After turkey time, it's timber time for many.
Tree farms across the Chicago area are looking to spruce up the Christmas spirit, with many opening for the season Friday, merely a day after Thanksgiving. Some even debuted their shops earlier. Whatever the case, timber lots have been harvesting all sorts of trees, from firs to pines, to take part in the holiday tradition.
Here are places in the area to cut down a Christmas tree:
Abbey's Farms
Visitors can browse through fields filled with scotch and pine trees, as well as Austrian and spruce trees. Other holiday goodies, such as wreaths and garlands, are available for purchase.
A saw is provided with a refundable $10 cash fee, and trees vary in price. Reservations must be made in advance.
The farm, located at 2855 Hart Rd. in Aurora, is open for the season through Dec. 23.
Richardson Adventure Farm
A selection of 50,000 trees of various sizes and shapes are scattered across the farm's 75 acres.
The trip includes a free wagon ride to and from the fields on top of a complimentary cup of hot chocolate or coffee. Wreaths and festive decorations also will be available for purchase.
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The farm will shake and bale each tree. All cut-your-own trees are $79 plus tax.
The farm, located at 9407 Richardson Rd. in Spring Grove, will be open through Dec. 11. However, cut-your-own sales end Dec. 4, meaning sales from then on will consist only of pre-cut Fraser and Canaan fir trees.
Pioneer Tree Farm
Pioneer Tree Farm will offer crops of pine, spruce, cedar and fir this season.
Wagon rides to and from the fields, and tree shaking and baling are included at no extra charge. Hand saws are provided, but visitors can bring their own. All trees are $80.
In addition to shopping for trees, visitors can stroll around for crafts and take part in pioneer activities, such as stopping by an authentic log cabin.
The farm, located at 4614 Pioneer Rd. in McHenry, will be open Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 3-4.
Larson's Family Farm
Larson's Family Farm's 18-acre field of evergreen if filled with Caanan and Concolor fir, blue spruce, Norway spruce, and Scotch and white pine.
The farm provides saws and services, including shaking and bailing, for free. All trees are $55 with tax.
The farm, located at 4404 Somonauk Rd. in Sandwich, will be open through Dec. 11.
Anderson Tree Farm
Those in the market for Norway spruce, Colorado spruce or white pine trees can head to Anderson Tree Farm.
The farm provides shake-and-wrap services free of charge and offers visitors complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn.
The farm, located at 508 W. Route 126 in Plainfield, opened for the season Nov. 19.
