"We want everyone to have the experience they've always had, but this year, we need to do it safely," said Gene Knudsen, of Balsam Ridge Christmas Tree Farm in Clintondale. Knudsen is the president of the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York.
To achieve that, some farms will operate on a reservation-only system while others, like Knudsen, opened earlier than in years past to spread out the crowds over multiple weekends. Knudsen opened Nov. 21.
Mike Senkier, who runs Mike's Evergreen Forest Christmas Tree Farm in LaGrangeville, has been encouraging customers to call him early in order to go tag a tree – which they can cut down later – in an effort to curb crowding.
Senkier's farm officially opens Nov. 27.
Randy Evans, farm manager at Yorktown's Wilkens Farms, said for the first time ever, customers will be required to make reservations to cut down their tree at Wilkens. The system worked well for the fall apple picking season, Evans said, and knowing that fields will not be overcrowded does make customers feel more comfortable about coming.
What to know before you go?
Many farms have already sold out of trees so call before you go.
Masks and social distancing will be required; most related activities have been canceled, gift shops are closed or are operating with restricted capacity; some farms request you bring your own saw or wagon. No dogs will be allowed at member farms of the CTFANY, according to Knudsen. Those farms that are open on weekdays suggest you come then as opposed to crowded and limited weekends. Check websites before you go.
All say they have worked hard to provide a safe atmosphere that for many is a holiday tradition. "We are trying to bring some normalcy back," Knudsen said.
Evergreen Farm in Millbrook summed up the season on its website: "We know the pandemic has altered many parts of our lives, but we hope the Christmas tree farm experience and one of our beautiful Christmas trees in your home will provide a sense of normalcy and togetherness for your family."
Know a farm not listed here? Email Heather Clark, hclark@lohud.com
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm: 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights. You'll find ample Douglas and Fraser Firs at this family-owned farm, but what's different this year is reservations will be required to enter the fields, and due to COVID-restrictions, and no more tractor rides to and from the field, meaning you must be able to walk back and forth.
Go: There will be earlier start times this year, 8:30 a.m. on weekends, and 10 a.m. on weekdays. Choose-n-Cut Christmas trees start the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28. Pre-cut trees are available. Farm market is open with capacity limits; the winery is closed. For reservations, visit wilkensfarm.com or call 914-245-5111
Abel's Trees: 435 N. Clove Road, Verbank, 845-677-6395. The farm plans to open on Black Friday and stay open daily except Wednesdays until Dec. 20. Call ahead for an appointment on a weekday; no appointments needed for weekends. Customers should consider bringing their own hand saws since Abel's will be disinfecting theirs between uses which could cause you to wait for an available one.
Go: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, abelstrees.com
Battenfeld's Christmas Tree Farm: 856 Route 199, Red Hook. 845-758-8018. Opens Nov. 23. Closed Thanksgiving. Families have been coming to Battenfeld's since 1956. Masks and social distancing required, and no tailgating allowed this year. Family events have also been canceled.
Go: Open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m. christmastreefarm.us
Bilmar Nurseries: 26 Bilmar Blvd., Pleasant Valley, 845-554-4529. Since 1959, this family-owned farm has been offering Christmas cheer.
Go: Opening Nov. 21, 22, then reopening Nov. 27-Dec. 24, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. https://bilmarny.com/christmas
B.J.'s Christmas Tree Farm: 14 Evergreen Path, Pleasant Valley, 845-635-1587. This year, trees and wreaths will be sold, but the store will be closed; no hot cocoa or cider or family photos. Masks are required for customers and staff. In order to avoid a bottleneck for customers, cash or check only this year, no credit or debit cards. All trees are $55.
Go: Open Nov. 27, then Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. bjschristmastrees.com
Evergreen Farm: 407 N. Tower Hill Road, Millbrook. 845-677-3785.
Go: Opening day Nov. 27 and then two weekends only Nov. 28, 29 and Dec. 5, 6. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. christmastreefarm.biz
Fabulous Firs at VanScott Farms: 683 Van Wagner Road, Poughkeepsie. 845-635-3206. No Santa, hayrides or tailgating this season; customers are encouraged to bring their own saws.
