When it’s Christmas time in Texas, as George Strait once sang, we’ll be swingin’ around the Christmas tree. In his hit holiday single, When It’s Christmas Time in Texas, Strait delves into what this festive time of year looks like for Texans. We may not always get snow, and it may feel more like a summer day for some, but it is still Christmas, nonetheless. One tradition that keeps the holiday spirit high in our household is the Christmas tree.

Going to pick out the family Christmas tree is a memorable holiday tradition for many Texans. Siblings fight over their favorite tree, one picking the fluffy, tall fir, the other picking the short pine, but somehow always ending up with the perfect tree. Even if it’s 70 degrees outside, the Christmas music makes the selection process feel magical.

It is activities like this that make Christmas in Texas so charming. As of 2022, it seems like most Texans agree. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture, the Christmas tree industry in Texas is growing due to an increase in farm acreage, ongoing demand, and opportunities for new seed-improvement programs.

In 2017, Texas was home to 125 Christmas tree producers farming on 945 acres. Only five years later, the Department of Agriculture reported that there were 220 Christmas tree producers in Texas, farming on a remarkable 3,565 acres. One of our state’s largest Christmas tree farms is Old Time Christmas Tree Farm in Klein, Texas. The family farm manages more than 40,000 pine and cypress trees across 40 acres, each tree planted by hand.

There are many different types of Christmas trees, ranging from pine and cypress to fir and spruce. The most commonly grown Christmas tree in Texas is the Virginia Pine. This specific species has the perfect climatic adaptability, growth rate, and form to withstand the tough Texas terrain. The Virginia Pine is even known to be the “anchor species” of the Texas Christmas tree industry.

However, there’s a new tree on the scene that seeks to earn its place in your living room. Over the last decade, the Leland Cypress has been quietly growing in popularity. This tree is hypoallergenic and doesn’t drop its needles as fast as some other species, allowing you to spend less time cleaning and more time celebrating the holidays with friends and family.

As the demand for trees rises, small-scale operations are helping to keep your local Christmas tree farm stocked. According to the Department of Agriculture, roughly 66% of Texas’ Christmas tree farms are less than 10 acres in size. Many of these farms offer more than just Christmas trees. At some, you’ll find an entirely immersive Christmas experience, including light shows, hot chocolate, music, fake snow, and even Santa Claus himself!

As a Texan, we know that our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of the Lone Star State. Christmas tree farms play a huge role not only in special holiday memories but also in our agriculture community, and many families rely on Christmas tree sales for their livelihood. Family-owned Christmas tree farms work hard to produce the trees that Texans love and the joyous seasonal spirit that brings communities together.

When you are picking out your Texas-grown tree this season and decorating it with ornaments, ribbons, and lights, know that your tree is more than just a collection of branches and needles – it is pure Texas Christmas spirit. Our Texas Christmas tree farms are keeping family traditions alive and helping Texans make memories for many Christmases to come.