Central Minnesota Christmas tree farms are ready for you to choose yours this weekend
The weekend after Thanksgiving is a big one for Christmas tree farms, and Central Minnesota is no exception.
There are several tree farms surrounding St. Cloud, and several of those have planned activities to help families get in the festive spirit as they choose a tree. Here's a roundup of some local farms and some info on what activities they've got going on this weekend and into the Christmas season.
Hinkemeyer Tree Farm
Location: 12675 22nd Ave. NE in Rice
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25-27 (Thanksgiving weekend), Dec. 3-4, Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17-18; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 23, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9
Special activities: There will be horse-drawn wagon ride from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 25-27 (Thanksgiving weekend).
To know before you go: There's also a coupon on the website for $10 off a precut tree that's good through Dec. 11.
Jan's Christmas Trees
Location: 12519 37th St. SE in Clear Lake
Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day until Christmas Eve, excluding Thanksgiving Day
Special activities: On Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 25-27) and Dec. 3-4, there will be kettle corn and nuts for sale; horse-drawn wagon rides; a blacksmith; a straw pile and play area; and a bonfire with s'mores or hot dog roasting.
Riverbluff Christmas Tree Farm
Location: 3630 255th St. in St. Cloud
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25-27 (Thanksgiving weekend), Dec. 3-4, Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17
To know before you go: Pets are allowed at the tree farm if they're on a lease. You can take a hay ride out to the trees, which you cut yourself.
More:Need tips to care for your Christmas tree? Here they are, straight from a tree farm owner
Weis Tree Farm
Location: 2420 105th Ave. SE in St. Cloud
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thanksgiving weekend through Dec. 24 p.m.
To know before you go: Veterans who bring a military ID can receive $5 off a tree. Shaking and baling is available Thanksgiving weekend and the first two weekends in December.
Petersen Tree Farm
Location: 6113 County Road 6 SE in Clear Lake
Hours: Open weekends (Friday through Sunday) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25 through Dec. 18.
Special activities: Santa will be onsite Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 25-27) from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Dec. 3-4 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Children get free candy canes.
B&J Evergreen
Location: 12946 47th St. in Clear Lake
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25-27 (Thanksgiving weekend), Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 19-20
Special activities: From 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thanksgiving weekend, Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10, you can see Santa, go on a horse-drawn wagon ride and check out a petting zoo
To know before you go: B&J Evergreen also has a tree farm in Princeton where you can pick your own tree.
More:Christmas tree shoppers continue trend toward early buying
Golden Nursery & Tree Farm
Location: 15621 5th Ave. NW in Rice
Hours: Open from noon to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Dec. 23.
To know before you go: Golden Nursery & Tree Farm doesn't accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay with cash or a local check.
Lee Peterson Tree Farm
Location: 59th Street and 149th Avenue SE in Becker
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25-27 (Thanksgiving weekend), Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10-11
To know before you go: You can also visit the tree farm on a weekday if you make an appointment by calling 612-423-3441.
More:Birders return to Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge for 'tradition' of Christmas Bird Count
This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Christmas tree farms in Central Minnesota you can choose yours from