Cut your own Christmas tree at these 7 places in Florida

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From Dade County to the aptly named Winter Haven, Florida’s got seven amazing spots where you can cut your very own Christmas tree—and one is super cheap.

If you’re looking for a place that evokes “sweet dreams of holly and ribbon” where “everything is icy and blue” in the best way possible, you’re in luck because these “Christmas Tree Farm” lyrics by Taylor Swift resonate all throughout the great state of Florida. The singer’s home state, Pennsylvania, is mighty far from our Sunshine State, but the holidays are a pretty universal experience, even if the exact holidays we’re celebrating differ. And if cutting down your own holiday tree is on your to-do list this year, you’re in the right place. Florida is dotted with farms that can help you instantly liven up your home this holiday season, and many offer much more than just trees. You can find stunning natural wreaths, homemade ornaments and decor, and so much more. (Spoiler alert: The Christmas Cacti at our first farm are total scene-stealers.)

Now, let us be clear that there’s nothing wrong with buying and decorating a fake tree—they’re a hot commodity for a reason. But if cutting down a tree each year is your long-standing tradition or you simply want to try it once, don’t hesitate to check out one of the seven tree farms below. People go back year after year because of their gorgeous trees, warm customer service, and glowing memories.

1. Ergle Christmas Tree Farm

Address: 3331 Treiman Blvd, Dade City, FL 33523

If we’re going to start with the best places to cut your own tree in Florida, we have to start with The Sunshine State’s “oldest and largest Christmas tree farm,” Ergle Christmas Tree Farm. Central Florida has been brought immeasurable joy by the farm’s owners, Tony and Debra Harris, over the years, and this farm is so legit that it’s even put together the governor’s Christmas tree on several occasions.

That said, anyone can have a ball here, and the farm is open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., so there’s truly a time for everyone to get out and make extra special holiday memories. Moreover, Ergle Christmas Tree Farm offers potted and pre-cut trees for those who don’t want to do the cutting themselves. The farm’s employees will even net the tree and shake it to ensure it’s good to go (with no loose bits, sneaky animals, or anything else stowing away). 

Overall, everything here seems to be a breeze, which could explain why it’s been in business for almost 40 years. Just take this Google reviewer’s word for it: “Great selection to choose from, excellent customer service and very fair prices! Absolutely love this place and will continue to buy from them each year!!!”

2. Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest

Address: 35317 Huff Rd, Eustis, FL 32736.

When searching for a farm that has nearly countless options, it doesn’t get much better than 17 acres of trees, and that’s exactly what Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest provides. Here, you’re free to roam by foot or catch a hayride across the farm, and this year, trees are only $35 in honor of the company’s 35th anniversary (so long as you can carry them yourselves—help from employees will come with extra fees).

You can even bring your own saw to Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest, and it’s even encouraged, as the business’ website notes that while you’re welcome to use its saws during your visit, they quickly dull each other due to constant use. Just don’t bring any motorized saws, as they’re strictly forbidden. And like Ergle Christmas Tree Farm, you can buy pre-cut trees if that’s more your speed (though if you’re reading this, we’re sure you’re more of the get-your-hands-dirty type). 

The best part? If you’re hungry before or after cutting your tree, you can grab a smash burger, hotdog, or homemade sausage on-site. Santa himself might even be around during your visit! Overall, it’s easy to have a good time here. “This farm never misses, it’s our third year going and their tree prices actually went down this year! The tacos were delicious, and the whole experience is so unique for Florida, highly recommend the trek,” one Google reviewer wrote of their time.

Photo courtesy of Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest.

3. Ocala National Forest

We’ve all heard of cutting down trees at local farms and forests, and it always feels good to support a family-run business. But did you know you can also legally cut down a Christmas tree in Ocala National Forest? Wild, right?

This one requires a little more preparation, as you have to purchase a permit to be able to cut in the forest—there are two designated areas for Christmas tree cutting—and you can purchase the permit and view these areas directly on the above Recreation.gov link. This year, the Christmas tree cutting season runs from November 18 to December 25, and each tree costs only $10, making this a really cost-effective option for those in the area. If you do go this route, just keep a couple of things in mind: You need to cut down the full tree, not just a portion of it, and your permit may specify measurements that you need to follow, such as not choosing a tree that stands over 40 feet high. 

With all of this in mind, folks tend to have a lovely time in the forest. Some reviewers have commented on trees being fuller or more bare some years, but this is to be expected in the wild. Others, like this reviewer, are happy regardless: “Obtaining the permit on-line was easy, and you can not beat the price! We had a blast searching for a Christmas tree with our son, daughter-in-law, and the grandkids.” They went on to ass that “Ocala National Forest has long needle pines, so the tree is not going to look like one you would get at a lot or see on TV, but the experience was the best!”

