A Decorative Endeavor

The Tradition of Picking Out THE Tree at Christmas Time

Story Provided
Photographer / Julie Montgomery

The tradition of picking a real Christmas tree is a cherished and time-honored practice for many families. This festive experience is not just about obtaining a holiday decoration. It’s a journey that creates lasting memories and fosters a sense of togetherness. Is your family thinking about starting its own tradition of getting THE tree? Here’s a closer look at why families may choose the tradition and experience of picking a real Christmas tree.

Family Bonding: Choosing a real Christmas tree often involves the whole family. Parents and children, and sometimes even extended family or friends, come together to embark on this annual adventure. It’s a special time for bonding, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company.

Visiting a Christmas Tree Farm: Families often venture to a local Christmas tree farm, where the air is filled with the delightful scent of pine. The farms are transformed into winter wonderlands with rows of trees covered in snow, creating a magical atmosphere that adds to the holiday spirit. Many offer cider, snacks, visits from Santa and other fun experiences to make your trip to the farm special.

Searching for the Perfect Tree: The process of finding the perfect tree is an adventure in itself. Families explore the rows of trees, carefully examining each one for the right shape, size and overall appearance. Children might play hide-and-seek among the trees, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

Cutting Down the Tree: Once the perfect tree is found, there’s the exhilarating task of cutting it down. Whether families choose to do it themselves or seek assistance from the tree farm staff, this moment marks the culmination of the search and the beginning of the tree’s journey to its new home.

Loading and Transporting: With the tree in tow, families load it onto their vehicle, often tying it securely to the roof. The journey home is filled with laughter, anticipation, and sometimes a car ride filled with classic Christmas tunes.

Creating Lasting Memories: The entire process of picking a real Christmas tree is about creating enduring memories. From the chilly air of the tree farm to the warmth of the decorated tree in the living room, these moments become part of a family’s holiday tradition, often recounted and cherished year after year.

In essence, the tradition of picking a real Christmas tree goes beyond acquiring a festive decoration. It encapsulates the spirit of the season, the joy of shared experiences, and the creation of traditions that connect generations.

We’ve gathered up a list of some local tree farms that might get you started on your Christmas Tree adventure! Double check their websites or social media pages for specific hours of operation. For more Christmas tree farm information, visit indianachristmastrees.com.

• Yakey Tree Farm – Fishers
• Sambol’s Tree Farm – Fortville
• Piney Acres – Fortville
• Dull’s Tree Farm – Thorntown
• Watts Christmas Tree Farm at Traders Point Creamery – Zionsville
• Lost Forty Tree Farm – Greenfield
• Evans Whispering Pines – Danville

*  *  *

Seeing the sparkling lights of the season is another cherished tradition for families. No matter if you want to walk along the winter wonderland or drive around in your holiday pajamas sipping on hot chocolate, here are some suggestions to take in the magic.

• NPT Night Lights: In downtown Fishers along the Nickel Plate Trail. Check out the This is Fishers blog for a map of local houses decked out for the season.
• Historic Noblesville Square, Seminary Park and Holidays on the Hill.
• Carmel Christkindlmarkt: Voted one of the best in the country, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt truly is a magical experience.
• A Merry Prairie Holiday: Visit the home of the local favorite Reynolds Farm Equipment Christmas Lights at Conner Prairie‘s holiday festival.
• Christmas Nights of Lights: At the Indiana State Fairgrounds. A drive-through light show.
• Christmas at the Zoo: Indianapolis Zoo gets all aglow for the season and transformed into a winter wonderland.
• Circle of Lights: Downtown Indianapolis on Monument Circle. See the large Christmas tree along with a festive tradition of lights, music and pop-up vendors.
• Winterlights at Newfields: An outdoor walking experience that features over 1.5 million sparkling Christmas lights.