SC has among the best Christmas tree farms, Southern Living says. How to find it, 5 more great ones

Unless you’re one of those people who goes full in on Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, then you’re likely on the verge of placing a Christmas tree in your home.

Many people have shifted to using artificial trees over the years, but there are those who still prefer a traditional live tree. And unless you planted one in your back yard last year, that means a visit to a Christmas tree farm.

Southern Living, a national lifestyle magazine, has picked its 22 favorite Christmas tree farms from across the South this year.

For South Carolina, the Lebanon Christmas Tree Farm made the list.

Located at 235 Needle Ln. in Ridgeville, the tree farm got its start in 1985. When visiting with your family, a special train ride will take you around the property. The farm also offers extra activities, such as scavenger hunts, hay rides, decorating edible Christmas tree cones, painting ornaments and writing letters to Santa.

“Plus, an on-site photographer is available for families who want to capture the magical memories on film,” Southern Living states.

While Lebanon is a favorite of Southern Living, it’s hardly the only Christmas tree farm in South Carolina.

Here’s a list of five of the best-rated Christmas tree farms in the state, according to Google reviews.

Price’s Christmas Tree Farm

Location: 228 Maple Road, Lexington

Price’s Christmas Tree Farm grows Leyland cypress, Murray cypress, cedar and Carolina sapphire trees all year, according to the business’ Facebook page. The farm also sells handmade wreaths and firewood. While visiting, you can enjoy some candy canes with your kids while taking Christmas photos.

Hollow Creek Tree Farm

Location: 228 Windmill Road, Gilbert

The first Christmas trees were planted at Hollow Creek in 1976. The farm now sells a host of different tree varieties, from Leyland cypress and Fraser fir, to Virginia pine, Thuja green giant and the local Hollow Creek “slims.” Also, enjoy some free hot chocolate while staff members shake, bale and carry the tree of your choice to your vehicle.

Penland Christmas Tree Farm

Location: 6457 Campbell Road, York

Steve and Judy Penland began selling Christmas trees in 1972, the farm’s website states.. After 47 years, the couple retired, only for their daughter Allison and her husband to pick up the business.

Adalie Degree, 3, helps her family pick out a Christmas tree Friday at the Penland Christmas Tree Farm in York County.
Adalie Degree, 3, helps her family pick out a Christmas tree Friday at the Penland Christmas Tree Farm in York County.

Merry Christmas Tree Farm

Location: 244 Lay Bridge Road, Central

Families can choose from trees out in the farm or from pre-cut trees at the Merry Christmas Tree Farm. Open since 1980, the farm offers hot chocolate and visits with Santa, along with wreaths made from freshly from the boughs of trees there. The farm even offers novelty “Charlie Brown” trees for children.

Booth’s Christmas Tree Farm

Location: 5198 Adrain Highway, Conway

Larue Booth started the tree farm in 1962 and when he passed, his son Haley took over operations with the help of his daughter Haley. The farm offers tree stands and will drill your tree at no charge. You can also get your tree ‘frosted’ to give it a snowed on look.

Besides a variety of different Christmas tree types, the farm also offers freshly made wreaths and garland.