Escape to Central Vermont for a Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree

There is nothing more satisfying than cutting your own Christmas tree from a wild Vermont forest or a picturesque local Christmas tree farm. Here in the Green Mountains, we are blessed with the ideal growing conditions for two of the most fragrant and beautiful species of evergreen trees, the balsam and fraser fir. The two tree species have similar characteristics with a dense, dark green, pyramidal shape, but the balsam is a bit more fragrant, and the needles of the fraser fir tend to hang on longer after being cut. Thousands of Vermont acres are planted with these trees that are meticulously shaped by local farmers. Christmas trees are an important agricultural product across the state, and tree farms also help preserve open space and protect wildlife habitat.

Bring a little piece of Vermont home with you this year with a Christmas tree that you cut yourself. The Mountain Top Inn and Resort is situated in the heart of the Green Mountains, a winter wonderland like no other. We are an easy and beautiful drive from several Christmas tree farms where you can cut your own tree, or you can take to the woods and find a wild tree that’s meant for only you. Here are the best places to cut a Christmas tree in central Vermont.

Green Mountain National Forest

Strap on your skis or snowshoes and head out into the woods to find the perfect tree. Permits for cutting wild-grown trees out of the National Forest can be obtained for just $5 from the Supervisor’s Office at 231 North Main Street in Rutland. There’s a limit of one tree per family and it must be under 20 feet tall. While not perfectly pruned, these trees possess an abundance of charm and the chance for a grand adventure in the process.

Paxton’s Greens – Cuttingsville, VT

Located 20 miles south of our inn, Paxton’s Greens is a family-owned tree farm that grows fraser and balsam firs, as well as white pines for cutting. Sip hot, mulled cider and warm up by the woodstove before heading out to pick and cut your tree. The shop at Paxton’s Greens also sells wreaths, tree-stands, and gifts.

Wilcox Tree Farm – Leicester, VT (802) 247-6421

Choose and cut a majestic fraser or balsam fir at this local farm, just 15 miles north of our inn. The Wilcox family also sells handmade wreaths and boughs for decking the halls thoroughly.

Now is the perfect time to get away from the hustle and bustle that comes just before Christmas. Immerse yourself in the luxury of one of our unique rooms or cabins, and leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to celebrate the holiday season with a beautiful Vermont Christmas tree.