Make Lasting Holiday Memories at Southwest Michigan’s Christmas Tree Farms

Nothing says “holiday cheer” like the joy of visiting a Christmas tree farm in Southwest Michigan where family traditions are made. Whether you’re on a family outing, planning a romantic Hallmark-movie-worthy date, or simply embracing the season, these farms have everything you need to make your holidays magical. 

Picture walking down rows of fresh blue spruces, Fraser firs, Scotch pine, Douglas fir,s and more in search of the perfect tree. The raspy sound of a handsaw biting into the trunk and the satisfying thud of the tree falling into soft snow will stay with you long after the wrapping paper is put away. And when you take home a freshly cut or pre-cut tree from these farms, the fragrance of pine will fill your home. 

Most farmers will shake, bail, and drill the trunk for your tree stand so it’s easier to transport and set up when you get home. If you prefer a pre-cut tree from the farmer’s yard, the freshness and pine fragrance will surpass anything in the city or on big box store lots.  

Where to Find the Freshest Trees in Southwest Michigan

Here, the tree farms are within a day’s drive from major Midwest cities. From the day after Thanksgiving through just before Christmas, these farms offer you-cut and pre-cut trees, fresh pine wreaths, garlands, swags, and ornaments. Many farms add extra festive touches like wagon rides, steamy cups of hot chocolate, and fresh-roasted nuts. 

Each farm is unique, and finding your favorite is part of the fun! Try a new one every year, or visit the same one again and again. Here are some top options:

Farms That Make Merrier Moments

Our Christmas tree farmers love it when you create happy memories on their farms. After all, they are growing Christmas trees, not Brussels sprouts! Here are some fun ways to put extra sparkle into your visit beyond just choosing a tree. 

Badger Country Christmas Tree

• Special Touches: An extensive selection of trees, plus festive horse-drawn trailer rides.
• Decorations & Gifts: Excellent wreath choices.

Butler Tree Farm

• Special Touches: Visit Santa and choose from eight varieties of you-cut or pre-cut fir, spruce, and pine trees. Butler provides saws and its tree prices include shaking, wrapping, and drilling.
• Decorations & Gifts: Wreaths, hand-crafted gifts, and seasonal treats by the wood stove.

Pinecrest Christmas Tree Farm

• Special Touches: Enjoy horse-drawn and tractor-pulled wagon rides to the U-cut fields (they let you borrow their tree saws). For extra magic, check their website for details on their lighted wagon rides. They also have a lot near the entrance with rows of pre-cut trees. They offer specials on these trees, so watch their website for when you can save.   
• Tree Choices: Select from colorful firs and spruces, some available in vibrant shades like red, purple, and teal.
• Decorations & Gifts: Hundreds of ornaments, fresh-roasted nuts, and door swags.

Red Creek Tree Farm

• Special Touches: Enjoy a scenic hayride, then cut your own or select a pre-cut tree. 
• Decorations & Gifts: A large variety of wreaths and door swags.

Tall Timbers Tree Farm

• Special Touches: Start your holiday tradition with a hayride to cut your tree or select a pre-cut one. They will serve hot chocolate in the century-old barn after your adventure.
• Decorations & Gifts: Wreaths, boughs, garlands, and thousands of unique decorations.

Wahmhoff Farms Nursery

• Special Touches: This family has been growing and selling trees for over 70 years! Free tractor-wagon rides, free popcorn, and Santa appearances on select weekends.
• Decorations & Gifts: A holiday shop stocked with seasonal décor.

Ready-to-Bring-Home Trees and Festive Decorations

You will still feel the wonder and awe of the season at these farms that focus on providing the freshest trees and deck-the-house or office with pretty and whimsical decorations. Of course, the you-cut trees are fresh but you won’t believe how different these farms’ pre-cut trees are from the trees trucked miles to your hometown’s asphalt lots. They are fresher and keep their pine fragrance longer.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Bonamego Tree Farms

• Bring your saw to cut your tree or select a pre-cut one.

Bredeweg Acres

• Tree Choices: Choose from cut-your-own or pre-cut Fraser firs and blue spruces. The farm provides shaking, baling, tying, and drilling for tree stands.
• Decorations & Gifts: Fresh wreaths, door swags, and gift shop items like soy candles and birch décor.

Creative Tree Center

• Tree Choices: Your destination for potted Christmas trees to plant after the holiday, plus pre-cut trees.
• Decorations & Gifts: Fresh wreaths and holiday greenery add a festive touch to your seasonal décor.
• Special Service: Whether you buy your Christmas tree here or elsewhere, bring it to the Center during the first week of January. They’ll recycle it into eco-friendly mulch and topsoil.

Dairy Barn Tree Farm

• Tree Choices: Choose from a variety of trees, available as cut-your-own or pre-cut options.
• Decorations & Gifts: Fresh wreaths, door swags, and a selection of holiday merchandise.

Whispering Pines Christmas Tree Farm

• Tree Choices: Various trees and services are at this Berrien Center location such as tagging, cutting, hauling, shaking, leveling, and netting. They only accept cash or checks.

Tips for Creating the Best Tree-Cutting Experience

• Dress for the weather. Wear layers and a hat. Pull on warm socks and boots if snow is on the ground or in the forecast. 
• Most farms provide saws but confirm before you leave home. Wear gloves for a comfortable grip.
• Call ahead to ensure tree availability and hours.
• Bring a wagon or sled to make it easier to haul the tree back — and for a bit of fun if you’re with kids.
• Take photos of your tree farm adventure and tag @swmichigan.
• Bring a blanket or tarp to protect the car during transport.
• Place the tree, with its trunk facing the front of your vehicle, on the roof rack, in the truck bed or vehicle trunk. 
• Secure the tree with strong rope or nylon ratchet straps. Tie it down at the tree base, center, and top to prevent side-to-side movement. 
• Return home using back roads as much as possible, driving slowly to minimize damaging airflow. 

More Places to Find Christmas Decorations and Gifts

After picking out the perfect tree, shop locally for all your holiday decorating needs. Start with these holiday-loving destinations: 

• The Christmas Tree, Benton Harbor — This charming, year-round cottage-like shop is chockful of ornaments, holiday décor, collectibles, and gifts for all ages that you won’t find in big-box stores. They happily wrap any gifts. 
• Water Street Glassworks, Benton Harbor — One-of-a-kind, artist-made holiday decor, and glass-blown ornaments will add handcrafted charm to your seasonal celebrations and gift exchanges. 
• Perennial Accents, St. Joseph — A thoughtfully curated collection of holiday gifts, decor, and holiday cooking tools and equipment.
• Sawyer Home & Garden Center, Sawyer — A large variety of holiday gifts and decorations including stocking stuffers and unique holiday food items.

Make It an Annual Holiday Tradition

Cutting your Christmas tree is just the start of making cherished memories in Southwest Michigan. Explore local holiday events and stroll through quaint towns illuminated by vibrant light displays. Warm up with a delicious meal and enjoy local craft beverages at nearby restaurants or along the Makers Trail where you can earn prizes. Extend the fun with a weekend getaway at one of our comfortable hotels, many offering indoor pools and complimentary breakfasts. 

From all of us in Southwest Michigan, have a wonder and joy-filled holiday!

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