Christmas Tree Permits 2026: Prices and Dates by State

A permit from a national forest or other public land agency lets a household cut its own tree in the areas the forest names, during its cutting dates. Most national forests sell them through Recreation.gov: "Purchase your Christmas tree permit in advance of your visit to the forest in your area." "Each forest will have specific guidelines and season dates for cutting a holiday tree."

The forests that have posted a 2026 price charge $5 to $20 a tree, each price quoted from the forest's own page. Recreation.gov adds a reservation fee to an online permit. Green Mountain National Forest, on Recreation.gov: "Permits cost $5.00 per tree (a $2.50 Recreation.gov reservation fee will be applied)."

Yes. A fourth grader with an Every Kid Outdoors pass can get a free permit from a national forest. Green Mountain National Forest, on Recreation.gov: "Every Kid Outdoors pass holders are also eligible for a free holiday tree permit through their local National Forest." The pass itself comes from Every Kid Outdoors.

Each forest sets its own date in the fall, and the table above lists every on sale date the forests have posted. Recreation.gov: "Each forest will have specific guidelines and season dates for cutting a holiday tree."

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming each have a page here, with every forest's price, dates, rules and permit link.

Cutting small trees thins crowded stands. Recreation.gov: "Christmas tree permits are a unique opportunity to help thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees - the perfect size for a Christmas tree."

At a choose and cut Christmas tree farm. The pick your own guide lists the farm season for every state.