CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. -- You don't have to go all the way to the mountains to find a Christmas tree farm. Nestled among the trees surrounding Jordan Lake is a farm that's all about Christmas.

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Jordan Lake Christmas Tree Farm

N.C. Dept. of Agriculture list of tree farms

N.C. Christmas Tree Association

 

At Jordan Lake Christmas Tree Farm in Chatham County families hop on a hayride to find the perfect tree for decorating, while others walk the entire 12 acres to pick the perfect tree.

 

The Thorsell family of Apex has a seven year history of visiting the farm.

 

"We like the variety," said Pam Thorsell.

 

Virginia Pines, Eastern Red Cedars and Carolina Sapphires are just a few varieties.

 

“I think that'd be pretty for a change because we always get a Fraser Fir.  What'd you think Bryce?" asked Pam to her son who replied in approval.

 

The Thorsell's tagged their tree where it will wait until the families return next week to cut it down.

 

But other families wasted no time.

 

The farm hands do all the rest from sawing, to hauling, to netting and loading your tree.

 

The May family is now in their 14th year of providing Christmas memories and they said it gives family an activity to do the entire day.

 

"Instead of just going to a tree lot, it's much nicer to actually come for the day," said owner Diana May.

 

The Emmert family of Apex said they enjoy choosing their Christmas tree and prefer Fraser Firs that are brought in from the North Carolina mountains.

 

"Being from up north we used to go out in woods and cut our own tree down with our parents and this as close as you come to that down in the south," said Scott Emmert.

 

After the big find, children jump for joy. The excitement isn’t always about the tree, sometimes it’s about jumping in the inflatable on the property.

 

There’s also a shop with shiny ornaments to spruce up the tree.

 

The Mays estimated the average family spends $50 to $70 on a tree.

 

The state agriculture department has a complete list of choose and cut tree farms and more than a dozen are in the triangle.

 

Stay tuned, for the next few Wednesdays on NBC 17 News at 7, we’ll show you some great spots in the triangle for your family and it might help you start a new tradition.