Christmas Tree Permits Just Went Live, Here’s How to Get Yours
Every winter, thousands of families venture into U.S. forests to find the perfect Christmas tree. For just a few dollars, anyone can cut their own tree in one of more than 80 participating national forests across the country.
But it is not as simple as driving into the woods with a chainsaw and cutting any tree you like. There are strict rules, designated areas, and advanced permits you must secure.
And the good news is that Christmas tree permits for the 2025 season are now live across several states, with more opening soon. It is the first step toward turning a simple holiday errand into a unique outdoor family adventure, such as forest bathing or chasing the Northern Lights.
Why the U.S. Forest Service Lets You Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Cutting a Christmas tree may sound like a festive tradition, but it is also a part of the U.S. Forest Service’s broader forest-management strategy. In short, bringing home a Christmas tree helps keep the forest healthy. But why?
Tree-cutting permits are designed to thin overcrowded areas, reduce wildfire risk, and let younger trees thrive. Removing trees in designated zones also benefits wildlife since new areas will open up that grow fresh vegetation and provide food.
The Coconino National Forest in Arizona was among the first to open Christmas tree permits on October 9. Rangers in the Flagstaff District have already marked cutting zones, including areas along Highway 82, where tree density is high and thinning will improve overall forest health.
How to Get a Christmas Tree Permit
Christmas tree permits should be purchased online through Recreation.gov.
Prices typically range from $5 to $20 per tree, depending on the forest. A small online processing fee (usually $2.5) is added to that.
Each permit lists specific cutting zones, road access maps, and rules about where and how trees can be harvested.
Most forests allow one to five trees per household, with height limits of 10–20 feet.
Fourth graders through the Every Kid Outdoors initiative can apply for one free Christmas tree permit, as part of a national program encouraging children to explore public lands.
Not from National Parks, or State Parks
One common misconception is that nobody can cut a Christmas tree in a national park or state park. This activity only takes place in national forests managed by the U.S. Forest Service (under the Department of Agriculture) and sometimes on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.
Christmas tree cutting is limited, making it a sustainable, community-based activity rather than a commercial harvest.
Recreation.gov offers an interactive map and search function by ZIP code to find the closest forest that offers such a permit.
There are general rules, but different restrictions may apply to different forests. U.S. Forest Service recommends reading local guidelines before purchasing a permit. Some forests prohibit chainsaws or off-road vehicle access. Others may restrict cutting near campgrounds, trails, or rivers.
Where Permits Are Already Live
As of mid-October 2025, several forests have already opened sales.
Permits for the Pike and San Isabel National Forests’ South Platte in Colorado went live on October 9, with cutting allowed from November 28 through December 31.
Kaibab National Forest in Arizona also opened early on October 9, with permits available only for the Williams, Tusayan, and North Kaibab Ranger Districts.
Sales for Stanislaus National Forest in California started a day later, on October 10, while the cutting season begins on November 28.
Each forest sets its own timeline, quotas, and species restrictions. Some forest districts issue only a few hundred permits. So, early buyers will have a better chance of securing one.
When Most Permits Go Live
October is only the start. November marks the peak period for Christmas tree permit releases.
Most forests, from Utah to Montana and Idaho, release their permits in early to mid-November, just in time for Thanksgiving weekend excursions.
Washington offers three designated forests for tree cutting: Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Olympic National Forest, and Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest.
While the first one to open sales was Olympic National Forest on October 13, the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest permit sale only starts on November 1, and Gifford Pinchot National Forest’s sale opens even later, on November 13.
The cutting season usually runs through December 31, though dates can vary based on snow, road closures, or fire recovery areas.
Whether you are looking for a new holiday tradition, an affordable way to have a tree for Christmas, or a chance to support healthier forests, cutting your own tree offers all three.
Syndicated from The Roam Report.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.