The Christmas season is here, and there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by picking out a freshly cut tree at a real Christmas tree farm, especially when you can have your reindog by your side. Bring Fido along to one of these favorites.
Barking Up the Fir Tree - Christmas Tree Farms That Allow Dogs
Posted by Jessica Roberts
The Rocks Estate
The Rocks Estate is a scenic destination at any time of year, but in the winter months, The Rocks Christmas Tree Farm becomes a magical wonderland. Two- and four-legged visitors will enjoy strolling the mile-long Christmas Tree Trail, which winds through the grounds and includes 15 numbered placards along the way, each detailing the history of the estate. The trail takes you past artfully crafted stone walls and panoramic views of the White Mountains, but the real attractions in November and December are the rows upon rows of pristine (and often snow-capped) Christmas trees. Once Fido has selected his favorite, hop aboard the two-horse open sleigh and jingle all the way back to the Market Place for a warm snack or meal.
The Rocks Estate’s Christmas Memory Package includes a stay at a nearby hotel or inn, a horse-drawn wagon ride through the historic property, a decorated 12-inch wreath and a Christmas tree. Participating properties include the pet-friendly Adair Country Inn & Restaurant and Woodstock Inn.
Romance Christmas Tree Farm
Christmas is a time when love actually is all around. Where better to set your best friend’s holiday rom-com than the hopefully snow-covered Romance Christmas Tree Farm in Conway, AR? This small farm welcomes you and your family to wander the rows of evergreens to find the tree to gather around on Christmas morning and watch Fido open his new toys. There’s something for all tastes available, including Leylands and Fraser Firs, Black Hills Spruce, and Scotch Pines. Don’t forget to check out the Cow Train that ferries visitors around the field.
Romance Christmas Tree Farm is remote, which adds to its magical untouched vibe. Head east to Searcy for a comfortable stay at the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Searcy.
Werner Tree Farm
What more could you wish for from a tree farm than beautiful, fresh Christmas Tannenbaums? How about wood-fired Vermont maple syrup to drizzle on your morning pancakes and bake into doggie treats? Werner Tree Farm is a family-run operation that allows you to choose and cut your own tree or pick from a selection of fresh pre-cut trees. The farm also sells old-fashioned maple syrup, wood-fired and hand-bottled in the sugar house. You can find this sweet indulgence in the farm's Christmas shop, along with Annie Werner, the Official Shop Dog, and decorations like live wreaths, garlands and kissing balls.
After your day at the farm, snuggle up with your pup next to the fireplace in the cozy Swift House Inn.
Hensler Nursery
For nearly 70 years, Christmas Fest at Hensler Nursery has invited visitors to join in holiday revelries and find the perfect tree. Santa Claus is in the building every Saturday and Sunday in the days leading up to Christmas for the “pawfect” holiday card picture of your pooch. In addition to strolling the property and selecting a fresh Fraser Fir, Scotch Pine, or White Pine with your canine, you can get freshly made live holiday greenery and treats like kettle corn, locally roasted coffee and Santa’s favorite sugar cookies in the barn-turned-Christmas shop. Before you leave, pick out a special ornament for your pup to commemorate the day.
After you and your pup get your photo with Kris Kringle explore the village, find your tree and warm up with apple cider for humans and hot dog treats for canines. Put on your kerchief and Fido’s nightcap, and count sugarplums at this pet-friendly cottage on Pine Lake.
Country Cove Christmas Tree Farm
If a trip to Tennessee is on Fido’s wishlist for Santa Paws, head out to the 35-acre Country Cove Christmas Tree Farm. Cut your own White Pine or Leyland Cypress and enjoy the festive wagon ride back (bring your own snuggly blankets), walk the rows of trees with your dog, and be sure to snap lots of adorable photos. Then, get cozy around the fire pit together with complimentary hot chocolate and cider for the humans.
If you’re extending your time in Middle Tennessee, stop by Party Fowl (https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/68054) for some hot chicken. If it’s too cold to eat on the patio, take your food to go and head back to your pet-friendly room at the Hampton Inn Murfreesboro.
