Choose & Cut Your
Christmas Tree in the OED
‘Tis the season to find the perfect tree and create new holiday traditions the whole family will enjoy. Christmas trees are planted and grown across the state, from the Upstate to the Lowcountry. In South Carolina, you may find a variety of cypress trees, cedar pines — and maybe even Fraser Firs in the more northern parts of the state.
The South Carolina Christmas Tree Association lists several Christmas tree growers across the state open to visitors looking for the perfect tree, small or large. Several farms throughout the Olde English District invite visitors to choose and cut their own. Many come bundled up, hot cocoa in hand, ready to choose and cut. Some even turn the excursion into a weekend-long adventure!
To help you find the perfect Christmas tree, here are several spots to choose and cut your own in South Carolina’s piedmont region.
Caldwell Tree Farm
This family farm offers Christmas trees wreaths and handmade ornaments. This year, all of the trees here are Fraser Firs from North Carolina, but the farm plans to offer choose and cut trees again in 2024. While looking for the perfect tree, you can even grab a cup of hot cocoa as you peruse. Caldwell Tree Farm is open Friday and Saturday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) during Thanksgiving weekend. After that, the farm will be open during the week (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and on Saturdays (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) until they are sold out. Wreaths can be ordered over the phone at (803) 402-0493.
Lutz Christmas Tree Farm
A visit to this family-owned and operated farm is great to add to your list of traditions. While strolling the grounds for the perfect choose-and-cut tree, visitors can enjoy hot chocolate to keep warm. Other tree varieties, like Fraser Firs, are also available. Opening day is Thanksgiving, and hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Moseley Old Time Christmas Tree Farm
Located in Lancaster County, Moseley Old Time Christmas Tree Farm is fun for the whole family. Catch a ride on the hayride, then take your pick between Blue Ice, Virginia Pines, Leyland Cypress, and Murray Cyprus trees. Fraser Firs are also available, pre-cut. Opening day is the day after Thanksgiving, and the farm will be open on Fridays and Saturdays until sold out.
Penland Christmas Tree Farm
The tradition of choosing and cutting their own Christmas tree has been in the Penland family since 1966. Now visiting their farm to pick your tree can be a part of your family tradition. Penland Christmas Tree Farm grows several types of cypress trees, pines, and other Christmas tree varieties. Fraser Firs are also available, pre-cut. Visitors can expect free hot chocolate, hayrides, a treasure barn, marshmallow roasting, and more. Opening day is the Friday after Thanksgiving. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Bonus: Cherry Place Farm
Though Cherry Place Farm does not offer choose-and-cut trees, they sell fresh Fraser Fir Christmas trees and wreaths from North Carolina, starting the day after Thanksgiving. They even offer to trim, bale and load your tree so that you do not have to do any heavy lifting.