family putting christmas tree on their vehicle

Central Virginia Christmas Tree Farms

words by CharlottesvilleFamily Editors
Family-Friendly Activities at Christmas Tree Farms in Charlottesville & Beyond

Here is the updated information for Christmas tree farms in Central Virginia, as of November 4, 2024. Drive times from Charlottesville are also included. So you don’t disappoint the little ones please contact the live Christmas tree farms directly for the latest details and confirm days and hours as small agritourism businesses often have to pivot based on weather, tree supply and staffing.

Looking to kick off the holiday season with a day the whole family will remember? Charlottesville and its surrounding areas have an amazing array of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holidays to life. From choosing the perfect live tree to enjoying hot cocoa, holiday crafts, miniature trains, and petting zoos and visits with Santa, each farm offers unique activities that make it an unforgettable adventure for kids.

Be sure to call ahead and ask if they offer Christmas tree lot pre-cut trees, or if you will be sawing down your own real Christmas tree. How about making some delicious sugar cookies to enjoy on your adventure or while decorating the beautiful tree? We also have a garden guide with advice from local experts on live Christmas tree careHere’s your 2024 guide to family-friendly Christmas tree farms within a 1.5-hour drive of Charlottesville, tailored for making the holiday spirit shine!

Central Virginia Tree Farms

Young family at a tree farmBees & Trees Farm (Elkwood)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 1 hour
Tree Options: Cut-your-own
Special Activities for Kids: Children will love sipping free caramel apple cider and munching on holiday treats as they explore the Christmas merchandise and decorations like fresh wreaths & garlands. Parents can also enjoy snapping photos of their kids as they wander through a cozy farm filled with holiday lights, creating a warm and festive atmosphere while you pick out the perfect tree. 540-423-9020

Belmont Christmas Tree Farm (Spotsylvania)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 1 hour
Tree Options: Choose-and-cut and pre-cut Fraser Firs
Special Activities for Kids: Belmont’s history of spreading holiday cheer since 1981 makes it feel like a trip back in time. Kids will love the experience of cutting down their very own tree, learning about different tree varieties, and helping Mom and Dad choose the perfect one. Belmont’s family-friendly setting is wonderful for making memories, with scenic views ideal for family photos. And, it is easy – you can choose & cut a tree or simply pick one from their tree lot. 540-854-6757

Covenant School students banner

Claybrooke Tree Farm (Mineral)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 45 minutes Tree Options: Choose-and-cut and pre-cut trees 
Special Activities for Kids:
Claybrooke offers seven tree varieties, giving kids a chance to explore and learn about different trees. It’s a great way to introduce little ones to the natural world, allowing them to find and choose the perfect Christmas tree that will become part of their family’s holiday season celebration. 540-872-3817

Elysium Tree Farm (Rapidan)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 50 minutes
Tree Options: Choose-and-cut
Special Activities for Kids:
The spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains add a sense of wonder for kids and adults alike. With six tree varieties to choose from, kids can wander and help pick out “the one” while enjoying the open space and mountain air. Bring a picnic blanket for a quick snack break amid the beautiful scenery! 540-287-2500

Every Soul Acres (Keezletown)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes 
Tree Options:
Choose-and-cut 
Special Activities for Kids:
This farm goes beyond trees, offering a winter wonderland of handmade wreaths, pine roping, and centerpieces. Families can also explore kid-friendly crafts and enjoy the excitement of picking fresh greens for their own DIY holiday garland and decorations. Hot cocoa, warm cider and kettle corn are perfect for a snack. The petting zoo, Santa, giant slide and yard games make the day extra special (call ahead to confirm the zoo and Santa days). 540-269-2691

Foxfire Christmas Tree Farm (Scottsville)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 35 minutes 
Tree Options:
Cut-your-own 
Special Activities for Kids:
This rustic farm is perfect for kids who love adventure! The farm’s natural setting invites exploration, and little ones will enjoy “helping” by carrying their own small branches and pinecones as souvenirs. 434-286-3445

