It’s always been one of my bucket list ambitions to just grab an axe/saw, to drive into the nearby hills, trudging through snow, in search of the perfect family Christmas tree. The problem is there’s pretty much no snow here, I’ve no clue how to get home with a massive Christmas tree, and I’ll probably get arrested. But it doesn’t stop me dreaming of the proper Christmas tree experience, Griswold-style. Cutting them down with our bare hands. The warm embrace of kith and kin. Birds nests, squirrels. And sorry about all the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation references.
Do you know why “Christmas tree lots” were invented? “Because people forgot how to have a fun, old-fashioned family Christmas, and are satisfied with scrawny, dead, overpriced trees that have no special meaning”. It is hard to argue with Clark Griswold. Unfortunately we had no luck finding similar locally in our search for real Christmas trees in Bangor where the best we have to work with are the trees sold out of fields and parking lots around the ringroads. We did find trees at Tesco, saving a tenner, but they are prewrapped Christmas trees, so you lost out on choosing that special family Christmas tree.
Real Christmas Trees in Northern Ireland
My Grizwold dreams were further dashed after finding the best-known local Christmas tree farm Clandeboye Christmas Trees had also ceased to operate since being unable to access the Clandeboye estate with the passing of Lady Dufferin (2020). They seemed to move sales operations to Holywood (Hannah’s Florist in Holywood) but may have given up. I did message them about my Griswold aspirations and their best recommendation was for Finnegan’s Christmas Trees in Clogher. 70-miles away.
So these experiences do exist in Northern Ireland, at least travelling to the source, although I’m not sure about chopping them down. There would be a couple tree farms as well on the outskirts of Belfast and Lisburn but I think the nearest example in Northern Ireland would be the NI Farm Forestry at Peartree Hill off the Dundonald to Comber Road (directions here). Otherwise we don’t have the same excitement here in Bangor other than your standard Christmas tree lots.
Where to Buy Real Christmas Trees in Bangor?
Failing to find help online or through our local social circle (family) we resort to following signs along the ring road junctions road on a tour of Christmas tree lots. This brings us to the following:
Clandeboye Road at Starplan Car Park
I couldn’t find an actual name for this Christmas Tree lot but it is hard to miss with the massive signs at the junction and it would be the nearest Christmas tree lot to Bangor West. I think it was mostly Fraser fir and Nordman fir (the most common we found throughout) out on display.
Address: 167 Clandeboye Rd, Bangor BT20 3JP (map here)
Robs Christmas Trees on Balloo Road
Robs has a more Christmassy feel to it found in a field layered with wood chippings with so many different tree types I lost count. It would also be the largest of the three and apparently they’ve been around 26-years or so. They also have an ongoing supply of locally sourced (Mournes etc.) throughout the Christmas season.
Address: 28 Balloo Dr, Bangor BT19 7QY (map here)
Woodstoc Landscaping Supplies Balloo
We actually ended up here when searching for Robs as they’re both situated in Balloo only Woodstoc is better known as a year-round landscaping supply shop. We did expect prices to be higher because of this but they were pretty much similar across the board and again it’s mostly Nordman Fir.
Address: 2A Balloo Park, Bangor BT19 7PP (map here)
Real Christmas Trees Near Bangor?
Apparently there are other lots and shops for real trees in-and-around Bangor. Mostly East Bangor which is the side we rarely venture. So I managed to get a wider list which I’ll hope to update during the next festive season.
- Creative Gardens Donaghadee
- Carrowdore Coulter’s Trees
- Nash’s six road ends (Lynn’s car park)
- The Little Christmas Tree Farm (Church Road, Holywood)
Hopefully this is the full list but feel free to add to it by letting us know.
Buying a Real Christmas Tree
We didn’t plan on buying a Christmas tree on this outing but Fanfan found her “special tree” on display at Woodstoc and didn’t want to risk losing it. The whole buying process is fairly simple as well with colour codes for different heights and prices displayed etc. We ended up taking away a 6-foot Nordman Fir, £37.99, nice and “full, no sap” a la Griswold. Not much more expensive than Tesco (£30) and at the lower end of the local Christmas tree scene.
So we called over the lad in charge, he snipped off the lower branches, sawed a fresh cut from the stump, threw it through the wrapping thing (netting funnel) and we’re good to go. He hauls the tree to the car and helps squeeze it into the back of our wee Suzuki Swift. We did settle for a smaller tree simply to fit our tiny car so we did slightly regret it after finding it’s only £10 for delivery (£5 at Robs). A 7-8 foot tree would probably look better.
Assembling and Maintaining Real Christmas Trees
“This Christmas tree has been carefully grown under environmentally friendly conditions, and harvested with the utmost care”. Unlike artificial Christmas trees, there is a bit of maintenance involved to maintain the tree’s freshness. Not a lot though. The guidelines say to:
- Keep outside until required
- If you use a water stand, cut 4cm off the base of the tree before inserting into water.
- Stand tree in a cool dry place away from direct heat.
Fortunately we had bought a brand new water base Christmas tree stand earlier in the week from the Hope Charity Shop on High Street for £3 which now makes me feel a bit guilty given they’re £20+ on Amazon and £25 on-site at Woodstoc. There are also metal screw-in stands which look more for outdoors but they do come cheaper at £10.99.
Beginners Guide to Real Christmas Trees
When do they start selling real Christmas trees?
Most would be around the 25th of November (1-month before Christmas).
How long do Real Christmas Trees last for?
You’re talking around 1 and 1/2 months from when they’re cut (mid-November) and they will be good to early January. But needle retention does differ between types of trees.
When is the best time to buy a Real Christmas Tree?
It doesn’t really matter. Trees are cut to last the holiday and many will be delivered all at once to the Christmas tree lots. But local trees will be fresher as it can take weeks for delivery from the mainland.
How much do Real Christmas Trees Cost?
Less than we had expected. The cheapest we found was a small tree at Home Bargains (£12.50), then larger trees at Tesco for £30. Then the Christmas tree lots are around £38 – £45 for a 6-footer.
Why Buy from Christmas Tree Lots?
When buying from Supermarkets only a handful of pre-wrapped trees are available so you don’t get to see them before purchasing. At Christmas tree lots all types of trees are on display so you can find that special family Christmas tree.
Can I have my Christmas Tree Delivered?
Trees can be hand-selected as normal and delivered if required. Delivery charges range from £5-£10.