DADE CITY, Fla. - With 2020 being a tough year, many are looking to start Christmas a bit earlier than usual.

What You Need To Know

At least that’s what Tony Harris is seeing at Ergle Christmas Tree Farm in Dade City.

He opened up his farm this past weekend, a week earlier than usual, to quite the surprise. 

“Once we opened up, opening day, we thought we were going to have sort of a slack day,” Harris said. “Well it wasn’t slack. Everyone was coming to get their tree. They wanted their tree then. We supplied the trees and they supplied the cheer.”

This past weekend brought a lot more people than usual out to the farm, especially for the middle of November.

Harris has a theory: Folks need a little Christmas, right this very minute.

“Everything you see is just bombarding you. And we need something to be happy about. What makes you happier than Christmas?” Harris said.

Of course, things are a bit different at the farm this year. For one, they are asking that you wear masks. The owners also had to cancel some family favorites like the train and petting zoo due to COVID-19.

But for the most part, they’re getting feedback from folks saying they just like a place to be outside and get into the holiday spirit.

“It’s actually just refreshing to be outside. And look at the nature that we have. We have to remember the good this year,” said visitor Wayne Rollston.

Harris says that’s what he is there for.

“It’s just a celebration,” Harris said. “And the family being able to come together and everyone around the Christmas tree. That’s what it’s all about.”

Ergle Christmas Tree Farm is open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The busiest times are on the weekends.