Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at These Family-Friendly Farms

Over the river and through the woods ... but Grandma's house will have to wait. We've got a Christmas Tree to cut down!

When the leaves start changing and thoughts turn to roasting turkeys, baking pies, and pulling out those stretchy pants to accommodate all the delicious sides you'll be gorging on during the Thanksgiving holiday, remember that Christmas Tree Farms here in Thurston County will begin welcoming the public to browse row after row of their Noble, Grand, and Douglas firs.

Not sure where to begin your search? We've done the heavy lifting for you! We might not help you tie your tree to the roof of your car, but we're here to suggest some of our favorite local farms, as well as a number of additional family-fun activities that will for sure make the day a memorable one.

Know Before You Go

Reach Out to Your Farm

Keep in mind, Christmas Tree Farms are seasonal and are usually small operations. Most farms open up the weekend following Thanksgiving, but it's ALWAYS a good idea to CALL before you head out to the farm to make sure they're open the hours you expect, and that they still have trees available.

Come Prepared

Most farms will provide saws and/or equipment to cut down your tree (and some farms may even cut your tree for you) but it's always a good idea to bring equipment with you if you have it. Not sure? Refer to our first recommendation and CALL the farm for details.
Protect the Car - if you'll be strapping your tree to the roof of your car, it's a good idea to bring a sheet of plastic or an old blanket to protect the pain and finish. You'll also want to bring ropes or bungee cords to secure the tree to your vehicle.
Bring the camera - we're making memories here!
Pack for a Day Trip - if you're making an effort to head out to the farm, make sure everyone is comfortable by dressing warmly, bringing some extra snuggly blankets, and stocking up the car with snacks and beverages. Feel like leaving the picnic basket at home? We've got some yummy recommendations for local libations after you've secured your tree.

More Family-Friendly Activities to Experience Near the Farms

Cutting down trees and keeping family members cheerful (no fighting over who called "shot-gun" first, please) can be hard work. You and your family deserve a reward! Stop at a local favorite for breakfast, lunch, or a piping hot drink, and enjoy these suggested activities that are within close proximity of your farm.

Round About Rochester

Christmas Valley Tree Farm offers a beautiful selection of Blue Spruce, Norwegian Spruce, Noble, Nordman, Grand, Fraser and Douglas firs, in addition to wreaths and festive greens. For a horse-drawn trolley ride to your tree and a gift shop bursting with holiday gift ideas, head over to Clyde 'n Dale's Holiday Trees and Gifts.

Enjoy the day in Rochester by warm up with an espresso at Northwest Grind followed by a quick pastry at Half Pint Farm Bakery. Looking for a more substantial breakfast or lunch? Head over to the 50's style Richie’s Diner for some eggs benny or a beefy burger. Don't miss the fun and delicious experience of pouring your own honey at Hive 5 Bees.

Tenino Trail

507 Taproom and Filling Station WestLocated on the Thurston Bountiful Byway between Tenino and Yelm is Riverbend Ranch, a working farm that offers Noble, Grand, and Douglas fir trees, and Sprouffske Farm - growing beautiful trees for over 46 years now.

History buffs will want to spend time recalling the past at Tenino's Depot Museum, or experience the history and tradition of Tenino Stone Carving. Grab a warm beverage and a donut at the Shiplap Shop and Coffee House (located in both Tenino and Yelm), or score a more substantial breakfast at the Sandstone Cafe. If lunch is more your style, you'll find legendary Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen an excellent choice.

Head further east along the byway and take a stroll through the inspirational Monarch Sculpture Park or pay a visit the Rainier Historical Church and grab an espresso at Glenda's before making your way to Yelm. Quaint, local shops like DC's Treasures and A Novel Bookstore make gift-buying a breeze, and the family-friendly Yelm Cinemas provides afternoon and evening fun. Grab a quick pint at the 507 Taproom and Filling Station and be sure to stop by Yelm's Historic Water Tower which is beautifully lit up at night.

On the Outskirts of Oly and Lacey

Right outside of Olympia and Lacey proper are two Christmas Tree farms offering beautiful trees and family-fun adventures. Hunter Family Farm (A Pioneer Woman favorite) is one of the largest tree and pumpkin patches in the area - a great place to bring the entire family to select a tree and pet some farm animals. Schilter Family Farm, directly across the freeway from the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, offers weekend wagon rides and Saturdays with Santa. Make sure to pop into their gift shop and snack shack for apple cider donuts and hot cocoa!

If the donuts and cider don't fill you up, we recommend a stop at some unique local favorites: Newly-opened Ikonic Wings in Lacey is slinging some seriously good finger-licking chicken wings, and the German Diner is a must for their Jägerschnitzel and specialty cream cakes. Bringing a large group with you? Head to New Gangnam Korean BBQ for an all-you-can eat bonanza.

Looking for even more family fun? Don't miss Lacey's Laser Fun Zone, stretch your legs at their endless number of parks, or uncover a bit of history with a visit to the Lacey Museum.