4. Songer’s Christmas Tree Farm

Address: 5255 Carter Spencer Rd, Middleburg, FL 32068

Songer’s Christmas Tree Farm may have limited hours—it’s only open Friday through Sunday each week—but you shouldn’t knock this one if you haven’t been. One note: Songer’s Christmas Tree Farm typically also offers potted trees for those who don’t want to cut them down, but the business doesn’t have any for the 2024 season. Still, there are plenty of trees to be cut, and like some others, this farm provides saws, so you can show up as is and take your tree home without lugging any equipment around.

When choosing your tree, everything typically comes down to personal preference, but Songer’s has one request: Leave trees less than four feet tall intact, as these ones are still in their infancy and are needed for Christmas seasons to come. Otherwise, all you need to know is that trees start at about $40 and go up to nearly $120 once you reach the 12-foot mark, and you’re encouraged to take photos and have a good time. In fact, you can even have professional photos shot here; you simply have to talk to the staff in advance.

On Google, Songer’s Christmas Tree Farm has solid reviews. Many reviews reference the business’ friendly and attentive staff, while some mention that they don’t always love the tree quality here. This is par for the course with natural trees, and most reviewers discuss finding ones they absolutely love, so it comes down to preference (and there’s never shame in shopping around for your tree—you’re going to be the one looking at it every day, after all). “The prices are soooo much better than those pop up tree lots that show up every year. Go see for yourself. You will never buy from anyone else again. We have bought our trees from [Songer’s] for the last eight years, since we found out about them,” one reviewer wrote. 

5. Christmas at Stanley Park

Address: 70 Vaughn Road, Winter Haven, Florida 33880, United States

Christmas at Stanley Park has been open for the 2024 holiday season since Black Friday (November 29), and if you head here, be prepared to enter a true winter wonderland. Where other destinations on this list and cut-and-dry Christmas tree farms—and there’s nothing wrong with that!—Christmas at Stanley Park is a bona-fide winter experience brought to the Winter Haven community by owners Scott and Barb Stanley.

For starters, you can cut your own tree here, and this venue even provides delivery and installation services for those who want or need them. Moreover, Christmas at Stanley Park promises on its website that “you can expect [your tree] to last the entire holiday season as long as you keep it hydrated.” That’s only the beginning of the fun, though. There are attractions all over the park, including photo ops; a bakery where you can find scrumptious winter-themed cupcakes, cookies, and more; Santa’s workshop, which is full of decorations for sale; and much, much more.

Ultimately, you can sink an entire day here, but just make sure you come Thursday through Sunday, as this venue’s closed at the beginning of the week. Accommodating its hours is worth it, though, according to Google reviews. “Such a great place to cut your very own Christmas tree, with so many trees to choose from. The owners (Santa and Mrs. Clause) of Stanley Park were so wonderful and so friendly. … Overall this is a great place to take the family for the Holidays. We absolutely love our tree and it smells wonderful,” one reviewer wrote. 

6. Bledsoe Family Farms

Address: 15568 176th St, Live Oak, FL 32060

Bledsoe Family Farms is another option that brings more to its patrons than just Christmas trees. Reindeer train rides, hot chocolate galore, Santa Claus photo ops, a petting farm, and more all await you at this woman-run business. Of course, you can’t leave without a tree—it’s the reason you came!—and Bledsoe Family Farms has plenty. Where many other Florida farms tend to offer the same types of cedars and firs, you can find more interesting trees here, including blue ice and Carolina sapphire varieties, among others. Wreaths, garlands, and pre-cut trees are also sold here, but you won’t want to stop your shopping spree there.

Bledsoe Family Farms has a full shop on the premises where you can scour through handmade ornaments and gifts, giving you a headstart on your Christmas shopping list. All of this is available each Saturday and Sunday in the lead-up to Christmas from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and has been since 2020 when the farm’s owner, Michelle, established the business after her late husband planted trees upon trees for her. Now, the farm is his living legacy and Michelle’s way to bring endless joy to her community.

Bledsoe Family Farms doesn’t have a large backlog of reviews since it’s only been open seasonally for a few years, but the reviews it does have are full 5-star ones. “Cute farm with nice owners! Our 5 and 6 year old loved the experience,” one reviewer wrote on Google, while another said, “Wonderful… will happily be back next year.”

7. Lazy Lay Acres Christmas Tree Farm

Address: 14920 Swift Rd, Dade City, FL 33525

Remember how we started this whole shebang with lyrics from Taylor Swift’s “Christmas Tree Farm”? Well, this is where everything comes full circle, as our next tree-cutting option is on none other than Swift Rd. in Dade City. Lazy Lay Acres Christmas Tree Farm is another one that’s been open since Black Friday, and you can head here for all of your tree-cutting needs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the week. You can also get natural wreaths and potted trees here, so there’s something for everyone.

While the business’ website is scarce on details, Google reviews paint a bigger picture. Firsthand accounts note that children have an area where they can spend time with animals like chickens and rabbits while their parents handle the tree cutting, as well as the customer service being top-notch. “The family operating this farm [is] friendly, helpful and genuinely pleased to meet and serve you. They have beautiful trees, land and very fair prices,” one reviewer wrote. “Christmas is much merrier because of them and I will be returning again.”


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