MANLIUS, N.Y. (NCC News) — The smell of fresh pine, the cold winter air and the excitement of finding that perfect Christmas tree—this is what the the holiday season is like at Page’s Christmas Tree Farm. And for many years, the farm has been a cherished part of Central New York’s holiday traditions. But Randy Page, the owner of Page’s Christmas Tree Farm, didn’t always envision his property coming this far.
“We’ve been in business about, well we’ve been at this farm for 36 years. And we started growing trees about 34 years ago” Page said.
Page initially started the business as a way to earn extra income for his growing family. After the birth of their first son, he and his wife realized they wanted to save for their children’s future, particularly to ensure they could afford a college education. That’s when the idea of growing and selling Christmas trees every holiday season began.
Now, decades later, with his two sons grown, Page continues to nurture the business that has become a cherished tradition for both his family and the community. Over the years, Page’s Christmas Tree Farm has become a tradition for countless families, many of whom return year after year. And as the trees grow, so do the families.
“Some of the first people that came with their little 1-year-olds—those 1-year-olds are now 20, 21 years old,” Page said. “You can see them through the ages as they progress through the years.”
At Page’s Christmas Tree Farm, the experience is as personal as it is festive. Visitors can walk through rows of trees, taking their time to find the perfect one. Once the choice is made, they have the option to cut it themselves before bringing it back for Page and his team to secure it on their car. Whether they choose a pre-cut tree or bring a saw to cut their own, each tree becomes part of their holiday tradition
But Page’s Christmas Tree Farm offers more than just trees—it’s also a sanctuary for rescued animals. Deer, sheep, ravens, owls and even an eagle have found a safe haven on the property. These animals, many of them injured or in need of rehabilitation, are cared for with love and dedication. Page’s wife oversees their care, creating a peaceful refuge where they can feel safe and be able to heal at their own pace. The farm also partners with the local Boy Scouts, who lend a hand by building homes and shelters for the animals. It’s even said that if you hoot at the owls or baa at the sheep, they might just call back.
For those looking to start or continue a holiday tradition, Page’s Christmas Tree Farm offers something special: the chance to take home not just a tree, but a little piece of that holiday spirit.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Page’s Christmas Tree Farm brings holiday cheer to CNY.
Gabriela Peniston: As the holiday season approaches, families across Central New York are looking for the perfect Christmas tree. One local family farm has been helping create holiday memories for many years. And here at Page’s Christmas Tree Farm, it’s looking a lot like Christmas
Randy Page: Uh we’ve been in business about, well we’ve been at this farm for 36 years. And we started growing trees about 34 years ago.
Peniston: Randy Page initially started this Christmas tree business in hopes to gain another source of income to be able to support his two sons when they would eventually go to college. And now, years later, with his two sons already grown, it has turned into a family business.
Page: My favorite part, I should say probably Dec. 26. No, I shouldn’t say that. I think it’s the family atmosphere. Some of the first people that came with the little 1-year-olds those 1-year-olds are now 20-21 years old. And you can see them through the ages as they progress through the years.
Peniston: And it definitely is a place where family memories are made, with visitors returning year after year for a reason. Here at Page’s Christmas Tree Farm, you can find trees of all sizes, including some my height. Or some that are a little bit, taller. For over 30 years, Page’s Christmas Tree Farm has been a staple in the community during the holiday season, offering fresh-cut trees as well as giving visitors the opportunity to pick and cut their own.
Page: And they just walk around until they find a tree, they cut it down, bring it back and then we help them put it on the car.
Peniston: The farm is also home to a variety of rescued animals that were once injured and are now lovingly cared for through a dedicated rehabilitation process. From sheep, to deer, to one noisy owl, they have been given a space where they can live. And some of these animals, have a lot to say. So what’s your favorite part about this farm? A sheep with few words huh. So, whether you’re looking for that perfect tree or just a bit of holiday cheer, Page’s Christmas Tree Farm is a tradition worth keeping. In Manlius, I’m Gabriela Peniston, NCC News.