Wisconsin is getting ready to welcome the Christmas season with a special event led by Alice in Dairyland, the state’s agricultural ambassador. Each year, the Official Christmas Tree Cutting marks the moment when Wisconsin’s Holiday Season is formally welcomed, bringing together students, families, growers and local leaders in a celebration of agriculture and tradition. The ceremony is more than a photo opportunity. It is a chance to highlight the people and farms behind the trees that decorate homes, schools and public spaces across the state.
A Long-Standing Wisconsin Tradition
The Official Christmas Tree Cutting has grown into a long-standing Wisconsin tradition, quietly becoming one of the key signals that the winter holidays have arrived. A carefully selected tree from a Wisconsin farm is chosen to represent the state and its values of
hard work, stewardship and community.
With Alice in Dairyland on site, the event connects the past and present. Older residents remember similar ceremonies from years ago, while younger visitors see how farm life and forestry are still deeply woven into Wisconsin’s identity at Christmas time.
Educational Opportunities for Students
One of the most important parts of the event is education. School groups are often invited to attend or follow along through classroom activities. They learn:
- How Christmas trees are planted, pruned and harvested over many years
- Why healthy soil, water and forestry practices matter
- How farm families manage land across multiple generations
- The role of Wisconsin’s Christmas Tree Industry in the state’s economy
By hearing directly from growers and from Alice in Dairyland, students see that the trees they enjoy at Christmas come from real farms and real people, not just store shelves.
Wisconsin’s Christmas Tree Industry
Wisconsin’s Christmas Tree Industry is a quiet success story. The state has thousands of acres of evergreen farms that supply trees to local markets and to neighboring states. Many of these farms are family-run, combining forestry knowledge with modern business
practices. The industry supports rural jobs, encourages long-term land use and keeps open space in the landscape. For many growers, the Official Christmas Tree Cutting is a rare moment when their work is visible to the wider public.
Event Schedule
While details can change from year to year, a typical event schedule includes:
- Welcome remarks and introductions with Alice in Dairyland
- Short presentations on Christmas tree farming and forestry
- Guided farm walk or tour of the tree fields
- The Official Christmas Tree Cutting with media and student participation
- Closing comments, photos and informal discussions with growers
The tone stays friendly and relaxed, with plenty of time for questions and interaction rather than long speeches.
Marathon County’s Role
Marathon County often stands at the center of this tradition. Known for its mix of forests and farmland, the county is home to several respected Christmas tree farms. Hosting the Official Christmas Tree Cutting in this region helps showcase how local landowners balance
production with conservation. By placing the ceremony in a real working landscape, the event grounds Wisconsin’s Holiday Season in everyday rural life, not just in downtown displays and decorated storefronts.
Partners
The event relies on cooperation between many partners, including:
- The office of Alice in Dairyland
- Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
- Local Christmas tree growers and farm families
- County and community organizations in Marathon County
- Schools and youth groups taking part in educational activities
Together, they help connect Christmas, agriculture and education in a way that feels local and genuine.
Key Detail
- Focus: Official Christmas Tree Cutting to Kick Off Wisconsin’s Holiday Season
- Lead figure: Alice in Dairyland, representing agriculture and rural communities
- Theme: Celebrating Wisconsin’s Christmas Tree Industry and its growers
- Location highlight: Marathon County as a key hub for tree farming and holiday traditions
Disclaimer
This article is a general informational overview of Wisconsin’s Official Christmas Tree Cutting and related activities. Exact dates, locations and schedules may change based on annual planning and local conditions. Readers should refer to official state or event
announcements for the most accurate and current details about specific ceremonies.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Alice in Dairyland involved in the Official Christmas Tree Cutting?
Alice in Dairyland serves as Wisconsin’s statewide agricultural ambassador, so leading the Official Christmas Tree Cutting is a natural way to highlight Christmas traditions, farm families and Wisconsin’s Christmas Tree Industry.
Q2. How does this event support Wisconsin’s Christmas Tree Industry?
The ceremony brings media attention to growers, explains how trees are produced and reminds residents to consider locally grown trees when preparing for Christmas.
Q3. Can students and families attend the event?
In many years, school groups and local families are invited to attend or take part through guided tours and educational programs, depending on space and safety planning by organizers.
