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It's been a hot dry summer in West Texas and it seemed like nothing would grow on parched land, but nothing could be further from the truth. Don't let the holidays go by without at least spending some time in the great outdoors finding that perfect Christmas tree at one of our awesome West Texas Christmas tree farms.

While I know of one, in particular, "real" Christmas tree farm here in West Texas, there are many places in and around town where one can purchase a living Christmas tree or a freshly cut Christmas tree, mainly the big box stores none of which in my opinion make it a fun family experience to capture the spirit of Christmas.

LOOK: West Texas Christmas Tree Farms That Have So Much to Offer

Christmas Tree Farms and Event Venues for the Holidays

Gallery Credit: Rudy Fernandez

One place that I know you can go and cut your tree down yourself is Mulligan's Heritage Christmas Tree Farm in Cross Plains. They offer several ways to get a Christmas tree, from cutting one down to picking a live one that's in a planter. They even offer a few artificial trees.

The Millicans recently commented on their Facebook page "God's making it absolutely STUNNING out here. Mark your calendars for November 24! We open the day after Thanksgiving." Source: Facebook.com/MillicansHeritage

Then there's TLC Winter Wonder Land which according to owner Kelli Smith offers everything from fresh-cut Christmas trees to freshly-made Christmas Wreaths and a ton of Christmas decorations. The hardest working overgrown elf Jonathan Smith says TLC Winter Wonder Land has something for everyone.

Have you ever dreamed of having a family outing just like the famous Griswald family in the movie Christmas Vacation? The part when they go to the country and as a family cut down a huge, fresh Christmas tree?

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I've always dreamed of spending a day in the great outdoors cutting down and trimming a Christmas tree. Collecting pine branches to make a real homemade Christmas wreath. Gathering around a fire pit to roast weenies for hot dogs and roasting marshmallows to make S'mores. Then we all sing Christmas songs together, around a huge firepit.

That's not a dream it really happens and what's even crazier it happens right here in West Texas, around Abilene, Brownwood, and San Angelo because there are a couple of places that offer fresh Christmas trees, Christmas decorations, a huge fire-pit, and hanging out with family and friends that are all in the holiday spirit too.

The great news is that the day after Thanksgiving you'll be able to pick out a beautiful Christmas tree whether in Ballinger at the TLC Winter Wonderland located at 8601 U.S. Highway 67 in Ballinger or the Millican's Heritage Christmas Tree Farm at 14683 C.R.420 in Cross Plains.

If you're going to Ballinger's TLC Winter Wonderland, there's a cost for spending the day because they offer trees, a petting farm, kids' train rides, a gunslingers cafe, and lots of activities for kids to do. The cost is $5 per adult, $3 for kids (5 to 12 years old) and those under 5 get in free.

If you want to spend time with family in the country and around the huge Millican tree farm firepit, you will have to call ahead and make arrangements for a private gathering.

More importantly, make sure to spend time making memories with the ones you love this Christmas, and remember to deck them halls y'all!

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