Yorkshire Christmas tree growers have won national recognition, with York Christmas Trees crowned Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year 2026 and a North Yorkshire business taking a new retail award.
York Christmas Trees won the top title at the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) awards on Wednesday 14 October, earning the opportunity to supply a British-grown Christmas tree for display outside 10 Downing Street this Christmas.
Croft Christmas Trees from North Yorkshire also won the inaugural Best Retail Tree award, recognising the appeal of its Nordmann Fir to Christmas tree shoppers.
The annual competition, which has been running since 1999, was held at Sutton Hall Christmas Trees in Barcombe, East Sussex. More than 100 entries were submitted by growers from across the UK.
York Christmas Trees was named the winner of the Best Nordmann Fir category as well as taking the overall championship. Welford Christmas Tree Farm in Northamptonshire was runner-up in both categories and will supply the trees displayed inside No. 10 Downing Street.
The awards also recognised growers in other categories, including wreath-making, container-grown trees and photography celebrating British Christmas trees in the countryside.
Santa Trees from Cornwall won Champion Festive Wreath of the Year with a naturally decorated wreath and will supply the wreath for the door of No. 10 Downing Street.
Croft Christmas Trees’ success in the new Best Retail Tree category reflects a change in this year’s competition, with the BCTGA introducing awards focused on the appeal of trees and wreaths to consumers.
Russell Parkins, Chair of BCTGA, said: Competition Day is a real celebration of the skill, dedication and expertise of British Christmas tree growers. With over 100 entries, the standard this year was exceptionally high.
He said the competition showcased the work growers put into producing trees and wreaths, adding that the Downing Street displays offered an opportunity to highlight the British-grown Christmas tree industry.
The association says an average six-foot Christmas tree takes around ten years to grow. It also highlights the wildlife habitat provided by trees during their growing cycle and encourages shoppers to support British growers and rural businesses.
The BCTGA represents Christmas tree growers across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The association was established in 1980 and is managed by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
Further information about the association and its members is available from the BCTGA website.