It is the most wonderful time of the year! We started our family traditions with Halloween trick-or-treating with the neighbors, followed by delicious chili and candy-trading. Thanksgiving follows closely behind, and then next up is getting the family Christmas Tree!
There aren’t many Christmas tree farms in our area, but what we lack in number, we make up for in character and spirit! Here are three Christmas tree farms near Iowa City, with additional commercial locations listed as well.
Barnes Christmas Tree Farm
Location: 4439 Dane Rd SW, Iowa City, Iowa
Contact: (319) 341-9351
Hours: Weekends only:
Friday, Nov 25: 9-5
Saturday, Nov 26: 9-5
Sunday, Nov 27: 10-5
Saturdays, Dec 3, 10, 17: 9-5
Sundays, Dec 4, 11, 18: 10-5
What you need to know:
- Park along the entry off to the sides. There are people there who will give you a brief run down of where specific kinds of trees are located on the farm. You can go straight there, or you can wander around looking for the perfect tree.
- There are saws available to use and twine to attach the tree to your car. They’ll even help you carry and load, if needed. They will also shake and bail the tree to make things easier (I think that is $1 extra, but SO worth it!)
- When you are finished and ready to pay, step inside to warm up with some hot apple cider and a yummy cookie or candy cane.
- Trees Available: Scotch & White Pines, Canaan, Douglas and Norway Firs as well as Blue Spruces.
- Pines are $34, Firs/Spruces are $44.
- Wreaths are $15 and Swags are $8.50.
- Payment must be with cash or check; credit/debit cards not accepted. So, swing by the ATM on your way over there.
Kelly Tree Farm
Location: 1045 Stone Mill Rd, Tipton, IA, 52772
Call: (563) 452-0280
E-mail: [email protected]
Hours: Opens the day after Thanksgiving on Nov. 25th
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday–Sunday only
Fridays: Nov 25, Dec 2, 9
Saturdays: Nov 26, Dec 3, 10
Sundays: Nov 27, Dec 4, 11
What you need to know:
- Tree varieties include White Pine, Scotch Pine, and Canaan Fir up to 10 feet tall. You can choose from the cut-your-own, fresh-cut, or potted evergreens to plant.
- Price of trees is $40. There are some trees over 10 feet for $100, but call first if you want this kind, as they are in a different location.
- Evergreen wreaths from $12.00 for 12″ to $35.00 for 36″
- Payment must be cash or check; no credit/debit cards accepted.
- No dogs allowed.
Handley’s Holiday Hillside, Inc
Location: 1731 White Oak Ave NE, Solon, IA 52333
Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: (319) 624-3646
What you need to know:
- Price of trees ranges from $35-$75
- $1 to have the tree shaken and netted for you
- Train rides for kids, popcorn, and hot cocoa are sometimes available
- Cash or check only
If you are unable to make it to a traditional Christmas tree farm, you can also find trees at many local grocery stores, home improvement stores, and landscaping nurseries, such as the following:
Menard’s
Lowe’s
HyVee (Coralville, Waterfront, S 1st Ave, N Dodge St)
Flowerama
Dairy Queen parking lot on Riverside Drive (supports the local Optimist Club)
Pleasant Valley Garden Center
Earl May
Forever Green
Ace Hardware (North Dodge, Mall Drive)
Take your tree home, turn up the holiday tunes, and decorate! Whether you use homemade or store-bought decorations, you are making memories with your family to last forever.
Happy Tree-Hunting!
SaveSave
Area landscaping nurseries like Pleasant Valley (Gilbert St. & HWY 6), Earl May (1st Ave & Lower Muscatine), Forever Green (North Liberty) also have pre-cut trees. Area Ace Hardwares, too.
Thank you, Melody! We will add those to our list! 🙂