Colored Christmas Trees? Oh yeah, it’s a thing.

Our friends over on the “What Fresh Hell?” podcast recently posted a cautionary tale about starting holiday traditions with the hashtag, #bewaretheaccidentaltradition so, at the risk of starting one of those at your house, allow us to introduce you to the colored Christmas tree. 

That’s right. No more natural and green for you. This year, your family can indulge your colorful side with a Christmas tree in almost every color of the rainbow. Feeling a little “Nightmare Before Christmas” –ish this season? Go for the black tree. Got a kid who loves blue? Choose from dark blue, light blue or turquoise. Want to sport the team colors? They’ve also got orange, white and magenta. Plus the requisite pink or purple because, why not. With that many colors to choose from, your biggest problem might be getting the whole fam to agree on just one!

But if you’re wondering if this is the always popular carnation-in-colored-water science fair trick writ large, we must let you in on the secret. The trees are colored using a latex-based paint formulated specifically for Christmas trees and then sprayed onto each tree, followed by hand touch ups to ensure full coverage. The paint is, according to the website, perfectly harmless for humans. 

Tempted? Pack up the family and head to the Wyckoff’s Christmas Tree Farm, the original colored tree farm, located in Belvidere, New Jersey. If nothing else, you’ll have an an insta-worthy moment among the vibrantly colored trees. You can either cut your own tree (hand saws are provided or you can bring your own – power saws not permitted) or purchase a precut tree. They have over 5,000 trees in a variety of types and sizes. 

Then stick around for a guided hayride around the farm, a visit to the Christmas Barn for last-minute holiday gift or décor purchases, and maybe a little tailgating (byo everything and set up in their tailgating lot) before you head home. 

Wyckoff’s Christmas Tree Farm is open Monday – Friday 10am – 4:30pm and weekends through December 22nd, 8:30am – 4:30pm.