FAIRFIELD COUNTY – The family-owned Christmas tree farm, Caldwell Tree Farm, will be open this Thanksgiving weekend for one last time, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For their last holiday season, Caldwell Farms’ owners Mac and Jenny Caldwell said they want to make buying a Christmas tree this year a wonderful experience, with a chance to sit on Santa’s lap for photos, hand-made wreaths, knitted animal dolls, and ornaments for sale. There will also be hot cocoa, fresh popcorn, and the option for shoppers to cut their own tree.
The mission statement for Caldwell Tree Farm is “Come make a memory with us,” and Jenny Caldwell said that’s definitely what’s happening this year. She characterizes the farm as a place for people to reunite with old friends.
“Someone said it’s kind of like Walmart out here; it’s where people who don’t normally get to see each other reunite,” she laughed.
Jenny Caldwell puts her heart into her work, making each wreath personally by hand.
“I use all fresh or dried materials, and we cut greenery off our trees and bushes. I use a manually operated machine to make the wreaths. It takes a little time, but I usually dip them before adding embellishments like pinecones, berries, cinnamon, or dried oranges. Some things can be dipped, like pinecones or berries, but dried fruit and flowers can’t be dipped,” she explained.
Wreaths start at $35, depending on the size.
Caldwell Tree Farm is a point-and-cut operation. It’s unique in that their trees are actually grown on the farm. Customers pick out the tree they want, then Mac Caldwell and his father, Danny, cut down the trees for the customers who don’t want to cut them themselves. Then they drill holes in the bottom of the tree if the customer wants to use a tree stand, which is also available for sale at the farm. Finally, the Caldwells help load the freshly cut tree into or on the customer’s vehicle.
Caldwell Tree Farm first opened back in 2019 on family land. Now, the Caldwells said they are closing the farm to have more time with family.
“It’ll just be really nice to have more time for the kids, especially around this time of year,” Jenny Caldwell said.
Caldwell Farm truly is a family-run business. You can find Danny, 12, helping customers cut down their trees. James 9, runs the popcorn machine, and Emma, 7, pops in and out around the farm. Mac’s dad and his mom, Lily Caldwell, also pitch in when needed.
“This wouldn’t have been possible if not for Mac and his parents,” Jenny said.
Even though this is the last year the tree farm will be open, Jenny hopes that they will be able to create many memories for their customers and, hopefully, start some traditions for others in the area.
Two vendors will also be on site to sell handmade ornaments and gifts. Sara Coplin of Jackson Creek Farms will have flower ornaments from her flower farm. Sara Isaac of MyPeaceofGrace will be selling crocheted animal dolls and other handmade items.
Tree cost $11 per foot. This season, the Caldwells are offering $1 off trees for up to $10 for every canned good a customer brings to give to the Fairfield Community Food Bank. More information is available on the Caldwell Tree Farm Facebook and Instagram page, or call (803) 402-0493.
Caldwell Tree Farm is located at 3227 US Highway 321 North, Winnsboro.
