Kick-off the holiday season with a fun family day at an Orange County, N.Y. tree farm
ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (November 1, 2018) – Late November marks the time for a special family trip to Orange County, N.Y. This section of Hudson Valley countryside is dotted with tree farms offering a wide variety of Christmas trees and fun family experiences. Whether you come to chop-your-own or choose a pre-cut tree, plan on a day of merriment and special events just one hour “over the river and through the woods” from New York City.
“Half the fun is searching out the perfect Christmas tree,” says Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “Find the one that will look picture-perfect in your home. Chop one down with your family, sip hot chocolate, and take your best holiday card photos to complete this memorable experience. If your timing’s right, there could even be a dusting of snow on those fragrant branches!”
There are 18 tree farms listed at Orange County Tourism’s Christmas Tree Farms Category at OrangeTourism.org. It’s always advisable to confirm hours, events, and available tree varieties in advance. The season starts right around Thanksgiving and some farms are open just on select dates. Here’s a sampling of offerings at some popular Orange County tree farms:
- Emmerich Tree Farm, 101 Sleepy Valley Road, Warwick: Choose and cut spruce, pine, and fir situated on a beautiful south-facing hillside. An expanded selection of fir trees will be available for the 2018 season as well as more cut-your-own trees taller than seven feet. Free parking, wagon rides to the field, music, bonfire, and free hot chocolate are available. Open weekends, beginning Friday, November 23, 2018. 845-986-0151, emmerichreefarm.com.
- Farmside Acres, 280 Angola Road, Cornwall: Choose from a selection of trees, such as Scotch pine, Douglas fir and blue spruce with saws provided. Visitors can enjoy complimentary candy canes, cider, and donuts upon arrival. Open December 1-2, 2018, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 845-534-6382, Facebook: Farmside Acres, farmsideacres@gmail.com.
- Manza Family Farm, 730 Route 211, Montgomery: Farm animals, pony rides, visits from Santa, and real reindeer add to the family fun at Manza Family Farm. Choose from a large selection of freshly-cut Douglas, Fraser, concolor and blue spruce trees, and a variety of wreaths and roping. Find trimmings for your new tree at the farm’s gift shop, as well as hot drinks, food and baked goods. Open daily beginning Friday, November 23 through December 23, 2018. 845-692-4364, manzafamilyfarm.net.
- Pierson’s Farm: 1448 Route 211 West, Middletown: Explore the wonderful collection of trees, wreaths, roping, poinsettias and a gift shop at Pierson’s Farm. Visitors can choose from a wide selection of precut trees or cut their own. Complimentary hot cider is available. Open daily beginning Saturday, December 1, 2018, through Sunday, December 23, Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Friday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 845-386-1882, piersonsfarm.com.
- Stone Oak Tree Farm: 207 Stony Bar Road, Slate Hill: Hike more than eight acres and choose from blue spruce, white spruce, and Canaan fir trees. Visit the Bed & Breakfast, featuring a roaring fireplace and gift shop, all in a beautiful timber framed barn. Open weekends beginning Saturday, November 25, 2018, 10 a.m. to dusk. stoneoaktreefarm.com.
Extend your stay with overnight accommodations at one of Orange County’s cozy B&Bs or select hotels. Acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants and craft beverage locations offer seasonal menus, perfect for warming up after a day on the farm.
About Orange County Tourism
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. Like Orange County Tourism on Facebook for the latest news on local happenings. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com or call 845-615-3860.
