It's the most wonderful time of the year,
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you "Be of good cheer"
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Come on, sing along!
Ahem, I got carried away. But, all in all, if you couldn’t already guess, I am a sucker for Christmas. A wonderful excuse for me to get all my favorite people together, making memories, bringing us all closer together – AND cook up a storm. Yet my absolute favorite Christmas tradition is in the selection of my Christmas tree. I scout out the best spots and go hunting, often with good friends in tow. Will it be a giant bushy Douglas fir, a spindly Charlie Brown gem, or my newest favorite, a Noble Fir?
Here in the lower main-land and all over the wilds of British Columbia an abundance of Christmas tree farms can be found. Surprisingly, Christmas tree farms and the trees themselves are a sustainable and environmentally friendlier practice then their plastic counterparts. Tree farming is a renewable resource: young growing trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen, trees are composted at the end of their season providing mulch for soil in local municipalities, and many of the farms that produce them also grow our food and provide local jobs. You can’t say that about an artificial tree from overseas now, can you?
Here is a list of places where you will find some of freshest and most beautiful trees ever – and to suit all tastes and budgets. Most U-Cut farms will generally provide saws, some have complimentary hot chocolate available or at a concession, some have bonfires, some have farm animals, some are small farms, some are larger businesses, but be certain, all are super excited about trees. Many farms are cash only – but check the sights to be certain. Prices are often based on the kind of tree, and the height, going up accordingly. Happy Hunting!
BC Forestry ServiceIf you choose to brave the wilds and cut a tree down on Crown Land you will require a permit, but they are free and available online. You can cut tress in certain areas and all that information is available on the BC Forestry service website. There are 3 districts in the South Coast Region; Chilliwack, Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast. Check the website for availability, and even though some places are further than others – it sure would make a great family excursion.
McFee’s Trees
Dates: Until December 22
Hours: Fridays from 2 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9 to dusk.
Payment: Cash
Address: 24458, 50th Ave Langley (access of 248th St.)
Phone: 604-812-1736
Alouette Tree Farm
Dates: Not available
Hours: Monday to Friday noon to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am -5:30pm
Address: 23083 132 Avenue, Maple Ridge
Phone: (604) 467-0100
Aldor Acres
$4 Farm admission is included with purchase of tree
Special Evening Opening for Hayrides and Farmyard Christmas Fun! – Dec 23rd 4pm-7pm
Dates: December 1 – 23
Hours: daily 9am – 4pm
Address: 8249 252 Street, Langley
Phone: 604-888-4483
Oh Christmas Tree Farm
U-Cut and precut, with a train ride for kids, concession, and bonfire. Wagons and saws provided
Dates: Open until December 24th
Hours: 9am – 5pm
Address: 21858 Maxwell Crescent, Langley, B.C.
Phone: 604-805-5052
Frosty’s Family Christmas Tree Farm
Bonfire, concession and saws provided. No dogs allowed.
Dates:
Hours: U-cut 9:00am-4:30pm, Pre-Cut 9:00-8:00pm
Address: 24488 52 Ave Langley
Phone: (604) 856-4889
Country Noble Christmas Trees
After dusk, only pre-cut available
Dates: Open until the last weekend before Christmas
Hours: Monday – Sunday 9:30 am- 5:30 pm
Address: 4870 236th Street Langley
Phone: 604-835-4709
Valley View Trees
A rustic family farm experience with hot chocolate, apple cider and candy canes & friendly donkeys. Saws provided and dogs on leash allowed.
Dates: Until December 23rd 2012
Hours: 9:00 am to dusk
Address: 5585 238 Street Langley
Phone: (604) 968-4709
Churchland Christmas Tree Farm
Complementary hot chocolate
Dates: Until December 22, 2012
Hours: Mon-Thurs. 10 am to Dark, Fri-Sun 9 am to 6 pm
Address: 4726-248 Street, Aldergrove
Phone: 604 996 1046 or 604-607-8698
H&M Christmas Tree Farm
Bonfire on the weekends and hot apple cider, U-Cut and pre-cut Christmas Trees, saws included. Tall trees up to 14’ available.
Dates: December 1 to 24th, 2012
Hours: 9 am to dark 5ish
Address: 6640-6980 Steveson Highway, Richmond
Phone: 604-304-4264