Sunday, December 8, 2019 5:00 am

Like many families, getting a real Christmas tree from a tree farm is one of our annual holiday traditions. We like to make a day (or half day) out of it by going for brunch as well. The first Saturday of December is Christmas Tree Day in Canada so it's the perfect time to go go tree hunting (so you can enjoy your tree for a while but it's still fresh and green at Christmas.)

This year we ventured a bit further than usual to visit Drysdale's Tree Farm near Cookstown. If you still need to get your tree, we can’t recommend it enough. It was a very festive, immersive experience compared to most tree farms.

FUN FACT: Drysdale's apparently supplied the Christmas trees for the movie I'll Be Home for Christmas with Jonathan Taylor Thomas (according to a sign on their barn.)

The reason we loved it so much is that while the trees are pricier than normal (starting at $70 including hst for up to 7 feet), admission and all of the attractions are free. If you’re just looking to get a nice tree as quickly and affordable as possible, you may want to look elsewhere (local grocery stores are usually half the price for pre-cut), but if you don’t mind spending an extra $20 and really want to soak in your tree shopping experience, this is the place to go - and it's a great value!

Here’s a look at all the extras Drysdale’s has to offer:

• Santa Visits: Santa and his elf have a little house you can visit on the grounds, so after you get your tree you can warm up while visiting Santa.

• Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides: These do a loop around the farm and we saw multiple teams of horses that seem to come fairly often.

• Train Rides: They have a gorgeous, classic train that also does a loop around the farm. Since it has a roof, it's a little more closed off to the elements than the sleigh rides.

• Face Painting: This is indoors in its own little house so it's another nice chance for kiddos to warm up.

• Wagon Rides: To drop you off in the far fields and pick you back up again.

• Fire Pit: With marshmallow roasting and warming up! Bonus: They also set up a little bonfire out in the tree field so you can warm up while waiting for the wagon.

• Live Music: The gentleman singing Christmas carols had a lovely voice and was super friendly with kids, talking to them as they walked by in between songs (even inviting our daughter to come up and dance on the stage.)

• Magician: Unfortunately, we missed this one so don't have a lot of details to share, but there are magic shows as well.

• Town Crier: This was really neat - a real town crier in costume welcomes you to the farm and is great about taking photos with your family.

• Christmas Shop: Their shop has lots of holiday decor, treats and a vast array (walls and walls) of ornaments.

One of the sweetest and most unique attractions is that the Dog Carting Club has a booth set up and kids are able to go for a dog cart ride for just a $2 donation. This is only available one more day this year, December 14th. They're wonderful about letting you take photos with the dogs (and carts) even if your little one isn't ready for a ride.

One of the reasons we buy our trees at a variety of different places is that sometimes small local farmers only have a couple of fields that get depopulated once the season is done. Drysdale's has a lot of acreage so we'll be able to visit again next year and get a tree that's just as big and full.

GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• Admission and parking are always free.

• Hours are 9-6 Monday to Friday and Sunday, 9-8 Friday and Saturday.

• Trees start at $70 including HST for up to 7 feet. Debit and credit are accepted for trees.

• Both pre-cut and cut your own trees are available. Saws are available to borrow.

• Food and beverages are available on-site but are cash only. There is no indoor eating area.

• Dogs are allowed but must be on-leash.