It may seem early, but it’s just about time to start looking for a Christmas tree. For many families, the week after Thanksgiving is the traditional time to find a tree to put up in the living room for the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for a 9-footer for a high-ceilinged living room or a tabletop tree for an apartment, here are some places in Greater Gardner and beyond to find that perfect Christmas tree, including where to get a free tree for veterans and active service members, and how to support a good cause when buying a tree.
Evergreen Grove – 827 Green St., Gardner
A new tradition begins this year – the staff at Carl E. Dahl House farm will be selling live Christmas trees, with all proceeds going toward supporting the organization’s substance recovery program. Trees will be on sale starting Nov. 24, and families can have professional photos taken with Santa at the farm on Nov. 26.
“GAAMHA is excited to offer this holiday tree fundraiser through December,” said James Hunt, GAAMHA’s grants and fundraising coordinator. “Our goal is to create a family-fun experience when picking out your tree as well as spread awareness of the work we are doing on our rescue farm and programs at Evergreen Grove.”
Hope Lodge Masonic Hall – 42 Central St., Gardner
A longtime tradition for Chair City families, the Hope Lodge Masonic Hall will begin selling Christmas trees on Nov. 24.
Nicole’s Christmas Trees – 160 Gardner Road, Templeton
Balsam trees, Fraser fir trees, wreaths and bows, and home décor will be on sale at Nicole’s Christmas Trees starting on Nov. 24.
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West Brook Tree Farm – 1519 South Main St., Athol
Starting Nov. 24 at 10 a.m., the family-owned West Brook Tree Farm will be selling a wide selection of pre-cut or cut-your-own trees, including Balsam fir, Colorado blue spruce and Scotch pine. In operation since the early 1970s, the cash-only farm has provided over 15,000 Christmas trees to families throughout New England. The farm will be open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone wishing to cut their own tree is urged to visit during daylight hours.
Fun fact: In 2008, the farm sold a tree that was over 30 feet tall to Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics.
Deer Run Tree Farm – 80 Calamint Hill Road South, Princeton
The family-owned Deer Run Tree Farm has been around since 1773. Families are invited to choose and cut from about 7,500 trees, with some topping out around 12 feet. The farm’s selection includes Balsam fir, Fraser fir, Blue Spruce, and Serbian spruce. Christmas trees will be available starting on Nov. 24 at 9 a.m., and then Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas.
Mason Farm – 244 Barre Paxton Road, Rutland
In 2001, the Mason brothers, Bill and Bob, planted 500 trees on half an acre of land. Mason Farm is presently up to around 8,000 trees on over 8 acres. With the goal of providing a family-friendly farm in the local community, the Mason family strives to offer the highest quality Christmas trees in the area. The farm’s “choose and cut” season begins on Nov. 24, and they will be open every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
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D.J. Hussey Farm – 37 Burgess Road, Townsend
Family-owned and operated since 1926, D.J. Hussey Farm’s traditional “pick your own tree” weekends begin on Nov. 18. Families will enjoy a scenic walking trail to the tree farm, where they will be able to choose their tree. The farm’s staff will cut the tree and deliver it to the barn for shaking, baling and measuring. The farm offers several species of trees, including Balsam fir, Blue Spruce, White Spruce, and Norway Spruce. D.J. Hussey Farm is the place to go if your family is looking for size, as some of the trees available are around 13 feet.
Cauley’s Florist and Garden Center – 649 South St., Fitchburg
Beginning on Nov. 24 and continuing while supplies last, free Christmas trees will be available at Cauley’s Florist and Garden Center to all veterans and active service members. The “Trees for Soldiers” program, which began 13 years ago, was established by Operation Service, a nonprofit whose mission is supporting beautification projects in the twin cities of Fitchburg and Leominster. The group says they will have 175 Christmas trees available to brighten the homes of those who have served their country.