The season has finally arrived – it’s time to head out with your family to pick a Christmas tree! The smell of balsam and the excitement of choosing and decorating a tree together is enough to lure anyone out to a Christmas tree farm, but luckily for Gerstad Builders community residents, Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin has some of the most ideal Christmas tree farms around that truly capture the spirit and the magic of the Christmas season. Residents at Bailey Estates, The Trails of Pheasant Ridge, Liberty Trails and The Trails of Dawson Creek can choose from several places to choose their family’s Christmas tree. Here are some suggestions.

Williams Bay

Bailey Estates residents in Williams Bay and the Lake Geneva area have several Christmas tree farms that easily accessible from the community. Pack up your family in the car and head to Out on a Limb Christmas Tree Farm for the ultimate Christmas tree picking experience. Not only do they have a wide selection of gorgeous trees that you can choose and cut yourself, but you can also join them for all kinds of fun winter activities, including visiting the farm’s animals, taking wagon rides, shopping in the historic gift shop or huddling around the fire with hot chocolate. Even better, Out on a Limb is less than half an hour from Bailey Estates!

Richmond

Families who live at The Trails of Pheasant Ridge in Richmond are less than 20 minutes from Richardson Farms in Spring Grove. The 75-acre farm boasts more than 50,000 trees to choose from, so your family is sure to find your perfect tree here. You can choose a pre-cut tree, cut your own tree or purchase garland and wreaths to spread even more holiday cheer at The Trails of Pheasant Ridge. If your family becomes tired during your search, then explore the farm’s barn and gift shop. Browse through the holiday decorations while indulging in delicious treats including fudge, donuts, coffee, soda, hot cider, hot chocolate and more.

McHenry

Liberty Trails residents have a unique advantage when it comes to picking out Christmas trees. McHenry harvests more Christmas trees than anywhere else in Illinois, so there will be something for everyone’s tastes! Visit www.McHenryCountyLiving.com/Christmas-Trees to find a complete list of Christmas tree farms to choose from. Whether you like having hot drinks while you pick your tree, prefer spruce to pine trees, want a certain tree height or are looking for more than Christmas trees, you’ll find it close by in McHenry.

Poplar Grove

The Trails of Dawson Creek in Poplar Grove is conveniently located half an hour from Williams Tree Farm in Rockton. The farm offers a wide variety of trees depending on your family’s preference, including several types of fir, pine and spruce trees. The 350-acre farm takes you on a horse-drawn hayride to help you in your search for the perfect family Christmas tree. When you’re finished, look for Christmas decoration inspiration in the barn, where hundreds of stunning decorations and trees are on display. Enjoy the Cabin Cafe, gift shop and homemade fudge while you browse.

Whether you live in Richmond, Williams Bay, McHenry or Poplar Grove, you will be sure to find your dream home at a Gerstad Builders community. Our homes are designed for families’ lifestyles and if something is missing, we will help add whatever you can dream of. You will love celebrating  Christmas at your Gerstad Builders home. For dream homes in Illinois and Wisconsin, visit www.GerstadBuilders.com.