Merrillan Lions Christmas Trees, Hot Chocolate and Cookies Every Weekend
A fresh Christmas tree has a way of making the whole house feel like the holidays have arrived. This season, the Merrillan Lions are making that tradition easy to enjoy with weekend Christmas tree sales, hot chocolate, and Christmas cookies at the Merrillan Lions Community Building.
The sale begins November 13 and continues every weekend until Christmas, or while supplies last. Trees will be available on Saturdays and Sundays, with other pickup times available by appointment.
For anyone hoping to bring home a tree, sip something warm, and support a local community group at the same time, this is a simple stop to add to the holiday calendar.
Make it part of a holiday weekend tradition
Buying a Christmas tree can be more than another errand. It can be one of the first real signs that the season has started.
The Merrillan Lions Christmas Trees brings together several favorite parts of the holidays in one place. Visitors can look for a tree, warm up with hot chocolate, enjoy a cookie, and take part in a community tradition that feels simple and welcoming.
A tree sale like this also gives people a reason to slow down. The holidays can fill up quickly with shopping lists, school events, travel plans, and family schedules. Stopping for a tree at a community building creates a small pause in the middle of all that planning.
For families with children, it can become a memory that lasts longer than the decorations themselves. Children remember choosing the tree, debating which one is tall enough, and drinking hot chocolate while everyone bundles up against the cold.
For others, it may be a quick stop that still feels good. Pick up a tree, say hello to a familiar face, and head home ready to decorate.
Plan your visit before you go
A little planning makes tree pickup easier, especially if the weather is cold or the weekend is busy.
Before heading to the Merrillan Lions Community Building, it helps to think through a few basics.
Measure your space at home
A tree often looks smaller outdoors than it does once it is inside a living room. Measure the height of the room before choosing a tree. Leave space for the tree stand and the topper.
If the ceiling is 8 feet high, a tree that looks perfect outside may feel too tall once it is standing indoors. A quick measurement can prevent trimming more than expected after getting it home.
Also measure the width of the space. Some trees are narrow and easy to tuck into a corner. Others are full and wide, which can be beautiful if the room has enough space.
Bring what you need for transport
Think about how the tree will get home. A vehicle with enough room, tie-downs, rope, or a tarp can make the trip easier.
If carrying the tree on top of a vehicle, bring materials to secure it safely. If placing it inside a truck bed or larger vehicle, a tarp can help catch loose needles and protect the interior.
Gloves can also help. Fresh trees can be sticky with sap, and branches can scratch bare hands.
Dress for the weather
Tree shopping often means spending time outdoors. Warm shoes, gloves, coats, and hats can make the experience more comfortable.
Even a short visit feels better when everyone is dressed for the temperature. That is especially true for families bringing children along.
The hot chocolate will help, but warm clothing still matters.
Other tree pickup times are available by appointment
The scheduled public sale hours are Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For people who cannot make those times, other pickup times are available by appointment. That option is helpful for those with work schedules, travel plans, weekend commitments, or limited availability.
Appointment pickup also gives some flexibility as Christmas approaches. The closer the season gets to December 25, the more crowded calendars become. Having another pickup option can make it easier for people to still support the sale and get a tree.
Anyone who needs a different pickup time should arrange the appointment directly with the Merrillan Lions.
Hot chocolate and cookies add to the welcome
The tree sale includes more than trees. The Merrillan Lions will also have hot chocolate and Christmas cookies available during the weekend event.
That small detail changes the feel of the visit. Hot chocolate turns a cold-weather errand into something warmer. Cookies add a treat that fits the season. Together, they make the event feel like a holiday gathering rather than a quick transaction.
For parents and grandparents, the treats can make the trip more fun for children. For friends or couples, it gives the stop a relaxed pace. For anyone coming alone, it adds a friendly touch while picking out a tree.
The holidays often come down to details like this. A warm cup, a cookie, a friendly greeting, and the smell of evergreen can do a lot to set the mood for the season.
Why buying from a community group matters
Buying a Christmas tree from a local community group keeps the experience close to home. The Merrillan Lions are part of the service tradition that Lions Clubs are known for, with local groups often supporting projects and needs in their own communities.
A holiday tree sale can serve several purposes at once. It helps people get a tree. It brings neighbors together. It gives the organization a visible way to connect with the community during a season when people are already looking for meaningful local traditions.
That does not mean every visitor needs to make it a big event. Even a quick tree pickup still supports the effort.
Local sales like this also help keep holiday traditions personal. Instead of choosing a tree from a large, anonymous setting, visitors can stop at a familiar community building and take part in something rooted in the area.
Check the tree before bringing it home
A real Christmas tree needs a little care once it leaves the sale. Before choosing one, look it over and make sure it suits the space and plans at home.
A few simple checks can help:
Needle feel
Gently touch the branches. A fresh tree should feel flexible, not overly dry or brittle.
Branch shape
Look for branches strong enough to hold the ornaments you plan to use.
Tree height
Keep the stand and topper in mind before choosing the tallest tree available.
Fullness
Turn the tree or look from different angles if possible. Some trees are fuller on one side, which may work well if it will stand against a wall.
Trunk size
Make sure the trunk will fit the tree stand at home.
After bringing the tree home, place it in water as soon as possible. Real trees can take up a surprising amount of water, especially during the first day or two indoors. Check the stand often and keep the water level above the cut end of the trunk.
Place the tree away from heat sources when possible. Heat can dry a tree faster, which may shorten the time it looks its best.
Shop early if the tree is a must-have
The sale continues until Christmas or while supplies last. That last phrase matters.
A tree sale can run out before the holiday if demand is strong. Anyone who knows they want a real tree this year should not wait too long. Shopping earlier gives more choice and more time to enjoy the tree at home.
Early pickup also spreads out the season. Instead of rushing during the final days before Christmas, families can decorate sooner and enjoy the glow of the lights for more of December.
For those who prefer to wait until closer to Christmas, the weekend hours still provide options. Just keep in mind that selection may change as the sale continues.
A simple way to start the season
The Merrillan Lions tree sale offers a straightforward holiday stop: choose a Christmas tree, enjoy hot chocolate, have a cookie, and support a local group.
The details are easy to remember. Sales begin November 13 at the Merrillan Lions Community Building. Weekend hours are Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale continues until Christmas or while supplies last, and other pickup times are available by appointment.
If a fresh tree is part of the holiday plan, stopping by early in the season is the best way to get a good selection. Bring measurements, plan for transport, dress warmly, and leave a little time to enjoy the hot chocolate and cookies.
A real tree brings the scent of the season into the house. This year, the trip to get one can bring a little community warmth with it, too.
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