There's something special about the smell of a real Christmas tree. For some, it's the unmistakable sign that the holiday season has arrived. For others, it's a reminder of childhood memories, family traditions, and the excitement of Christmas morning.
For Katy Wells, it's a little bit of all three.
And that familiar scent is part of what started a journey that would eventually turn 12 acres in east Norman into one of the community's favorite places to celebrate the holiday season.
Now celebrating 10 years of growing Christmas trees, Wells Christmas Tree Farm has become much more than a place to pick out the perfect tree. It's a place where families return year after year, new traditions take root, and the magic of Christmas feels just a little more real.
From a Family Christmas Tradition to a Family Business
When Katy and her husband, Jesse, purchased their property in 2013, opening a Christmas tree farm wasn't exactly part of the plan.
The couple built their home on the land in 2014, hoping to enjoy a little extra space outside the bustle of a neighborhood. But during their first Christmas in their new home, a trip to a nearby Christmas tree farm changed everything.
Katy had her heart set on a real tree. As she watched families wandering through the pines and cutting down their Christmas trees, an unexpected thought crossed her mind: What if they started a Christmas tree farm of their own?
She quickly dismissed the idea. That is, until they got back in the car.
Just moments after leaving the farm, Jesse turned to her and said, "You know, we should do that."
Neither had any farming experience, and growing Christmas trees had never been on their radar.
"We came out here to just get away from a neighborhood and just mow 12 acres," Katy recalls. "That's all we wanted to do."
But the idea stuck. The couple began researching Christmas tree farming, learning from other growers, and eventually planted their first seedlings in 2016.
A decade later, those seedlings have grown into something far bigger than either of them imagined.
A Little More Than Planting a Tree
While the holiday season may only last a few weeks, growing Christmas trees is a year-round commitment.
Today, the farm has more than 1,500 trees growing on the property, primarily Virginia Pines, with some Scotch Pines mixed in. And according to Katy, getting those trees to look like the picture-perfect evergreens people take home requires plenty of patience.
"They don't want to look like a Christmas tree. You have to make them look like a Christmas tree," she explains.
Each tree requires years of care before it's ready to be harvested. Jesse hand-shears and prunes the trees twice a year, shaping them individually while the couple manages everything from soil conditions to watering through Oklahoma's unpredictable weather.
Most trees take around four to five years to reach the size families are looking for.
It's a labor of love that visitors might not realize goes into the tree they eventually bring home.
And while the Wells family has learned plenty about growing trees over the past decade, Katy says they're still learning something new every year.
It's About More Than Finding the Perfect Tree
For Katy, the magic of a real Christmas tree goes back to her childhood.
She remembers coming home from school to discover that her mother had decorated the house for Christmas. The decorations were a surprise, and the smell of a real tree became something she associated with those special moments.
Years later, walking through the pines on her own farm brought those memories rushing back.
But it's the opportunity to help other families create those same memories that makes the experience so meaningful.
"It's about the experience," Katy says.
And there's certainly no shortage of experiences to be had at Wells Christmas Tree Farm.
During the holiday season, visitors can explore the rows of evergreens, enjoy seasonal treats and warm drinks, and spend time together outdoors. Weekends bring even more holiday fun, with activities such as live music, food trucks, visits with Santa, and plenty of games for the whole family.
Kids can write letters to Santa in the playhouse, challenge their siblings to tetherball, or enjoy a game of checkers with their parents. Families can gather around the fire pits, snap photos, and spend an afternoon enjoying the farm.
Even four-legged family members are welcome, as long as they remain on a leash.
Katy says that while cutting down a tree might only take a few minutes, families often stay for two or three hours to enjoy everything else.
And for the Wells family, seeing those visitors return is one of the most rewarding parts of the business.
Over the years, they've watched couples get engaged, celebrated weddings, and welcomed those same families back with children of their own.
There's even a family that brings their dog back every year for a photo in the farm's vintage truck. Katy laughs that the dog is getting a little gray around the nose these days, but the tradition continues.
It's those little moments that make the farm feel like one big extended family.
Something New Is Brewing at The Pines
While the Christmas trees have been growing for a decade, the Wells family's newest addition is celebrating a milestone of its own.
What started as a small camper serving hot chocolate, apple cider, cinnamon rolls, and coffee during tree season has grown into The Pines Coffee Shop & Event Center, which celebrates its first anniversary this November.
As the farm became more popular, Katy began looking for ways to expand the experience. She originally considered adding an espresso machine to their camper, but the vision eventually grew into something much bigger.
Today, The Pines is a year-round coffee shop and gathering space overlooking the farm, offering specialty coffee, sweet treats, a gift shop, and space for private events.
Coffee lovers will find plenty to enjoy, with beans sourced from Oklahoma City's Clarity Coffee and a menu of thoughtfully crafted drinks.
Katy's personal recommendation? The Sweater Weather, a seasonal favorite featuring maple, cinnamon, brown sugar, and pumpkin spice.
And you don't have to wait until Christmas tree season to stop by. Whether you're grabbing a morning latte, catching up with friends, or simply looking for a peaceful place to slow down, The Pines offers a reason to visit the farm throughout the year.
Celebrate the 2026 Christmas Season at Wells Christmas Tree Farm
Ready to start a new holiday tradition?
Wells Christmas Tree Farm officially opens for the 2026 Christmas tree season on Saturday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the season continuing through December 19.
Visitors can choose and cut their own locally grown Virginia Pine or shop from a selection of pre-cut Christmas trees, including popular fir varieties. Fresh wreaths, garlands, and other holiday greenery are also available.
Choose-and-cut trees are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservation required.
And there's an extra-special reason to visit during Thanksgiving weekend!
On Saturday, November 28, from noon to 2 p.m., Wells Christmas Tree Farm will welcome back the Reindeer Club of Oklahoma for a special holiday visit.
Families can see real reindeer up close, take photos, and meet the experienced handlers who care for these incredible animals. It's a fun opportunity for kids and adults alike to learn a little more about Santa's most famous helpers.
Best of all, Reindeer Day is free to attend!
Whether you're shopping for your Christmas tree or simply stopping by to enjoy the festivities, it's a great way to kick off the holiday season.
Learn more about Reindeer Day and event details.
A Norman Tradition That Keeps Growing
What began as an unexpected idea has grown into a place where thousands of holiday memories have been made, and the Wells family hopes those traditions will continue for generations to come.
For Katy, Norman's sense of community has played a big role in making that possible.
She loves that Norman feels like a small town despite its size, and that local businesses and neighbors continue to show up for one another.
After 25 years of calling Norman home, she's grateful to be part of a community that has embraced the farm and helped it grow.
And as Wells Christmas Tree Farm celebrates its tenth anniversary alongside The Pines' first, the Wells family is looking forward to many more seasons of welcoming families, making memories, and sharing a little holiday magic.
Because at Wells Christmas Tree Farm, you're not just picking out a Christmas tree. You're making memories that might bring you back for years to come.
Plan Your Visit
Wells Christmas Tree Farm is located at 4091 E. Franklin Road in Norman, Oklahoma.
The 2026 Christmas tree season runs from November 21 through December 19. For seasonal hours, available trees, upcoming events, and information about The Pines Coffee Shop, visit wellschristmastrees.com.
