Where To Find Christmas Trees Near New Port Richey: 2020

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — As the COVID-19 pandemic threatens a long list of 2020's quintessential holiday traditions, it may still be possible to take your family on the hunt for the right Christmas tree this year — and even more importantly, do it safely.

At least 25 million real Christmas trees are sold each year across the U.S., and currently, 350 million are growing in all 50 states.

And during this unprecedented year, Christmas tree lots nationwide are taking precautions amid the coronavirus pandemic to ensure patrons can select their perfect tree with minimal risk to their family's health and safety.

"It is likely that Christmas will have a greater significance for many in 2020 as we seek to offset the disruption of normalcy from COVID-19 with a family-oriented holiday experience," the National Christmas Tree Association wrote on its website this year. "However, shopping for a Christmas tree, the iconic centerpiece of the holiday, will be a different experience this year as the risks from COVID-19 must be taken seriously."

In fact, the association has circulated a special guide with recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree sellers to follow, including frequently sanitizing items and areas such as hand saws, tree cart handles, countertops, door handles and restrooms. Special signage and touchless, paperless payment systems are also being encouraged.

If a real Christmas tree is on your wish list this season, here is a selection of some of our favorite Christmas tree farms within driving distance of New Port Richey.

• Sunkissed Christmas Trees, 4903 State Road 54, New Port Richey: open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Tree Brothers Christmas Village sponsored by Three Brothers Pizza and Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway, Odessa, will have its kick-off event Saturday, Nov. 28, with a raffle for two autographed Tampa Bay Lightning jerseys, and Santa visiting from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tree Brothers sells freshly cut trees, wreaths and offers holiday scenery for photos. It is open from 3 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 23.
• Ergle Christmas Tree Farm, 3325 Treiman Blvd., Dade City. Cut your own tree or buy one freshly shipped in from North Carolina and Michigan. It is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Dec. 23.

See related story: Ergle Christmas Tree Farm Allows Families To Cut Their Own Tree

• Gallagher's Pumpkins and Christmas Trees, 7401 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. In addition to trees, Gallagher's offers photo opps, kid's games and snow cones.
• Dave’s Christmas Tree Lot, 106 E. Lumsden Road, Brandon, supporting Brandon, Valrico and Fishhawk PTAs. It offers fresh-cut trees, poinsettias and wreaths. Delivery is available. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Tampa Bay Farmers Market, 10001 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, offering Fraser, Douglas, blue spruce, Black Hills spruce trees and poinsettias. It is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Great Lakes Christmas Trees, 5107 N. 22nd St., Tampa, offers fresh-cut trees and poinsettias. It is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
• Northstar Wisconsin Christmas Trees, 2905 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater, offers fresh-cut trees, porch pots, garland and table-top trees with stands. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Christmas Trees in Tampa has five locations: 1519 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa, 1847 E. Palm Ave., Ybor City, 22400 Catfish Lake Lane, Land O' Lakes, and 9450 Westchase Drive, Tampa. It is open every day through Christmas Eve Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

If you know of any Christmas tree lots we haven't mentioned, please send the name and address to dann.white@patch.com, and we'll add it.