Francisco Farms Choose and Cut Farm (Staunton)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 1 hour 
Tree Options:
Choose-and-cut 
Special Activities for Kids:
The Instagram-worthy “photo booth” on the side of the barn makes this farm a hit with families. Kids can strike a pose with the holiday backdrop, and the friendly environment makes it easy to let them roam and play as they search for the perfect tree. Cash or check only. 540-885-3008

Greene Meadows Farm (Stanardsville)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 40 minutes 
Tree Options:
Choose-and-cut 
Special Activities for Kids:
Hot chocolate, cider, and candy canes await little ones who have been “helping” all day! Kids can also browse for ornaments, explore holiday decor, and enjoy the festive, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a fantastic way to make holiday shopping and live tree-picking a fun, magical outing for everyone. Enjoy hot chocolate and snacks too! 434-990-1999

JES Christmas Tree Farm (Montebello)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes 
Tree Options:
Choose-and-cut Fraser Firs 
Special Activities for Kids:
The 7,000-tree selection set against the Blue Ridge Mountains provides a sense of adventure for little explorers! Children can run through rows of trees and help pick out their family’s live Christmas tree, with the mountain backdrop making for beautiful family photos. Sign up online in advance for a timed reservation. 540-377-5221

Sponsored 

Campbell-Rodgers Lumberjack Christmas Experience  Nov. 30th-Dec. 1st (North Garden)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 20 minutes
Special Activities for Kids: This event is a unique holiday experience, offering a Lumberjack Santa, kid’s wooden ornaments crafts, playground, craft vendors, hot chocolate and cider. Pick from a selection of pre-cut Fraser Fir trees along with live greenery and wreaths to choose from. Create a memorable holiday experience close to home. Click here for more information. 434-293-3021

Nuckols Christmas Tree Plantation (Cumberland)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 1 hour
Tree Options: Choose-and-cut. Seven tree varieties.
Special Activities for Kids: The Christmas shop here features gifts and decorating items including wreaths, garland, tree stands and much more. Holiday season services here include free tree shaking and netting.
434-394-8121

Spruce Rock Farm (Brightwood)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 50 minutes 
Tree Options:
Choose-and-cut 
Special Activities for Kids:
With a family Christmas shop filled with holiday decor and wreaths, Spruce Rock feels like Santa’s workshop. Kids can select ornaments and decorations to take home, making them feel like part of the holiday preparation. 540-543-2309

Stonehearth Christmas Tree Farm (Leon)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 50 minutes 
Tree Options:
Choose-and-cut 
Special Activities for Kids:
The highlight here is a visit with Santa himself onspecial days – check ahead! Kids can sip hot chocolate, meet Santa, and pick out their tree in one magical day. Families often find this farm a perfect spot for a holiday photo with Santa before taking home their tree. 540-547-2576

The Market at Grelen (Somerset)

Drive Time from Charlottesville: Approximately 40 minutes 
Tree Options:
Select-your-own 
Special Activities for Kids:
Grelen is a holiday wonderland with a kid-friendly farm-to-table restaurant, plenty of space to run, and a magical holiday shop filled with ornaments and gifts. Kids will love helping to pick out the family tree and exploring the sprawling grounds. Their little cafe is a nice spot for a snack and hot chocolate. A perfect spot for a family outing this holiday season! 540-672-7268

tree farm in the snow

The Charlottesville area and Central Virginia is brimming with holiday cheer, Christmas events, holiday lights and these local Christmas tree farms offer family-centered experiences where kids can get hands-on, explore nature, and take home unforgettable memories. Whether sipping hot cocoa, meeting Santa, or picking out that perfect tree, these farms provide endless fun for families ready to make the season special. Enjoy this 2024 holiday season by visiting one—or more!—of these festive farms. Happy tree hunting!

little christmas doll crafts at a craft show

Our CharlottesvilleFamily Editors are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with the school fun fair and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.

 

Town & country living at its best! CharlottesvilleFamily Life & Home is an award-winning magazine dedicated to Making Parenting Easier & Growing Up Fun! We create engaging stories on parenting, schools, staying healthy, the arts, home design, local leaders and all the best events. Building community since 1998.