Peterson Trees
Family is the centerpiece of the Christmas holiday, and family-run Peterson Christmas Trees knows that includes canine companions. Pets large and small are welcome to join you on the hunt for the perfect tree at this farm in Elk Ridge. Choose among three types of native Utah Christmas trees: White Fir, Black Balsam, and Pinion Pine, with sizes ranging from mini tabletop to 20-footers. Explore the tree-filled property with your pup before gathering around an outdoor fire to warm your hands, paws and tails and share in some holiday cheer.
While you're in the area, make a special trip to nearby Sundance Mountain Resort, a year-round mountain community founded by Robert Redford. You and Fido will have plenty to see and do on the sprawling, 6,000-acre property at the base of Mount Timpanogos.
Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, the North Carolina Fraser Fir has been judged the nation's best and has been chosen as the official White House Christmas tree 13 times (more than any other species). So, if you live anywhere near the Tar Heel State, it’s well worth your time to make a trip to pet-friendly Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm. Fulfill Fido’s dream of being a Lumberjack Russell Terrier and saw the tree yourself, or the staff elves will cut it, bale it and tie it to your vehicle for you.
After prancing through the fields of fir, you can rest your weary paws at the picture of southern hospitality, the Grandview Lodge, and re-energize with a fresh farm-to-table breakfast in the morning.
Helemano Farms
“Mele Kalikimaka” is the thing to say on a bright, Hawaiian Christmas Day. You don’t have to skip the Christmas tree when you escape the winter blues to celebrate the holiday in the Hawaiian islands. Just stop by Helemano Farms on Oahu Island with your little furry meli (that’s "honey" to us main-landers) and pick up a local Leyland Cypress, Norfolk Pine, Murray Cypress or Carolina Cypress.
Bring your tree and your pooch back to your holiday home away from home, the Hale Wa'a, House of the Canoe vacation rental in Honolulu, where you can wait for Santa to ride in on his red outrigger canoe pulled by dolphins.
Gallagher's Pumpkins and Christmas Trees
If you missed out on picking pumpkins with your pooch, Gallagher's Pumpkins and Christmas Trees has you covered during winter festivities, too. Owned and operated by the Gallagher family for over 30 years, the farm is a must-visit Christmas destination in St. Pete. The Yuletide design is so on point that canine photographers planning Fido’s next IG hit will need to reserve a visit to the photography section. In addition to trees of all shapes and sizes, you’ll find handmade wreaths and poinsettias, too. For something a little different, they also carry Christmas cacti and ferns.
Even winter in Florida can be chilly. Warm up around the outdoor fire pit or in the hot tub at this craftsman-style house with all the comforts of home.
Grandma Buddies Christmas Tree Farm
Grandma Buddies Christmas Tree Farm was first planted in 1982. Select Fido’s favorite fir from the farm’s fields or grab a pre-cut one, which is given a fresh trim after it comes off the truck. Once you’ve chosen a tree that’s far too big for your living room, head into Grandma Buddies Barn and peruse festive items like LED gingerbread houses, ornaments, and hot chocolate, and watch the train trundle around the miniature Christmas Village.
Retire for the night to this eco-luxury farmhouse with a pool and sauna to warm you up on winter nights. Your pooch can lounge on the dog bed provided next to the fireplace and dream of trees, trees and more trees.
Pinestead Tree Farms
Bring Fido along to help you pick from six different species of evergreens at Pinestead Tree Farms in Cambridge. Venture out to the Choose and Cut Fields to select the tree that suits your style, or swing by the pre-cut lot if you’re short on time. Once you’ve made your pick, stop by the campfire to warm up and roast a hot dog. If you visit on a weekend you can stop at the food truck which serves up warm beverages and delicious treats like cheese curds and mini doughnuts. During Thanksgiving weekend and the first weekend in December, you’ll likely spot a couple of familiar faces at the farm. Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop by for photos and your good boy can tell St. Nick what’s on his wish list this year. Before you leave visit the gift shop for additional Christmas goodies and check out the model trains that surround the interior.
Gather around the fireplace and watch the snow fall through the large picture windows at this relaxing getaway on nearby Florence Lake.
Where are you taking your dog to get the Christmas tree this year? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!
Banner photo by Werner Tree Farm.