McAlpine Christmas Tree Farm’s decades of dedication fosters a ‘tree-mendous’ tradition for Arkansas families

McAlpine Christmas Tree Farm stands as a testament to more than four decades of dedication and a family’s commitment to bringing joy to the holiday season.

In the summer of 1981, McAlpine Christmas Tree Farm started as an 80-acre plot of rugged pasture land in Bismark, Arkansas. Staying true to their vision over the last four-and-a-half decades, this family-owned farm has transformed into a treasured regional destination for those seeking the perfect Christmas tree.

In their humble beginnings, starting with a planting of 10,000 Virginia pine seedlings annually, McAlpine Christmas Tree Farm initially catered to the wholesale Christmas tree market. The journey spanned a five to six-year growth period, and the farm flourished in the wholesale business for many years. As the years passed and priorities evolved, the operation transitioned to focus exclusively on choose-and-cut Christmas trees, primarily featuring Virginia pine and a smattering of Leyland cypress.

For the McAlpine family, the farm is more than a business— it is a cherished family tradition. Families return to the farm year after year, building upon traditions that transcend family ties and are now being passed down to new generations. From kids who selected their Thanksgiving tree before heading off to college to parents and grandparents continuing the tradition, the farm echoes with the laughter and joy of countless family outings.

What sets this tree farm apart is not just the trees but the care and craftsmanship that go into the entire experience. The McAlpine’s have developed and built most of their equipment to tailor them to their specific needs— like spray equipment, tree-handling gear, and more.

While McAlpine’s may not offer customers the bells and whistles of other agritourism spots like hayrides and hot chocolate, the farm offers a genuine and warm experience where families know they can select a quality tree and relish in the simple joy of the season.

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