Find Your Perfect Evergreen: Where to Buy a Christmas Tree in the Twin Cities Gateway
By Lisa Berkas | November 4, 2026
Few holiday traditions feel quite as festive as heading out into the crisp Minnesota air to find the centerpiece of your seasonal decor. Whether you want to bundle up and harvest your own evergreen or grab a fresh, pre-cut fir close to home, knowing where to buy a Christmas tree in the Twin Cities Gateway makes it easy to kick off the season. Here is your local guide to picking out the perfect tree within our Gateway communities.
Hansen Tree Farm
Photo Credit: Hansen Tree Farm
Tucked away in Ramsey, Hansen Tree Farm delivers the quintessential winter-wonderland outing. Because it operates on a seasonal schedule, the farm is temporarily closed for the off-season and reopens for holiday tree harvesting late in November.
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The Experience: Enjoy an authentic cut-your-own adventure nestled under large, scenic pines, complete with complimentary hot cider, campfires, and fresh-cut options for convenience.
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Tree Varieties: Balsam Fir, Canaan Fir, Fraser Fir, Red Pine, White Pine and Colorado Blue Spruce.
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Location: 7440 Alpine Dr NW, Ramsey, MN 55303.
Rum River Tree Farm Metro Lot at Cub Foods (Blaine)
Photo Credit: Rum River Tree Farm
For north metro shoppers looking for a fresh tree without venturing deep into the fields, Rum River Tree Farm sets up an official retail tree lot in the parking area of Cub Foods right off Highway 65.
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The Experience: Fast, friendly neighborhood service where staff trim the base fresh, shake out loose needles, and help you tie it securely to your roof.
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Tree Varieties: Premium pre-cut Fraser fir, Balsam fir, Scotch pine, and white pine, along with fresh wreaths.
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Location: 12595 Central Ave NE (Hwy 65 & Main St), Blaine, MN 55434.
BSA Troop 212 Christmas Tree Lot at the VFW (Coon Rapids)
Photo Credit: BSA Troop 212
If you prefer your holiday shopping to give back directly to local youth programs, head over to the outdoor lot hosted at the Coon Rapids VFW Post 9625. Every year starting Thanksgiving weekend, Boy Scout Troop 212 runs their community tree lot to raise funds for camping trips and scout activities.
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The Experience: A warm community fundraiser staffed by scouts and volunteers who help you pick, bag, and load your tree.
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Tree Varieties: High-quality local evergreens sourced from Rum River Tree Farm, including Fraser firs, Balsams, Scotch pines, and spruce tops.
Mickman Brothers Garden Center (Ham Lake)
Photo Credit: Mickman Brothers
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The Experience: Browse a curated garden center setting that carries live trees, tabletop evergreens, hand-crafted specialty wreaths, and winter container accents.
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Tree Varieties: Tabletop and living evergreen options, decorated boughs, and holiday greenery.
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Location: 14630 MN-65, Ham Lake, MN 55304.
Tips Before You Head Out:
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Measure the ceiling height in your home. Remember to subtract the height of your tree stand and topper!
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Bring a sturdy tarp or old blanket to protect the roof of your vehicle, plus extra ratchet straps or bungees.
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Make a fresh 0.5-inch cut straight across the base right before placing your tree in water so the trunk can drink freely.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping for a Christmas Tree in the Twin Cities Gateway
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When is the best time to buy a real Christmas tree?
Most lots and cut-your-own farms open the weekend before Thanksgiving or on Black Friday weekend. Shopping during the last week of November or the first week of December offers the widest selection of tree shapes and heights while ensuring the tree stays fresh through Christmas Day.
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What is the difference between a cut-your-own farm and a retail lot?
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Cut-your-own farms (like Hansen Tree Farm in Ramsey) provide a full outdoor destination experience. You can walk the fields, cut your evergreen fresh, and enjoy seasonal perks like campfires, warm cider, and scenic winter trails.
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Retail lots (such as the Rum River Tree Farm lot at Cub Foods in Blaine or the BSA Troop 212 lot in Coon Rapids) are set up for quick convenience. The trees are freshly harvested, pre-cut, and displayed for easy browsing close to home.
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Which Christmas tree variety lasts the longest indoors?
Fraser firs and Canaan firs are famous for exceptional needle retention and strong branches that hold heavier ornaments. Balsam firs provide the most recognizable, classic evergreen fragrance, while Scotch pines and white pines offer dense foliage and soft needles.
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Do cut-your-own farms provide saws and shaking/baling services?
Yes. Dedicated tree farms supply handsaws for harvesting (power saws are prohibited for safety) and typically provide mechanical tree shaking to dislodge loose needles, along with netting/baling to make transport easier.
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How do I prepare my car to haul a Christmas tree?
Bring a sturdy blanket or tarp to shield your vehicle roof from scratches and sticky pine sap. Pack quality ratchet straps, cam straps, or heavy-duty bungee cords. Always point the stump end toward the front of the vehicle to prevent highway wind from catching and stripping the branches.
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How do I keep my fresh tree from drying out?
Make a straight, fresh cut of 0.5 to 1 inch off the bottom of the trunk just before placing it into the stand. This clears sap buildup and allows the trunk to absorb water. Keep the reservoir filled with plain tap water daily—never let the water line drop below the base of the trunk, or a fresh seal will form and block water uptake. Keep the tree away from radiators, furnace vents, and direct heat sources.
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How should I dispose of my real tree after the holidays?
Most Gateway communities (including Ramsey, Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Shoreview) offer seasonal curbside collection or designated city drop-off sites where trees are chipped into community mulch. Be sure to remove all tinsel, lights, wire, and ornaments prior to drop-off.
