2659 County Road 900 East · Champaign, IL 61822

Rows of fresh-cut trees inside the Tate Trees barn

CENTRAL ILLINOIS' FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION FOR OVER 50 YEARS

Tate Trees

The countdown to tradition is on.

Opening day — Monday, November 23rd, 2026

--
Days
--
Hours
--
Minutes
--
Seconds

Cash or check only

MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF CHRISTMAS MEMORIES.

Four Generations Strong. 

What began as a family business more than 50 years ago has become a Christmas tradition we're proud to carry on. Three generations of our family have poured their hearts into making each season special, and now, with our fourth generation growing up surrounded by the same holiday magic, we're excited to see the tradition continue. We love bringing fresh Christmas trees and lasting holiday memories to families throughout Central Illinois — and to those who love our trees enough to put a few extra miles on the car to find the perfect one.

We believe choosing a Christmas tree should be more than a quick stop at a big-box store or another purchase made online. It's a chance to slow down, spend time together, and make memories that last long after the decorations come down.

So bundle up, bring the family, and take a little drive into the country. 
We can't wait to welcome you back for our 56th "Trees" season.

Four young adults standing together in front of a mound of freshly cut Christmas trees in the barnFour siblings among stacked Christmas trees in the barn, as children and again as young adultsA family in front of the fresh-cut tree display at the Tate Trees barn

What “Trees” means to us

More than a season. More than a tree.

Since 1970, Tate Trees has been a special part of Christmas in our central Illinois community. What started more than 55 years ago has grown into something pretty special, with four generations of our family now sharing in the excitement of opening our doors each holiday season. Around here, we simply call it “Trees.” And for our family, it's so much more than a few weeks of selling Christmas trees each year.

It's seeing the familiar faces who come back season after season, catching up with families we've gotten to know over the years, and welcoming new ones who are just beginning their own Christmas traditions. We've had the privilege of watching children grow up, return with families of their own, and continue making Tate Trees part of their holiday season. Being even a small part of those memories is something we never take for granted. 

But there's another part of “Trees” that's just as special to us. Somehow, time seems to slow down a little in the tree shed. It's a chance for our family to come together, along with the friends who've spent so many seasons helping us that they've become family, too. We get to spend time with one another, share plenty of laughs, hot cocoa, and hard work toward the same simple goal: helping every family find their perfect Christmas tree. There's something about being surrounded by good people, familiar faces, and the excitement of Christmas that makes even the busiest days feel pretty special. 

And while the Christmas season may come and go quickly, the excitement around here — and the memories we make each year — never really fade. In fact, by about the second week of January, even the youngest members of our family are already talking about how they can't wait for “Trees” again next year.

It's a lot of work, and a little bit of chaos, but it's our favorite time of the year. We wouldn't have it any other way. Whether you've been coming to Tate Trees for decades or you're visiting us for the very first time, we're grateful you're here. 
And most of all, we hope that spending a little part of your Christmas season with us becomes one of the things your family looks forward to most, too.

WHERE CHRISTMAS MEMORIES BEGIN

It starts with the perfect tree.

For over a decade, we've proudly partnered with a trusted Michigan grower to bring fresh, beautiful Christmas trees to our community each holiday season. Every year, our family heads up north to the farm, where we work directly with our grower to personally select the trees we'll bring home for the season. It's a special part of our business that reflects the care, commitment, and pride we take in bringing quality trees to your family.

Our trees arrive fresh from Michigan just days before opening day, and with more than four varieties and hundreds of trees to choose from, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a small, cozy tree or a grand centerpiece for your home, we know you'll find the perfect tree here.

From the farm to our shed, every tree is carefully transported, unloaded, and handled with care to preserve its freshness and beauty. Once here, our freshly cut trees are displayed indoors, where you can take your time finding just the right one, away from the winter weather. After all, finding the perfect Christmas tree is more than just another holiday list errand — it's part of the memories and traditions that make the season so special.

No need to bring tools, roping or twine — we've got it all covered.

Rows of fresh-cut trees standing ready inside the barn
A fresh cut

We trim the base so your tree drinks up and lasts long into the season.

Carried out

Our staff does the heavy lifting for you.

Loaded with care

We take care of loading your tree and securing it to your car,  truck, van or trailer. 

Cocoa inside

Stay warm with a cup of our homemade, famously delicious hot cocoa.

Our trees

All fresh cut & pre-drilled for the Answer Stand.

4 – 14 ft

Fraser Fir

Our signature tree. Soft needles, great scent.

6 – 10 ft

Douglas Fir

Full and fragrant, a classic favorite.

6 – 10 ft

White Pine

Long, soft needles with a feathery look.

6 – 8 ft

Concolor Fir

Silvery-blue needles with a hint of citrus.

Fraser fir wreath with red bowTrees standing ready on the sales floor

Also on the lot

  • Fraser Fir Wreaths

    3 Sizes Available:

    • 24 inch
    • 30 inch
    • 38 inch

    Beautiful, fresh Fraser Fir wreaths that bring the look and scent of Christmas to your home. Each wreath is finished with a handmade bow in your choice of classic red or rich burgundy.

  • Roping

    Available in

    • 25 foot rolls

    Fresh evergreen roping, perfect for decorating porch railings, fences, doorways, and adding a festive touch throughout your home.

  • Swags

    Freshly-made

    A simple, beautiful way to bring a touch of Christmas greenery to your doors, windows, or anywhere that could use a little holiday cheer. Each swag is adorned with a handmade bow in your choice of classic red or burgundy.

