The Christmas tree farm that Taylor Swift sang about was in Pennsylvania, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave the city to make your own Christmas magic with your pup! Leash up and check out these dog-friendly Christmas tree farms near Chicago. Just make sure Fido knows that peeing on *these* trees will get him on the naughty list.
Well-behaved pups should on a non-retractable leash. We suggest the Stunt Puppy Patio Leash in a festive, Scotsman print.
1. Ben’s Christmas Tree Farm
Your dog’s never met Ben, but she thinks he’s got good tree vibes. She’s right, since Ben’s Christmas Tree Farm has beautiful and organic trees in 8 different varieties. Free tree shaking and baling are included. After you’ve picked your favorite tree, stop by the Warming Barn for a complimentary coffee or hot chocolate. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for a cameo by Santa!
2. Williams Tree Farm
Williams Tree Farm is a bit out of the way, but that means you have 90 minutes to jam out to your dog’s favorite Christmas song, “Howl I Want For Christmas Is You.” There’s plenty of variety with firs, spruce, and pine trees that you can purchase pre-cut or cut yourself. If you just want to bask in the wintery spirit, a $1 entrance fee per person provides you access to perks like wagon rides, food trucks, and a candy shop with homemade fudge. Photos are welcome if you’re trying to get your holiday card done; check out their schedule for when Santa’ll be making a visit.
3. Camelot Trees
Your dog isn’t here for fun and games; he’s here to find a tree that’ll make the Rockefeller jealous. If no frills, just great trees, are also what you’re looking for, Camelot Trees is the perfect place for you. Choose from 8 varieties of trees, and Camelot will even lend you a saw to cut pup’s fave down yourself. The 4 p.m. closing time is for a reason—there’s no outdoor lighting at this farm. However, pup’ll probably want to finish picking a tree before then so you can admire the sunset over the beautiful, adjacent lake on the farm together.
4. Richardson Adventure Farm
Something Richardson’s and your pup have in common is that “Adventure” is both their middle names. There are 6 varieties of trees here growing upwards of 8-feet tall, but what they really have is just everything that makes Christmas, well, Christmas! Check out their wagon rides, hot chocolate, wreaths, and concessions. Don’t forget to stop at the gift shop to find something perfect for everyone on your list. Dogs are allowed in the buildings at Richardson Adventure Farms, but you know your dog best, so make sure there’s no tantrums.
5. Abbey Farms
Your dog doesn’t know the difference between trees (they’re all his favorite to mark), but Abbey Farms has 5 types of trees to choose from for U-cuts. On the other hand, your dog just got a pawdicure and wouldn’t hate a tree that’s pre-cut. Either way, while you wait for your tree to be shaken and baled, swing by the Farmstead Emporium to try some delicious snackies like apple cider donuts and hot chocolate. Dogs aren’t allowed in the Emporium, so make sure to buy extras so you can share with him outside. Due to COVID restrictions, you are required to make a reservation on their site to buy a tree this year.
6. Gengel Christmas Tree Farm
Family-owned and operated since the 1960s, the humans at Gengel Christmas Tree Farm know a thing or two about loyalty. And you know how dogs feel about loyalty. Head out to Lake Villa for a selection of fresh cut Fraser Fir, Balsam, and Caanan Fir. Pup prefer to show off her muscles? Have her try her paw at cutting her own Scotch Pine, Douglas Fir, or White Pine.
7. Lee’s Trees
Lily Lake’s Lee’s Trees is a great place for a dog to start a new family tradition. In addition to holiday decorations made daily and several options for choose-and-harvest and pre-cut trees, Lee’s offers a super fun activity that’ll keep you coming back year after year. After you and your bestie select your tree, they’ll snap your pic and post it on their display board the following season, when you’ll be able to take it home.
Are there any Christmas tree farms near Chicago that we missed? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tag @SidewalkDog in all your seasonal ‘Gram photos!
Featured photo: Nathan McDine
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Chicago Facebook Group.
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