All around the U.S., families make it a tradition to go to their local Christmas tree farm, where they can chop down their own tree from the never-ending rows of pine and then sled it down a snowy path to their car. However, Miamians have a very different take on the Christmas tree tradition.
All along U.S. 1, and typically any main road or side street one drives down, one may see a striped red and white tent sheltering pine trees of all sizes and types. Although it is not the snowy, “traditional” Christmas tree farm, many businesses make due, creating outstanding displays around their tents and nurturing the best trees for locals.
Here are a few of the staple Christmas Tree “Farms” of Miami:
Happy Holiday Christmas Trees
Located in Glenvar Heights, Kendall, Happy Holiday Christmas Trees have been operating for over a decade, serving their local community. They were originally located in the St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, about five minutes from Dadeland Mall, but moved locations about 10 minutes east, to the lot by Salvation Army in Glenvar Heights; the address is 8445 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL 33143.
For many, Happy Holidays has been a staple, bringing families various types of trees. Whether one wants a skinny or full tree, H.H. Trees have it, as well as a height range from 5-15 feet. Selling more than just trees, H.H. Trees offers miniature trees about 2 feet tall, decorative wreaths, poinsettia flowers and their iconic shelf-sized handmade “Charlie Brown” trees.
The types of pine sold include Frazier, Douglas, Nobal, Nordstrom and Spruce.
The community created through these farms remains a holiday tradition, enhancing community spirit.
“It’s always nice to see the returning families over the years. Watch the customers who were once children you made smile become young adults in front of your very eyes. A lot of our customers are like family,” sales associate for Happy Holidays Christmas Trees Kendall Despagne said.
Firefighters Christmas Trees
Stationed along U.S. 1 by the Coral Gables Baptist Church, Firefighters Christmas Trees has brought its service to the city for years, where many buy their bigger-sized trees that come in a variety of different pine.
Firefighter’s supplies customers with trees that are premium grade North Carolina plantation grown Fraser Fir, while also offering tree stands, fresh wreaths and poinsettia displays. Delivery and setup are also offered for Coral Gables and Pinecrest addresses.
Santa’s Tree Farm
Located in Palmetto Bay, close to Coral Reef Park, Santa’s Tree Farm has brought pine to those living in Palmetto Bay and beyond. Starting in 1990, Santa’s provides a variety of trees as well as other festive and decorative items, leading it to its iconic status for those living in Miami.
Buyers have bought from Santa’s Tree Farm for years, which demonstrates the farm’s huge community of support, making it a symbol of holiday spirit in Miami.
So, while living in the tropics brings a different Christmas tree experience, these tree farms and many others bring the holiday feel and pine scent, replacing the regular palms with pine in our Miami neighborhoods.
