Press Release: 11/24/2025

Healey-Driscoll Administration Declares Friday, November 28, 2025, as “Green Friday”

 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



11/24/2025



MEDIA CONTACT



Phu Mai, Director of Communications



 Online



Email Phu Mai, Director of Communications at phu.mai@mass.gov



Commissioner Randle with MDAR staff, state and local officials, and the family of Bob Schrader, co-owner of Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm



HATFIELD — To kick off the holiday season in Massachusetts and to highlight the state’s Christmas tree and nursery sectors, Governor Maura Healey is declaring Friday, November 28, 2025, as “Green Friday.” Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle joined state and local officials today to celebrate the declaration at Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Hatfield. The event included a presentation of a Governor’s Proclamation, followed by a ceremonial Christmas tree cutting.



“There’s no better way to usher in the holiday season than by purchasing a locally grown Christmas tree and other festive plants, ” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “Our growers take great care of the land which produces beautiful evergreens that provide a perfect centerpiece to your holiday celebrations. Start your holidays off at a local farm or nursery for a memorable experience.”



Massachusetts is home to 459 Christmas tree farms, which operate on nearly 3,000 acres of land and contribute more than $4.5 million to the local economy every year. These farms provide hundreds of seasonal jobs, and many year-round positions as well, boosting local economies through commerce and tourism. Many farms offer family-friendly activities like sleighrides and treats like milk and cookies or hot chocolate.



Christmas tree farms provide a stunning backdrop to the agricultural landscape in Massachusetts and help preserve open space across the state, bringing tremendous environmental benefits to the surrounding land. Often sited on soil that cannot support other crops, these farms enhance soil health, which helps prevent erosion and protect water supplies. After the holiday season, trees and other plants can be used as a renewable source of energy to be burned as fuel, used as mulch, fed to certain livestock, or composted.



"Holiday tree season marks a joyful reminder of how vital local agriculture is to the character and strength of our region,” said State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa (D – Northampton). “By choosing a tree grown close to home, families help sustain the small businesses that keep our rural communities thriving. Each visit to the farm, like Chestnut Mountain Tree Farm, becomes not just a tradition, but an investment in the connections that bring neighbors together.”



“At Chestnut Mountain Tree Farm, we have enjoyed a good growing season this year,” said owner Bob Schrader. “We are looking forward to the holiday season, the primary time of year for sales and are happy to welcome the community to our farm. Our farm continues to grow, and we are thankful to the Massachusetts Christmas Tree Association for their support and would like to acknowledge the importance of the association to its 100+ members. MDAR has been supportive of our farm for many years, so we are grateful for the relationship with them.”



To find more information on Massachusetts Christmas tree farms and nurseries, please visit MDAR’s MassGrown page.