The Best U-Cut Tree Farms around Chicago

[Last updated in November 2024]

Oney vs Abbey vs Richardson.

There is nothing more liberating than walking through a tree farm and finding that oh-so-perfect tree….. and then taking a saw to it! There’s something beautiful about the whole experience and each farm has something special to offer. We’ve made this a family tradition for the past 6 years, trying out 3 different farms. But before I get into those places, if you’ve never harvested your own tree, here are a few tips to cutting one down [and don’t worry, if cutting down your own tree doesn’t sound like the best idea, most tree farms also have pre-cut trees available for purchase]!

1. Bring bungee cords. This is essential for tying your tree down on top of your car.

2. Check the weather and dress appropriately. You’ll be walking around for awhile, so layer up and wear snow boots or rain boots- it can get muddy out in those fields.

3. Bring a wagon or sled. This is so helpful after you’ve cut down your tree and you need to haul it back to your car or to the pickup area (if the tree farm has one).

4. Not necessary, but bring a tape measure to make sure you’ve found the correct size tree to fit inside your home.

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Best Tree Selection: Oney’s Tree Farm

Oney’s Tree Farm
16608 Rt 14
Woodstock IL 60098
U-Cut Tree Hours: 11/29-12/8, 9a-4p

It’s no secret that there’s been a tree shortage the past few years; however, without fail, the last 2 times we’ve been to Oney’s, there has been an abundant selection of trees to choose from. As Northern Illinois’ oldest and largest tree farm, Oney’s boasts 60 acres of Christmas trees, filled with harvest-your-own trees, pre-cut options and trees with roots for future planting. There are a few varieties to choose from: Fraser Fir, Concolor Fir and Scotch Pine, and they can range anywhere from 5’ tall to 13’ tall. There are also tabletop trees available at 4’ and under, and 2’-3’ porch and patio trees. The price of the u-cut trees include the shaking and netting. If you own a bow saw, bring one with you, otherwise they do have some available for you to borrow. Leashed pets are also allowed to hunt for the perfect tree with you!

After you’ve found the perfect tree, fill your energy back up and visit the historic barn for their famous cinnamon rolls, fresh donuts, baked goods and delicious hot cocoa. They also have lunch items like hot dogs, nachos and pizza. Also inside the barn is a gift shop with fresh wreaths, centerpieces, garland, ornaments and other perfect gifts for family and friends.

Back outside by the tree fields in the festival area, kids will love stopping by the North Pole house where they can visit Mrs. Claus.

Oney’s is a low-frills tree farm that is has been a tradition for many for over 60 years. I love visiting this farm with my family and I know my kids will look back fondly at the memories we’ve made there.

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Best Farmstead: Abbey Farms

Abbey Farms
2855 Hart Rd
Aurora IL 60502
U-Cut Tree Hours: 11/23-12/23, 10a-7p

I know it’s weird to rate a tree farm based on their farmstead, but it really is one of the best things I love about Abbey Farms. The Nagel Farmstead Emporium is 6k sq ft of artisan gifts and specialty food items, including homemade sauces, salsas, seasonings, dips, honey, preserves and much more. There’s also a produce market selling fruits and vegetables grown directly at the farm and the bakery has freshly baked items every day, including their award winning donuts. The Farmstead also sells beer, wine and handcrafted soaps, all made on site by the monks of Marmion Abbey, and has fresh wreaths, garland and Christmas gifts & décor.

Abbey Farms can also be enjoyed outside of the holiday season. They have a popular Pumpkin Daze festival, a Summer Ramble that lasts from June through August, Sunday brunch with Bingo and live music throughout the spring, summer and fall months.

So what about the tree farm? Ah yes, so I digress… unlike most tree farms that are only open for a couple of weekends during the season, Abbey Farms is open from the middle of November until the end of December. While we have had a hard time finding the “perfect tree” here, they do have a few different types to choose from: Scotch Pine, White Pine, Austrian and Spruce. The u-cut trees go up to 8’ tall, while the pre-cut ones go up to 12’.

For both the pre-cut and u-cut trees, you do need to book a reservation beforehand, which can be easily done online. When you arrive at the farm, check in at the main entrance and someone will guide you towards the fields to hunt down your perfect tree. There are saws available to use, with a refundable $10 CASH deposit. Once you find your tree, return back to the main entrance where they will shake it down and help you tie it securely on top of your car. Then head over to the Emporium Store because the cost of your tree also includes a free donut and a small hot chocolate!

For one weekend only, schedule a visit with Santa inside the Nagel Farmstead Emporium.

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Best for Frills & Crowds: Richardson Adventure Farm

Richardson Farm
9407 Richardson Rd
Spring Grove IL 60081
U-Cut Tree Hours: 11/29-12/22, 9a-6p

Richardson Farm is a very popular destination and is very rarely *not* busy. There will be a good crowd, but everyone is just enjoying the festivities and making memories! When you’re ready to venture out to the fields, a free wagon ride will take you to the large variety of trees—over 50k of them, spread out over 75 acres and as tall as 8’.

But be prepared to walk a lot and far, to find that perfect tree. When you’ve finally found it, cut it down and are ready to return back to the main area, go to a wagon stop where you will wait to be picked up.

Here is where our main grievance has been because we have unfortunately gotten stuck waiting for a wagon to pick us back up for over a half hour… definitely not fun when you’ve got little kids, waiting in the freezing cold. The wagons come by often, but because there’s so many people, it can be full when it gets to you, so you have to just continue waiting until you get back onto one. But try to not let this deter you from experiencing Richardson Farm! You can also just head to the pre-cut tree selection, which are up to 12ft tall.

When you finally do get back to the main area, drop off your tree to get shaken and baled in plastic netting. Then head over to the heated indoor barn, where there is FREE hot chocolate and coffee to enjoy. There are also freshly made donuts, fresh popcorn and homemade fudge available to purchase. Do allow time to visit the Christmas Tree Barn, as there is a beautiful selection of wreaths, centerpieces and other décor. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, you can even ask them to custom make something.

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Other U-Cut Tree Farms in the Chicagoland Area

DeKalb County
Camelot Christmas Tree Farm, DeKalb IL
Larson’s Family Farm, Sandwich IL

Kankakee County
Cupola House Tree Farm, Bourbonnais IL

Kendall County
Anderson Tree Farm, Plainfield IL

Lake County
Richardson Adventure Farm, Spring Grove IL

Kane County
Abbey Farms, Aurora IL
Lee’s Trees, Lily Lake IL

McHenry County
Ben’s Christmas Tree Farm, Harvard IL
Conifera Tree Farm, Harvard IL
Grandpa’s Christmas Tree Farm, Woodstock IL
Moehling Christmas Tree Farm, Woodstock IL
Oney’s Farm, Woodstock IL
Pine-Apple Farm, Cary IL
Pioneer Tree Farm, McHenry IL

* All photos in this blog post are owned by Kristel at On the Go with 4 Kids in Tow

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Where are your favorite U-Cut Tree Farms? Let me know in the comments!