There’s nothing quite like heading out on a crisp mountain morning to choose your own Christmas tree — the scent of fresh pine in the air, saw in hand, and panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains all around.
We live here in Waynesville, and every year, our family picks out our tree from one of the local farms. It’s one of our favorite holiday traditions, and it’s easy to see why so many people make the trip to the mountains each Christmas season.
The Waynesville area is one of the best places in Western North Carolina to find that perfect tree, thanks to its rich mountain soil and long family traditions of tree farming. Whether you prefer to cut your own Fraser fir or pick from pre-cut selections, these local farms around Waynesville, Clyde, Maggie Valley, and Canton make finding your Christmas tree part of the holiday fun.
Mehaffey Tree Farm
Address: 24 Corner Drive, Waynesville (Jonathan Creek area)
Opening: Nov. 15 at 9:00 a.m.
Mehaffey Tree Farm is one of those small, family-run places that instantly makes you feel at home. Located in the Jonathan Creek area, this farm grows beautiful Fraser firs that are healthy, full, and rich in color — perfect for that classic mountain Christmas look.
Visitors can choose to cut their own tree or pick from a variety of pre-cut options. The owners are known for their friendly, personal touch — they’ll chat with you about the farm’s history, share tips on keeping your tree fresh, and help secure it for the ride home.
It’s a simple, no-frills experience in the best possible way — quiet, authentic, and centered on the joy of finding the perfect tree. They also serve hot chocolate and hot cider, which is wonderful on a cold day!
WNC Landscaping and Christmas Trees
Locations: 624 Hemphill Road and 2436 Jonathan Creek Road, Waynesville, NC
Opening: Friday, November 29th
A true local favorite, WNC Landscaping and Christmas Trees has been helping families find their perfect holiday tree for decades. Their farms, located on Hemphill Road and Jonathan Creek Road, are surrounded by stunning mountain views that make the experience extra special.
Visitors can wander through rows of fragrant Fraser firs, ranging from small tabletop trees to towering 12-foot beauties. You can cut your own tree or choose a fresh pre-cut one — either way, the staff is always ready to help with cutting, wrapping, and loading. Besides trees, they often have handmade wreaths, garlands, and greenery for sale.
Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 445 Boyd Farm Road, Waynesville (Jonathan Creek area)
Opening: November 20th
If there’s one farm that truly embodies Christmas in the North Carolina mountains, it’s Boyd Mountain. This century-old family farm is a beloved local tradition, drawing visitors from all over the Southeast each holiday season.
Boyd Mountain offers a classic choose and cut experience complete with wagon rides into the fields, free hot chocolate and cider, and freshly made wreaths and garlands. The farm is beautifully decorated and brimming with holiday spirit — families come here to make memories as much as to pick out their tree.
They grow award-winning Fraser firs, known for their perfect shape, fragrance, and long-lasting needles. Many people make this part of a yearly tradition — arriving early in the season, taking family photos, and leaving with a car full of fresh greenery and smiles.
Dutch Cove Christmas Tree Farm
Photo courtesy of Visit Haywood
Address: 280 Setzer Drive, Canton, NC
Opening: Pre-Tagging Beginning November 1. Schedule a time to pick up your tree then. They expect to sell out with pre tagging.
Tucked away in the scenic Dutch Cove community near Canton, this family-run farm has become a quiet favorite for those who love a relaxed, down-home Christmas tree experience. The drive to Dutch Cove is beautiful, winding through peaceful mountain countryside that already feels like a step back in time.
The farm specializes in premium Fraser firs grown right on-site, and you’ll find a wide range of sizes and shapes — ideal for families decorating cozy cabins or larger homes. The owners are incredibly welcoming and often take time to help visitors find exactly what they’re looking for.
Along with trees, Dutch Cove Christmas Tree Farm also sells handmade wreaths and garlands, making it a great one-stop shop for your holiday greenery.
Smoky Mountain Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 756 Hemphill Road, Waynesville (Jonathan Creek area)
Opening: November 22, Monday – Thursday 10am-4pm and Friday – Sunday 9am-5pm
Located in the beautiful Jonathan Creek area just outside Maggie Valley, Smoky Mountain Christmas Tree Farm offers one of the most scenic and peaceful spots in Haywood County to find your Christmas tree. The farm is surrounded by rolling hills, open meadows, and mountain views that make the experience feel straight out of a holiday postcard.
Visitors can stroll through rows of perfectly shaped Fraser firs and take their time finding the right one — whether you prefer to cut your own or choose from a selection of freshly pre-cut trees. The owners are friendly and welcoming, always ready to help with cutting, wrapping, and loading your tree for the trip home.
One of the most photographed landmarks here is their beautiful red barn painted with the classic 7-Up logo — a bright splash of color against the green trees and mountain backdrop. It’s a favorite photo spot for families, and it adds a touch of nostalgic charm to the whole experience.
Nesbitt Tree Farm
Address: 333 Sunset Ridge Road, Clyde, NC
When: Opening November 15th
A short drive from downtown Waynesville, Nesbitt Tree Farm is another great local gem. The farm is easy to access and offers high-quality Fraser firs that are carefully trimmed and maintained.
The Nesbitt family has been growing Christmas trees for many years, and their experience shows — every tree seems perfectly shaped and fragrant. They also sell fresh wreaths and garlands, often made right there on the farm.
It’s a wonderful option if you’re looking for a less crowded, laid-back place to pick your tree while still getting that authentic mountain farm feel.
Plan Your Visit
Most Christmas tree farms near Waynesville open around Thanksgiving and stay open through mid-December. Hours and availability can vary depending on weather and demand, so it’s always a good idea to check each farm’s website or Facebook page before heading out.
Bring warm clothes, gloves, and boots — the fields can be muddy, especially after a mountain rain. Most farms cut your tree for you and will strap it to your car for you.
Many farms also have farm stands selling wreaths, garlands, and local goods, so bring some cash just in case.
Tips for Finding, Picking, and Bringing Your Tree Home
1. Choose the right size for your space.
Before heading out, measure the height of your ceiling and remember to leave room for your tree stand and topper. Many people overestimate how tall their room is — and end up trimming several feet off once they get home!
2. Look for color and shape.
A healthy Fraser fir should have rich green needles, a pleasant scent, and a strong, even shape. Walk around your tree to check all sides — especially if it will be placed in a central spot.
3. Test for freshness.
Gently tug on a few branches or tap the tree on the ground. If only a few needles fall, it’s fresh. Fraser firs are known for holding their needles well, so this test should give you confidence in your pick.
4. Ask about shaking and baling.
Most local farms will shake loose needles out of your tree and wrap it in netting to make it easier to transport. This simple step helps keep your car and home cleaner.
5. Give it a fresh cut at home.
Once you’re home, trim about an inch off the bottom before placing your tree in water. This allows it to absorb water more easily and stay fresh longer.
6. Keep it hydrated.
Check the water level daily — trees can drink a surprising amount, especially during the first few days indoors. Never let the base dry out, or the trunk will seal and stop taking in water.
7. Enjoy the moment.
Make a day of it — bring a thermos of hot chocolate, take photos, and enjoy the mountain scenery. Picking your own Christmas tree is about the experience as much as the tree itself.
