Need a Christmas tree in Eastern Washington? Chop down your own for only $1
Looking for the perfect Christmas tree? There are several options in and within driving distance of Tri-Cities.
Here’s how you can find your ideal tree this Christmas.
Where can I buy a Christmas tree in Tri-Cities?
The premier Tri-Cities destination for pre-cut Christmas trees is the Angel Brook Farm Christmas Tree Jubilee at the Benton County Fairgrounds, 1500 South Oak St. in Kennewick.
The jubilee is open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 23.
The tree market features several tree varieties, including noble, Douglas and Fraser firs sourced from several small farmers across the Pacific Northwest, according to Angel Brook Farm.
There is a petting barn onsite, featuring Highland cows, miniature ponies, donkeys, pigs and more.
You can take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus for $30 on Thursday through Sunday.
You might also see The Grinch “sleuthing around” on Friday through Sunday, organizers said.
Other activities are offered in the Activity Barn for $10 per person, including a hayride, face painting and a bouncy house.
Where can I cut down a Christmas tree near Tri-Cities?
There are plenty of trees in Eastern Washington — but they aren’t all for the taking. You’re not legally allowed to chop down trees on city- or state-owned lands.
However, some land owned by the U.S. Forest Service can serve as the perfect tree-hunting ground.
You can chop down a tree for Christmas at national parks including Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Umatilla National Forest with a Christmas tree permit.
You’’ll first need to buy a Christmas tree permit via Recreation.gov.
Permits to cut down Christmas trees at Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Umatilla National Forest cost $5 apiece. There’s a $2.50 fee for permits purchased online.
In Washington state, fourth-grade students with an Every Kid Outdoors passes can get free Christmas tree permits when purchasing online. However, they’ll still need to pay a $2.50 reservation fee.
Where can I find $1 holiday trees?
For the holiday season, the federal Bureau of Land Management has temporarily reduced the cost of a federal lands permit to $1 per tree at applicable lands.
“American families deserve real relief and savings during the holidays, and at Interior, we are making certain that they can heat their homes while keeping their traditions alive,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in a Dec. 5 news release. “The ‘One Dollar, One Tree’ initiative is a powerful example of how our public lands can deliver lasting benefits for the American people, making this season brighter and more affordable for all.”
The initiative reduces fees for personal-use Christmas trees and opens new cutting areas in overstocked woodlands.
Holiday tree permits cost $1 through Jan. 31, 2026.
You can purchase a permit online or at your local Bureau of Land Management office.
The Wenatchee Field Office is the nearest to Tri-Cities, with holiday tree harvesting available in Yakima, Wenatchee and other nearby areas. You can find a full map of Christmas tree locations online.
The permit does not apply at all lands managed by the BLM. Double check local permissions before chopping down a tree.
Under the One Dollar, One Tree initiative, you can also collect a cord of firewood for $1.
Which trees can I harvest on public land?
Once you obtain a permit from the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management, you will also receive instructions on safe tree removal.
Be sure to follow the provided guidelines when chopping down your chosen tree.
The tree you choose must be at least 200 feet from any main road, recreation site and campground. You should also choose a tree that isn’t near any stream, river, lake or wet area.
The Forest Service recommends checking with the nearest ranger district to ensure proper distance. It’s best to pick a tree from an overstocked area.
Your tree’s trunk should be six inches or less in diameter. You should cut the tree no more than six inches above ground level. Do not cut a tall tree just to use the top of it.
Once you’ve chopped down your tree, immediately attach the tree tag provided with your permit. Use a rope and tarp to move the tree from its harvest area back to your vehicle.