Christmas Tree Permits 2026: Lincoln National Forest
Published 31 October 2026
You can cut your own Christmas tree in the Lincoln National Forest this year with a $10 permit. Permits go on sale November 12, 2026, online at Recreation.gov through December 31, or in person at the Sacramento and Smokey Bear ranger district offices through December 24. You may cut one tree per permit, up to 10 feet tall, and fourth graders can get one free.
This is one of my favorite holiday traditions about living here. You drive up from the desert, tramp through the snow with a thermos of cocoa, and come home with a tree that smells like the mountains. Here is what you need to know before you go.
When and where can I buy a 2026 Christmas tree permit?
The Lincoln National Forest's Christmas tree permit page, updated October 30, 2026, lists these dates and prices:
| How to buy | Season dates | Price | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online at Recreation.gov | Nov. 12 to Dec. 31, 2026 | $10 per tree, plus a $2.50 service fee | 1 tree per permit |
| In person at the Smokey Bear or Sacramento Ranger District office | Nov. 12 to Dec. 24, 2026 | $10, cash or card | 1 tree per permit |
To buy online, go to the Lincoln National Forest Christmas tree permit page on Recreation.gov. Read the overview and need-to-know information before you buy, and print your permit so you can display it on your dashboard.
The Sacramento Ranger District, in Cloudcroft, is the closest district office to Alamogordo. You can call it at 575-682-2551 to check hours before you drive up. The Smokey Bear Ranger District in Ruidoso is at 575-257-4095.
Can kids get a free Christmas tree permit?
Yes. Fourth graders can get a free Christmas tree permit through the Every Kid Outdoors program by entering their pass ID on Recreation.gov. The $2.50 online service fee still applies. It is a fun way to make your fourth grader the hero of the holiday trip.
What are the rules for cutting a tree?
The Forest Service lists these rules on its permit page:
- Your tree must be 10 feet tall or shorter.
- Cut down and take the whole tree. Do not just cut off the top.
- If there is snow, clear it away from the stump so you can measure the stump and tree height accurately.
- Do not cut on private land, in wilderness areas, within 300 feet of a designated campground or trail, or within 100 feet of a paved road.
- Do not cut in areas planted with new trees or in active timber sale areas.
- Print your permit and display it on your vehicle's dashboard.
The Forest Service says cutting Christmas trees in the right spots actually helps the forest, because it thins crowded stands of small trees and gives the remaining trees room to grow. They suggest choosing a tree from a dense part of the forest and scattering the leftover branches from the stump.
Are any forest roads closed right now?
Check before you go. The Lincoln National Forest closed several forest roads on October 9, 2026, after recent rain caused extensive damage, and the temporary road closure order runs through January 1, 2027. The closed roads are Forest Roads 329, 329B, 483 and 57, on the Smokey Bear and Sacramento ranger districts.
The forest's alerts page lists every current closure, so look it over the day before your trip.
What should I bring for a tree cutting trip?
The Forest Service has a good checklist. Measure the spot in your home where the tree will go, and the space in your vehicle, before you leave. Then bring:
- A handsaw, gloves and boots
- A measuring tape, so the tree will fit
- A tarp to sit on or to move the tree to the car, plus rope or straps to tie it down
- Tire chains, a shovel and a tow chain, since forest roads may not be plowed
- Warm and dry extra clothes, food and water, and a paper map, since cell service can be spotty
Start early and plan to be out of the woods before dark. Once you are home, cut a fresh slice off the bottom of the trunk and set the tree in a bucket of water. For the drive itself, my post on winter driving from Alamogordo to Cloudcroft has the road condition tools I use.
What does this mean for families moving here?
Living in Alamogordo means you get desert sunshine most of the winter and a real forest Christmas tree just up the mountain. It is an easy new family tradition to start in your very first year here.
If you are planning a move, my Holloman AFB relocation guide is a good place to start. And for the rest of the season, see my list of Alamogordo holiday events for 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Christmas tree permit in the Lincoln National Forest?
A permit is $10 per tree. Buying online at Recreation.gov adds a $2.50 service fee.
When do 2026 Christmas tree permits go on sale?
Permits go on sale November 12, 2026. Online sales run through December 31, and in person sales at the ranger district offices run through December 24.
Where can I buy a Christmas tree permit near Alamogordo?
You can buy one online at Recreation.gov or in person at the Sacramento Ranger District office in Cloudcroft. The Smokey Bear Ranger District office in Ruidoso also sells them.
How tall can my Christmas tree be?
Your tree must be 10 feet tall or shorter. You must cut down and take the whole tree, not just the top.
Can fourth graders get a free Christmas tree permit?
Yes. Fourth graders can get a free permit through the Every Kid Outdoors program by entering their pass ID on Recreation.gov, though the $2.50 online fee applies.
Permit dates, prices, rules and tips are from the Lincoln National Forest's Christmas tree permit page, updated 30 October 2026, and the road closures are from its alerts page, checked 31 October 2026. Check with the Forest Service for any changes before your trip.