- How much are the cut-your-own trees this year?
Cut-your-own trees are $70. Fresh-cut trees are not available, all trees will be cut-your-own. If you have accessibility concerns and cannot cut your own tree, please contact info@therocks.org at least one week ahead of your preferred visit date. We accept all credit cards, cash, and checks.
- How much are wreaths?
$22 and up.
- What kind of trees are available in the cut-your-own fields?
Balsam and Fraser fir trees are available, from 4 to 8 feet tall. Please see the campus map for the location of the open fields. We will also have plenty of staff on hand to direct you.
- What are the tallest trees that are available?
8 feet tall.
- Do you provide hand saws?
Yes!
- Can I bring my own hand tools?
You may bring your own hand saw but not power tools.
- Can I bring my dog?
Yes, you can bring your dog and please bring their leash as well. All dogs must be leashed within sight of the buildings.
- How do I bring my tree back to my car?
You can carry it or we provide sleds to pull it.
- Are there places for a family photo? Can I take professional photographs at The Rocks?
Yes, please see the campus map for the locations of: The Rocks’ sign, a highlight of many generations of family photos, and two overlooks with spectacular views of the White Mountains. There is also a new exhibit inside the Carriage Barn where children can measure themselves in Christmas tree years.
All commercial photography requires a Special Use Permit issued in advance, and corresponding fee. Participants in photography sessions that are not preapproved or carrying a Special Use Permit will be asked to leave the property. Please contact Scarlett Moberly at 603-444-6228 or smoberly@forestsociety.org to arrange a Special Use Permit. Personal photography which will not be used for commercial purposes, and is not taken by a paid photographer, is permitted at The Rocks. Drones are not permitted at The Rocks.
- Will there still be a good selection of cut-your-own trees by the last weekend of sales?
Yes, there are plenty of beautiful trees in our fields that are all hand-sheared! We grow over 20,000 trees; please take your time walking around to find your perfect tree- there is a wide variety.
- What else can I do during my visit?
Inside the renovated Carriage Barn, you will find a gift shop and interpretive exhibit on the benefits of forests to New Hampshire and history of The Rocks, as well as more information on the Forest Society’s mission. You can also walk one of the trails. On the weekends of our Christmas tree season, we will have horse-drawn wagon rides, a fire pit with hot chocolate, s'mores and kettle corn available for purchase, and kids' crafts. Check our 2024 Holiday Schedule for dates and details.
- Are there restrooms?
Yes! We now have plenty of heated, accessible restrooms. Two have changing stations.
- Where can I stay?
There are lots of inns, hotels, and short-term rentals in the area. The closest is our own historic Gardener's Cottage, which sleeps up to 8. Or you can check out one of our lodging partners for our Christmas Memories package.
- How do I tie the tree to my vehicle?
You can watch this video(link is external) to learn how to tie your tree to your vehicle. We will provide twine to customers.
- How do I care for my tree?
Find more information from the National Christmas Tree Association here(link is external). You can also find information about recycling your tree(link is external) after the holidays.
- What else can I do in Bethlehem during my visit? Where can I eat lunch?
You can find more information about Bethlehem here(link is external). There are plenty of restaurants and even a great brewery. The towns of Franconia and Littleton are also very close by. Information about restaurants and shopping in Littleton is here(link is external) is here and here(link is external). Find Franconia information here(link is external).
- Are you offering mail order Christmas trees? Are you offering early tagging of trees?
No.
- What's in the gift shop?
Handmade ornaments, holiday gifts, work by local makers and artists, children's gifts, books about nature and our history, greeting cards, The Rocks logo wear (ballcaps, long and short-sleeve shirts, half zips, and more), Christmas tree stands and accessories, Winnipesaukee Chocolates'(link is external) "The Rocks" maple toffee bar and many others, The Rocks' maple syrup, and much more!
- How long have you been growing Christmas trees at The Rocks?
At The Rocks, we've been growing Christmas trees for over 35 years as part of our land conservation and management efforts. The 1,400-acre estate was given to the Forest Society in 1978 by Martha Batchelder and John Lee, two of the grandchildren of John and Frances Glessner. In making the gift, Batchelder and Lee asked that the Forest Society always maintain a crop in the field, and for more than three decades, that crop has been Christmas trees.
- Is there snow?
While we can't necessarily update you every single day on what it looks like in Bethlehem, you can get a sense of the conditions in northern New Hampshire with these live webcams in nearby Franconia (Cannon Mountain) and Littleton. Find more live footage from the White Mountain Attractions Association.
- What is the Forest Society? How can I support your mission?
Founded by a handful of concerned citizens in 1901, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is now one of the country's most effective statewide land conservation organizations. Our mission statement, developed in 1904 is: "We are a forestry association seeking to perpetuate the forests of New Hampshire through their wise use and their complete reservation in places of special scenic beauty." As a nonprofit membership organization, the Forest Society is dedicated to protecting the state's most important landscapes while promoting the wise use of its renewable natural resources.
Our accomplishments include:
~ Helping to protect over one million acres of open space in the state.
~ Effectively promoting good land stewardship, through education and by example.
~Advocating public policies that encourage the wise conservation of natural resources.
Your purchase helps support our mission! You can also become a member to do even more to protect the forests that make New Hampshire beautiful.