Larry’s Tree - A Christmas Journey to the White House

A North Carolina Christmas tree farmer sees a lifelong dream come true.

LarrysTree_1920x1080.jpg

Monday, November 24, 2025

6:30 PM ET | 5:30 PM CT | 4:30 PM MT | 3:30 PM PT

Larry Smith is a humble Christmas tree farmer from the mountaintop town of Newland, NC. For 40 years, he’s had a dream, a solitary goal that’s driven him, year in and year out.

Since he was a teenager, Larry Smith has worked to be the American farmer who provided the spectacular Christmas tree that is the centerpiece of the Blue Room and the heart of the annual White House Christmas decor.

Larry’s dream finally came true – he calls it “my Super Bowl.”

Chip Carter, host of RFD-TV’s “Where the Food Comes From,” and his team followed along every step of the way, from the tiny town of Newland all the way to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, creating this wholly unique half-hour Christmas special.

Along the way, we’ll meet others who were part of the journey. We join the White House team for the actual selection of the tree from Larry’s farm, we go back for the all-hands-on-deck harvest of a 25-foot Christmas tree, and then we’ll follow along and see the White House transform for Christmas in a spectacular montage that closes the show. You’ll also hear about the 150-year history of the White House Christmas Tree – not everybody was always a fan!

You will get to know one man, one town, one spirit that unites us all as a nation. It’s the story of an American dream come true. We couldn’t be prouder to tell it.

From all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas and the happiest Holiday Season!

Related Stories
Henning Strauss, CEO of STRAUSS, joins us to share his company’s commitment to crafting tools that farmers wear.
Rooster is a full-time farmhand, right-hand man on Shawn Raff’s cattle and dairy operation in Eatonton, Georgia.
Buying a real Christmas tree directly supports U.S. farmers facing rising import competition, long production cycles, and weather-driven risks.
Buzzard discusses her upcoming appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast with host Kirbe Schnoor and the importance of sharing authentic stories about agriculture.
Strong demand supports sweet potatoes, but grading challenges and rising costs weigh on returns for Southeastern growers.