Where to Get Your Christmas Tree in the St. Louis Area

Fake Christmas trees are easy, but for me there's nothing like a real one. Every year, my family ventures out to Pea Ridge Forest near Hermann to chop down our tree. We stop for lunch in Washington, Missouri, and make a whole day of it. Some years we are bundled up and walking through snow. Other years it's been so warm we didn't even wear coats. If you want to make a real Christmas tree part of your holiday tradition, here are other places I suggest getting your tree.

Eckert's Orchards - Eckert's Christmas Tree Farm in Belleville opens the day after Thanksgiving. You can chop down your own tree or select a pre-cut one. Prices start at $25. Eckert's is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ted Drewes - For a great Christmas tree lot in the city, try Ted Drewes at 6726 Chippewa. There's a large selection of Canadian balsam fir trees from Nova Scotia. After you find the perfect tree, you can treat yourself to some of Ted Drewes famous frozen custard!

(Photo by Zac Macualay, courtesy Getty Images)