It’s become the unofficial symbol of Christmas in homes around Canada: A Real Christmas Tree. With it’s twinkling lights, sentimental ornaments and perfectly placed tree-topper, you know Christmas has officially begun in our house when the tree is up. The tree has changed over the years — especially since having kids! The delicate, breakable ornaments are placed on high branches (or even stored away for future years). The elegant white lights have been replaced by festive colored lights. But the magic it provides for these few short weeks has remained the same.

One other thing hasn’t changed in all these years — the thrill of finding that perfect real Christmas tree and the sweet smell that fills our house. Artificial trees are convenient and all, but the hunt for the perfect real tree has become a family tradition that we look forward to every year.

For the past two year, our family has visited Greenland Garden Centre in Sherwood Park to select our tree. Greenland advertises itself as Canada’s Largest Christmas Store and let me just say, it does not disappoint! The trees are setup in the greenhouse space next to the main gift area. When we went, it was an unseasonably warm day, but I love that even if it’s colder, picking out a tree with wee littles is pleasant because of being in the greenhouse. And the selection of Christmas decorations and ornaments at Greenland really is a site to behold!

Fresh Trees at Greenland

In Edmonton there are, of course, no shortage of other great options to find a beautiful tree. I love that searching for a tree can be such a fun family outing so I’ve put together a list of places you can take your family this year to find your Christmas centerpiece — the Perfect Christmas Tree.

Pre-Cut Trees

Greenland Garden Centre

Dates: Trees available as of November 25, 2020
Hours:
 Monday – Friday 9 am – 9 pm; Saturday 9 am – 6 pm; Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Types of trees: Noble Fir, Nordman Fir, Grand Fir, Douglas Fir
Address: 23108 Highway 16, Sherwood Park
Phone: 780-467-7557
Website: www.greenlandgarden.com


Kiwanis Christmas Tree Lot

Dates: November 27, 2020 – December 20, 2020
Hours: Monday – Friday 1 pm – 8 pm; Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 7 pm
Types of trees: Douglas Fir, Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir and Grand Fir
Other Info: Accept Visa, MasterCard, InterAct Debit, and cash; All profits from tree sales goes towards their child and youth oriented programs.
Address: Corner of 113 Street and 65 Avenue, Edmonton
Website: www.kiwanis-southedmonton.ca


Ellerslie Gift and Garden

Dates: Available as of November 21, 2020
Hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 8 pm; Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
Types of trees: Basam Fir, Douglas Fir, White Pine, and more.
Other Info: Additional locations for tree shopping at Southgate Mall and Premium Outlet Mall
Address: 10330 Ellerslie Rd SW, Edmonton
Phone: 780-988-6622
Website: www.ellersliegift.com


Creekside Home and Garden – Sold out for 2020

Dates: Beginning the November 26, 2020
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Types of trees: Balsam Fir and Fraser Fir
Address: 51530 Range Road 260, Parkland County
Phone: 780-470-0527
Website: www.creeksidehomeandgarden.ca


Ikea

Dates: Trees available as of November 26, 2020
Hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 8 pm; Saturday 10 am – 7 pm; Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Types of trees: Fir
Other Info: When you buy any live tree, receive a $25 coupon to use on the purchase of $100 or more between December 26th and February 28th.
Address: South Edmonton Common 1311-102 St. NW, Edmonton
Phone: 1-866-866-4532
Website: www.ikea.com


U-Cut Trees

Fir Ever Green Tree Farm

Dates: Open as of November 21, 2020
Hours: Daily 9 am – 5 pm
Types of trees: Balsam Fir, White Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce and Pine.
Other Info: Cheques or cash only. Small selection of pre-cut trees available
Address: R.R#1, Falun
Phone: 780-352-4368
Website: www.facebook.com


Gouldson Tree Farm

Dates: Saturday December 5 & 12, 2020
Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm
Types of trees: Spruce, Pine, and Fir
Other Info: Hot chocolate and marshmallows by the fire. Please bring your own stick for roasting.
Address: 57312 Range Rd 261, Alcomdale
Phone: 780-801-0979
Website: www.facebook.com


Get a Permit from Alberta Environment and Parks

Permits cost just $5 (+GST) and allow you to cut up to 3 trees under 2.5 meters in an approved forest area. Apply for your permit online and take a look at the permit maps as well.


Of course, you can also find great trees at local big box stores such as Real Canadian Superstore, Home Depot, Lowes, Sobeys, Save-On, Canadian Tire, and more.

Where will you be buying your Christmas tree this year?