Want to make your Christmas tree purchase an adventure? Here’s a list of area cut-your-own farms. If you’re looking for a grander journey, there are also links to tree farms across the Carolinas. Heather Mims

Gaston County

Stowe Dairy Farms: 169 Stowe Dairy Road, Gastonia. Tree farm opens at 9 a.m. Friday. Hours will be 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays. Leyland cypress, red cedar, Carolina sapphire and white pine fields will be open for choose-and-cut; Fraser firs from the western N.C. mountains and farm-made mixed green wreaths will also be available. Choose-and-cut trees will sell for $25-$30, Fraser firs $38-$58 each. Focusing on heritage, the farm will offer many activities and products from area farms. Details: 704-228-9826, email stowe_dairy_farms@yahoo.com, or check out Facebook.

Catawba County

Santa’s Forest: 4071 Herter Road. Leyland cypress, Carolina sapphire and Fraser firs. Opens Friday. Noon until dark Sundays to Fridays; 9 a.m.-dark Saturdays. Zip line, farm animals, hayrides, nature trails.

From Lincolnton, take Exit 33 off U.S. 321, follow signs. www.herternursery.com; 828-428-9350 or 828-428-3774.

Lincoln County

Cedar Lake Tree Farm: 5829 N.C. 27, Iron Station, between Stanley and Lincolnton. Virginia pine and Leyland cypress. Also have pre-cut Fraser firs. Open Friday through Dec. 20, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays. Map at www.cedarlaketreefarm.com; 704-201-8922; Facebook.

Helms Tree Farm: 6345 Christmas Tree Lane, Vale. White pine, red cedar, Leyland cypress, white and Colorado blue spruce and Carolina sapphire. Pre-cut Fraser fir. All but Fraser fir offered in bag and ball. Covered-wagon rides, wreaths and Christmas shop. Open 9 a.m. until dark, Thanksgiving and daily through Dec. 20. Take N.C. 27 West to Lincoln County Courthouse, go halfway around courthouse, and then continue eight miles on N.C. 27 West. At stoplight (near West Lincoln High School), turn right onto Cat Square Road. Go two miles, turn left onto Beam’s Lumber Road, drive a half-mile and take a right onto John Beam Road (first paved road on right). Farm is a half-mile up hill, on left, on Christmas Tree Lane; 704-276-1835. www.helmschristmastreefarm.com.

Stanly County

Grovestone Christmas Tree Farm: 48051 Clodfelter Road, Albemarle. Virginia pines and Leyland cypress trees. All sizes $25-$35. Open Thanksgiving day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays, until Dec. 24. Take U.S. 24-27 east to three miles beyond Albemarle. At caution light, turn left onto Valley Drive Road, drive one mile and turn right onto Clodfelter Road. Farm is on left. 704-983-1685 evenings.

South Carolina

Chester County

Taylor’s Christmas Tree Farm: Old York Road (S.C. 909), Lowrys. One mile north of Chester County Airport. Virginia and white pines, Leyland cypress, Clemson green spire, Carolina sapphire, pre-cut Fraser firs. Also offer wreaths, greenery. Open Thanksgiving Day until Dec. 24, 3 p.m. until dark weekdays; 10 a.m.-dark Saturdays; 1 p.m.-dark Sundays. 803-581-3507.

Lancaster County

Pa-Pa John’s Christmas Tree Farm: 6980 Flat Creek Road, Kershaw. Virginia pine, white pine, eastern red cedar, Carolina sapphire, Leyland cypress and Blue Ice. Also carries fresh-cut Fraser Fir. Balled and burlap trees: Fraser fir, white pine, Colorado blue spruce, Norway spruce and hemlock. Wreaths. Open Thanksgiving Day. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sundays. From Charlotte, take U.S. 521 to Lancaster and U.S. 521 bypass south to S.C. 903 (sign will say to Myrtle Beach). Turn east on S.C. 903; go 14 miles. Farm is on the right. 803-475-9247. Email: Papajohnschristmastreefarm@yahoo.com.

York County

Penland Christmas Tree Farm: 6457 Campbell Road, York. Virginia and white pine, Carolina sapphire, red cedar and Leyland cypress, Christmas mint cypress. Also carry pre-cut Fraser firs. Hayrides, wreaths, giftshop and hot chocolate. Open day after Thanksgiving. Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays; 1-5:30 p.m. Sundays. Take N.C. 49 South to Buster Boyd Bridge. Drive five miles south on S.C. 49, turn left onto S.C. 274. Continue four miles and turn on Campbell Road. 803-366-7605. www.penlandtreefarm.com.