Welcome to the Christmas tree Capitol of the World

In the wake of Hood Canal’s timber boom it was discovered that the glacial till left after the fjord was carved was ideal ground for growing Douglas fir Christmas trees. During the 1950s and 1960s, the area annually harvested several million, earning it the title as “Christmas Tree Capital of the World.”

Local u-cut and pre-cut farms around Hood Canal continue to “Keep it Real” by producing some of the finest Nobles, Grands, Frasers as well as Douglas Firs. Northwest growers claim that real trees help the environment and are recyclable and biodegradable while artificial trees will eventually end in a landfill.

Annually many families head to local farms to select their favorite and enjoy holiday activities like hayrides, petting zoos and visits with Santa. There’s hardly anything that’s more quintessentially Christmas than decorating a handpicked Pacific Northwest Christmas tree and gathering your family around a tree that you brought home together from Hood Canal.

ALWAYS call the farm or store BEFORE YOU GO to confirm their supply, their hours and whether they have trees, are allowing choose-and-cut or just precut trees; and which attractions or winter activities are available. All three can change, due to weather, demand and the farmer's business conditions! Since the season is so short they often don’t have websites, so please check before you go!

Make it a family tradition to cut your own or carefully select a pre-cut beauty from the Hood Canal area. Head into the forest to select your own or visit one of the farms we have included below.

2382 W. Deegan Rd. W., Shelton

U -Cut trees (or they cut if you need help) Open on a weekend to weekend basis due to limited trees. (360) 426-4936

4673 E State Route 302, Belfair

While you sip your hot beverage and warm up check out the wreaths and selection of handmade Christmas decor. (360) 275-3790

December 5-6 | Any tree $25. 3601 E Agate Rd., Shelton

Bring your face masks, saw and a donation for the food bank. Social distancing required. (360) 426-5593

1921 E State Route 106, Union

Family owned, seasonal crops, gift shop at main location as well as farm store and petting zoo! (360) 426-2222 Two locations: California Road off Highway 101 — follow signs - U-cut is open on the weekends. General Store — 1921 E Hwy 106, Union, WA Pre-cut and u-cut trees as well as gifts.

110 Mill Street, Shelton, WA

Hours of Operation Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pre-cut Douglas firs and nobles; live trees, lights, decorations. (360) 868-4352 |

Christmastown and tree farm events and hours are subject to change without notice so always check before you go. All guests & volunteers are required to follow COVID-19 CDC guidelines, if you are feeling ill, please visit another time. Questions about lodging, things to do, shopping, crafting kits to take home? Call the Christmastown concierge at (866) 922-7469 or visit christmastownwa.org

Dreaming of heading to the forest and cutting your own? It’s time to begin a new family tradition! Hood Canal trees are so fantastic that in 2006 a 45 year old Fraser fir was selected from the Olympic National Forest to be the Capitol Christmas Tree and the White House has selected no less than two trees from the area for the presidential families.

There are plenty to choose from and the selective picking allows other trees in the forest room for healthy growth. Permits for cutting Christmas trees in the Olympic National Forest are available in November — and fourth-graders can get them free. Visit fs.usda.gov/main/olympic/passes-permits/ forest products for more information.

www.recreation.gov/tree-permits

Purchase $5 Permit(s) in advance at Forest Offices in Quilcene, Olympia or Hoodsport or online at www.recreation.gov/tree-permits

Be sure to be on Forest Service land. Know before you go.

Trees may be cut along roads, from forest plantations and in the understory of older stands.

Cut trees only if there is a standing tree within 10 feet to avoid denuding areas.

Do not cut trees within 100 feet of campgrounds or trailheads.

Any evergreen are available for cutting except Western White Pine.

Tree Height: 15 feet maximum

Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree