Despite my children’s insistence that we decorate for every holiday, I mostly hold out for Christmas. While there may be a few wooden turkeys and papier-mâché pumpkins floating around the house in the fall, it’s Christmas décor that I adore. And, the crowning jewel, the centerpiece of it all, is the Christmas tree. We cut ours fresh each year from a neighborhood tree farm, a holiday tradition we will never skip.
Christmas Tree Farms abound throughout the county and whether you seek a rugged, bow-saw toting, muddy boots wearing adventure through the fields or a more latte-fueled, hay-ride with Santa experience, there is something for you. Which farm has grown your perfect tree this year?
1. Ames Christmas Tree Farm
This is our family favorite, so I’ll list it first. The Ames family has been growing trees, and traditions, on their northeast Olympia acreage for generations. Flat rates of $25 for Grand, Douglas and Noble Firs. Don’t miss their hand-made evergreen wreaths for $25.
* Editor’s Note on 12/6/16 – closed for season
Dates: November 25 – Christmas Eve
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to dusk daily
Prices: All trees $25; wreaths $20.
Location: 4115 Baker Ames Road NE, Olympia, 360-357-3155
2. Cetak Christmas Tree Farm
Cetak Christmas Tree Farm is located in the Steamboat Island area where the Cetak family are well-known. The farm started planting their Noble and Douglas firs in 2004 and now have a wide selection of sizes from giant to petite. With no tree more than $40, it’s a great spot to find “the big one.” Read a full ThurstonTalk article about this local family here.
*Editor’s Note from 12/6/16 – closed for the season
Dates: Thanksgiving – December 24
Hours: Fridays through Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to dusk
Prices: Up to $40
Location: 6648 41st Ave NW, Olympia, 360-791-8749
3. Hunter Family Farm
You may have visited this Olympia favorite to choose your pumpkins and you can head back to pick out your Christmas tree, too. Hunter Family Farm offers u-cut and pre-cut trees, priced by the foot. This is the place to go if you are after a full holiday experience. Browse the Holiday Shop, visit with the live reindeer, chat with Santa (weekends only) and grab a cup of free cocoa or coffee to warm you up.
Dates: November 25 – December 23
Hours: Weekdays, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. / Weekends, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Prices: Prices by the variety and foot
Location: 7401 Yelm Hwy. SE, Olympia, 360-456-0466
4. Black Lake Christmas Trees
For over 30 years, Black Lake Christmas Trees has been serving families in the southwest Olympia area and beyond. Trees up to 15 feet tall can be found while browsing the 20+ acres of u-cut fields. Bow saws are provided and cutting assistance is available for those not looking to work up a sweat. A neat feature is Black Lake’s tree netting, making transportation home a snap. Don’t forget to ask for free tree boughs for your mantle.
Dates: Open daily through December 23
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Prices: $10 for “Charlie Browns” up to $45 for 5-7 foot trees, larger by the foot.
Location: Delphi Road at 62nd Avenue SW, Olympia, 360-866-4125
5. Tallman Farms Christmas Trees
A relative newcomer to the Christmas tree scene, Tallman Farms earned many fans last year. Their location on Rainier Road just two miles south of Yelm Highway, their wide selection of healthy trees and their adorable gift shop, the Nifty Nook, work together to make this a great family option. Wreaths, evergreen crosses and centerpieces round out the selections.
Dates: Open November 25 through Christmas
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Prices: $23 – $43, dependent on variety
Location: 8137 Rainier Rd SE. Olympia, 360-918-4382
6. Clyde ‘n Dales Holiday Trees and Gifts
Clyde ‘n Dales Holiday Trees and Gifts is anchored by the two locally famous Palomino Percherons, Bob and Dutch, who pull the farm’s horse-drawn trolley through the fields. With special events sprinkled throughout the season including live music, visits from Santa and Barb’s Famous BBQ Truck on-site, this farm is worth a visit. Return visitors enjoy the free hot cider and coffee and compliment the service given by local Boy Scouts and 4H kids who shake and net your tree for easy transport. Check their Facebook page for special events and details.
Dates: Open November 25 through December 18
Hours: Friday – Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Prices: dependent on variety
Location: 10712 Tracie Ct. SW, Olympia, 360-352-8733
7. Sprouffske Trees
For more than 26 years, the Sprouffske family has been growing trees in Rainier. The 75-acre farm includes Grand, Noble and Douglas Firs for you to select from. This is a true outdoor experience, so come prepared with your boots, hat and good attitude as you scour the fields for the perfect tree. Carts, saws, cocoa, coffee, tea and candy canes are provided. This article shares the Sprouffske’s multi-generational family story.
Dates: Open November 25 through December 24
Hours: Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Prices: Douglas – $30, Grand – $35, Noble – $40
Location: 14020 Finian Rd SE, Rainier, 360-352-8733
8. Jensen’s U-Cut
You might know the Jensen family from their high-quality, grass-fed beef at Riverbend Ranch in Tenino. But, the Jensen family has another venture right on the farm – Christmas Trees. With wholesale and u-cut options, the tree farm is has been busy since its start in 1997. Douglas, Grand and Noble firs are all offered in both “sheered” and “wild” styles. No matter your personal preference, you’ll find the perfect fit at Jensen’s.
Dates: Open November 25
Hours: Daily, 9:00 a.m. to dusk
Prices: $20 – $35
Location: 2840 128th Ave. SE, Tenino, 360-359-1970
