On a frosty and foggy Sunday morning, customers at Small’s Northwest Evergreens Christmas tree farm in Ferndale showed up early to find the perfect Douglas, grand, noble or Nordmann fir trees to cut down and bring home.
For some, visiting Small’s has long been a family tradition. Multiple generations are often in tow to help make the big decision.
Started in 1979 by Bliss and Felicia Small, this was the first year operations were taken over by daughter Cheyanne Charroin and son-in-law Matt Charroin — although Bliss was still on-site with a Santa-like beard, telling tales to kids and making merry.
In the gift shop, Cheyanne was doling out warm beverages and candy canes and selling wreaths and swag.
“What a blessing it is to be a part of someone’s family tradition,” Cheyanne said while getting her photo taken.
Although it can take six to eight years for trees to grow to a marketable height, the season for many Christmas tree farms is short. For example, after a busy three days of operations at Small’s — which started the day after Thanksgiving — their season will conclude from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6480 Northwest Drive. Info: 360-384-0438.
Read on for ways to find your perfect tree, and pay attention to the closing dates.
U-Cut Christmas tree farms
Alpine Meadows Christmas Tree Farm: This longtime farm in Deming has opened up 25-plus acres to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Saturday, Dec. 2. After that, they’ll be selling pre-cut and potted trees through Saturday, Dec. 16 (closed Sundays) at 3585 Valley Highway. Info: alpinemeadowstreefarm.com.
Big Lake Trees & Events: This family-owned U-cut Christmas tree farm and event venue on 20 wooded acres in south Skagit County will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday, Dec. 1–3. The farm offers sustainably grown trees scattered throughout three tree fields at 19121 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. Info: biglaketrees.com.
Fullner Tree Farm: Enjoy free hot drinks and candy canes at a rustic barn gift shop before or after cutting down your tree at this farm located just off the Mount Baker Highway from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2–3 at 3783 E. Hoff Road, Everson. Info: fullnerchristmastreefarm.com.
McLean Christmas Tree Farm: Ten acres of trees can be found at this Mount Vernon site. Wagons and saws will be provided, and farm animals (including donkeys) can be visited during operating hours from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 10 at 15621 Penn Road. Info: mclean-christmas-tree-farm.business.site.
Ol’ Man Miller’s Farm: After a busy three-day weekend, this Ferndale-based farm will open up for a final day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2570 Brown Road. Remaining tree sizes are from 5–8 feet. Info: Facebook.com/olmanmillersfarm.
Spring Frog Farm at the Holistic Homestead: Choose from short, tall, groomed and even a few wild and untamed trees at this Whatcom County locale, which also offers pre-cut trees through Christmas Eve at 5709 Putnam Road, Everson. Look for pink landscape ribbon to indicate trees that are of appropriate size and shape. Info: holistichomestead.net.
Head to the forest
To embark on a holiday adventure, stop at Crossroads Grocery, or the Mt. Baker Chamber of Commerce in Maple Falls, Whatcom County, or the NCI Park and Forest Information Center in Sedro-Woolley, Skagit County, to pick up a $10 permit to cut your Christmas tree in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Permits — which are also available online — are valid for use in the eastern portions of Whatcom, Skagit, Pierce, King and Snohomish counties.
Don’t cut on state or private land, in wilderness areas, tree plantations or any other posted areas — including within sight of campgrounds, picnic areas or trailheads (among other restrictions). Fifteen feet is the maximum size of trees that can be cut, and you must take the whole tree. Pro tip: Follow the rules! Info: recreation.gov/tree-permits.
Take it easy
If you’re not prepared to wield a saw and drag your 15-foot behemoth out of the forest, keep an eye out for local venues selling pre-cut trees, living trees, wreaths and/or other greenery.
In Bellingham proper, a handful of options include Goods Local Brews at 2620 Northwest Ave.; Youngstock Nursery at 2237 James St.; My Garden Nursery at 929 E. Bakerview Road; and Garden Spot Nursery at 900 Alabama St. The latter locale has been selling Christmas trees for decades, and are pros at helping people pick out the cream of the crop.
Wintry workshops
Wreath Decorating Make and Take: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Garden Spot. Designers will help you create a classic evergreen wreath with berries, forest trimmings and a festive bow. Fees are $60. Register at 360-676-5480.
Holiday Tea & Garland Workshop: 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Christianson’s Nursery in Mount Vernon. Anne Long will lead this event in the nursery’s vinery. Fees are $75 and include an assortment of teas and small bites from local vendors. If you can’t make this event, the nursery has its own wreath-making machines you can use to create your own through Christmas Eve. Register at 360-466-3821.
Holiday Wreath Workshop: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at Boundary Bay Brewery. Bellingham Flower Farm will be on-site to help create a 28-inch winter wreath. Fees are $80 and include a complimentary beer or wine and snacks. Register at bbaybrewery.com.
Living Christmas Trees: Your How-to Guide: 10 a.m Saturday, Dec. 16 at Garden Spot. Learn more about the classic and unique options for living trees and find out how to transition them inside and outside. The class is free. Register at 360-676-5480.
