Keep it real—that’s the word from South Carolina Christmas tree farmers. While there’s no denying the convenience of plucking a faux fir straight from a box, the tradeoff can sometimes dampen those holiday warm fuzzies.
Piling the family into the car for a leisurely drive to a tree farm adds to the thrill of the hunt for the perfect specimen. Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Eastern Red Cedar, Virginia Pine and White Pine are some of the varieties grown in SC. Because the ever-popular Fraser Fir cannot be grown here, many farms rely on growers in the North Carolina mountains for a fresh-cut supply.
But when it comes to shelf-life, nothing beats a freshly cut evergreen, especially when you get to do the cutting yourself. But don’t expect a cut-and-run experience. Soak up the holiday spirit at farms offering hot cocoa, hayrides, gift shopping, pics with Santa, live music and more.
We made a list (and checked it twice!) of some of South Carolina’s most beloved choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms. Most open for the season Thanksgiving weekend.
Visit their websites for operating hours and tree availability. For a more detailed lineup of farms and tips for picking the best tree, visit the website of the SC Christmas Tree Association.
Lakewood Tree Farm, Chapin
(803) 260-1836
This family-run farm has been supplying South Carolina with beautiful holiday trees since 2019. Offers nighttime tree shopping, too.
Tree types: Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, NC Fraser Firs
Holiday extras: Pics with Santa, baked goods, holiday market event
Wrights Tree Farm, Ward
(803) 685-7860
Bring a picnic and plan a fun day at Wrights Tree Farm, a picturesque, 105-acre operation that has been growing Christmas trees since 1969.
Tree types: Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Clemson Greenspire, Deodar Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, Eastern White Pine, Virginia Pine and fresh-cut Fraser Fir from NC.
Holiday extras: Open fire pit for roasting marshmallows, tractor hayrides, crafts canteen, wreath house, snack bar
Merry Christmas Tree Farm, Central
864-506-5231 (temporary)
Old-fashioned Christmases have been a specialty of this tree farm since 1980.
Tree types: Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, Carolina Blue Sapphire, Blue Ice, Eastern Red Cedar, White Pine, Virginia Pine, Clemson Greenspire, NC Fraser Fir
Holiday extras: Hot chocolate, Santa visits, “Charlie Brown” trees for the kids
Cedar Ridge Tree Farm, Gilbert
(803) 730-2569
Cedar Ridge is a charming “boutique-like” farm with a host of holiday activities to kick off your holiday right.
Tree types: Deodar Cedar, Virginia Pine, White Pine, Carolina Sapphire, Eastern Red Cedar, Leyland Cypress, NC Fraser Fir
Holiday extras: Hot chocolate, firepit for marshmallow roasting, gift shop, pics with Santa, scenic photo ops
Penland Christmas Tree Farm, York
(704) 718-5985
Selling trees since 1972, the Penland family has passed down this farm from one generation to the next to ensure plenty of holiday fun for years to come.
Tree types: Leyland Cypress, Virginia Pine, Carolina Sapphire, Christmas Mint Cypress, Red Cedar, Blue Ice, NC Fraser Fir
Holiday extras: Snack shack, candy cane tree, hayrides, treasure barn, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, children’s trees
Center Bend Farm, Harleyville
(843) 560-6654
This Lowcountry farm has been upping the Christmas joy since 1995.
Tree types: Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, NC Fraser Fir
Holiday extras: Hot chocolate, gifts, snacks, Santa visits, photo ops
Booth’s Christmas Tree Farm, Conway
(843) 365-3633
This Conway tradition has been serving up holiday magic to the coastal community and beyond since 1962.
Tree types: White Pine, Virginia Pine, Eastern Red Cedar, Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Clemson Greenspire, NC Fraser Fir
Holiday extras: Hayrides, picnic tables, pics with Santa, professional photographs, sweet treats
