The holiday season is starting. Christmas lights are going up, holiday events are scheduled and family gatherings are being planned. Holiday traditions differ for every family and in our family we like to put up two trees. One is a nicely decorated artificial tree and the other is a freshly cut aromatic Evergreen. The live tree reminds me of my childhood and we still decorate our tree with decorations from when I was a kid. I love sharing these memories with my girls. We add a few new ornaments to the tree every year (many are homemade and continue to bring smiles and joy as they are unpacked each year).
There are many places in Greater Cincinnati where you can cut your own Christmas tree or get a pre-cut tree ready to go. Hopefully this list will help you with your planning on where to go to find the perfect tree for your family.
Christmas Tree Farms
Big Tree Plantation – Big Tree Plantation is located in Morrow and it has both trees you can cut down as well as pre-cut trees. We visited Big Tree Plantation before (see FFC post from 2011) and had a wonderful time. They have assorted cut-your-own trees to choose from – Scotch Pines, Blue Spruce, White Pine, Canaan Fir. You can also get a pre-cut Frasier Fir (always a favorite). They also have Evergreen trees that are balled so you can plant them. On the weekends (beginning 11/27 through 12/13 from 10 a.m. -6p.m.), you can visit and enjoy activities including a visit with Santa, wagon rides, children’s activities and more. Their weekend holiday events are $6/child (includes visit with farm animals, meeting Santa, decorating a cookie and more) and parents are FREE. 2544 South Waynesville Rd., Morrow, Ohio.
Berninger Christmas Trees & Wreaths – Located in Lebanon, you can cut your own tree. They offer free hot chocolate and popcorn. All trees are shaken and wrapped. You can also purchase pre-cut trees. Click here for a listing of tree prices. 1220 Stubbs Mill Rd., Lebanon Ohio 45036 – (513) 932-17584.
Bartel’s Farm – Season opens Nov. 27 through Dec. 20 (Fri-Sat, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m, Sun, Noon-5 p.m.). Cut your own tree, see live animals, visit their Christmas shop and and enjoy some hot chocolate. 4427 Cotton Run Rd Hamilton, OH 45011, (513) 795-2271.
Dirr Nurseries Christmas Tree Farms – In 2015, all of their cut-your-own Christmas trees are only $49 (no matter what the size) – wow! They also have ball and burlap trees if you want to plant your tree after the holidays. Dirr Nurseries will help you shake, bale and load your tree for transport. Bring your camera for a photo shoot in their full size Santa’s sleigh. There is also a petting zoo, a free carriage ride, and life sized nativity to see. 6066 Goshen Road, Goshen, Ohio 45122, (513) 625-2000.
Koch Christmas Trees – Located in Reily Township in Butler County, Koch Christmas Trees is only open on the weekends after Thanksgiving through the weekend before Christmas from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (also open on the Friday after Thanksgiving). They have free hot chocolate, and will help you shake, bale and load your tree. 6232 Hamilton-Scipio Rd., Okeanna, Ohio 45053.
John T. Nieman Nursery – Open daily during the Christmas season from Nov. 21 – Dec. 23. Checks or cash only accepted here. “We have six varieties to choose from: Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Pine, Scotch Pine, Canaan Fir and White Fir. We also have a large selection of trees up to 20 feet tall! All trees are individually priced according to variety, size and quality. All trees are grown on our farm!” (from their website). They also have free hot chocolate and cookies in their barn. 3215 Hamilton New London Rd., Hamilton, Ohio 45013 – (513) 738-1012.
Wertz Christmas Tree Farm – Visit the family owned Wertz Christmas Tree Farm in Franklin to cut your own tree ($7.50/foot) or get a Scotch Pine ($35). They also have pre-cut trees available ($8.50/foot). Opening day is Nov. 27 and they will sell trees through Dec. 19 (M-F, 4-7 p.m. and weekends Noon-7 p.m.). Bring cash or credit cards only (no checks accepted). 5682 Union Road, Franklin OH 45005, 937.746.7870.
Other Events with Trees/Tree Lighting
Barn-n-Bunk – They will have a Christmas Open House Weekend onNov. 21-22 with pre-cut Christmas trees available as well as wreaths and roping. Holiday crafters will be on site and they have a Sunday brunch buffet. 3677 Wayne-Madison Road, Trenton, Ohio 45067, 513-988-9211.
Macy’s Light Up the Square – Visit Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati for the annual tree lighting. The event is FREE. There will be food, music, ice skating (charge), and more. Nov. 27, 6-9 p.m.
Deerfield Township Annual Tree Lighting – Sat., Nov. 28, 5-7 p.m. FREE event for families. Live entertainment, carriage rides, petting zoo and more.
Anderson Tree Lighting – Anderson Towne Center – Dec. 5, 4-8 p.m. FREE. 7578 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45255.
If you know of any other Christmas tree farms or tree lighting events, please leave a comment so we can keep on sharing. Merry Christmas!
