When I was young, my family always cut our own Christmas tree. We would trudge through the snow until we all agreed on the perfect tree and watch my dad struggle with the “too small saw” he always brought. He would eventually drag it back to the car, cold, annoyed and covered in pine needles. We watched my dad struggle to strap the tree to the top of the car while my mum shouted unhelpful instructions from the ground. Inevitably, the tree would fly off the car the moment we reversed. Regardless of the annual holiday lampoon, we all looked forward to our family Christmas tree adventure.

Since then, the cut-your-own Christmas tree experience has evolved — it is less of a trek through the tundra and more of a winter wonderland getaway. Christmas tree farms offer wagon rides, hot chocolate to warm your hands, a place to buy gifts and even unique accommodations. Here are a few Ontario Christmas tree farms offering guests a truly original holiday adventure.

Downey’s Farm

Whether you are looking to pick your own apples, pumpkins or attempt the corn maze, this Caledon family-friendly farm is popular all year round. When it comes to Christmas trees, Downey’s offers firs, balsams or pines from Nov. 25 onward. The farm is open Nov. 25-27 and every day in December until Christmas Eve. In addition to trees, Downey’s also sells free-range turkeys, garlands, holiday decorations and gift baskets full of fresh jams, jellies, honey and maple syrup in its market. Downey’s also operates a winery with traditional reds and whites, fruit wines, dessert and ice wines, all available for purchase on-site.

This year, Downey’s will be offering a Christmas on the farm experience for little ones which includes visiting farm animals, cookie decorating, scavenger hunts and meeting Santa himself.

Elliot Tree Farm

Elliott Tree Farm was built in 1890 in Hillsburgh, Ont. Daily from Nov. 19 to Dec. 23, the farm offers fir, spruce or pine trees from six feet up to a towering 14 feet tall. With either fresh cut or cut-your-own trees available, the farm offers curbside pickup or delivery and set up.

For those looking for a full day at the farm, there are many festive celebrations ready and waiting. Warm up with gourmet hot chocolate from the custom hot chocolate bar. Sip your decadent drink next to the bonfire and have a chat with the farm horses. If you visit on a weekend, Horse Barn Canteen is on site serving both breakfast and lunch. Explore Heritage Barn, a gift shop that highlights local holiday decor and treats such as farm fresh wreaths, greens and pure maple syrup and local handmade gifts.

Elliott Farm also offers two rustic getaways should you want to extend your stay all weekend long. The circa 1850s settler’s cabin (wood-burning stove and all) and rustic beach house (outhouse included), offer the perfect social distancing private mini-break away from the day trippers. Both can be booked on Airbnb.

Cricket Creek Farm

Located in Hockley Valley, Cricket Creek Farm looks to provide guests with a quiet and peaceful holiday experience on their Christmas tree farm. The farm primarily offers firs up to 12 feet in height but also has a few spruces for those who are particular. The farm takes great care in nurturing its land and crops, every year planting hundreds of trees and new species, all certified organic. Visit from dawn to dusk every weekend in December to grab your own, or call ahead for an appointment on weekdays if your weekends are too full of holiday parties for you to make time to visit!

The farm sits on a large wooded property with a number of trails for families to explore either before or after they’ve chosen their tree. The farm also offers apple cider and hot chocolate beside a cosy fire. Cricket Creek prides itself on offering families a fun and relaxing day out and real, natural trees that will brighten homes over the holidays.