Time to take out the tinsel and lights: those spruces and firs aren’t going to decorate themselves.
One of the largest Christmas tree farms in the NYC area, Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm, has plenty of greenery up for grabs, and you know you are dying to get your holiday decor on. (Hey, studies show that decorating early for Christmas makes us happier, so why not?)
Now that Thanksgiving is behind us and you’re already dreaming about December 25th, make like Rudolph and spend the day at one of the tristate area’s best seasonal attractions. (We recommend packing some hot chocolate for the road.)
What to do at Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm
Not only is the Manalapan, New Jersey, hotspot a great place to select a tree for the 2025 season — with 50 acres and 50,000 trees across five varieties, you’re in good hands — but it makes the perfect day trip for New Yorkers, especially if you don’t have the time to stay overnight at a nearby Christmas town this December.
In addition to perusing pre-cut trees and cut-your-own selections, you can enjoy photo ops on the grounds, a sneak peek at furry friends — which will surely be a hit with the kiddos — and a neighboring doughnut shop. (Yes, please! Fudge is on tap, and we can’t say no.)
The real draw, however, is the evening hayride, which takes you through the farm and dazzles with light displays and seasonal decor. Plus, a trip through The Village, as it’s properly known, is quite extensive: you can snag sweets from the hot cocoa stand or maple shack, marvel at the impressive ice castle, and set your intentions for 2026 at the wishing well, to name just a few options.
And, of course, no Christmas outing would be complete without a trip to the gift shop. Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm’s shop is the perfect place to venture after selecting your spruce: ornaments, toys, puzzles, tree toppers and more goodies await.
Are you ready to channel your inner Clark Griswold — sans disaster — and venture to the tree farm? We’ll see you there. Visit the Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm website for more info!
🎄 Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm
📍 114 Daum Road Manalapan, NJ
🗓️ Tree Fields: Nov 21st – TBD 9 AM – 4 PM, 7 Days a Week
🌲 Cut Your Own Fields Close at 4pm; Pre-cut fields will remain open until 8pm