Holiday Magic at Maine Christmas Tree Farms
The snow-covered gravel road climbs sharply up the lower slopes of Cowen Hill, away from the well-plowed sweep of Route 27 and into the quiet wonder of winter in Maine. It’s the first snow of the season—just a few inches—but enough to turn November’s muted palette into a glittering snow globe. Two-thirds of the way up, a weathered sign leans determinedly against the wind: Walter & Joanne Gooley, Certified Tree Farm, 50 Years.
Walter Gooley stands outside a canvas-walled yurt—the winter heartbeat of Gooley’s Conifers Unlimited Christmas Tree Farm in Farmington. Tall and unfazed by the cold in a black Carhartt hoodie, corduroy pants and a blue-checked bomber hat, he flashes a quick grin. “I’m used to having my photo taken—years as a politician will do that.”
A former state forester and longtime legislator, Gooley has lived a life shaped by Maine’s woods and the people who depend on them. “You meet a lot of people in state politics. Make a lot of friends, and a few…” he chuckles, “Well, a few are less of friends.”
Even in his political years, Gooley was using his forestry know-how to fine-tune the family’s tree farm, which started in 1966. “We started growing white pines, blue spruces and, of course, balsam firs,” he says. Today, only the soft, fragrant balsams remain—the clear favorite. Medium-sized for a Maine farm, the Gooleys sell about a thousand trees each year, almost all between Thanksgiving and Christmas. With trees harvested at 7 or 8 years old (and natural losses along the way) patience is part of the work.
So is resilience. Heavy rains and flooding once triggered fungal rot that wiped out thousands of trees. Now in his nineties, Gooley hires help for the toughest projects, but you can still find him trimming branches with a long, serrated tree knife, moving with practiced, almost elegant strength.
Pride of the Pine Tree State
Maine earns its “Pine Tree State” nickname honestly. The state’s sweeping forests—half transitional hardwoods, half boreal spruce-fir—cover nearly 90% of the landscape. Towering pines may steal the postcard spotlight, but spruce and fir dominate much of the North Woods, creating the perfect conditions for Christmas-tree farming. Today, Maine is among the nation’s top producers, cutting roughly 100,000 trees each year.
The modern American Christmas tree tradition took hold in the mid-1800s, and by the early 20th century, New England—especially Maine—was supplying cities up and down the East Coast. Colorful figures like Maine’s “Christmas-tree king” H.R. Chapman helped spark demand and inspire the rise of sustainable, purpose-grown plantations. That legacy lives on in hundreds of small, family-run farms across the state.
Of Maine’s roughly 370 tree farms, only a handful operate at massive, wholesale scale. Most—like the Gooleys—are rooted in family land, long-standing tradition, and a “cut-your-own” ethos. “We’re right off the road to Sugarloaf Mountain,” Gooley says, noting that many visiting families will finish their day of skiing in Maine, buy a Christmas tree and drive it back to their home in neighboring states. Visitors can warm up in the yurt with hot chocolate and mulled cider, and kids race through the rows searching for hidden pickle ornaments (ten of them tucked into trees across the farm) for a chocolate reward. “I think kids are more excited about finding the pickles than choosing a Christmas tree,” he laughs.
The Gooleys also run a small tree stand in downtown Farmington. “Five dollars and up!” Gooley nods. He gestures toward a perfectly symmetrical six-footer. “That one… maybe forty five, fifty bucks.” Then he points to a lanky, overlooked fir nearby. “This one might be 15 dollars. We’d shape it up a bit and it’ll find a home.”
Where to Get Your Christmas Tree in Maine
From the salt-tinged breezes of the southern coast to the deep forests of Aroostook County, Maine’s Christmas-tree farms reflect a heritage forged by nature and carried by generations. These standout farms offer more than trees—they offer warm barns, wreath-making, scenic ridgelines and the kind of holiday moments you can only find in Maine.
Maine Beaches
Since 1804, this historic Kennebunk farm and garden center has welcomed visitors with fragrant balsam wreaths and centerpieces, Christmas trees and a bakery with fresh pies and treats.
Greater Portland & Casco Bay
A beloved family-run farm minutes from Portland, this Cape Elizabeth spot is known for its beautifully groomed balsam and Fraser firs, handmade wreaths and festive weekend wagon rides.
One of Maine’s longest-running multi-location farms, stop at Freeport and beyond for easy-access to cut-your-own trees and plentiful holiday décor.
Maine’s Lakes & Mountains Region
At this Raymond spot, peruse choose-and-cut firs, maple products, crafts and a cozy gift shop, particularly magical after a fresh snowfall.
In Farmington, take part in a decades-long family tradition with classic balsam firs, a warming yurt and honesty box. Stop by on your way home from Sugarloaf.
The Kennebec Valley
A 30-acre choose-and-cut farm and full garden center in Norridgewock, enjoy rolling fields and beloved wreaths and kissing balls.
A small, welcoming cut-your-own farm in the town of South China, choose from pre-cut options and enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies.
The Maine Highlands
One of Maine’s most iconic Christmas-tree destinations, this Newburgh spot features 185 acres of hills, a warm barn shop, donuts and cider, handmade wreaths and horse-drawn rides.
Also in Newburgh, this choose-and-cut farm also touts woolen goods, handmade gifts, maple syrup products, friendly farm animals and storybook charm.
Aroostook County
In Presque Isle, take in Aroostook County “fir country” at its finest, with wholesale and retail options, surrounded by some of Maine’s strongest natural stands.
Large fields, consistently shaped trees and wide-open northern vistas that glow after a fresh early-season snow makes this stop in Hodgdon (plus additional locations) a worthy trip.
This adventure was written and photographed by Maine the Way.