The merry begins at Orange County, N.Y. Christmas tree farms right after Thanksgiving.
ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (November 20, 2019) – Orange County, N.Y., located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, grows awesome Christmas trees! Just ask Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree scouts. For two years in a row they’ve chopped their world-famous Christmas trees from sites in the Orange County countryside. Display the best tree ever in your home this season when you choose it from an Orange County tree farm. Have fun exploring a wide variety of spruce, fir and pine trees as you partake in family-friendly, holiday-themed experiences. Whether you chop your own or buy pre-cut, count on countless conifers, merriment and holiday cheer, just an hour outside of New York City – perhaps a little longer by sleigh ride.
“Planning the perfect day to find your perfect Christmas tree here in the Hudson Valley is a piece of fruitcake,” says Amanda Dana, Orange County Tourism Director. “Our tree farms are renowned not only for their beautiful evergreens but for holiday settings made for special memories. Sip some hot cocoa as you snap a perfect holiday card or Instagram pic. Time your visit so that one of Santa’s helpers, or Orange County’s own Christmas legend, Eggbert, will be on the scene.”
Christmas tree selection season starts right after Thanksgiving. Check out the tree farms listed at www.OrangeTourism.org. It’s advisable to call or email in advance to confirm hours, events and available tree varieties. Some farms open only on select dates.
Here are a few of the popular Orange County tree farms where you can chop local this year:
•Emmerich Tree Farm, 101 Sleepy Valley Road, Warwick: Choose & cut options for 2019 will be in the four- to seven-foot range, with seven- to 10-foot Premium Fresh Cut Fraser Firs available in the display forest. New for 2019, retail options including handmade Adirondack trees for decor, wooden reindeer and snowmen, and plenty of fresh greenery options including wreaths, garland and mailbox huggies. Opening weekend is November 29 and 30, and December 1, 2019. 845-986-0151, emmerichtreefarm.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 the day after Thanksgiving. 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 Friday, November 29 through Monday, December 23, 2019, 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
•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 Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, 2019, and Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2019. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 845-534-6382, Facebook: @FarmsideAcres, farmsideacres@gmail.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 24, 2019, 10:00 a.m. until dusk. stoneoaktreefarm.com.
Follow up your tree hunt with overnight accommodations at one of the area’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.
