For all his faults, at least Clark Griswold knew the importance of finding the right Christmas tree. But, with so many species, sizes and shapes, it can take time to find the one that speaks to you. The good news is that picking out a tree with loved ones can amp up the magic of the season. “What you’re really buying is a lifetime of memories,” says Ken Reeves, owner of Mountain Creek Tree Farm in Concord Township. Here are four local Christmas tree farms to check out.
Medina Christmas Tree Farm
A professor emeritus at Cuyahoga Community College, Charles “Doc” Reicheld has had his four kids, as well as hundreds of his students, work at his Medina Christmas Tree Farm over the years. “They earn Christmas money and maybe more, and sometimes [they do it] just for the fun,” he says. “Because it’s neat to be on a Christmas tree farm in this season.” The farm animals — chickens, goats, a miniature horse and more — offer even more fun for kids, as does the free hot chocolate. “It’s really nice to see the smiles on people’s faces, and the fact that so many of them come back,” Reicheld adds. 3301 Hamilton Road, Medina, 330-723-2106, medinatrees.com
Heritage Farms
Founded in 1848, Heritage Farms has been family-owned and operated for five generations. Once a canal boat building operation, potato farm, dairy farm and beef cattle farm, the property is now home to Christmas trees. “It’s a very high level of service you get when you’re here,” owner George Haramis says, “We’re going to teach you everything you need to know about taking care of your tree well. Whether you’ve cut it fresh or you buy one of our precut trees, you’ll get that same service.” You can even vacation at Heritage Farms using Hipcamp primitive camping and Airbnb to book your on-site rental. 6050 Riverview Rd. Peninsula, 44262, 330-657-2330, heritagefarms.com
Howling Pines Farm
Jeff Grubich bought Howling Pines Farm in 2006 — and has been working to make the place more magical ever since with a wide selection of firs, spruces and pines. Hot chocolate and fresh coffee warm you up, while the farm’s maple syrup will make any breakfast special. As a teacher and coach at Kenston High School in Chagrin Falls, Grubich says relationships are the heart of the farm. “It’s just very family-oriented and community-based,” he says. 10480 Washington St., Chagrin Falls, 216-410-6341, howlingpinestreefarm.com
River Run Tree Farm
What was once a potato farm, is now home to a variety of spruce, fir, and pine trees. The pet-friendly farm allows you to cut your own tree and shop many local, handcrafted items in their gift shop. Before entering the barn, be sure to notice the original cast iron bell the family moved with them all the way from their home in Maryland. 5620 Streeter Dr. Mantua, 44255, (330) 888-9005, riverruntreefarm.com
Mountain Creek Tree Farm
Owner Ken Reeves’ great uncle bought this 52-acre farm in the 1920s, and Reeves continues the family legacy today. If this is your first trip, don’t worry — the farm has a display with the name of each tree species. Be sure to take a wagon ride and cozy up afterward with hot chocolate. “It is just such a warm feeling to know that we have been a part of tens and maybe hundreds of thousands of families’ Christmases,” Reeves says. 7185 Williams Road, Concord Twp., 440-354-8928, mountaincreektrees.com
Sugar Pines Farm
Four types of trees are grown at this 100-acre Chesterland farm. Bring extra holiday cheer to your home with wreaths, garland, mistletoe and ornaments. Family-friendly activities include a 10-minute wagon ride, visits from Santa and treats from Buckeye Concessions. “It’s so much more than just a tree farm,” says Jane Neubauer, who owns Sugar Pines with her husband, Fritz. “It’s where people come to make memories.” 9500 Mulberry Road, Chesterland, 440-729-1019, sugarpinesfarm.com
Wintergreen Tree Farm
Since 1986 Robert “Bob” Stehli has been growing and maintaining the trees at Wintergreen Tree Farm. With six different varieties of trees and around 40,000 to choose from, you can cut your own from November 23 to December 22. “Ours is kind of a no frills kinda Christmas tree farm,” Stehli says. “We’ve got really nice trees, a good selection of fir trees, spruces and pines.” Almost year round you can visit the farm by picking blueberries starting July 4, and chestnuts beginning in early October. 3898 Winchell Rd. Mantua, 44255, 330-221-3835, wintergreentreefarmohio.com
