A Christmas tree chopping tradition that grows with us

Few holiday traditions bring the magic of the season to life quite like cutting down your own Christmas tree.

 

From the crisp winter air to the fresh scent of pine, this simple, hands-on tradition is about so much more than finding the perfect tree—it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime.

 

Growing up, my family made this an annual adventure. Bundled in cozy layers, we’d head out to a local tree farm in the Philadelphia suburbs, saw in hand, ready to hunt for “the one.” It was a team effort—scouting potential winners while my parents debated size and shape. Once the tree toppled, we’d celebrate, snap a few pictures, and head home to decorate it together.

 

When I started my own family, I was determined to keep the tradition alive, even as we moved from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, and eventually Charleston. While tree farms were plentiful in the rolling hills of Kentucky, the Lowcountry proved trickier. But I wasn’t ready to give up. A little research—and a longer drive—ensured we could still enjoy this ritual. 

 

Here is where we went last year, which was totally worth the drive: 

 

Hollow Creek Farm, 228 Windmill Rd. Gilbert, SC. They feature nine varieties of real, aromatic, Christmas trees. The farm features a free hayride which takes you throughout the property showing where the different trees are, then they send you a saw and a yardstick and you are on your way. There is a gift shop/toy shed on site with games for the kids, and free coffee and hot cocoa for all. 

 

If you are looking for a real tree that is already cut, here are a few local spots.

 

Cardinal Tree Farm. Pre-cut Christmas trees, Christmas wreaths, wholesale and retail. Each year they bring trees from their tree farm in the mountains of western North Carolina to the Charleston and Mount Pleasant area.

 

Here are some locations to find Cardinal trees:

 

1100 Bowman Rd, Mount Pleasant; 3051 Ironclad Alley Mount Pleasant; 520 Folly Rd, Charleston; and 2245 Ashley Crossing Drive, Charleston; or call 336-846-2976.

 

Willie’s Roadside Market, 2434 North Hwy 17, Mount Pleasant. Trees, wreaths, poinsettias and more are available for purchase. 

 

Delancey Street Christmas Trees.  Located in front of Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island.