Blake’s Winter Attractions Include a Christmas Tree Farm and Ice Skating

The owner of the Orchard and Cider Mill says Blake’s will ”transform into a true winter wonderland”
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christmas tree farm
The 100-acre U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm features more than 100,000 trees. // Photograph courtesy of Blake’s

Blake’s is ushering in the holiday season with a lineup of outdoor attractions. Earlier this month, Blake’s debuted a U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm and igloo dining, and the orchard and cider mill will unveil a new ice-skating rink in early December.  

 

“Blake’s will transform into a true winter wonderland this year with the addition of the new skating rink along with all the other memorable experiences in store,” says Pete Blake, owner of Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill in Armada, located at 17985 Armada Center Road. “A visit to Blake’s during the holiday season is a long-standing tradition for generations of families, and this year especially, with extra safety measures in place for our guests and staff, we are pleased to continue that tradition.”

 

Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Dec. 23, the 100-acre U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm is based at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill and features more than 100,000 trees, including Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce, White Spruce, and Balsam Fire. Free saws, wagon rides, tree cleaning, and wrapping are available to guests. Both the Armada location and Blake’s Backyard, located at 5590 Van Dyke Road in Almont, will also sell pre-cut trees.

 

Heated, six-person igloos are back at Blake’s Tasting Room, located at the Armada orchard and cider mill. Open through Feb. 28, the igloos serve Blake’s full food and beverage menu. Blake’s Backyard is also offering dining igloos through Dec. 20. These igloos will serve appetizers and Blake’s hard cider and beer. Reservations must be made in advance online. A $50 deposit and minimum food and drink spend are required to book the igloos.

blake's holiday market
The Holiday Market, located at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill, will carry fresh wreathes, home decor, and more. // Photograph courtesy of Blake’s

 Early next month, Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill will open a new, 2,000-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink. The rink will be open daily through Jan. 3 and then Thursday through Saturday until March 28. Admission is $10 per person, and skate rental is available for $5. Advance tickets may be purchased online.    

To round out its holiday offerings, Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill is offering Christmas Tree Farm Photography Sessions. Available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, sessions last an hour and a half and can be booked online. Guests can also shop for gifts, fresh wreaths, tasty treats, décor, and more at the Holiday Market, which is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Orchard and Cider Mill.  

 

Blake’s staff will be wearing masks, monitoring capacity, and thoroughly sanitizing common areas. Social distancing must be observed on the property, and attendees must wear masks and wash and sanitize their hands frequently. Guests are also encouraged to visit during the week — outside of peak hours — to limit crowds.

 

For more information about activities and COVID safety measures, visit blakesfarms.com.