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Best Christmas Tree Cutting Experiences In The Chicago Area

With Christmas time around the corner, people are starting to think about what kind of tree they will decide on this year. While artificial trees can be convenient and low maintenance, they just don't compare to the natural look and fragrance of a real tree. Last year's article entitled, "Best Places To Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree Near Chicago," listed some great places that offer tree cutting, but there are some tree farms that stand out from the pack. Make your Christmas tree more than just a decoration during the holidays by cutting your own tree at a farm that will help create memories and traditions with each passing year.

Trees
(Credit: idechristmastrees.com)

Ide Christmas Tree Farm
1500 83rd St.
Downers Grove, IL 60516
(630) 743-4032
www.idechristmastrees.com

Located just outside of Chicago, Ide Christmas Tree Farm has a huge selection of trees up to 15 feet tall. There are over 45,000 trees, featuring Pine and Spruce varieties. The farm is open from the Friday after Thanksgiving through to December 22nd, 2013. It is a $65 flat rate payment, regardless of what size tree you choose, but only cash is accepted. Unlike other tree farms that have a bunch of distractions to take away from the experience, Ide Christmas Tree Farm operates in a self-serve format. Bring your own saw and wagon or rent one on location and take as long as you like to find just the right tree for your family this holiday.

Marmion's Abbey Farms
850 Butterfield Road
Aurora, IL 60502
(630) 966-7775
www.abbeyfarms.org

Marmion's Abbey Farms features Scotch Pine, White Pine, Austrian Pine, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, Canaan Fir, Balsam Fir and Frasier Fir. It is open from November 23rd to December 23rd and costs $40 to cut your own tree with a $10 refundable deposit for a saw rental. Free twine is available and pet owners are welcome to bring their pets during the tree hunt. The farm is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and visitors coming during the later hours are encouraged to bring their own flashlights during the hunt.

kuipers
(credit: www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com)

Kuiper's Family Farm
1N318 Watson Road
Maple Park, IL 60151
(815) 827-5200
www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com

Around an hour's drive from Chicago, Kuiper's Family Farm is much more than just a place to cut down a tree. While there is a large selection to choose from to cut your own tree, there are also handmade wreaths and precut trees. Families with small children will love the farm animal petting area and the apple cider doughnuts. There are some great gift items in The Orchard Shop, perfect for a unique Christmas present idea. Included in a tree purchase is an apple cider doughnut for everyone in your group, assistance in securing the tree to your vehicle and removal of loose needles before the trip home.

Related: Best Florists In Chicago To Get A Holiday Poinsettia

Spring Bluff Nursery
41W130 Norris Road
Sugar Grove, IL 60554
(630) 466-4278
www.springbluffnursery.com

Spring Bluff Nursery offers Christmas tree cutting on November 29th and November 30th and December 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are able to choose and cut their own trees and make a selection from their handmade fresh wreaths. Spring Bluff Nursery has a long history as a family-operated business that has lasted for six generations. The Norris family takes pride in its garden, nursery and farm. This can be a great way to combine family traditions each year by making Spring Bluff your favorite spot for all of your Christmas tree needs.

Richardson Farm
9405 Richardson Road
Spring Grove, IL 60081
(815) 675-9729
www.richardsonadventurefarm.com

Richardson Farm is open from November 29th to December 23rd from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For those looking to cut their own trees, handsaws are provided and there is free hot chocolate. Fresh-made fudge is made right on the farm and on weekends there are free wagon rides out to the tree farm. Kids will love the kettle corn and concessions, while the adults will love the free hot coffee and freshly made donuts.

Related: Best Places To Start Your Holiday Decoration Shopping In Chicago

Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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