  • Answer Stands

    The Answer Stand is a sturdy, easy-to-use pole-style Christmas tree stand, affectionately known by our customers as the “Marriage Saver!”  With all of our trees pre-drilled for a perfect fit on any size Answer Stand, you can have your tree standing in less than 10 seconds — no wrestling with screws or adjusting required. Each stand comes with your choice of a red or green water bowl.

    Choose the right size:

    • Small: 36" diameter | Trees up to 6 ft
    • Medium: 49" diameter | Trees up to 9 ft
    • Large: 54" diameter | Trees 9+ ft

    Small and medium stands feature removable legs for easy storage.

Cash or check only

A LITTLE CHRISTMAS MAGIC

Memories made here

The Tate Trees crew among bundled treesPicking out a Fraser firFriends with hot cocoa on the lotThe next generation heading home with this year's treeCarrying a fresh-cut fir through the barnOur crew in the barnTrees standing ready inside the barn after darkThe youngest crew member hauling a fresh-cut treeUnloading fresh trees off the truck from MichiganBrothers suited up for a day of work in the barnSmiling through a heavy haul of fresh treesA decorated Tate tree at home

2026 Hours

Opening week

November 23 – 29

Mon, Nov 23
8 AM – 8 PM
Tue, Nov 24
8 AM – 8 PM
Wed, Nov 25
8 AM – 8 PM
Thu, Nov 26
Closed – Thanksgiving
Fri, Nov 27
8 AM – 8 PM
Sat, Nov 28
8 AM – 8 PM
Sun, Nov 29
8 AM – 8 PM

Hours change November 30th

Regular season

11 – 7

Open daily, 11 AM – 7 PM, until sold out.

Opening week hours end November 29 and regular season hours begin.

Cash or check only

Before you drive out

For the latest updates on tree availability, weather-related closures, and sellout announcements, be sure to follow us on Facebook! We recommend checking our page before heading out to make sure we're open and still have trees available.

Follow us on Facebook

Good to know

Questions, answered.

When do you open for the 2026 season?

We open Monday, November 23, 2026!

Opening Week | November 23–29

  • 8 AM – 8 PM daily, except Thanksgiving Day, when we'll be closed.

Beginning November 30

  • 11 AM – 7 PM daily, until we're sold out.

For the latest updates on tree availability, weather-related closures, and sellout announcements, be sure to follow us on Facebook! We recommend checking our page before heading out to make sure we're open and still have trees available.

Where are you, and how do I spot the "Tree Shed"?

You'll find us at 2659 County Road 900 East, Champaign, IL 61822, just 10 miles north of Champaign along Mattis Avenue/Dewey Fisher Road. Just look for our red and white shed — you'll know you're in the right place!

What are your prices?

Our Christmas trees range in price from $30 to $300, depending on the variety and height you choose.

How we price

  • Rather than listing individual prices online, we price our trees based on their size and variety, with our tallest trees at the higher end of the range.
  • We offer a variety of sizes and price points to help you find the perfect tree for your home and budget!
Do you take credit or debit cards?

No — cash or check only.

Please plan to bring cash or a check with you.

Do I need to bring tools, roping or twine?

No need to bring tools, roping or twine — we've got it all covered.

Can you hold or reserve a tree for us?

Yes, we would be more than happy to tag a prepaid tree and hold it for you until you're able to come and pick it up.

Maybe you're traveling for Thanksgiving but want to ensure you get a Tate Tree — you can pick it out and pick it up once you return!

What happens after I pick my tree?

While you stay warm inside with a cup of our homemade, famously delicious hot cocoa, our staff:

  • Gives your tree a fresh cut so it drinks up and lasts long into the holiday season
  • Carries it out for you
  • Carefully loads it onto or into whatever vehicle you brought
Are the trees outside in the cold?

No. All of our trees are displayed indoors and are pre cut, so you can take your time finding just the right one away from the winter weather.

Can we cut our own tree?

Every tree on our lot is already cut and waiting indoors, so there's no sawing required on your end.

What kinds of trees do you carry?

Four varieties:

  • Fraser Fir — 4–13 ft
  • Douglas Fir — 6–8 ft
  • White Pine — 6–8 ft
  • Concolor Fir — 6–8 ft

We also keep Fraser Fir wreaths, roping, swags and Answer Stands on the lot.

Where do your trees come from?

We hand our trees from a Michigan grower we've partnered with for over a decade. Our family makes the trip to the farm every year, and the trees are trucked in just days before opening day so they arrive fresh.

How can I keep my Christmas tree fresh throughout the holiday season?

To keep your tree looking its best, we recommend waiting to bring it into the warmth of your home until you're ready to put it up and decorate.

Picking your tree early?

If you're picking out your tree early, just let us know you're not putting it up right away, and we'll hold off on giving it a fresh cut.

When you're ready to bring it inside

  • Give the trunk a fresh cut so it can properly absorb water
  • We recommend using warm water for its first drink, then regular cool water for the rest of the season

Most importantly

  • Keep that water bowl full! Fresh Christmas trees can drink quite a bit, especially during the first few days
  • Never let the water level drop below the base of the trunk, and you'll help keep your tree fresh and beautiful all season long!

Still curious? Call or text 217-377-9653 or email tatetrees@gmail.com.

Come find us.

2659 County Road 900 East
Champaign, IL 61822

Just 10 miles north of Champaign on Mattis Ave. Look for the red and white shed.

Get directions

Cash or check only

Before you drive out

For the latest updates on tree availability, weather-related closures, and sellout announcements, be sure to follow us on Facebook! We recommend checking our page before heading out to make sure we're open and still have trees available.

Follow us on Facebook
A classic Cadillac loaded with a Tate tree beside the road sign