Where to get your Christmas tree this season on the North Fork
The season for pumpkins is in the past; Christmastime is here. Whether you’re after a 12-foot stunner or a Charlie Brown special, the North Fork has you covered. But let’s face it, regardless if you’ve traveled far or nearly in your own backyard, it’s often the “extras” that make all the difference in determining where to go for it. Here are our top picks for where to get your Christmas tree this season on the North Fork.
Cut your own at Zuhoski Farms
Sure, browsing a lot of pre-cut trees is a heck of a lot easier, but the added element of cutting down your own tree has its benefits. In addition to quite the workout (it’s tougher than you think!), cut-your-owns give you the best sense of what your tree will look like in your home since it hasn’t been wrapped and moved and then moved again. These trees are also always the freshest for obvious reasons and, therefore, tend to stay longer. On the North Fork, we love family-owned Zuhoski Farms at 11825 Oregon Road in Cutchogue, where kids can nosh on fresh popcorn and hot chocolate while you’re busy sawing. Then, warm up together fireside, or challenge each other to a field goal kick-off. Santa will be visiting in the gift barn on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Zuhoski’s is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and offers cut-your-own trees at $100 each, regardless of size. The farm also sells pre-cut trees, balled trees, natural decor, and holiday decorations.
Spend the day at Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm
Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm is the Splish Splash of the holiday season. This Cutchogue tree farm is the destination for all things fun and festive. From picking out your tree (with the option to cut your own) to an afternoon of s’mores, pony rides, bounce houses, ice skating, visits with Santa, personalized ornaments, and more, you can easily spend a whole day there with your kid crew. However, it’s important to note that while the indoor Christmas shop is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., the outdoor activities are only available on weekends. Visit Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm’s Instagram page for updates and the schedule for Santa visits. Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm is located at 30105 Main Road, Cutchogue.
Photo op heaven at Dart’s Christmas Tree Farm
What if we told you there was a magical color forest tucked deep in Southold, would you believe us? You should because Dart’s Christmas Tree Farm isn’t your ordinary tree farm. Home to the “Magic Color Forest,” this is the place to go if you (and your teens) are looking for the most unique photo op. Huge Fraser Firs in hues of purple, blue, magenta, white, teal, and red make a stroll through this forest one you won’t forget. While colorful trees are offered for cut-your-own, the farm also offers traditional Fraser Firs that have not been color-treated, in addition to balled trees and natural holiday decor. A visit by the chicken and bunny coop and a stop in the historical gift barn are also a must. Dart’s is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Natural decor galore at Andrews Family Farm
Andrews Family Farm in Wading River is the place to go if poinsettias are also on your list. In addition to New York State-grown trees and wreaths, Andrews stocks poinsettias in more than just the traditional reds and whites. The greenhouse wows in pinks, purples, and even blues! Let the kids pick their favorite to gift to friends and family. Open daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 pm., you can visit Andrews Family Farm at 1038 Sound Ave., Wading River.
With a side of local produce at Schmitt’s Farm Stand on Main
Schmitt's Farm Stand on Main in Laurel has it all: Christmas trees, wreaths, roping, and a side of local produce. Winter greens and roots, apples, horseradish, Brussels sprouts, and more, Schmitt’s Farm Stand is your one-stop shop when you need to get a tree but also need to get ingredients for tonight’s dinner. Why not let the kids pick both? Done and done! Schmitt’s Farm Stand on Main is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is located at 397 Laurel Lane in Laurel.