It’s almost Thanksgiving, which means it’s Christmas tree time here in Arlington.
As in past years, there are a number of tree sales going on in the county this holiday season. In fact, there appears to be more this year than in 2021. Many sales begin this weekend, right after the Thanksgiving holiday.
However, that perfect pine may cost you more this year.
The Knights of Columbus, for instance, is resuming tree sales this year after being closed for the last two seasons due to Covid and tree supply issues.
But the group is cautioning locals that the price of a Christmas tree will be higher this year compared to last year due to rising operating costs and inflation.
“This will remain a challenging year for us, as have many other tree lot operators, as we have experienced almost a doubling of the wholesale costs from our suppliers due to the continuing Christmas tree shortage and the impact of inflation on shipping charges,” a spokesperson wrote ARLnow in an email. “While we realize this may reduce the amount we can raise from the sale, we felt it important to reopen the lot this year, as we’ve heard from many of our customers over the last few years that they miss their family tradition of heading down to the lot to get their tree.”
While not every tree sale posts prices in advance, at least two other local sales have appeared to have raised tree prices by about 15% compared to 2021.
Below are the sales that ARLnow has confirmed are happening this year.
Optimist Club of Arlington
Starts: Friday, Nov. 25 at noon
Knights of Columbus (5115 Little Falls Road)
The lot will be open every day of the week until all the trees are sold out. All profits go towards Arlington youth sports and academic activities.
Clarendon United Methodist Church
Starts: Saturday, Nov. 26 at 9 a.m.
Clarendon United Methodist Church (606 N. Irving Street)
There will be 300 trees for sale this year. Pre-sale is open now, with pick-up at the church lot. The trees come from Canada and the six to seven-foot trees cost $85 this year, a ten-dollar increase from last year. All proceed are going to Arlington Thrive. This sale has been held annually since 2007.
Scout Troop 167
Starts: Friday, Nov. 25 at noon
Mount Olivet United Methodist Church (1500 N. Glebe Road)
The boys and girls of Scout Troop 167 are hosting a sale near Ballston again this year. It’s being held Thanksgiving weekend, on Nov. 25, 26, and 27. The sale starts at noon on Friday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. Saturday. It will go to 8 p.m. each night. The next weekend (Dec. 2, 3, and 4) are backup dates in case of inclement weather. Pre-sales are being accepted.
Knights of Columbus – Council 7054
Starts: Saturday, Nov. 26
Our Lady of Lourdes (830 23rd Street S.)
After being canceled the last two years, the Knights of Columbus Christmas tree lot is back at Our Lady of Lourdes near Crystal City. The lot will be open Tuesday and Friday nights, as well as weekends until Dec. 18 or when trees sell out. All profits will go towards the organization’s charitable activities including the annual Coats for Kids drive. For more information, contact them at [email protected].
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Starts: Friday, Nov. 25 at 9 a.m.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (4000 Lorcom Lane)
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church near Cherrydale will be selling 200 trees from Vermont. The sale will continue through the weekend until all the trees are sold. 85% of the trees were sold on the first weekend, says the sale’s webpage. Credit cards are now being accepted and volunteers are still needed.
Boy Scout Troop 162
Starts: Friday, Nov. 25 at 9 a.m
Dominion Hills pool parking lot (5960 Wilson Blvd)
The scouts are once again hosting its Christmas tree sale. The sale begins on Friday, Nov. 25. and will be open every day of the week. Wreaths and garlands will also be sold. The troop has been selling trees in Arlington since the early 1970s. We are proud to say that we have sold trees to generations of families and look forward to many more years!,” reads the group’s Facebook page.
National Landing Christmas Tree Lot
Starts: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 9 a.m.
23rd Street Restaurant Row Patio and Terrace (556 22nd Street S.)
The National Landing Business Improvement District will be selling mini-trees at its “Christmas Tree Farm Pop-Up” on both Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4. Trees are being provided by Almost Heavenly Trees.
Aware of any other local Christmas tree sales? Let us know in the comments.