Christmas tree growing at the Wildes, a Trafalgar tree farm. The farm will once again open to the public to sell trees, listen to music, shop artisan goods and start the holidays right during Christmas at the Wildes on Nov. 25.
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Clark Griswold said it best.
At the start of the holiday classic “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” the affable protagonist describes his family’s mission as thus: “We’re kicking off our fun old fashion family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols.”
The Griswolds were in search of a live tree to serve as the centerpiece of their holiday celebrations. And just like them, families all over Johnson County will be doing the same, as live tree farms open their gates to those looking for that perfect pine.
On frigid farm fields around southern Johnson County this weekend, people will wander between rows of Fraser firs, Scotch pines and white pines, among other varieties. They’ll be on the lookout for trees with the fullest branches, the perfect shape, just the right height for their homes.
Some will enjoy cups of hot chocolate and candy canes. Live music and open bonfires will add to the ambiance.
The hope is to make something magical families can look forward to during the holidays.
“Our thinking when starting this place was giving people the opportunity to enjoy themselves when picking out a tree, and allowing the holiday season to kick off even in the midst of that experience,” said Jordan Swails, co-owner of the Wildes, a tree farm in Trafalgar.
The Wildes opened last year as a tree farm, community space and event property. The Swails family had been searching for more than a year for a piece of land locally and had specific criteria of what they wanted.
“We wanted maturity, we wanted trees — not necessarily Christmas trees, but we didn’t just want a flat piece of farm land,” Swails said. “This land became available, and it really haunted my husband. He could not stop thinking about it.”
When the family inquired about purchasing it, they were told an offer had already been accepted on it. Disappointed, they moved on, though they said if the offer tell through, to let them know. A week later, their realtor informed them the property at 4919 W. 300 S., a longtime tree farm, was available again. The Swails jumped at the chance to buy it.
In celebration, they planned an event to open to the public — Christmas at the Wildes. The event is back again this year on Nov. 25, featuring live music, warm drinks, a fire pit and the opportunity to be outdoors as a community. Organizers have partnered with a Bargesville-based bakery, Blooming Bakes, to offer every attendee a cookie.
“For us, it’s the fellowship. Any way we can engage in fellowship with our friends, our family, our community, our church family — whatever that looks like,” Swails said. “Having an experience like this allows people to stay and linger with others.”
Ticket options are available to include a live Christmas tree, or people can attend and not buy a tree.
“We’re a family who has purchased a live tree for many years. We didn’t want this to just be a checklist item for people,” Swails said. “It seems like getting a tree kicks off your Christmas season for people who display live trees, but it can feel like a rush — rushing to get a tree, rushing to get it home so you can decorate. We wanted to make an experience.”
New this year is Wildes Mercantile, a collection of artisan goods and vendors set up on the tree farm property.
“It’s a small shopping experience with unique and different gifts, either from yourself or from other people,” Swails said. “Our goal is to continually change the event subtly from year to year.”
Not far from the Wildes is one of the county’s longest-standing tree farms. Trees from DeHart has been growing Christmas trees on their rural Franklin farm since 2004. The idea for the DeHart family to start their own farm came after seeing an opportunity in the local tree-growing market; the Brown County farm they had visited with their own children for years was planning on ceasing operation.
The family transitioned their 11-acre farm from hay to trees and have been offering a traditional holiday experience to customers ever since.
“Our kids loved just walking the trees and being outside, enjoying the experience. We have property, so why not let people experience the same thing we did?” Steve DeHart said.
Activities include a tractor ride out to the trees, a children’s play area with a slide and swings, and hot chocolate and sweets for sale.
A crowd favorite is a photo opportunity called “Watch Your Children Grow.”
“We have a sign we put up where the kids can log their height year after year, and get pictures taken next to Christmas trees from 2 feet to 6 feet,” DeHart said.
Trees from DeHart will open Friday from 9:30 a.m. until dark. The farm will remain open during the same hours Saturday and Sunday, and keep opening on the weekends until they sell out their available stock for this year, DeHart said.
A third county tree farm, Peiffer Tree Farm, is also hosting their opening weekend over the coming days. Families can come out to the Trafalgar operation starting on Thanksgiving Day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the farm will maintain those hours Friday through Sunday. They’ll continue to be open on weekends until they’re sold out.
IF YOU GO
Christmas at The Wildes
What: A opportunity to pick up a live Christmas tree and enjoy being outside with others. The event will have live music, warm drinks, cookies, a fire pit and activities.
Where: The Wildes, 4919 W. 300 South, Trafalgar
When: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $125 to attend and get a live tree; $55 to attend with no tree
Purchase tickets: thewildes.in
Trees from DeHart
Where: 3764 S. CR 200 E., Franklin
When: 9:30 a.m. to dark starting Nov. 24; open Saturdays and Sundays until sold out
Cost: $50 cut-your-own Scotch and white pines from the field; Fraser fir trees for sale ranging from $85 to $170.
Information: Trees from DeHart on Facebook
Peiffer Tree Farm
Where: 6101 S. Nineveh Road, Trafalgar
When: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; will be open on Saturdays and Sundays moving forward until sold out.
Information: Peiffer Tree Farm on Facebook
