'Tis the season: 7 U-cut Christmas tree farms near Seattle

With Thanksgiving just days away and turkeys expected to be well stocked at local grocery stores, many Seattle residents are now on the hunt for the next holiday centerpiece: a Christmas tree. Luckily for early birds, many of the region's U-cut Christmas tree farms open the day after Thanksgiving in preparation for the holiday season.

And snagging one early may be the way to go. Last year, many of Western Washington's tree farms were sold out by the first week of December. Demand is expected to be just as high this year and supply might even be slightly lower than previous years due to the impacts of the region's hot, dry summer that stunted many seedlings and scorched mature trees.

Keep reading to discover 7 Christmas tree farms within a short drive of Seattle where you can grab your seasonal greenery starting this week.

McMurtrey's Red-Wood Christmas Tree Farm

Tucked between Redmond and Woodinville and just 25 minutes from Seattle is McMurtrey's Red-Wood Christmas Tree Farm. Reservations for U-cut are required this year to avoid crowding and ensure an adequate supply, and online time slots are already available. Reservations are not required for pre-cut trees. The farm plans to open for the season on Nov. 26.

Trinity Tree Farm

With spectacular views of Mount Rainier, this 40-acre farm in Issaquah is just a 35-minute drive from the city and offers U-cut Douglas, noble, grand and Fraser firs along with a selection of pre-cut trees if you don't want to break a sweat chopping your own. No reservation is required to visit and the farm officially opens for the season on Nov. 26.

Carnation Tree Farm

Carnation Tree Farm is nestled in Carnation — a 35-minute drive from downtown Seattle. The farm has been in family since 1901 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, celebrating more than 40 years of Christmas trees. The farm plans to open for the U-cut season on Nov. 26 with several different varieties of firs and spruces available.

Snow Valley Christmas Tree Farm

This 100-acre family-owned farm near the Snoqualmie River offers five different varieties all grown on site: noble, grand, Fraser, Turkish and Nordmann firs. Snow Valley also offers homemade hot apple cider and hot chocolate on weekends to keep guests warm while searching for the perfect tree.

Reindeer Ridge Christmas Tree Farm

Located in Auburn just 45 minutes from Seattle, this farm boasts 15 acres of trees that range from in height from 3 feet to 30 feet tall. Evergreen wreaths and garlands are also available if you want to get all of your holiday decor at once. The farm usually opens the day after Thanksgiving.

McLean Tree Farm

This family-owned farm in Mount Vernon is opening for the season on Nov. 26 with Fraser, Nordmann and douglas fir trees along with Colorado spruce trees in a variety of sizes to make a perfect centerpiece for your festivities. In addition to the trees, the farm also has a pair of resident donkeys that are sure to be hanging around for a photo op.

Three Tree Farms

Due to some of the effects of the summer's heat wave and drought, this farm in Maple Valley is not offering U-cut opportunities this year, but will have a selection of fresh cut trees starting the Friday after Thanksgiving. For those that don't want to make the trek, the farmers also plan to have trees for sale at the University District Farmers Market on Nov. 27 and the West Seattle Farmers Market on Nov. 28.