Christmas Trees of Vermont has opening weekend

Even with a foggy gray mist hanging over the Fraser fir trees, Christmas Trees of Vermont was merry and bright as Christmas tree season opened this weekend.

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Christmas Trees of Vermont has opening weekend By Karen Engdahl The ShopperNovember 28, 2016 Tim Mollica, co-owner of Christmas Trees of Vermont. Photo by Karen Engdahl Tim Mollica, co-owner of Christmas Trees of Vermont. Photo by Karen Engdahl SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Even with a foggy gray mist hanging over the Fraser fir trees, Christmas Trees of Vermont was merry and bright as Christmas tree season opened this weekend. Dozens of people were busy choosing and cutting trees, taking photos of the kids with Santa’s reindeer, riding on the tractor-pulled trolley, and enjoying snacks from the food truck. “We’ve been really busy,” said Tim Mollica, co-owner of Christmas Trees of Vermont, as he pulled a neatly bundled tree through the large green baling machine. Tim and his crew worked quickly and steadily to wrap the trees as the line of tree shoppers lengthened. Waiting in line, though, didn’t seem to bother Kim Cressley who had traveled from Worcester, Mass. to get her tree. “We come here almost every year,” she said. “It’s a nice day trip with the kids and the trees are beautiful.” The Cressley kids, Sage and Shannon, darted about the lot, playing hide-and-seek amongst the pre-cut trees, behind Santa’s bright red shed, and around the huge barn. Eventually they arrived at the petting zoo, where they became fascinated with the llamas. “All they want to do is eat!” squealed nine-year-old Sage. Finally, they joined a group of kids and adults alike gathered around the newest attraction at Christmas Trees of Vermont: Santa’s Karaoke, where Santa and his elf helper entertained the crowd with a sparkling rendition of “Silver Bells.” Beyond the bustle of Santa, the llamas, and the whirring tree-baling machine lies the huge tree plantation, sited on 70 acres of rich bottom land along the Connecticut River. The farmhouse, built in 1793, was originally the home of Gen. Lewis R. Morris, who served in the Continental Army of the American Revolution. The latest owners of the farm, the Mollica family, started growing Christmas trees there in 1982. Since then, the business has become a destination attraction for Christmas tree shoppers from all around New England. Christmas Trees of Vermont is located on Route 5, just outside Springfield, Vt. They opened for the season on Nov. 25 and will be open every day through Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to Christmas trees (cut your own or choose a pre-cut tree), they sell wreaths, garlands, and decorations. Complimentary hot chocolate is available at the shop. A new feature at the farm this year was Santa and his elf singing karaoke. Photo by Karen Engdahl A new feature at the farm this year was Santa and his elf singing karaoke. Photo by Karen Engdahl