'Spruce' Up Your Holidays With A Farm-Bought Evergreen, Fort Lee

BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. -- Black Friday is more than just shopping at the mall for deals and discounts. It's also about buying a Christmas tree.

Allison Hosford and her husband, Roger Knight, run Bear Swamp Farm in West Milford.
Photo Credit: *Submitted*

Owner Randy Pratt in front of one of the 2014 Christmas trees at Wilkens Farm in Yorktown Heights.
Photo Credit: *Sam Barron*

Jeanne Muchnick

11/27/2015 5:30 a.m.

Go for something beyond what you can grab at the supermarket and either cut-your-own (and take a bit of a drive) or go for a pre-cut evergreen at a place that also offers hot chocolate, warm doughnuts and if you're lucky, a visit with Santa.

Some area options:

Northern Border Tree Farm at Victoria’s Nursery (578 Paramus Road, Paramus, 201-807-1333): Get your fir on -- and spruce up your home with either Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, Balsam Fir, Scotch Pine, Blue Spruce, or White Pine. You'll also find wreaths, grave blankets, roping, boughs, and garland.

Secor Farms (85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah, 201- 529-2595): Opens Black Friday and offers Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, and Douglas Fir varieties along with wreaths, grave blankets, and poinsettias. While you're deciding, warm up in the farm market with hot chocolate and homemade apple cider donuts. Santa will be in his workshop for photos Saturdays and Sundays -- just call ahead to ensure dates.

Bear Swamp Farm (81 Otterhole Road, West Milford, 973-697-2541): Allison Hosford and her husband, Roger Knight, offer personal service in a homey atmosphere befitting a long-run family farm. The Christmas tree plantation is about ten acres and the 70-year-old barn also houses a twinkling, cozy Christmas shop. You'll also find handmade fresh garland, handmade wreaths, and bundles of fresh cut boughs. The farm is open the three weekends (Saturdays and Sundays only) immediately following Thanksgiving, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Farmside Acres (280 Angola Rd., Cornwall, N.Y., 845-534-8362): Cut your own Douglas Fir, Scotch Pine, and Blue Spruce, then enjoy complimentary candy canes, cider, and donuts. Opens the first weekend in December.

Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm (1335 White Hill Rd, Yorktown Heights, N.Y., 914-245-5111): Free hot apple cider is available pre or post-tree selection. The farm opens Saturday, Nov. 29 and features Douglas and Fraser Firs along with pre-cut Frasers.

Emmerich Tree Farm (101 Sleepy Valley Rd., Warwick, N.Y., 845-986-0151): Choose and cut spruce, pine, and fir situated on a beautiful south-facing hillside. Wagon rides to the field, music, bonfire, and free hot chocolate.

Did we miss a spot you like? Tell us about it and share your tree photos.

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