9 cut-your-own Christmas tree farms a short drive from Charlotte

For those of you who like to go all-out when it comes to finding the right Christmas tree, 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. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Open Thanksgiving 1 p.m.- 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Hayrides on Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving with a visit from Santa Claus on Nov. 28 at 4. Choose-and-cut trees are $30-$35, Fraser firs $40-$60. Fun family activities, plus products/gifts from area farms. Leyland cypress, red cedar, Carolina sapphire and white pine fields will be open for choose-and-cut; Fraser firs from the mountains and farm-made mixed-green wreaths available. Heritage activities. Details: 704-228-9826, email: stowe_dairy_farms@yahoo.com or check Facebook.

Catawba County

Santa’s Forest: 4071 Herter Road, Lincolnton. Leyland cypress, Carolina sapphire and Fraser firs. Non-Fraser trees are $35; Fraser trees vary. Open 9 a.m. until dark Friday after Thanksgiving, then noon until dark Sundays-Fridays; 9 a.m. until dark on Saturdays. Zip line, farm animals, hayrides, nature trails, medieval catapult, drone, rockets and marshmallow roasts, bouncy house and 21-foot slide. www.herternursery.com; 828-428-3774 or 828-428-9350.

Lincoln County

Cedar Lake Tree Farm: 5829 N.C. 27, Iron Station, between Stanley and Lincolnton. Virginia pine and red Cedar. Also have pre-cut Fraser firs. Climbing hay mountain, farm animals, general store, Santa on weekends. Open Friday after Thanksgiving through Dec. 20, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 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, train rides for kids younger than 10 and Christmas shop. Open 9 a.m. until dark including Thanksgiving and daily through Dec. 20; 704-276-1835. www.helmschristmastreefarm.com.

Rowan County

Pinetop Farm: 830 Majolica Road, Salisbury. White pine, Scotch Pine, Leyland Cypress and Blue Ice. Pre-cut Fraser fir. Bow saws provided. Free hay ride to and from field and free tree shaking. Tree bailing is $1 per tree. Fresh wreaths and garland. Hours: Saturdays 8:30 -5 p.m., Sunday Noon to 5 p.m. Last day: Dec. 13; 704-637-7208. www.pinetopberryfarm.com.

Stanly County

Grovestone Christmas Tree Farm: 48051 Clodfelter Road, Albemarle. Virginia pines trees. All sizes $35. Free apple cider. Open Thanksgiving Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 24; 704-983-1685 evenings.

Boone area

Good Shepherd Trees: sold out of trees this year.

South Carolina: Chester County

Taylor’s Christmas Tree Farm: Old York Road (S.C. 909), Lowrys. One mile north of Chester County Airport. White pines, Leyland cypress, Carolina sapphire, pre-cut Fraser firs. Also offer wreaths, greenery. Open Thanksgiving Day through Dec. 24, 3 p.m. until dark weekdays; 10 a.m. until dark on Saturdays; 1 p.m. until dark on 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. Baling, tree shaking, stands and homemade wreaths. Open Thanksgiving Day. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays; 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, Leyland cypress and Christmas mint cypress. Also carry pre-cut Fraser firs. Open day after Thanksgiving. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 1-5:30 p.m. Sundays; 803-366-7605. www.penlandtreefarm.com.

This story was originally published November 24, 2015 at 12:36 PM with the headline "9 cut-your-own Christmas tree farms a short drive from Charlotte."