Every year, right around mid-November, the air in our workshop changes. Once the first hard frosts hit the Maine coast, the balsam is finally ready to be gathered, and that forest-fresh scent starts wafting out our doors. It’s an exciting time, but it always brings up the same question: when is the best time to actually have my wreath delivered?

The truth is, there’s no wrong answer — but there is a “perfect” week depending on how you like to celebrate. Whether you want to beat the post-Thanksgiving rush or you’re a December traditionalist, here’s how we recommend timing your order.

Why Wait for December?

We see a huge surge of orders the week of Thanksgiving, but here’s a detail worth knowing: our balsam is hardy. Because we wait for those coastal frosts to set the needles before we ever start clipping, a wreath hung in mid-November will easily keep its color and fragrance well into January.

If you like to enjoy that cozy feeling as long as possible, don’t be afraid to go for an earlier delivery. It’s one less thing to worry about during the busy December crunch, and you get two extra weeks of that real balsam scent.

Beat the “Black Friday” Rush

While we love the holiday hustle and bustle, pre-ordering early is the best way to make sure you get the exact delivery week you want. Instead of joining the crowd the day after Thanksgiving, you can sit back with a second piece of pie knowing your wreath is already on its way from Maine. We start taking orders as early as October, so reach out and let us know which wreaths you’re choosing this year, whenever you think of it.

At the end of the day, we want your front door to look — and smell — like Christmas actually arrived. Pick the week that makes your life easiest, and we’ll handle the rest.

Wreath Shipping Timing: Quick Answers

When should I order my fresh balsam wreath?

We start taking wreath orders as early as October, and shipping windows run from mid-November through the second week of December. Ordering early gives you the best chance at your preferred delivery week, especially around Thanksgiving when demand peaks.

How late can I order and still get my wreath before Christmas?

Our last shipping window is the second week of December. We stop taking orders around then so every wreath has time to arrive before the holidays, and so our crew can get home for their own.

Will a wreath delivered in mid-November still look fresh by Christmas?

Yes. We wait for the first hard coastal frosts to set the needles before we ever start clipping, which is what makes our balsam hardy enough to hold its color and fragrance well into January, even from an early delivery.

Why does Harbor Farm wait for the first frost to harvest balsam?

Frost sets the needles on the branch, which is what allows a freshly cut balsam wreath to stay full and fragrant for weeks instead of drying out quickly. It’s the same reason we can offer a wide shipping window without sacrificing freshness.