If you haven’t started decorating for the holidays already, it’s time to dig out that box of ornaments, grab last year’s wrapping paper out of storage, and start writing those Christmas cards. And, most importantly, it’s time to put up the tree. And here in Asheville, we’re lucky to be right in the middle of Christmas tree country, which stretches across Western North Carolina.

Living in the mountains means there are tons of choices for real Christmas trees, most of which will be local. You can cut your own at a farm (these often offer other activities + family fun), head to a pop-up Christmas tree lot around town, or even hit a big store like Lowe’s. But whichever way you pick your perfect tree, here’s what you should know about the industry here in N.C.

O’ Tannenbaum

🎄North Carolina is the second largest producer of Christmas trees in the U.S. (after Oregon)

🎄There are about 1,400 farmers growing trees over 40,000 acres in the state.

🎄20% of all real Christmas trees in the county come from N.C.

🎄The most common Christmas tree – and the one mostly grown in WNC (99.4%) – is the Fraser Fir.

🎄The Fraser Fir is the official state Christmas tree in N.C. It received the designation in 2005.

🎄It can take up to 15 years for a tree to grow to full size (6-7 ft), but the average time is 7 years.

Since the tree is the centerpiece of the holiday season, we asked you where you get yours on Instagram and Facebook.

Here are some of your favorite places to cut your own tree or pick one up to go. And we’ve updated this list to reflect the spots that are sold out – but be sure to call before you head to the farms.

Cut your own

CAMPS Evergreen | (828) 674-2558 | 📍 301 Cabin Creek Rd., Zirconia | Open Mon – Thurs. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Fri. – Sun. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | CAMPS offers Norway Spruce trees and is also selling wreaths, quilts + decorations.

Cartner Christmas Tree Farm | (828) 733-1641 | By appointment on Sat., Dec. 9 | 📍 901 Balsam Rd., Newland | This family-run business specializes in Fraser firs + wreaths that are hand-pruned to create the best shape possible.

Christmas Corner | (828) 733-4850 | 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily | 📍 2806 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland | Choose from a variety of Fraser fir, Norway spruce, blue spruce + concolor fir trees. Bonus: they also offer landscaping shrubs like holly, boxwood + rhododendron.

Dutch Cove Christmas Tree Farm | Mon-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. | 📍 280 Setzer Dr., Canton | This family-owned farm specializes in Fraser fir trees, wreaths + greenery. Plus, you can call to set an appointment outside of their normal operating times.

Frosty Mountain | (828) 656-8100 | 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily | 📍 13623 NC-212, Marshall | Frosty Mountain is a fully-functional farm with cows, goats, deer + sheep. So much more than just Christmas trees.

Linville Falls Winery and Red Barn Tree Farm | (828) 765-1400 | 12-5 p.m. daily | 📍 9557 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland | | Part farm, part vineyard, part winery. After you find the perfect tree, grab a glass and unwind.🍷

Mehaffey Tree Farm | (828) 926-1424 | Thurs-Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | 📍 24 Corner Dr, Waynesville | Hot chocolate + apple cider are available to warm up after choosing your tree. ☕

Sandy Hollar Farms | 828-683-3645 | 📍 63 Sandy Hollar Ln., Leicester | Plus: Hayrides for the little ones. 🚜

Smoky Mountain Christmas Tree Farm | (828) 400-2933 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily | 📍 756 Hemphill Rd, Waynesville | This farm is family-owned + operated, and also features a Christmas tree cabin you can stay in if you need a getaway. Book here.🏡

Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farm and Elf Village | (828) 743-5456 | Mon.-Fri., 1-4 p.m., Sat. + Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Dec. 8, and Dec. 21 + 22. |📍 240 Chimney Pond Rd, Glenville | The farm is 1 ½ hours away from Asheville, and offers sleigh rides, Santa visits + a miniature village of elf cottages through Dec. 8. 🎅

WNC Landscaping & Christmas Trees | (828) 926-3224 | Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | 📍 557 Hemphill Rd, Waynesville | Handmade fir wreaths are also available in limited quantities.

Ziegler Tree Farm | (828) 966-9241 | Mon.-Sat., 7 a.m.-8 p.m. 📍 1141 Ziegler Rd., Brevard | Sip apple cider made from organic apples grown on the farm after you get your tree.🍎 If you’re lucky, you might be able to see some of their farm animals too.

Protip: Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm sold out for the season last week. Remember that farms can sell out – call before you make the journey up the mountain. 📲

Head to a lot

Note: This is just a small selection of in-town tree lots, as most pop-up lots do not post locations online. Half the fun of Christmas tree shopping is driving around town and finding your own!

North Asheville Tailgate Market | Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon | 📍400 Theatre Ln. | Expect a few different tree vendors in addition to the usual produce selection.

Lowes | (828) 299-3788 | Mo.-Sat., 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. | 📍89 S. Tunnel Rd. | A selection of pre-cut trees while supplies last.

Home Depot | (828) 274-5400 | 📍795 Fairview Rd. | A selection of pre-cut trees while supplies last.

WNC Farmers Market | (828) 253-1691 | 📍 570 Brevard Rd. | Visit Santa on December 8th starting at noon. 🎅

One of my favorite memories was picking a tree with my family at my grandmother’s house in Athens, Georgia, and cutting it ourselves. It was a great way to bond and get outside (which helped get us all ready for the holiday cookies later on).

These days I tend to just do a nice wreath since I’m often out of town for the holidays, but I still love helping friends and family decorate their trees. Plus, the smell automatically puts me in the holiday spirit.

Whatever your tradition, in my book, it’s officially the holiday season. May your days all be merry + bright.

Happy hunting,

– Ali + Stephanie