Who knew that 15 years ago our first Christmas Tree Hunt & Chop would grow into a favourite annual tradition that continues to flourish? Family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and even beloved pets join us each year in search of the perfect tree and a day of fun for all ages. This year we chose to experience Horton’s Magic Hill Tree Farm north of Stouffville in York Region.
Celebrating 32 years open to the public, Horton’s Magic Hill Tree Farm is a scenic 100 acre Century Farm boasting over 30,000 trees. Fun features include wagon rides, bonfires, tobogganing, Munch House refreshments, tree baling/drilling and precious photo opportunities. The farm is cash only and prices are competitive.
Although many may disagree, it is my personal opinion that purchasing a natural tree is environmentally beneficial, healthy and good for the Canadian economy.
Time to HUNT!
It was the picture perfect day. Fragile white snowflakes fell quietly and thickly, settling comfortably onto evergreens and eyelashes. The cold seemed mild that afternoon in early December.
We gathered our group for a tractor drawn wagon ride operated by a Christmas elf! The scenery filled me with spirit and the peaceful milieu of the timberland caught my breath.
Off we went, traipsing through our winter wonderland in search of fir, pine or spruce. Just when you think every tree is starting to look the same, you find it. The perfect one! Adults and kids instantly agree. You envision the twinkling trimmed tree standing tall and magnificent in the living room, as your children sit around it in eager anticipation of Santa’s arrival and the big day. You picture the bottom of the tree filled with perfect presents that wrapped themselves, complete with the nativity and the true meaning of Christmas. Enveloped in the magic of the season, it’s time to capture the moment with a family photo before the big chop and drag!
Warming up by an Outdoor Fire
Most other tree farms we have visited over the years have a single bonfire at the main entrance to enjoy at the end of your tree hunt. Horton’s Magic Hill Tree Farm is different because it has multiple bonfires throughout the farm. This way you can warm up by a large fire in the open air while you are waiting for a wagon to bring you back with your tree – we all really liked this!
Once trees are baled, bagged and secured to the tops of vehicles it’s time to enjoy more of the fun offered at Horton’s Magic Hill Tree Farm. Some may choose warm refreshments beside the wood oven of the Munch House, others might find delight in tobogganing and some may even purchase fresh boughs to add to the festive decoration back at home.
Another Year of Wonderful Memories
Overall, the 15th Annual Christmas Tree HUNT & CHOP was a good, old-fashioned jolly good time that I definitely recommend. Surrounded by family and friends, it’s the tradition that keeps on giving. Some of my fondest memories are recalled as I look back through the years of photographs that are some of our family favourites. As we drove home alongside vehicles transporting their very own “perfect tree” atop, I could almost feel the heartwarming element of the season uniting us in tradition.
Horton’s Magic Hill Tree Farm is open weekends from late November to December
and open Fridays in December. The farm is located just north of Stouffville. Take Hwy 404 to Bloomington Rd, Drive East past Hwy 48 to 9th Line, then North to farm.
To find other Tree Farms near you visit the Child’s Life Perfect Tree Farm Guide – with a growing list of farms in York Region, Durham Region, Peel, Simcoe and Dufferin Counties.
Merry Christmas from our home to yours!
