What’s that in the air? It’s the scent of fresh pine and happy anticipation that can only mean one thing: It’s time to get that Christmas tree.
Here are 12 places on the North Fork where you can buy a fresh, pine-scented Douglas fir and other varieties. There are farms where you can cut your own tree (with the aid of some elves, if desired), garden centers with pretty holiday wreaths and farm stands where you can pick up some holiday treats to go or sip cocoa by a fire pit.
At several of these spots, you’ll also find activities to entertain the kids and maybe even a glimpse of Santa. Consider buying your tree on a weekday to avoid and prevent crowds.
Chick’s Southold Agway
1705 Young’s Ave.
Southold, NY 11971
631-765-3432
What you can buy: Pre-cut trees, wreaths, grave blankets, ornaments, decorations, poinsettias, Christmas cactus.
What makes it special: This garden and pet supply store has been offering pet photos with Santa for more than two decades. Stop in on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to get a free photo of your fur baby with the big guy.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday , 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Mondays.
Dart’s Christmas Tree Farm
2355 Main Bayview Road
Southold, NY 11971
631-765-4148
What you can buy: Cut your own or pre-cut Fraser fir trees, wreaths, holiday ornaments.
What makes it special: Dart’s Magic Color Forest features rows of trees painted in a unicorn palate of pink, purple and blue, making this a fun place for photo ops. There are also free hayrides and a scavenger hunt with prizes for kids who can find all the resident garden gnomes and bunnies as you explore. Christmas decor is sold out of an 18th century barn.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fink’s Country Farm
6242 Middle Country Road
Wading River, NY 11792
631-886-2272
What you can buy: Pre-cut Douglas, Fraser, Concolor and Noble Fir trees, wreaths and roping, grave blankets, local produce, baked good, candles, decorations.
What makes it special: The Winter Barnyard makes for a festive setting with holiday music, a warm fire and hot cider. On weekends, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be appearing from 11:30 – 3:30 p.m., and there will be a special tree lighting on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.
Hours: Barnyard open daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Dec 23. Tree lot opens daily at 9 a.m.; call for closing hours.
Lewin’s Christmas Tree Farm
812 Sound Ave.
Wading River, NY 11792
631-929-4327
What you can buy: Cut your own and pre-cut trees, live balled trees, wreaths, ornaments, decorations
What makes it special: Lewin’s has a vast field of Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce trees ranging in size from a mere 1 foot tall to well over 15 feet. The “live” balled trees can be replanted, making your purchase a more sustainable one.
Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except Tuesday, weather permitting. Arrive by 3 p.m. to cut your own tree before skies darken.
Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm
30105 Main Road
Cutchogue, NY 11935
631-735-9242
What you can buy: Cut your own and pre-cut Douglas Firs, wreaths, ornaments, decorations, tree skirts, candles, stocking stuffers, holiday lighting installation services.
What makes it special: Santa’s has a lot to make your family happy: An ice skating rink including shoe rentals, a petting farm, bouncy houses and free socially distanced photos with Santa in the farm’s vintage red truck. Roast marshmallows by a fire pit to gather your energy before exploring the vast Christmas shop.
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Schmitt’s Farmstand on Sound
3355 Sound Avenue
Riverhead, NY 11901
631-983-6565
What you can buy: Pre-cut Fraser and balsam trees, wreaths and roping, horseradish, pickled beets, jams, sauces and pies.
What makes it special: The first-rate farm stand finds are worth a stop: If you like a killer Bloody Mary as you trim the tree, you can pick up a bottle of Holy Schmitt’s fiery mix, along with seven flavors of jarred horseradish including bbq, beet, cranberry and cocktail sauce.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shade Trees Nursery
1875 Main Road
Jamesport, NY 11947
631-722-4041
What you can buy: Pre-cut trees , wreaths and roping, grave blankets, decorations, gifts.
What makes it special: Enjoy some donuts and hot chocolate by the roaring fire pit, then shop their charming line of locally made gifts from North Breeze Farms. You’ll find everything from IPA beer jam and habanero hot sauce to infused honey, soap and lip balm — all made with products grown on the farm.
Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm
20685 Main Road
Mattituck, NY 11952
631-298-4619
What you can buy: Cut your own Douglas Fir trees, pre-cut Fraser Fir trees, potted spruce trees, balled trees, wreaths, grave memorials, ornaments, decorations.
What makes it special: For kids, there’s a train ride around the property, a mailbox to drop letters to Santa and plenty of snacks. Adults can enjoy Christmas carols performed live, local oysters and wine tastings with Pellegrini Vineyards and Saltbird Cellars on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Verderber’s Landscape Nursery & Garden Center
459 Main Road
Aquebogue, NY 11931
631-722-4388
What you can buy: Pre-cut trees, wreaths, roping, grave blankets, poinsettias, centerpieces, ornaments, pottery.
What makes it special: Verderber’s produces an especially wide variety of wreaths and pre-decorated table top trees straight from its greenhouse. The vast garden center, festively lit for the holidays, is a lovely spot to wander and get garden inspiration from the gazebos, statuary, and other displays.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Zuhoski Farms
11825 Oregon Road
Cutchogue, NY 11935
631-734-5036
What you can buy: Cut your own and pre-cut Douglas and Fraser Fir trees, wreaths, ornaments, decorations.
What makes it special: Share some free popcorn and hot cocoa around the fire pit or in the picnic area, hop on a hayride and then enjoy an easy, low-key cut-your-own experience at this farm on scenic Oregon Road. The farm also operates a satellite location on the corner of County Road 48 and Bridge Lane in Cutchogue that will be open 7 days a week selling pre-cut trees and live balled trees that you can take home to plant.
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. to dark.
