One of the longest standing traditions for most families is trekking into the woods to find the perfect Christmas tree. Since President Harrison first put one in the White House in 1889, this tradition has withstood time, creating countless memories year after year. For those who don’t want to forget the saw and bring a tree home that won’t fit in the yard, (we hope you get the reference) we are highlighting some amazing tree farms for you to visit this season.

A great venue for those who want the option to make a day of family fun is Eckert’s Christmas Tree Farm in Belleville. Opening on Saturday, November 19th this year, Eckert’s cut-your-own farm offers Balsam, Douglas, and Fraser Firs as well as Eastern White Pines and (Colorado) Blue Spruce trees for $65. Once you have found the perfect tree, be sure to warm up inside their country store with some apple cider and head over to their restaurant for some tasty treats!

Started by Cecil and Rudy Alfeldt in 1964, Alfeldt’s Christmas Tree Farm has been at the heart of cherished memories providing Scotch Pine, White Pine, Canaan Fir, Norway Spruce, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, and Douglas Fir trees. This 40-acre tree farm opens November 19th and is nestled just Northwest of Oakdale in Washington County and offers precut as well as cut your own. While there, be on the lookout for Santa who may make an appearance between noon and 3 p.m. most days! “Our family strives to do our best in helping other families celebrate the Christmas season by providing them a real tree and hopefully a family tradition that is passed down the generations,” Karen Alfeldt says. 

From Christmas trees to ornaments and fresh garland, Daniken Tree Farm in Pocahontas has you covered. Opening the weekend before Thanksgiving, Daniken is the place to go with 70 plus acres of trees to choose from! Be sure to bring those Christmas lists the first three weekends after Thanksgiving to give to Santa from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. too!

Near Daniken is another local gem around the holidays, Randy’s Country Barn in Greenville. No matter if you want a 10 ft. tree or a swag for the front door, you can find it all here! Randy’s will open the weekend before Thanksgiving and run through mid-December. This farm runs Thursday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Before heading out, stop at the barn turned Christmas shop for ornaments, lights, or candles!

Once you have found your tree and want to see how to decorate it, visit Mt. Carmel for their 4th Annual Festival of Trees. The event takes place in Merchants Park through December. All trees were decorated and donated for the month by various businesses, families, or groups. Sponsored by the Retail Merchants Committee, this is one unique way to find decorating inspiration and a great activity for the whole family!