Time to spruce things up: Where to choose your own Christmas tree in Texas

Nothing quite compares to the smell of a fresh Christmas tree during the holidays. That cozy pine scent more than makes up for the inevitable floor full of needles—or the annoying task of keeping your pet out of the tree’s water.

Sure, fake trees might be more convenient. But these Texas tree farms make the real-thing experience easy: pick your tree, cut it, shake it, strap it to the top of your car, and drive off to the tune of “Jingle Bells.”

Check out some of the best pick-and-cut farms across the state. Before you hit the road, make sure to double check the farm’s website for their hours of operation and tree availability. Please note that most of these farms are on the outskirts of these major cities—it’s pretty hard to find a home-grown tree in the middle of a metropolis.

Austin

• Elgin Christmas Tree Farm
  • 120 Natures Way, Elgin
  • $59-$199
• Lee County Christmas Trees
  • 4067 County Road 114, Lincoln
  • $20-$25 a foot
• Evergreen Farms Christmas Trees
  • 242 Monkey Road, Elgin
  • Pre-cut only; $59-$177

San Antonio

• Pipe Creek Christmas Tree Farm
  • 805 Phil’s Road, Pipe Creek
  • About $15 per foot
• Devine Acres Farm
  • 944 FM 2200, Devine
  • Must purchase $19.61 Country Christmas Fest ticket to cut trees but up to $50 of admission fee will go towards the cost of the tree

Houston

• Old Time Christmas Tree Farm
  • 7632 Spring Cypress Road, Spring
  • $85-$379
• Holiday Acres Christmas Tree Farm
  • 8919 Mustang Bayou Road, Manvel
  • $64-$199
• Dewberry Farm
  • 7705 FM 362, Brookshire
  • $80-$712
• Double Creek Farm
  • 1288 Oakdale Loop, Livingston
  • $50-$168

Dallas-Fort Worth

• Elves Christmas Tree Farm
  • 601 Harvey Lane, Denison
  • Only pre-cuts available
• KaJiN Christmas Tree Farm
  • 3221 County Road 2508, Caddo Mills
  • Only pre-cuts available
• Kadee Christmas Tree Farm
  • 5054 US-69, Greenville
  • Pre-cut only, $120+
• North Pole Farms
  • 5333 Forest Ln, Dallas
  • Pre-cut only, $140-$200