Best Christmas Tree Farms in Central Texas, Near Austin

Real Christmas Trees, especially when fresh-cut and locally grown, are good for the environment and great for family bonding. There are approximately 120 Christmas Tree Farms in Texas, many of which offer a chance to both choose and cut your own tree. But the Tree Farm experience doesn't have to be all about trees. Some of these farms offer much more-petting zoos, hayrides, pine-cone painting, holiday photo ops-that can turn your tree-choosing experience into a fun and memorable family experience. Many also offer educational tours for children. So whether you're looking to spend some quality time with family, plan an interesting homeschool lesson or organize a third-grade field trip, take a look at what the local Christmas Tree Farms have to offer. Here are five of the best in Central Texas.

Evergreen Farms

Location:
242 Monkey Rd, Elgin, TX
25 miles east of Austin, 3 miles south of Elgin near FM 1704

This farm offers the chance to choose and cut your own tree, with all cutting equipment (saws, etc.) provided. You have a choice between Virginia Pine and Leyland Cypress, two standard Christmas Tree choices, and they also keep a stock of potted or pre-cut Fraser Firs, which are shipped in from North Carolina. A percentage of all of this farm's tree sales goes to charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, the American Cancer Society and the Boy Scouts of America. They also participate in a program called "Trees for Troops" that delivers Christmas Trees to military bases.

In addition to choosing your tree, visitors can browse a nature trail, view the farm animals, enjoy marshmallows, cider and coffee around a campfire or buy from the gift shop. Children can enjoy games such as tetherball and horseshoes, as well as crafts such as painting pine cones. Educational tours are available from October to December 19^th.

Tree-Cutting Opens: Day after Thanksgiving

Tree-Cutting Closes: December 24^th, 3 pm

Daily Hours:
Weekends: 9 am to dark (approximately 5:30 pm)
Weekdays: 12 pm to dark

Prices: TBD. Major credit cards accepted.

Visit the website: http://www.evergreen-farms.com/trees.php

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm

Location:
124 Natures Way, Elgin, TX
25 miles east of Austin off 290

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm is known to have the largest Christmas Tree selection in Central Texas. If you'd like to cut your own tree, you can choose from Virginia Pines, Loblolly Pines and Leyland Cypress. They also import pre-cut Fraser Firs, and offer potted Leyland Cypress ready to be replanted after the holidays. All their trees are grown organically. Cutting tools are provided, and trees are cleaned and wrapped for you to take home.

Elgin Farm has a variety of animals to see: goats, rabbits, ducks, llamas and more. Everyone can enjoy hayrides and get lost in a hay maze. You can watch as wreaths are handmade every day, and the gift shop stocks holiday decorations, jewelry and local jellies. Leashed pets are welcome too, meaning you can bring all the members of your family to this farm! Educational tours are offered in October and December.

Tree Cutting Opens: Day after Thanksgiving

Tree Cutting Closes: December 22^nd

Prices:
Prices increase a few dollars per half-foot. Churches pay half price.
4 foot = $27.00
6 foot = $36.00
10 foot = $63.00
14 foot = $116.00

Visit the website: http://elginchristmastreefarm.com

Loma Alta Christmas Tree Farm

Location:
214 Loma Alta Drive, Smithville, TX
45 miles southeast of Austin along highway 71

At Loma Alta, you will ride out to the tree fields in a wagon. You get to choose and cut your own tree, with all tools provided. The tree will then be cleaned and baled for easier transportation. You tie the tree to your car and off you go! Employees costumed as elves are there to help you each step of the way.

In addition to finding your tree here, you can also take a walk through the forest and gather pine cones and holly for decorations, or purchase a handmade wreath. Kids will love feeding the ducks and geese at the pond, or having their picture taken in a reindeer-drawn sled. There is a picnic area, and a snack bar with several choices, including the type of sausage that put the nearby town of Elgin on the map. Educational tours are available on weekdays.

Tree Cutting Opens: Thanksgiving afternoon

Tree Cutting Closes: A few days before Christmas

Prices:
$4.75 per foot (up to 12 feet)
$5 per extra foot
Wreaths: $12- $25
Major credit cards accepted.

Visit the website: http://home.flash.net/~lomaalta/index.html

Silo Christmas Tree Farm

Location:
7617 Mcgregor Park Rd, Temple, TX
40 miles south of Waco, 10 miles northwest of Temple, off highway 36.

Once you finally get there, you'll recognize this farm by its clay tile silo and traditional farmhouse. This farm offers Afghan Pines from 6 feet to 10 feet, as well as a selection of Leyland Cypress. All cutting tools are provided, and if you and your family aren't in the lumberjack mood, they can cut it for you. Potted Afghan Pines are also available if you'd like to plant your tree after the holidays.

In addition to your tree-choosing experience, you can opt to spend more time in the country by staying at the Silo Farm Bed and Breakfast. Or simply browse the gift shop for a selection of homemade treats, decorations and local art. Handmade wreaths of various styles are also available. Educational field trips are offered during the holiday season, and include hayrides, farm history and tree care, a nature walk, a hay maze and duck races.

Tree Cutting Opens: The Saturday before Thanksgiving

Daily Hours:
Weekends: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Weekdays: 12 pm to 5:30 pm

Prices:
Starting at $36.00; Trees are tagged with prices
Major credit cards accepted.

Visit the website: http://texaschristmastrees.net/silofarm.htm

Vogel's Tannenbaum Farms

Two Locations:
West-2120 S. State Hwy. 46, New Braunfels, TX
East-500 Tannenbaum Lane, Seguin, TX
Both are northeast of San Antonio

All tools are provided for cutting your own tree, and assistance is available if needed. At this farm you have a wider selection of trees: Elderica Pine, Afghan Pine, Jerusalem Pine and Leyland Cypress. They also stock imported Fraser Firs and smaller potted trees perfect for post-holiday planting. This farm has the unique feature that you can come choose your tree early in the season, and come back to cut it later. They just require a deposit to secure your choice.

Pets are welcome (on leashes, of course) and every kid who comes gets a free coloring book to take home. The gift shop is full of wonderful holiday accessories to go along with your fresh tree, including wreaths, candles, ornaments, and old-fashioned train sets.

Tree Cutting Opens: Day after Thanksgiving

Tree Cutting Closes: December 23^rd

Daily Hours:
10 am to dark (approximately 5:30 pm)

Prices:
$6 per foot, up to 13 feet
$7 per foot for 14-16 foot
$150 for 17 foot or up
Potted trees: $5
Cash or check only.

Visit the website: http://www.vogelstannenbaumfarms.com/

Happy Holiday Tree-Hunting!