'Tis the season to spruce up your holiday! Don’t get pinned down by the wrong tree — make sure your Christmas is tree-mendously merry by finding the perfect fir, pine, or spruce at one of these Greater Des Moines tree farms. Act fast or you might end up with a Charlie Brown Christmas situation instead of a picture-perfect centerpiece for all your holiday cheer!
Howell’s Tree Farm
Howell’s Tree Farm has been growing holiday memories since 1963, and their 50-acre spread in Cumming is packed with more than 2,500 evergreens ready to become someone’s perfect Christmas tree. Families are encouraged to head into the fields and cut their own tree, making the whole experience feel like a true holiday tradition. Along with trees, you’ll find handmade wreaths, garlands, and a full gift shop stocked with festive décor. Howell’s also offers wreath decorating and Christmas centerpiece classes, perfect for adding a little extra sparkle to your home. They’re open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., making it easy to find time for a little holiday cheer.
Address: 3129 Howell Court, Cumming
Opening Day: November 22
Head east to Runnells and you’ll find Miller Tree Farm, a family favorite that’s been growing Christmas trees since 1954. With three fields of evergreens, you can wander among rows of White Pine, Scotch Pine, Norway Spruce, and Fraser Fir until you spot just the right one. After you cut your tree, the crew handles the rest by shaking out loose needles, then baling and securing it for an easy trip home. Make time for a stroll on their Jack Pine Trails too, where you can take in the scenery and, on weekends, warm up by the campfire with marshmallows to roast.
Address: 7404 SE Vandalia Drive, Runnells
Opening Day: November 22
Deal’s Orchard
The trees at Deal’s Orchard in Jefferson may be the stars, but the whole place feels like a holiday field trip waiting to happen. After you’ve picked your perfect pine or fir, wander over to the Apple Barn for ornaments, décor, gifts, and a cup of their Hot Cider with Cinnamon Sticks. Snap a photo of the kids in Santa’s sleigh before you go, then grab a pack of Deal’s Hard Cider for later once the house is quiet and the tree lights are glowing.
Address: 1102 244th St, Jefferson
Opening Day: November 15
Hill’s Tree Farm
Hill’s Tree Farm in Minburn gives you the kind of choose-your-own-holiday-adventure you wish every December errand felt like. They grow nine different varieties, from soft-needled White Pines to classic Douglas Firs, so you can match the tree to the personality of the family that will inevitably argue over the lights. Swing through the Tree Shed for wreaths, centerpieces, and other trimmings, then warm up by the fire pit and roast a marshmallow or two for the drive home.
Address: 19885 Midland Trail, Minburn
Opening Day: November 28
Walnut Ridge Christmas Tree Farm
Walnut Ridge feels like the kind of Christmas tree farm a Hallmark writer dreams up after one too many peppermint mochas. Rows of more than 40,000 trees stretch out in every direction, each one patiently growing for 8 to 12 years so it can finally come home with you and star in your holiday season. Wander through the evergreens, pick your leading tree, then load up on wreaths, greenery, and all the trimmings. And since even the most heartwarming movie montage needs a refueling scene, swing by Pete’s Pizza in Indianola afterward. You earned it.
Address: 1400 Hilcrest Drive, Indianola
Opening Day: November 28
Strautman’s Christmas Tree Farm
Get ready for a holiday adventure at Strautman’s Christmas Tree Farm in Cambridge, where 90 acres of evergreens set the stage for family fun. Pick your perfect tree (cut your own or grab a precut) and then explore all the extras that make Strautman’s a full-day destination. Say hello to the goats, grab a sweet treat from Huey’s Mini Donuts, navigate the custom-made pallet maze, or take a shot at their basketball wagon. With so much to see and do, you’ll leave with a tree, a belly full of treats, and memories that are picture-perfect for your holiday card.
Address: 58976 290th Street, Cambridge
Opening Day: November 22
The Christmas Tree Farm
Get a jump on the holiday magic at The Christmas Tree Farm in Maxwell, where you can tag your tree before it’s gone! Wander the farm with the family, find the perfect pine (or fir, or spruce), and let them handle the saw, sled, and needle-shaking, so you can focus on making memories. Catch Santa on select weekends for photos and high-fives, and leave with a tree that’s as merry and bright as the season itself.
Address: 33459 663rd Street, Maxwell
Opening Day: November 28
