MIFFLINBURG, Pa. — Christmas spirit took center stage this week at the annual auction in Pennsylvania's picturesque farm country. The two-day event at the Buffalo Valley Produce Auction saw enthusiastic bidding for around 50,000 Christmas trees, wreaths, and an array of holiday decor items, creating a vibrant marketplace for seasonal shoppers.
Merchants from the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions flocked to secure their supplies to meet the impending holiday rush. Numerous buyers sought to stock their garden stores and retail outlets with fresh-cut Fraser firs, along with ornamental decorations like winterberry bundles, decorative lights, and more.
Amid the cold temperatures, customers bundled up and gathered as auctioneers called out lots of treasured holiday items that were auctioned off—not including the food and presents, which many still dreamt of. The changing dynamics of American holiday traditions were also evident, as fewer homes are opting for real trees.
Marsha Gray, executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board, noted that while the popularity of artificial trees rises, many still cherish the fresh, nostalgic scent of a real tree in their living rooms, particularly for families with children.
Cory Stephens, returning for a second year, spent about $5,000 on decorations for his store, A.A. Co. Farm, Lawn & Garden in Maryland. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of the products available.
It’s incredible, it’s changed our whole world, he said. If you know what you’re looking for, it’s very hard to beat the quality.
Another buyer, Ryan Marshall, invested about $8,000 in assorted decorations for resale, anticipating a lucrative return on his purchases.
A recent survey indicated that nearly 21 million farm-grown Christmas trees were sold in 2023, with a median price of $75 per tree. As auction manager Neil Courtney observed, there remains optimism for the farm-grown tree market, stating, Long story short — we’ll be back on top of the game shortly. The live tree puts the real Christmas in your house. These traditions not only spark joy but also reflect a deep-seated desire for authentic holiday experiences.
