It’s officially the season of hot cocoa, holiday music, and Christmas trees. Whether you’re hoping to pick out and cut down your own tree or pick up a pre-cut tree down the road, there are plenty of options in the Iowa City area.

Local Christmas Tree Farms

Barnes Christmas Tree Farm

Located on the southwest side of Iowa City, the Barnes Christmas Tree Farm provides a wide array of Christmas trees and holiday decor. Tree varieties include White and Scotch pines as well as Douglas, Canaan, and Concolor firs. Wreaths and swags are also available for purchase. Guests are welcome to roam the farm to find the perfect tree for their home. If you’re up for chopping down a tree yourself, saws are provided, though workers are happy to help you if you need any tree-cutting assistance. Once you find your tree, you may bring it up to the main area for shaking and bailing. Don’t forget to go into the shed for hot apple cider and holiday treats! It’s tradition for the Barnes Christmas Tree Farm to kick off the tree-cutting season the day after Thanksgiving and remain open every Saturday and Sunday until mid-December.


Location: 4439 Dane Road SW. Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Hours:

• Saturday: 9:00am – 4:30pm
• Sunday: 10:00am – 4:30pm

Price:
Credit Cards are not accepted, so make sure you bring cash or a check.

• Pine trees: $35
• Fir trees: $45

Handley’s Holiday Hillside

NY State IPM Program at Cornell University

Located in Solon, Handley’s Holiday Hillside provides its visitors with a great selection of Christmas trees and plenty of holiday cheer. Located on the farm is a Frosty Express train ride, a gift shop, and a cabin with hot cocoa and fudge. Saws are provided or you can choose from a selection of pre-cut trees. Handley’s Holiday Hillside kicks of the season the day after Thanksgiving and will remain open on Saturdays and Sundays until they are out of trees.

Location: 1731 White Oak Ave NE. Solon, Iowa
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Price:
Credit Cards are not accepted, so make sure you bring cash or a check.

• Field trees: $35 to $55 

Pre-Cut Trees

SupportPDX, Flickr

In addition to these two tree farms, pre-cut trees are available for purchase at local landscaping stores such as Iowa City Landscaping and Garden Center, Earl May, and Forever Green, as well as the Dairy Queen on Riverside Drive in Iowa City, and local hardware stores such as Ace Hardware.