest: You probably don’t want anything remotely close to his famous tree, a small, struggling sapling. You’d never hear the end of it at Christmas dinner. So if you’re in the market for a real tree, consider heading to one of the many great tree farms in Virginia.

If you can swing it, Reed Island Farm in Hillsville was recently named the single best Christmas tree farm in the state by the folks over at Good Housekeeping.

The magazine highlighted tree farms that offered more than just great pines. Many allow kids — or, you know, adults — to chat with Santa Claus. Others featured petting zoos, hayrides, face painting exhibits and seasonal treats. One even has its own fudge kitchen where customers can chow down on tasty candy canes and eggnog fudge as they select the perfect tree.

Here’s what Good Housekeeping had to say about Virginia's best tree farm:

"Providing full-service preparation of your Christmas tree, Reed Island Farm doesn't stop there. The Christmas Shop boasts ornaments, homemade bread, and free hot drinks to sip on during your visit," stated Good Housekeeping.

Since that may be far for Northern Virginia residents, here are some closer options you can try, courtesy of the National Christmas Tree Association and other suggestions. The map allows you to filter the results as follows: "choose and cut tree farms," "pre-cut trees," "gift shops," "hayrides and sleigh rides," "petting zoos," "Santa visits" and school tours."

• Amazing Farm Fun @ Ticonderoga: 26469 Ticonderoga Rd, Chantilly, VA 20152
• Cox Farms: 15621 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20120
• Evergreen Acres: 12801 Hazelwood Dr, Nokesville, VA 20181
• Middleburg Christmas Tree Farm: Christmas Tree Ln, Round Hill, VA 20141
• Snickers Gap Christmas Tree Farm: 34350 Williams Gap Rd, Round Hill, VA 20141
• Country Loving Christmas Tree Farm: 40824 Red Hill Rd, Leesburg, VA 20175
• Hartland Farm: 3064 Hartland Ln, Markham, VA 22643
• Moose Apple Christmas Tree Farm: 2425 Wickliffe Rd, Berryville, VA 22611
• Milltown Creek Tree Farms: 38757 Householder Road, Lovettsville, VA 20180
• Arboria: 10699 Ada Rd, Marshall, VA 20115
• Belmont Christmas Tree Farm: 7533 Belmont Rd, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22551
• Glengary Tree Farm: 5537 Glengary Ln, Amissville, VA 20106
• Oak Shade Farm: 14455 Waterford Run Ln, Rixeyville, VA 22737
• JB's Christmas Tree Farm: 11192 Rogues Rd, Midland, VA 22728
• Chilly Hollow Farm: 345 Chilly Hollow Rd, Berryville, VA 22611
• Every Soul Acres (formerly Evergreen Farms): 2411 Flook Ln, Keezletown, VA 22832

Once you’ve found the perfect place, don’t forget you still have to find the perfect tree. The tree association has several recommendations for just that, starting with measuring your space. You don’t want a tree that’s too tall — or wide — for your room. That means you need to know what size tree to get before you get to the lot. Measure your ceiling height and remember that a 10-foot-tall tree will typically be about 8 feet wide at the bottom.

Other tips to consider:

• Make sure your tree is suitable for your decorations. Heavier decorations require sturdier branches. Some varieties of trees have more open foliage, stiffer branches or longer needles.
• Make sure the tree farm is well lighted and stores trees in a shady area.
• Ask about the trees. The more you know, the better your decision will be. Possible questions include: When are the trees delivered? Do they come all at once at the beginning of the season or in several shipments during the season? Which tree type performs best in your area and climate?
• Test the branches and needles for freshness. The tree association recommends running a branch through your enclosed hand. If the needles easily come off, consider avoiding the tree. You should also bend the outer branches. If they’re not pliable, also consider avoiding that tree. And if the branches are brittle or snap easily, the tree is probably too dry.
• Look for other indicators of dryness or deterioration. This could result in an excessive amount of needle loss, discoloration, musty smell, needle pliability or wrinkled bark.
• Trust your gut. If no tree looks fresh, head elsewhere.
• Pricing will vary from farm to farm. Some tree farms measure and price their trees individually while others sell them by the foot. Ask about the price before you get there so you’re not in for an unwelcome surprise when it’s time to pay.

Patch national staffer Dan Hampton contributed to this report.

Image via Keith Srakocic/Associated Press