We’re sure you’ve already seen the holiday markets creeping up in Chicago. Or the Christmas trees lighting up the city at dusk this past week. With wintertime in Chicago almost here, it’s only natural to start thinking about that sparkling green centerpiece in your home. While there are many places around to pick out a Christmas tree for this year, there’s nothing quite like cutting down you’re own! From the smell of the fresh pine to meandering through the fields, there are many reasons to scout a tree at one of the Christmas tree farms near Chicago. Take a charming little day trip and escape the city to find an exquisite evergreen to light up your home.
1. Anderson Tree Farm
One of our favorite Christmas tree farms near Chicago is the Anderson Tree Farm—you can head here whether you want to unleash your lumberjack skills or buy a tree that’s already freshly cut. With many evergreen varieties and sizes, such as Norway, Spruce, Colorado Spruce, and White Pine, you’re destined to find the most magical one for your home.
However, if none of the above have sold you on Anderson Tree Farms, let it be known you receive free hot chocolate and popcorn as you shake and wrap your tree!
Distance from Chicago: 51 min (40.6 mi)
Address: 508 IL-126, Plainfield, IL 60544
2. Pioneer Tree Farm
Put on your most dashing plaid t-shirt, grab your axe, and possibly read the tale of Paul Bunyan before heading to the Pioneer Tree Farm. (We’re joking; they provide hand saws there). Located North of Chicago in McHenry, this is the quintessential place if you’re looking to use your woodworking skills and cut down a Christmas tree near Chicago.
Make sure you bring cash or a check because every tree (no matter the size) will cost $100. All the wagon rides to and from the pines, tree shaking, and baling are included at no extra charge. However, what makes one of the notable Christmas tree farms near Chicago is a portion of sales is donated to the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.
Distance from Chicago: 1 hr 24 min (62.4 mi)
Address: 4614 Pioneer Rd, McHenry, IL 60050
3. Tammen Treeberry Farm
Start the countdown officially begins for the largest Tree farms in Illinois. The day after Thanksgiving, the Tammen Treeberry Farm will be open every day from 8 am to 4:30 p.m. except on Wednesdays and Sundays.
With over 160 acres of Christmas trees, you’ll get your cream of the crop here. The largest trees growing here are the Douglas, Canaan, and Fraser fir. The price for any tree is $65 if you cut it yourself. However, if you want your tree shaken and baled, there is a $10 extra charge.
Distance from Chicago: 1 hr 15 min (66.0 mi)
Address: 37131 Essex Rd, Wilmington, IL 60481
4. Larson’s Family Farm
When you head to the Larson’s Family Farm, one thing is guaranteed: breathable oxygen. The air surrounding this Christmas tree farm near Chicago is freshly crisp, and it’s quite a relief from the polluted city.
Larson’s Family Farm offers eighteen acres of cut-your-own Christmas trees in Canaan Fir, White Pine, Concolor Fir, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, and Scotch Pine. While they provide all visitors with a saw, you can also bring yours. As an added free service, they shake out excess needles and will bail your tree with a net to make transportation seamless.
Distance from Chicago: 1 hr 9 min (59.1 mi)
Address: 4404 Somonauk Rd, Sandwich, IL 60548
5.Richardson Adventure Farm
While you might have frolicked throughout the Richardson Adventure Farm corn maze—notably one of the largest in the country—you can also purchase your Christmas tree there. From Friday, November 24, until Sunday, December 3, you can cut your own Christmas trees or purchase a pre-cut Fraser and Canaan Fir. After December, you can only purchase pre-cut trees until December 10.
However, besides trees, you can gather wreaths, garlands, donuts, fudge, and other holiday gifts, which will be available until December 3.
Distance from Chicago: 1 hr 27 min (64.7 mi)
Address: 909 English Prairie Rd, Spring Grove, IL 6008
6. Ivy’s Christmas Trees
If you don’t have a car to transport your Christmas tree this year or are apprehensive about taking a long road trip from Chicago, don’t worry. One of the most memorable Christmas tree farms in Chicago is in Wrigleyville.
In 1988, Ivy’s Christmas Trees started in a tiny yard with a small selection only stocked with Scotch Pine trees. Now, 30 years later, they personally selected a truck in what they deem “the Rolls Royce of Christmas trees,” Fraser Fir from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Address: 1013 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60657