During this hygge-filled season of all things cozy, twinkly and bright, we’re as excited about bedazzling our own spaces as we are about getting out to ogle the city’s most festive lights. Whether you’re looking to beautify your home for bustling gatherings or quiet evenings spent by the fire’s glow, we’ve found a bounty of venues where you can get in the spirit—while picking out the perfect tree, garland, wreath, and more.
Sewickley Creek Greenhouse
Tucked into a little valley formed by Big Sewickley Creek, this cluster of greenhouses and shop buildings is a year-round gem. It bustles in spring and summer, of course, as gardeners stock up on annuals and perennials, but during the holiday season it thrums with Santa fantasies and Candyland wonders. From ornaments to décor, trees and greenery, there are hundreds of reasons to stop into this family-owned business and feel all the feels.
Lake Forest Gardens
About 40 miles north of the city, this family-owned and -operated (since 1939) venue specializes in pre-cut and cut-your-own Christmas trees (including Canaan fir, Douglas fir and Colorado blue spruce options), grown on 600-plus acres of Pennsylvania farmland. Bring along the whole family, even your furry friends, to create memories as you select that ideal tree to cut down using a saw that’s supplied to you. Then, carry your tree to the closest wagon pit stop to return to the farm and gift shop. Old-fashioned hayrides make the day extra memorable.
Quality Gardens
Head to Butler County where this joyful haven of poinsettia plants and handmade wreaths keeps a holiday-themed roster full of workshops and various crafts throughout November. Thanks to the annual Hosanna Industries tree auction, the glasshouse gets decorated with trees and dazzling decor. The on-site Bloom Cafe—a cozy hub for breakfast, lunch, locally-roasted coffee, and other treats—of course gets a special sprucing at this time of year, too.
Robinson’s Home & Garden
Having served the Sewickley community for decades, this throwback family business showcases a range of home, garden and hardware items in its year-round gift shop. In this season, it also showcases Christmas gifts plus wrapping and ribbon adornments. By Thanksgiving, find Fraser firs (measuring from four feet up to nine) in stock, but show up earlier in the season versus later, since they usually sell out by mid-December. The same goes for live garland and wreaths as well.
Shadyside Nursery
Since April 2010, the owners have provided the city’s residents with exquisite plants, gardening supplies, and landscaping services. These days the nursery has morphed into a multi-use green space that hosts community events like wreath workshops to celebrate holiday months. From Thanksgiving through to the day they sell out, find fresh greens, wreaths, and trees spanning from tabletop size to 12 feet tall.
Trax Farms
This Finleyville spot boasts 150 years of history, with the family’s seventh generation now aiming to give visitors an enjoyable farm market and lawn-garden-center experience. Toward the end of November, you can cut down your own seven- to 10-foot-tall tree; lovely live and artificial wreaths and greenery creations are available throughout the season, too. While there, pick up goodies from the bakery, deli, and pop-up, Mindful Brewing Taproom.
Story by Corinne Whiting / Photography by Katie Long
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