Town Center Christmas tree lighting

These cold, blustery months are the time to make family memories that you and your children will carry with you always.

If you would like to learn more about Christmas trees, or need help locating a tree farm to “cut your own”, visit the University of Illinois Extension’s “Christmas Trees and More” website at http://urbanext.illinois.edu/trees/.

Again, this year, kids of all ages will be able to visit Santa in his studio from 6:30-9 p.m. each night. In the United States, over $1 billion in real trees will be sold.

Experts said it’s never a good idea to choose a larger tree to obtain fullness, thinking you can cut it down to size when you get home.

“It’s a special time of year for everyone in town, including the downtown merchants”, Marconi said. “We have sleds to help drag the trees”. Admission is free, and a complimentary shuttle service will be provided from the north side of the square in front of Henderson’s.

Lo-Hi Christmas Tree Farm owner David Kirkpatrick said he hasn’t noticed anything out of sorts at his lot, but agrees that the vandalism cuts down on holiday spirit. The Festival of Trees will run from Saturday until December 17 inside Snellville City Hall located at 2342 Oak Road. Also back by popular demand is an American favorite, marshmallow roasting, which will add to the light holiday refreshments being served during the evening.

He is telling other tree farmers to be on the look-out for people trespassing on their properties.

Chapman was careful to say that his opinion isn’t necessarily a guarantee on the health of a Christmas tree and that buyers should still use caution.

This Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, marks the start of The Christmas Farm’s 25th season for cut-your-own Christmas trees. Open 8 a.m.to 4 p.m. November 24; then 8 a.m.to 4 p.m. This family run farm is easy to find just west of Montesano and only eight miles from Aberdeen. “We will line up at Depot Street at 3:30 p.m., and we will then come up Main Street to the park”. With colder air reaching the mountains over the weekend, trees will have better needle retention – meaning the trees will look better and last longer at home.

Hedlund’s is well known for its award-winning trees. The rest will be lost to weather, insects, fungal diseases “and the fact that genetically not every tree will grow up to be a handsome Christmas tree”, he said.

And if so, how much more will they cost?

There will be horse drawn wagon rides, pony rides and a pettng zoo. Santa visits on select dates and attractive wreaths are offered for sale.

The operating hours are Saturdays 10am – 6pm, Sundays 1pm – 6pm and Monday through Friday 1pm – 6pm. Saturdays and 11 a.m.to 4 p.m.

Beerbower Christmas Trees is another fun place to pick a flawless tree. There are several in central IL that can provide you with a source of fresh trees and perhaps a new family tradition.

Santa Claus will make his grand entrance, courtesy of the Concord Fire Department at 5 p.m.

Following the parade everyone’s invited to gather at Buttonwood Park to watch Santa light the Christmas tree and to enjoy complimentary hot chocolate provided by The Continental Tavern.

At 45-feet tall, this Douglas fir traveled more than 280 miles from Shaver Lake, California.

Retail lots are another common method of selling Christmas Trees.

The first Tree-Lighting at 6 p.m. will be the big tree on the South Green and will be led by Mayor Daniel Drew and Santa Claus. They grow Danish, Noble and Grand Firs.