Business & Tech
Tree Shopping? No Need to Go Fir
The search for the perfect Christmas tree can take you far and wide, but a little information can save you time and effort. Unless you trek out into the woods to cut one for yourself. Then you're on your own.
Christmas tree shopping brings back memories of family traditions, the excitement of the holiday season and the sights and smells of hot chocolate, hot cider, and fragrant Balsam needles filling the air. Whether you love to go the day after Thanksgiving and make the tree your Black Friday purchase or you wait until a few days before Christmas so you can decorate and trim the tree on Christmas Eve, Wakefield and the surrounding towns have options for your holiday tree style.
YMCA Burbank Tree Sale – For a little good will with your tree purchase the YMCA Burbank sells Basalm trees and wreaths at the Veteran's Field on North Avenue overlooking Lake Quannapowitt. Proceeds benefit the Reach Out Campaign, which provides scholarships to families and children in Reading, Wakefield, North Reading, and Stoneham who otherwise would not be able to participate in the YMCA programs. Staffed from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. by youthful volunteers and decorated with colorful lights this is a great place to find your 5' to 7.5' holiday tree. Contact: 781-944-9622
Willow Tree Gardens – Located at 330 Salem Street in Wakefield this festively decorated shop has an abundance of Balsam trees for fragrance and Fraser firs for those who hate the falling needles. They sell wreaths, decorations, boughs and other supplies to help make your home ready this holiday season. If you are looking for a small tree or a tree large enough to fill the cathedral ceiling in your living room stop by this store. Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. there is plenty of time to fit tree shopping into your schedule. Parking lot has limited space because of all the trees but the staff is fabulous and efficient. Contact: 781-224-7599.
– Nestled at 399 Vernon Street in Wakefield this florist shop has Fraser firs and Balsam trees in abundance with sizes to fit anyone's needs. Need a wreath for the front door? Look no further than this family-owned florist shop. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m so make sure to time your visit. Contact: 781-246-1230.
Calareso's Farm Stand and Garden Center – Located outside of Wakefield at 122 Main Street in Reading this farm stand provides more than just an exceptional selection of Balsams and Frasers; it provides large and small wreaths, memorial greenery, boughs, and decorations. Inside there is produce, Cider, Baked good for purchase and it is conveniently located next to Harrows and their delicious chicken pot pie. Calareso's is a staple for Christmas tree shopping in the area and a vibrant and fun place to visit. Open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.. Contact: 781-944-6010.
O'Brien's Farm Hill Florists – Located at 244 Main Street in Stoneham this Family run Florist has a great selection of wreaths, boughs, holly, and of course Christmas trees. The florist is smaller than most of the others but the quality of the trees and holiday supplies are refreshing. With excellent customer service the knowledgeable staff can assist you in finding the perfect tree for your home. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Contact: 781-438-4564.
Home Depot – Looking to mix DIY project and holiday tree shopping? Home depot at 60 Walker's Brook Drive in Reading offers fresh cut Christmas trees from 5' to 7.5' with Balsam, Frasier and Douglas Fir options for everyone's preference. If you're not feeling the real trees, they also have specials the fake kind, and some already come with lights. Also a great place to by tree stands, wrapping paper storage boxes, outside lights and many other home supplies. Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 8a.m. to 7p.m. Contact: 781- 944-6423.
