There is a silver (and gold, red, green…) lining to the looming uncertainty surrounding our first – and hopefully last – pandemic winter: an early, spectacular start to holiday decorating! Nothing like a healthy dose of brightness and lighthearted cheer to help ward off worries. We hope you find this 2020 guide to safe tree shopping and light viewing in Prince Edward County (and neighbouring areas) helpful and hopeful.

Where to buy Christmas trees in and around Prince Edward County

The Picton Firefighters Association’s annual Christmas Tree Sale fundraiser begins Thursday, November 26th at the Picton Fire Station (8 McDonald Drive). All trees are $50 (CASH ONLY) and proceeds will benefit County charities and Camp Bucko, a burn camp for kids. If you don’t see anyone at the tree hut, you can ring the buzzer at the front door and someone will come out to serve you.

A local family is selling $40 pre-cut Balsam Fir trees (and $30 wreaths) at 289 Kelly Road in Cherry Valley. Sizes range from 5 to 9 feet. They are open every day during daylight hours.

Beginning Monday November 30th (at the latest), Lockyer’s Country Gardens (332 County Road #1, Picton) will be selling Fraser and Balsam Firs.

Sobey’s (97 Main Street, Picton) is selling Christmas trees starting at $35. 

Starting November 27th, Denmar Farms (217 Clearview Road, Belleville) will sell a wide range of both pre-cut and cut-your-own Christmas trees (BYO hand saw for the latter option). A food truck selling hotdogs, sweet treats, and warm drinks will be on site. Trees under 9 feet are $55, 8-10 feet are $60, 11 feet+ are $80. Hours are 10-4 Wednesday-Friday and 9-4 Saturday-Sunday. Face coverings are required both inside and outside while on the property. Online ordering and curbside pickup are also available. 

Rising Sun Farm (676 Fiddick Road, Brighton) is selling $40 cut-your-own white spruce trees ranging in height from 4-8 feet. 10% from each sale goes to local charities. Saws are provided and sanitized between each use. You will find Christmas greenery & swags, ornaments, jams & jellies, wool socks, baking, and more in their Tiny Christmas Market. They are open every day from 10-4 until Christmas Eve.

Where to view holiday light displays in and around Prince Edward County

We will miss the night time parade this year, but the Village of Bloomfield is still sparking holiday magic along its Main Street with the Bloomfield Festival of Lights. Beginning Friday November 27th at 7 pm, Bloomfield residents and businesses will turn on their holiday lights for all to enjoy. 

On Saturday December 5th, the village of Wellington will host a tree lighting ceremony following the Holly Jolly Holiday Market and other family-friendly activities (including a bonfire with free smores!). Residents and businesses are also being encouraged to “Light up the Village“.

A community collaboration has resulted in a beautiful light display at Picton’s Cenotaph (at the 5-way traffic light in the heart of the Picton), and the Shire Hall parkette is also a glow. Also – look up, way up, or drive up! to the solar-powered light tree at Picton’s Loch Sloy Business Park. It should be shining by the weekend of November 28th in preparation for the December 12th Loch Sloy Santa Extravaganza.

Consecon Park (25 Porter Street) will get a holiday makeover as part of the Hamlet of Consecon’s Festival of Lights beginning Monday November 30th. Residents and businesses are also being encouraged to dazzle with their decorations.

Belleville’s Festival of Lights is on until January 4th. This year, visitors will enjoy holiday lights and music from the safety of their cars while driving along the 5 km festival route. Free pedicab rides for two are a fun alternative; book one here. Pedicab riders must wear masks and cabs will be sanitized between rides.

The Fantasy of Lights in Trenton (beginning November 29th at Fraser Park) and Frankford (beginning November 28th at Frankford Tourist Park) are a go this year!

Downtown Napanee’s Big Bright Lights Show is lighting up the town’s main street from now until early January.

Finally, private residences at these locations often put on a dazzling display:

• Ferguson Street in Picton across from the Cenotaph
• County Road 12 just past the West Lake Community Church
• County Road 8 between Lucks and Bradley Crossroads
• Rednersville Road just before County Road 23