The Exchange Club of New Canaan’s 69th annual Christmas tree and wreath sale is underway at Kiwanis Park, offering a beloved holiday tradition that brings the community together while supporting local charities. The sale began on November 29 and will continue through December 22, with operating hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays.
Eric Wiechmann, chairman of the tree lot committee, emphasized the importance of the event. “Our goal is to make it much more than just a tree sale – it’s a community event that embodies the spirit of the season,” Wiechmann said.
This year’s sale reintroduces holiday experiences that had been paused during the pandemic, making the atmosphere at Kiwanis Park more festive than ever. Santa Claus is back to greet children, pose for photos, and collect letters in a special North Pole mailbox. Families can enjoy rides on Old Faithful, the vintage red fire truck that has long been part of New Canaan’s history.
Visitors to the tree lot are treated to complimentary hot chocolate, cider, holiday music, and candy canes, enhancing the festive experience. The selection of holiday greenery includes Balsam and Fraser fir trees, ranging from petite sizes to towering 10-footers, as well as plain and decorated wreaths, door charms, lights, bows, and tree stands.
Proceeds from the sale directly benefit local charities, with last year’s event raising over $200,000 in grants for more than 40 nonprofits in New Canaan and Lower Fairfield County. The Christmas tree sale remains the Exchange Club’s largest fundraiser, accounting for more than 75% of its total charitable contributions.
The Exchange Club of New Canaan, founded in 1952, dedicates its efforts to Americanism, community service, youth activities, and the prevention of child abuse. Events like the Christmas tree sale exemplify the club’s mission to enhance the local community.
The Exchange Club invites families to join in this enduring tradition, celebrating the season while giving back to the community.
Some of the organizations supported include ABC Inc. of New Canaan, Connect US, Food Rescue US, GetAbout, Hang Time, Help for Kids, INTEMPO, KEYS (Kids Empowered by Your Support), Kids Helping Kids, Meals-on-Wheels, New Canaan Cares, New Canaan CERT, New Canaan Parent Support Group, New Canaan Society for the Arts, PEHT, Pivot Ministries, Planet New Canaan, RAM Council, Shepherds, Inc., Silvermine Guild Arts Center, Staying Put in New Canaan, The Rowan Center, Town Players of New Canaan, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Waveny Life Network WEE-ACT College Tours, and Women Empowering Women.
“The organizations our grants support have told us that without our funding, many of their programs would not happen,” said Weichmann. “We can’t match the tree prices of retailers, but people know they’re doing good by buying their trees from us and can see direct results in the community, which is what Christmas is all about.”
For more information on the tree lot, including schedules for Santa and Old Faithful, visit https://newcanaanchristmastrees.com/
You can also visit the Exchange Club’s table at the New Canaan Holiday Stroll today – 12/6.
And to find out more about the Exchange Club of New Canaan, including how you can contribute or become a member, visit https://newcanaanexchangeclub.com/
