What do you do the day after Thanksgiving? For my family, Black Friday shopping was never the draw. Instead, the Friday after Thanksgiving meant bundling up and heading to the Christmas tree farm to search for the perfect tree. Some of my favorite holiday memories are of riding in a tractor-drawn sleigh, sipping warm cider and racing with my brother between the rows of evergreens. My dad and grandpa would saw down the tree we’d chosen and strap it to the roof of the van while my mom and grandma sang “Over the River and Through the Woods” to mark the occasion.
While many families now opt for reusable trees, nothing quite compares to the tradition and memories of cutting down a real one. If you’re ready to make some nostalgic memories of your own, check out these local Christmas tree farms this season.
Family Tree Nursery (Liberty, Overland Park, Shawnee)
Choose a fresh Christmas tree from a beautiful selection at one of the three Family Tree Nursery locations in Kansas City. The garden centers are transformed seasonally with ornate decorations and holiday gifts, offering a unique shopping experience. This time of year, the nursery is a winter wonderland sure to inspire with glistening snow (indoors), lights aglow and forests of decorated trees.
Colonial Gardens (Blue Springs)
816.229.1277, ColonialGardensKC.com
Colonial Gardens sells fresh Fraser firs during the holiday season. Rather than being netted and leaning against one another, their trees are hung from the rafters in the nursery. This allows the branches to fall to their natural state when they are taken down and makes it easy to see the height and fullness of each tree. The nursery is transformed into a winter wonderland where guests can enjoy photos with Santa and other Christmas fun during their holiday open house. Additionally, they sell sustainable gift baskets and holiday decor and offer winter container workshops.
Bierman’s Christmas Tree Farm (Kansas City)
913.375.1317, ChristmasTreeKansasCity.com
Enjoy a sleigh ride, Christmas picture cutout and heated barn with a gift shop. Choose from and cut Scotch, Austrian and white pines up to 10 feet tall. Pre-cut white and Scotch pines up to 10 feet tall are available, as are Fraser firs, Balsam and Canaan firs up to 15 feet tall. Bierman’s also features indoor restrooms, a Christmas egg hunt, fresh wreaths, garlands and hot chocolate.
Christmas Ranch Tree Farm (Excelsior Springs)
816.630.5086, ChristmasRanchTrees.com
You may cut the tree or farm staff will help. They provide saws and carts, and they shake, bale and drill the trees. They also provide twine and assistance in tying the tree to the top of your car. Enjoy the free hot chocolate, hot apple cider, coffee and fresh-baked cookies. Santa comes to the farm once per year, and one-of-a-kind decorated wreaths and centerpieces are available in the barn.
Evening Star Pines (Eudora)
785.979.1107
Take a complimentary tractor-pulled sleigh ride and select the perfect tree for the farmers to cut. In addition to enjoying hot chocolate and candy canes, you can purchase fresh wreaths and arrangements, locally made jams and jellies and holiday items. Services include shaking and netting, plus loading or tie-down of your tree to your vehicle.
Fort Osage Farm (Independence)
816.286.7591, OsageTrees.com
The decked-out White Pine Lodge is transformed into Christmas tree headquarters during the holiday season. The Lodge offers a comfortable gathering space around the fireplace, indoor plumbing and a nursing mothers room. They serve free hot spiced tea and cocoa and have a holiday gift shop with hand-painted signs, decor and more. The farm provides saws, shaking, bagging and twine to tie your tree to your car. Their selection includes white pine, Norway spruce, red pine, Austrian white pine and more, as well as pre-harvested Canaan firs.
Fulk’s Tree Farm (Platte City)
816.225.8809, FulkFarms.com
Pre-cut Balsam, Fraser and Douglas fir trees are available, as well as cut-your-own Scotch and white pine. Services provided free of charge include saws you may use to cut your tree, tree drilling, shaking and netting. The gift shop in the heated barn offers fresh pine wreaths and garlands along with an assortment of ornaments, tree stands and other gift items.
Hessacres (Lenexa)
913.484.5024
Hessacres is a you-choose, u-cut Christmas tree farm. Find the perfect tree and enjoy the day. The farm raises varieties of Scotch pines. They shake out dead needles and debris and net the tree for ease of transportation.
Midland Holiday Pines (Shawnee)
913.631.5095
Scotch, Virginia and white pines are grown on the farm. Cut one down yourself, or their team will help you! They also offer pre-cut trees such as Fraser or Balsam. Most trees are between 7 and 10 feet in height. They provide shaking and netting and will assist in securing your tree to your car. You can enjoy hot chocolate mix and candy cane packets at the cashier stations, as well as a small gift shop that contains wreaths and greens.
Strawberry Hill Christmas Tree Farm (Lawrence)
785.331.4422, StrawberryHillChristmas.com
Strawberry Hill offers Scotch pines, Fraser firs and Balsam firs. Enjoy complimentary cider, cookies, music and a hayride to the farm. The gift shop includes a large ceramic Christmas village to view, as well as crafts, wreaths and centerpieces for purchase. The staff helps load trees for customers.
What to Know Before You Go
If this is your first time visiting a farm to select a live Christmas tree, here are a few helpful things to know before you go.
Kinds of Trees
There are many types of Christmas trees, but here are some of the most common:
- White Pine: Long, soft needles with a light green hue. They retain needles well but don’t support heavy ornaments.
- Scotch Pine: Sturdy branches and dark green needles make them great for decorating. Excellent needle retention.
- Balsam Fir: Dark green, fragrant, and long-lasting with a classic shape.
- Fraser Fir: Popular for their scent, strong branches, great shape, and needle retention.
- Douglas Fir: Traditional and widely used. Soft, sweet-smelling needles with a full appearance.
- Blue Spruce: Silvery-blue with sharp needles. Holds heavy ornaments but may shed some needles.
- Virginia Pine: Soft needles, classic pine scent, and good for ornament hanging.
Pre-Cut vs. Cut-Your-Own
White pine, Scotch pine, and Douglas fir grow best in Kansas and Missouri and are typically offered as cut-your-own. These outings are perfect for families wanting a traditional, hands-on experience.
Firs and spruces — often considered the most “classic” trees — are usually pre-cut and shipped in. If choosing pre-cut, ask when the tree arrived, check for dry needles, and consider making a fresh cut at the base to help it absorb water.
From Farm to Home
Once you’ve picked your tree:
- Sawing: Most farms provide hand saws or offer to cut the tree for you.
- Shaking: Removes loose needles and debris before you take it home.
- Netting: Keeps branches protected and makes transport easier.
- Drilling: If your stand uses a center spike, ask for a pre-drilled hole.
- Tying: Farms often provide twine and may help you secure the tree to your car. Always double-check before hitting the road!
Allie Cole is a Lenexa wife, mom and editor of KC Parent Magazine. She most enjoys the Christmas tree in the quiet morning hours before the rest of the house wakes, preferably with a hot cup of coffee in hand.