There is something so festive about bringing in a Christmas tree to decorate and liven up the living space. Dating all the way back to 16th century Germany, this tradition reminds us of the spring yet to come after the long, cold winter. Here in Iowa City, we have a few places to get your very own tree.
Barnes Christmas Tree Farm
Location: 4439 Dane Rd SW, Iowa City, Iowa
Contact: (319) 341-9351
Hours: Weekends only:
Friday, Nov 24: 9-4:30
Saturday, Nov 25: 9-4:30
Sunday, Nov 26: 10-4:30
Saturdays, Dec 2, 9: 9-4:30
Sundays, Dec 3, 10: 10-4:30
Depending on availability, they may be open Dec 16 and 17. Check their Facebook page for updates!
What you need to know:
- Park along the entry off to the sides. There are people there who will give you a brief rundown 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 $35, Firs/Spruces are $45.
- 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 24, Dec 1, 8
Saturdays: Nov 25, Dec 2, 9
Sundays: Nov 26, Dec 3, 10
What you need to know:
- The last weekend is not guaranteed to be open as they could be sold out, so be sure to check their website or call the week of Dec 4th – 9th. If the weather would turn bad and they cannot be open that will also be posted on their website. If you have any questions call or e-mail.
- They have over 1000 White Pine, Scotch Pine, and Canaan Fir up to 12 feet tall, ready for your choosing.
- You can choose and cut your own fresh Christmas trees, and they furnish the saw to do it. They also have a large selection of fresh-cut trees if you prefer not to cut your own tree. They also sell potted evergreen trees to plant this fall.
- The Scotch and White Pine and Canaan fir trees are priced at $45.00 each, any size, and that includes sales tax.
- Evergreen wreaths from $13.00 for 12″ to $36.00 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:
- NO dogs please!
- Open on the weekends following Thanksgiving until they are out of trees.
- They do NOT take cards… cash or checks only.
- Warm cabin with homemade goodies! (Proceeds go to local church groups!)
Check out iowachristmastrees.com to see all Iowa Christmas tree farms and who has trees remaining.
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:
Menards
Lowe’s
HyVee (Coralville, Waterfront, S 1st Ave, N Dodge St)
Flowerama
Dairy Queen parking lot on Riverside Drive (supports the local Optimist Club)
Costco
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.
Why not include the Iowa City Optimist Club’s annual tree sales? They are at Riverside Drive Dairy Queen Parking Lot every year, starting the weekend after Thanksgiving, and the proceeds go to the Optimist Club and go toward 40 local organizations!
Thanks, Lindsey! That one is listed there at the bottom with the links for places other than tree farms. 🙂