The leaves have fallen and Thanksgiving is upon us. Soon it will be time to kick off the season of lights, carols and evergreens decorated to the hilt. Give yourself the gift of time during the busy holidays and order your Christmas tree ahead, or you can even opt to have one delivered. Visit these local sales to buy a tree and help a good cause at the same time.
Optimist Club of Arlington Annual Tree Sale
Since 1947, the Optimist Club of Arlington has sold Christmas trees to raise funds for programs that affect more than 10,000 Arlington youth. These include: college scolarships, essay and oratorical contest awards and sports programs. The lot is staffed by Optimists and volunteers from the programs and clubs they sponsor. You’ll be supporting activities that keep local kids active and engaged when you choose a Fraser fir from tabletop to 9-feet. Get fully ready for holiday decorating when you add on a wreath, garland, tree stand or White House Christmas Ornament. All of the trees are freshly cut from a farm in Galax, Virginia. The lot opens Nov. 28 and remains open daily until they sell out. Last year they sold out in three weeks. Pay by cash, check or credit card. Hours: weekends 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Thursday 2-8 p.m., Friday noon-8 p.m. Knights of Columbus, 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington
Boy Scout Troop 162 Christmas Tree Lot
Troop 162 has been selling Christmas trees to Arlington residents since the early 1970s. Pick a tree ranging from 4-8 feet for $65 to $200, depending on size. The scouts will also be selling fresh evergreen wreaths with a velvet bow ($50) and 25- or 75-foot garlands ($20 and $50). Proceeds from sales will help make outdoor opportunities available for young scouts in Arlington, including camping, rafting, biking and high adventure trips. They accept cash, check or credit card. Hours: Nov. 28 to 30, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. | After that, weekends 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekdays 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 6000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Scout Troop 167 and Mount Olivet United Methodist Church
This local scout troop and church are partnering for their annual three-day Christmas tree sale the weekend after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28 to 30 (or the following weekend, if it rains). Order online and pick up on site or pay $30 for delivery. The fresh-cut Fraser fir trees come in sizes ranging from 5-9 feet for $130 to $230. Choose from two styles of wreath: cranberry or Victorian, for $47. You can pick up a wreath hanger or tree stand, too. Collect your items at Mount Olivet church or pay an extra $30 for home delivery. Proceeds from the sale support scouting activities for the boys and girls of Troop 167. You can pre-order online here. 1500 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
Clarendon United Methodist Church Annual Tree Sale
Celebrate the season with the scent of a freshly cut 6-8 foot Fraser Fir from a North Carolina farm. CUMC has 280 trees available for pre-order or in-person sales, but recommends pre-purchasing online to ensure you get exactly what you want. Show your receipt to a volunteer at the lot and then peruse the options. Volunteers will be on hand to bale the tree and tie it to your car. A 6-7 foot tree is $115 and a 7-8 foot tree is $135. Wreaths will be offered for sale in-person only. All proceeds from this year’s sale go to PathForward, which provides shelter and healthcare to people experiencing homelessness and guides them from “street to stability.” Pick up trees the weekends of Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 6 and 7. 606 N. Irving Street, Arlington (Clarendon)
Fairlington United Methodist Men’s Christmas Tree Sale
The church expects trees to be delivered Nov. 28 and will start selling them as soon as they’re all unloaded. After that, hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until they sell out. Proceeds from this charitable tree sale dating back more than 40 years support the church’s mission work. That includes a security deposit grant program for local renters, and ALIVE!, a furniture donation program for people coming out of homelessness. A card attached to each tree lists all of FUMM’s mission work, so buyers can see the good causes their purchase supports. Prices range from $100-$250, depending on size. 3900 King Street, Alexandria
Milltown Creek Farms in Lovettsville
Want the freshest tree possible? Cut your own at this 100-acre Christmas tree farm in northwestern Loudoun County (the farm provides saws and tree carts). The family-owned-and-operated farm grows blue, Meyer and white spruce; Douglas and Concolor firs; and Scotch and white pine trees, ranging in height from tabletop to 8 feet tall. Opening day is Nov. 28. Pre-cut trees are also available, and the farm’s Christmas Shop sells handmade ornaments and tree stands. Find complimentary hot cider and free gifts for the kiddos on weekends. Note that payment is cash or check only. 38757 Householder Road, Lovettsville
Merrifield Garden Center
Trees are already available at this popular nursery near the Mosaic District. Celebrate the annual opening of the Christmas Shop Nov. 20 from 6-9 p.m. with live music, a glass of wine and a festive night of holiday shopping at A Holiday Night Out. The most popular tree here is the Fraser fir due to its classic Christmas tree shape, traditional piney aroma and sturdy dark green needles that are ready to be decorated. Other trees here include Turkish, Douglas and noble firs, white pines and blue spruce ranging in size from tabletop height to 9 feet. Enjoy live music throughout the season, and complimentary cookies, popcorn and punch as you shop. The store also sells wreaths, garlands, cut greens, artificial trees, lights and ornaments. Sign the kids up for story time and photos with Santa, and check the website for webinars and classes to learn how to decorate with all the fresh greens you’ve bought. 8132 Lee Highway, Falls Church
Greenstreet Gardens
It’s a winter wonderland at Greenstreet Gardens, with a tree lot, Christmas ornaments, wreaths, garlands, bows, a selection of gifts and even holiday items for pets. Wreaths and centerpieces are made by employees at Greenstreet. Trees come from North Carolina and the west coast. Greenstreet will give your tree a fresh cut, load it onto your car and ensure the stand is tight and secure. 1721 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria
Meadows Farms
Tree sales are underway at this family-owned and -operated nursery in Seven Corners, where the selection includes fresh-cut Fraser, balsam, concolar, Douglas, grand and noble firs; and Scotch and white pine trees. Trees range from 5 to 10 feet and sell for $99 to $249, depending on size. New this year, customers can preorder trees online. Choose from a selection of wreaths, and other seasonal greens to decorate your home. The Christmas Shop carries bows, ornaments and other décor. Enjoy complimentary fresh coffee, popcorn and hot chocolate while you shop, and stop by the fire pit to warm up. Consider bringing a toy for the Toys for Tots collection, buying a wreath for donation to Arlington Cemetery, and bringing cans to donate to their holiday food drive. 6461 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church