Over our 20 years in Portland, we've purchased Christmas trees from a multitude of places, including pre-cut ones from nurseries, gas stations, and high schools, as well as cut-your-own trees from a friend's family farm in Bowdoinham, which we would still visit if they were still selling. This year, we tried a local tree farm and cried laughing while cutting down one of the last small trees…with a flat top, leaning slightly to the left. I enjoyed laughing with my family, but we paid more than planned for the tree. Although I love it because I appreciate things that are a bit off, I learned that we could have tagged a tree in mid-November like the rest of the folks there, picking up their trees with pointed tops.
Years of searching for a solid Christmas tree tradition led me to this question, "Where is the best place to cut down a Christmas tree in Southern Maine?" I posed this question on social media, and YOU answered. I get so excited about sharing information that I sometimes forget how lucky I am to be part of an informed group of knowledgeable people I can turn to with questions!
Thank you for your responses, which I've compiled into one list in no particular order. If your tree is already lighting a cozy corner of your home, save this list for next year. I should also note that several of these tree farms have already sold out or closed for the 2024 season. I realize this post is a little late in the game, but I hope it will reach someone looking for a list of personal recommendations for the best tree farms in Southern Maine. Wherever you buy your tree, enjoy the smell of Balsam fir, the warm lights, and the childhood ornaments in the strangest tradition we all love.
Celebration Tree Farm and Wellness Center
Address: 125 Bowie Hill Road, Durham
Trees: Pre-cut and cut-your-own certified organic trees and wreaths
Dates: Sunday, 12/8 was the final day of the 2024 season.
Cost: $49-$80 depending on size
Details: Located on 118 acres of land with a brook, gardens, and a network of trails
Address: 105 River Road, Windham
Trees: Cut-your-own
Dates: Open weekends starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Cost: $70 all sizes (from an internet review, may not be accurate
Details: Family-owned and run since 1989
Hanscome's Christmas Tree Farm
Address: 194 Mountfort Rd, North Yarmouth
Trees: Choose and cut
Dates: Closed for 2024
Cost: $60 all sizes
Details: Family-owned
Address: 193 Whitten Rd, Kennebunk
Trees: Pre-cut balsam trees
Dates: Closed for 2024
Cost: $75 all sizes
Details: Family-owned and run since 1742
65-acre farm with 25+ acres of primarily Balsam Fir trees."
Address: 918 Richfield Road, Standish
Trees: Pre-cut balsam trees
Dates: Monday - Thursday, 2-8 pm. Friday - Sunday, 9 am-9 pm.
Cost: $20 - $90
Details: Will not have choose and cut for at least 3 more years.
Fresh cut balsam trees, free hot cocoa, animals to pet, warm fire to sit near.
Address: 20 Carll Lane, Gorham
Trees: Choose and cut Christmas Trees
Dates: Closed for 2024
Cost: Unknown
Details: Family farm specializing in Christmas trees, balsam fir products, and specialty flowers.
Address: 88 Finn Parker Rd, Gorham
Trees: Choose and cut
Dates: Sold out for 2024
Cost: $65 and up
Details: Family-owned
Old Farm Christmas Place of Maine
Address: 1148 Sawyer Road, Cape Elizabeth
Trees: Choose and tag/cut
Dates: Tagging only Nov 15 - 22, Cutting starting Nov 23
Cost: $97 - $120
Details: Post-and-beam retail shop, wagon rides, hot cocoa, and marshmallow roasting over a bonfire.
Let me know if I should add anything to this list! Happy holidays!
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