There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh pine. For many, it’s synonymous with the holiday season and the imminent arrival of winter. 

During the most wonderful time of year, going to one of the area’s tree farms and selecting your fir or spruce before (somewhat painstakingly) cutting it down may be one of the best activities to truly get into the holiday spirit.

Plus, one of the many beauties of living on the north shore is that there is an abundance of tree farms around to visit. Below are a few that are still open and offer a wide variety of pines. No need to bring your axe, as saws are provided, but most farms are cash only, so be sure to have plenty on hand. 

Chickadee Hill Farm

Address: 366 Central Street, Rowley
Website: chickadeehillfarmservices.com
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends

With hundreds of trees to choose from — including Fraser fir, Concolor fir, Canaan fir, blue spruce, white spruce and Norway spruce — you’re sure to leave this farm satisfied.

This farm is one of the few open for most of the month (until Dec. 19), so if you want to cut-your-own closer to the holiday, Chickadee is the place for you. All trees are $100.

Pe-cut trees are also available, ranging for $40-$120. Keep an eye out for the hidden decorated tree. If you find it, grab an ornament to take home!

Crane Neck Tree Farm

Address: 114 Crane Neck Street, West Newbury
Website: cranenecktree.com
Hours: Inventory changes frequently, so check the website for hours and availability before heading out. 

Walk through the mini forest to select your perfect match at this expansive farm. It offers a wide selection of Douglas and Balsam firs, ranging in size and shape. All trees are priced at $75 and wrapped for free. Due to COVID, you’ll be responsible for securing your tree to your car though. Dogs are allowed on leash. 

The farm also offers pre-cut trees, ranging in price from $15-$75.

Evergreen Farm

Address: 114 Ash Street, West Newbury

You likely won’t know about this farm unless you’re from the area. It has virtually no online existence and the turn onto Ash Street looks like you’re going up someone’s driveway (look for the cut your own signs). Even the hours aren’t listed, so the locals know to go in the morning, or before dusk.

While the selection isn’t as expansive as some farms in the area, it’s likely your best bargain with all trees priced at $50.

Visit sooner rather than later, as it’s smaller landscape means available trees don’t last long!

Maple Crest Farm

Address: 102 Moulton Street
Website: maplecrestfarm.biz/index.html
Hours: Open by appointment only — check the website to make an appointment

This more than 100-year-old farm does all it can to get you into the holiday spirit, with music, free hot chocolate and a Christmas tree cutout, sleigh and tractor to sit on to take pictures.

All trees are $85. Cash, check and credit card are accepted.

Stevens Tree Farm

Address: 73 Mudnock Road, Salisbury
Website: https://www.facebook.com/StevensTreeFarm/
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Head north to this coastal tree farm, where Concolor and Fraser fir, Scotch pine and blue spruce are available for the choosing. Larger trees are somewhat limited, so head there sooner rather than later if you hope to get a taller pine.

All trees are $70, with a $10 fee added for trees hauled back to the parking area by the farm tractor.

While there, you can also pick up some berries, a wreath or fresh greens to compliment all your decorating desires!