Opening with a 1950s-inspired jazzy intro, "Christmas Tree Farm" is a pop song driven by an upbeat arrangement, orchestral treatment, and jingle bells.

Swift directed the music video for "Christmas Tree Farm", which features childhood home footage of her and her family.

[12][13] On November 22, 2021, Swift announced an "Old Timey Version" of the track on Good Morning America, released on the same day as an Amazon Music exclusive.

[2][17] Swift produced "Christmas Tree Farm" with Jimmy Napes, who provided background vocals and played piano.

Gus Pirelli played Moog bass and recorded the track at London Lane Studios in the United Kingdom, assisted by Jamie McEvoy, Joseph Wander, and Will Purton.

Musicians who played instruments for "Christmas Tree Farm" include Bruce White (viola), Jodi Milliner (bass guitar), Ian Burdge (cello), Chris Laurence (double bass), and Ash Soan (drums); John Thurgood, Laurence Davies, and Martin Owen played French horn.

Several singers provided choral background vocals, including Candice-Mimi Otohwo, Destinee Knight-Scott, Glenn Tatenda Gwazai, Jessica Mae Obioha, Lorrain Briscoe, Margeaux Michelle, Paul Lee, Tarna Renae Johnson, Tehillah Daniel, The LJ Singers, Travis J Cole, Wayne Hernandez, and Wendi Rose.

[23] The song then transitions into the main upbeat pop part that features jingle bell percussion; Critics stated that it evokes the music of Mariah Carey and Phil Spector.

[27][28] Featuring a new arrangement and a 70-piece orchestra,[29] the "Old Timey Version" incorporates horns, strings, and muted jingle bells along with elements of swing music.

"[23][33] Music critics believed that "Christmas Tree Farm" succeeded in the context of using the holiday season to reflect Swift's childhood memories,[36][37] and lauded the youthful and nostalgic feel of the song.

[42] "Christmas Tree Farm" appeared in rankings of Swift's discography by Song (72 out of 158),[38] Mylrea (84 out of 161),[36] Vulture's Nate Jones (185 out of 245),[25] and Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield (203 out of 274).

[6][74] It additionally contains footage of the farm days before Swift's birth and transitions to its different areas, showcasing stockings placed by the fireplace, numerous Christmas lights decorated around the home, and her pet dog playing in the garden.

[33][34] Swift performed "Christmas Tree Farm" at the Jingle Bell Ball in London on December 8, 2019, wearing a white belted playsuit and thigh-high boots.

[75][76] On December 13, she reprised the performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City as part of the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball, donning a sequin gold dress and knee-high boots.

[77][78] Rolling Stone's Patrick Doyle lauded her vocals during the performance, which featured "Beach Boys-y harmonies and a Wall of Sound arrangement".