Top Places To Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree
Venturing out to cut down your own Christmas tree might be one of the more iconic images of the Christmas season. Tromping through snow covered fields to find the perfect tree to bring home to your living room. While the Chicago forest preserves might not be too wild about you cutting down one of their trees, there are plenty of Christmas tree farms around the Chicagoland area that would love to see you.
Ziegler Christmas Tree Farm
This farm offers fun for the whole family, including the dog. They offer Firs, Pines and Spruce trees and even wreaths, boughs and garland. While they shake and bale your tree for free, you can peruse the gift shop and get some Christmas shopping done.
42W109 McDonald Road
Elgin, IL 60124
Phone: 847-464-5776
E-mail: jztrees@yahoo.com
Website: www.zieglerchristmastreefarm.com
Pioneer Tree Farm
Looking for a tree raised organically, this is your place. Approximately 50 miles north of Chicago, the farm offers free tractor-drawn wagon rides to and from the trees, coffee and cocoa and tree shaking and baling. And for you first-timers, they also offer a great guide on their website for tips on cutting your own tree.
4614 Pioneer Rd.
McHenry, IL 60051
Phone: 815-385-8512
Website: www.pioneertreefarm.com
Ide Christmas Tree Farm
If you're not looking to drive too far outside of the city, but don't mind spending a bit more for a tree than other farms ($60) then visit Ide. They run by a more self-serve method. There are no helpers in the field to offer their services, so if you think you might need help getting the tree on your car roof make sure you have some of your own helpers. They have saws available for a $5 deposit, tree hauler wagons and twine for your car. They don't accept credit cards like most places so make sure you have cash on you when you pay on your way out.
1500 83rd St.
Downers Grove, IL 60516
Phone: 630-743-4032
E-mail: dgfolks@juno.com
Website: www.wix.com/idechristmastrees/farm
Abbey Farms of Marmion Abbey
With over 120 acres of trees to choose from, you are bound to find the perfect one here. For only $30-$40 you can find a great tree. If you are looking for a pre-cut one, the cost is a little bit more. All tree sales help support the community at Marmion Abbey. They offer sleds for kids or to help transport your tree and free hot chocolate to enjoy around their warming fires.
850 Butterfield Rd.
Aurora, IL 60502
Phone: 630-897-7215 x375
E-mail: abbeyfarms@marmion.org
Website: www.abbeyfarms.org
Richardson Farm
Here you'll find over 50,000 trees spread out over 75 acres. Enjoy a free wagon ride out to the trees and then it's happy hunting until you find the right one. When you find it, they shake and bale it in plastic netting for free. They'll even tag it so you can go enjoy free hot chocolate and coffee. Check out the website to view the different types of Christmas trees and a detailed description of each.
9407 Richardson Rd.
Spring Grove, IL 60081
Phone: 815-675-9729
Website: www.richardsonadventurefarm.com
Rachel Azark is a writer and lives on Chicago's northwest side. Read more of her work on her blog parksandpancakes.com.
