Christmas Tree Farms of New Jersey

For those of us that love the aroma of a real Christmas trees for the holidays, the good old Garden State has plenty of Christmas Tree Farms for us to enjoy. So, get your boots and bundle up the family as we explore three family tree farms in New Jersey.

First stop, Simonson Farms, located in Cranbury, NJ (118 Dey Rd./609-799-0140). The farm is open 7 days a week M-F: 12pm-7pm, Sat.: 9am-6pm and Sun.: 9am-6pm.The U-cut fields close at dark. Donuts, Coffee and Hot chocolate are available for FREE on the weekends making this a family friendly experience. In addition the retail lot is handicap accessible!! This family farm has been serving the Tri-State area for 60 years offering Douglas-fir, blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Concolor fir, and Canaan fir. They have two farms where you can cut your own trees (saws and twine are available). For those that just want to purchase a fresh cut tree, you can select from the retail lot and associates are available to help you thru the selection process. Pre-cut trees are $7-$10 per foot. Wreaths, garlands and trimmings are available top off the holidays. http://www.simonsonfarms.com

Cherryville Farms is located in Flemington, NJ (14 Joint Ent Rd./908-806-4580). This is farm is open 9 am till dark M-F and weekends after Thanksgiving. Short, tall, skinny or full this farm claims to have the tree for you. They have crafts, wreaths and refreshments for the entire family. Saws and tree-wheelers are available for those opting to cut there own tree. For further details visit www.cherryvillefarmsnj.com

Our last stop is Shale Hills Farm located in Sussex, NJ (973-875-4231). This award winning farm is open on weekends from 9:30 am to dark from Thanksgiving weekend. This farm is special in that it has farm animals for the children to visit, and Candy Cane Cottage to snack on special treats. This farm is located on a Wildlife sanctuary so there is plenty to do for the entire family. Did I mention that good old Santa visits several times a day. All trees are $75 regardless of size or variety. Tree wrapping and twine are all available for free. This unique farm has been awarded "Best in Show" by the NJ State Fair for 2004 and 2005. Visit www.njchristmastrees.com for further details.

Either of these farms is sure to please as each offers something to do for the entire family. It is a great way to have a bit of family time while creating memories or new family traditions.