MIFFLINBURG, Pa. — Christmas has officially hit the auction block in Pennsylvania's rural heartland, drawing in enthusiastic bidders eager to kick off the holiday season.
The recent two-day event at the Buffalo Valley Produce Auction resulted in the sale of approximately 50,000 Christmas trees, alongside an impressive array of wreaths, crafts, and festive paraphernalia—enough to fill an airplane hangar.
Buyers traveled from across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions to stock their stores and prepare for the forthcoming rush of customers seeking the perfect tree, predominantly opting for the Fraser fir, along with seasonal decorations to embellish their homes.
Amid chilly temperatures, bundled-up customers listened attentively as auctioneers promoted not just trees, but also boxes brimming with ornaments, winterberry bundles, cotton branches, icicle lights, grave blankets, bows, and tree stands—offering nearly everything needed to deck the halls for the festive season.
Marsha Gray of the Real Christmas Tree Board, which supports the natural tree farming industry, noted a shift in the purchasing patterns over recent years, revealing that a growing number of households are bypassing real trees for artificial ones, with many opting out of purchasing a tree altogether.
Cory Stephens, returning for a second year, shared his satisfaction from last year's auction findings. He invested nearly $5,000 on decor for his store, remarking, It’s incredible, it’s changed our whole world. If you know what you’re looking for, it’s very hard to beat the quality.”
Ryan Marshall from Ward’s Berry Farm in Massachusetts spent $8,000 on decor, expecting to profit significantly from his investments like wreaths that he purchased at a bargain price.
Stats from the Real Christmas Tree Board highlight that the primary allure of real trees remains their scent, with many families associating genuine trees with nostalgia and tradition, especially those with children at home.
Despite the trend towards artificial trees, auction manager Neil Courtney reported stabilization in farm-grown tree prices and expressed optimism that demand for live trees would rebound. He stated, Long story short — we’ll be back on top of the game shortly. The live tree puts the real Christmas in your house.”
A recent survey from the National Christmas Tree Association documented over 21 million farm-grown trees sold in 2023, averaging a price of $75, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these holiday symbols amidst changing consumer preferences.
