Few things kindle holiday spirit like the scent of a fresh Christmas tree. Every year, millions of families set out on their own quest for the perfect evergreen, a tradition that unites households across the country. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 14.5 million Christmas trees are harvested nationwide each season. That’s a lot of holiday cheer!
So where do most of those trees come from? Buckle up, because we’re taking a festive road trip through the ten states that grow the most Christmas trees, with plenty of holiday stops along the way.
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10. Minnesota
Minnesota harvests more than 150,000 Christmas trees each year. The Gopher State offers plenty of variety, with favorites like Colorado spruce and Norway pine among the most popular picks.
After strapping our tree to the roof, we’ll cap the journey with some holiday shopping at the Mall of America, a seasonal stop as iconic as the evergreens themselves.
9. Ohio
Ohioans cut nearly 200,000 Christmas trees to celebrate the season. Fir, pine, and spruce thrive across the state, but the Scotch pine remains the top choice.
In the northeast corner, where many of these trees are grown, our road trip takes a musical turn. Inspired by “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” we’ll make a must‑see stop at the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
8. New York
New Yorkers cut more than 300,000 Christmas trees each year. The Scotch pine and Douglas fir are among the most popular choices in the Empire State.
With our tree in tow, we’ll head to the Finger Lakes, where vineyard and lake views set the scene for a holiday toast. The region offers plenty of waterfalls, too, adding a touch of natural wonder to the season.
7. Virginia
Virginians harvest more than 575,000 Christmas trees each year. While Virginia pines grow locally, they thrive best in the Deep South. The white pine is the state’s most common holiday variety.
As we head south into Old Dominion, our road trip takes us to Shenandoah National Park. With sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s the perfect place to pause, breathe in the crisp air, and savor the season surrounded by evergreens.
6. Wisconsin
Wisconsinites harvest more than 600,000 Christmas trees each year. Popular varieties include balsam fir, Fraser fir, spruce, Eastern white pine, and Scotch pine.
With our roof stacked full of evergreens, we’ll take time to explore the natural beauty of Door County. From island hopping and lighthouse climbs to stargazing under clear winter skies, the region offers plenty of holiday magic. Sparkling views of Lake Michigan and Green Bay give us the energy to continue our journey.
5. Pennsylvania
Keystone State residents cut over 700,000 trees. Popular varieties include Colorado spruce and Douglas, Fraser, and balsam firs.
Our road trip through Pennsylvania takes us into American history in Philadelphia, with stops at the Liberty Bell, the United States Mint, the Edgar Allan Poe House, and LOVE Park.
4. Washington
Nicknamed The Evergreen State, Washington ranks fourth in Christmas tree production, with more than 900,000 trees harvested each year. Popular varieties include Douglas, Noble, Grand, Fraser, and Nordmann firs.
The journey west is long, but worth it. Olympic National Park offers lush rainforests and rugged coastlines that feel like a holiday postcard. From there, Seattle’s enchanting Christmas market provides the perfect dose of seasonal cheer.
3. Michigan
Michiganders harvest about 1.8 million Christmas trees each year. Popular varieties include Fraser fir, Scotch pine, Douglas fir, blue spruce, and Black Hills spruce.
With our car piled high with evergreens, we’ll pause to enjoy one of Michigan’s natural treasures: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Towering sandstone cliffs, hidden caves, and sandy beaches along Lake Superior’s coastline make this stop as breathtaking as it is festive.
2. North Carolina
Tar Heel State residents harvest about 3.2 million Christmas trees each year. While several varieties thrive here, the Fraser fir is by far the most common.
North Carolina offers beaches, mountains, and vibrant cities, but for our holiday road trip, we will head to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A cozy log cabin makes the perfect base between hikes, where jaw‑dropping views of forested peaks set the scene for a true mountain getaway. With nine Christmas trees now strapped to the car, the journey is slowing down, but the holiday spirit is stronger than ever.
1. Oregon
Oregonians harvest nearly 5 million Christmas trees each year, many of which are shipped across the country for others to enjoy. The most popular varieties include Douglas, Noble, Grand, and Nordmann firs.
With ten trees now strapped to the car, our bumper is nearly scraping the road as we roll into Oregon. Before the journey ends, we’ll explore Waterfall Alley along the Columbia River Gorge, where breathtaking cascades make the perfect finale to our holiday adventure.
Enjoy Your Christmas Tree
Christmas trees are a timeless symbol of the season. Whether you cut one yourself, purchase a live tree from a store, or bring out a favorite artificial tree, I hope you enjoy the decorating process and savor the moments spent around it this year. If your tree is fresh from a store, chances are it came from one of these top Christmas tree‑producing states.
After our long holiday road trip, it’s time to tidy up the car, but I’m grateful for the journey and for seeing how many regions contribute to this beloved tradition.
A heartfelt thank‑you goes to the Christmas tree farms and their dedicated staff, whose hard work brings joy to families across the country. Wishing you a season filled with light, laughter, and holiday cheer.
Featured image credit: pikselstock via Deposit Photos
