Love the smell of a live Christmas tree? You might like to actually chop down your own, and there are a number of places where you can do just that if you have time to take a short drive. We visited one cut-your-own spot, Kadee Tree Farm in Greenville, and we've rounded up a few others within about an hour of downtown Dallas. (A couple spots might clock in at around hour-and-a-half.)
We focused on places that still had a selection available when we wrote this, but call before your visit to be sure the field hasn't been depleted.
Kadee Tree Farm
Don't drive out to Kadee Tree Farm in Greenville unless you're ready to start a new family tradition. The family-run farm is a happy, wholesome place that will delight your little city slickers. Take them to meet the goats and the horses, then let them saunter through fields of Christmas trees, and they'll never want to pick a tree from the grocery store parking lot again.
New visitors to Kadee Tree Farm should grab a handsaw and a measuring stick before wandering out into the forest. Don't leave that measuring stick behind! After looking at dozens of Christmas trees, it's tough to eyeball whether a tree is too tall or wide. (And you don't want a Griswold family Christmas tree squished into your living room, trust us.)
Haul your tree out onto the dirt road and then hop on the hayride back to the main house. While you wait for crews to give your tree a shake and bundle it up on your car, send your kids out to play on the vintage firetruck. If you find the perfect photo opportunity for your holiday card, you've just officially won Christmas.
5054 State Highway 69 South, Greenville (about 50 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, approximately a 52-minute drive). 903-883-3279. kadeefarm.com.
Other spots to try
Elves Christmas Tree Farm You can cut your own tree or pick from pre-cut options. Other attractions include hayrides, farm animals, picnic areas and free hot apple cider. 601 Harvey Lane, Denison (about 73 miles north of downtown Dallas, approximately a 76-minute drive). 903-463-7260. elvesfarm.com.
4 Ceesons Christmas Tree Farms Cut your tree, get a wreath and visit the gift shop. 3233 County Road 2508, Caddo Mills (about 39 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, approximately a 44-minute drive). 903-274-6387. 4ceesonstreefarm.com.
Kajin Farm Try the apple cider, coffee and popcorn after you cut your tree and visit the gift shop. 3221 County Road 2508, Caddo Mills (about 39 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, approximately a 44-minute drive). 903-217-2679. kajinfarm.com.
Lone Star Pines Hayride wagons pulled by tractors take you back and forth to the fields at this pick-your-own spot. Try the free coffee and hot apple cider. Take your own camera for photos with Santa on weekends through Dec. 18. 10706 County Road 350, Terrell (about 43 miles east of downtown Dallas, approximately a 46-minute drive). 972-524-1333. lonestarpines.com.
Radde Tannenbaum Farm Take a hayride pulled by an old-fashioned tractor to the fields to cut your tree. Sip coffee or punch, and the kids each get a cookie or mini candy cane. 2673 County Road 1060, Meridian (about 92 miles southwest of downtown Dallas, approximately a 102-minute drive). 254-435-6255. radderanch.net.
Star M Christmas Tree Plantation Pick your tree in the fields, take a hayride, hop on the wheeled train ride and have a picnic. 2914 State Highway 276 West, Quinlan (about 40 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, approximately a 45-minute drive). 903-356-2195. christmastreemcnew.com.
Wintergreen Christmas Tree Farm Take a hayride to cut your tree. Get a wristband for $5 per child to go through the pallet maze, ride the kiddie train and play the bull horn ring toss. 2907 FM121, Van Alstyne (about 58 miles north of downtown Dallas, approximately a 67-minute drive). 903-364-2832. wintergreenchristmastreefarm.com.
Yesterland Farm Head for the field to choose and cut your tree. Old-school mechanical rides, a giant slide and a rock wall are among the other fun things to check out. Santa's on hand on the weekends. 15410 Interstate 20, Canton (about 61 miles east of downtown Dallas, approximately a 57-minute drive). 903-567-2255. yesterlandfarm.com.
For even more options, try the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association at texaschristmastrees.com.