Go:Open Nov. 21 thru mid-December. Weekdays noon-4 p.m., weekends 9 a.m.-4 p.m. vanscottfarms.com
Hahn Farm: 1697 Salt Point Turnpike, Salt Point. 845-266-3680. Tree season opens just after Thanksgiving. Check their site for exact date and times. Hahn will also do its annual Trees for Troops this year. hahnfarm.com
Mike Senkier's Evergreen Forest Christmas Tree Farm: 161 Walsh Road, LaGrangeville. 845-797-2128. Customers can call ahead to go over now and tag a tree which they can cut down once the farm opens the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Go: The farm is then open weekends, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. until Christmas.
Murphy Crest Tree Farm: 170 Depot Hill Road, Amenia. Open weekends from the day after Thanksgiving until they sell out of trees.
Go: 9 a.m. until dusk. 845-464-6931. https://www.facebook.com/Murphy-Crest-Christmas-Tree-Farm-246450092033477/
Plains View Farm: 21 Freedom Road, Pleasant Valley. 845-485-4277.
Go: Open for the season Nov. 27- 29 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and then Dec. 5-6. However, if inclement weather prevents the farm from opening on these days, they may extend hours to include Dec. 12,13. Follow them on Facebook for updates, https://www.facebook.com/Plains-View-Farm-431285850261216/
Primrose Hill Farm: 203 Fiddler's Bridge Road, Staatsburg. 845-889-4725; 717-519-7532.
Go: Open Nov. 27-Dec. 24. Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call for additional times. primrosehillfarm.com
Rawls Christmas Tree Farm: 47 Rawls Road, Pleasant Valley. 845-590-3337; 845-656-2520.
Go: Open for the season Nov. 21 and then open every day until Christmas, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. https://rawlschristmastrees.com/contact-us
Saltsman Christmas Tree Farm: 214 Route 308, Rhinebeck. 845-876-8801. Opens Nov. 27. Masks or face coverings are required at the farm. Gloves are also encouraged. Saws will be available for customers to borrow, and they will be sanitized between uses, but customers are encourage to bring sleds and wagons, and families must stay together. Closed Mondays. saltsmantreefarm.com
Solvang Farm: 80 Bedell Road, Poughkeepsie. 845-473-0224. Concession stand and Christmas Cabin is closed this year, masks and social distancing enforced, please bring your own saw; portable toilets available.
Go: Open for the season Nov. 27. Hours, thru Dec. 20: Wednesday, Thursday noon-4:30 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. solvangfarm.com
Wonderland Farm: 191 White Schoolhouse Road, Rhinebeck. 845-876-6760.
Go: Opening Nov. 21, 22 and then Fridays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-dusk; wonderlandfarm.com; www.facebook.com/Wonderland-Farm-113180112118746/
Balsam Ridge Christmas Tree Farm: 288 South St., Clintondale. 845-721-4195. Owner Gene Knudsen said his farm will open early this year, Nov. 21-22, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and then on Nov. 27-28, continuing weekends until they sell out. facebook.com/balsamridgechristmastreefarm
Bell's Christmas Trees: 647 Mettacahonts Road, Accord. 845-626-7849. Bell's has sold out of tree for this season. bellschristmastrees.com
Christmas Tree Lane: 9 Christmas Tree Dr., Wallkill. 845-895-3536.
Go: Open for the season Nov. 28. Hours: Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. christmastreelaneny.com
Emmerich Tree Farm: 101 Sleepy Valley Road, Warwick. 845-986-0151. Reservations are required. There will be no tractor rides this year and no food or beverages.
Go: Open for an extended season Nov. 21. Hours: Nov. 21-22 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Nov. 27-29 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 5-6 9 a.m.-4 p.m. emmerichtreefarm.com.
Farmside Acres: 280 Angola Road, Cornwall. 845-534-8362. Opens for the season Nov. 28. Dates: Nov. 29, Dec. 5, 6. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Will accept cash or check only. Due to the pandemic, complimentary cider and doughnuts will not be available and the shed will be closed to customers. facebook.com/FarmsideAcres.
Pine View Farm: 575 Jackson Ave., New Windsor. 845-564-4111.
Go: Open for the season Dec. 12 and 13 only. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Accepts only cash and checks. pineviewfarmny.com.