In brief
The annual Christmas tree auction in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, saw around 50,000 trees and various seasonal decorations sold, as buyers from the Northeastern U.S. flocked to prepare for the holiday season. Despite changing consumer habits favoring artificial trees, the event highlighted the enduring appeal of fresh, farm-grown Christmas trees as families seek the traditional holiday scent and experience.
MIFFLINBURG, Pa. (AP) — The holiday season kicked off with a vibrant auction of Christmas trees and festive decorations in Pennsylvania's farm country. During the two-day Buffalo Valley Produce Auction, around 50,000 Christmas trees along with a vast array of wreaths, crafts, and decor were sold amidst a bustling atmosphere.
Buyers from throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions gathered to prepare their retail outlets for the seasonal rush, eager to offer customers the classic Fraser fir or embellishments to elevate holiday decorations.
Amid the chilly weather, attendees listened intently as auctioneers enthusiastically presented boxes of ornaments, bunches of winterberry, and essential items like tree stands, highlighting that the auction had nearly everything one would need for Christmas—except the presents and food.
Marsha Gray, from the Real Christmas Tree Board in Howell, Michigan, noted a significant shift in Americans' preferences for Christmas trees. Many homes today choose artificial trees instead of natural ones, changing the traditional landscape of holiday celebrations.
For Cory Stephens, who returned for his second year, the auction proved fruitful, with nearly $5,000 spent on charming decor for his shop, A.A. Co. Farm, Lawn & Garden in Maryland. He emphasized the quality of the items available at the auction, which were well-praised by his customers last season.
Ryan Marshall from Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon, Massachusetts, similarly noted his substantial investment, spending about $8,000 on decorations for resale, confident he will see a good return on his investments.
Research shows that the main draw for families choosing real trees remains the fresh scent that fills their homes during the holiday, as well as the traditional experience associated with picking a tree.
As the auction wrapped up, optimism lingered among sellers and buyers alike, hopeful for a resurgence in the appeal of real trees in households this season—a sentiment echoed by Buffalo Valley auction manager Neil Courtney, who believes the quality of farm-grown trees will reclaim their prominence in Christmas traditions.
Supporting Data: Over 21 million farm-grown Christmas trees were sold in 2023, with a median price around $75, reflecting the enduring popularity of natural over artificial choices among consumers.
