A local tree farm is offering warm holiday memories and free hot chocolate.

Camelot Tree Farm, 16380 S. Somonauk Road, is a choose-and-cut farm.

For $30, customers hike through 35 acres of tree-covered land while enjoying free homemade hot chocolate and cookies.

A customer can find a tree he or she likes, chop it down and take it home. Camelot supplies everything needed to chop the tree, including the twine and netting used to take the tree home, said Bryan Faivre, an employee at Camelot Tree Farm and brother of the owner, Bob Faivre.

“Kids get excited about cutting down the tree as opposed to getting one from a lot,” Bryan said.

These trees are fresher than those bought at a tree lot, he said.

Some of Camelot’s busiest days are right after Thanksgiving, Bryan said.

But this year, the turnout has not been as good as expected because of the weather, said Bob.

With the holidays getting closer, business is expected to change.

“I do expect to see a couple thousand people here this weekend, though,” Bob said.

Despite snow-covered fir trees surrounding DeKalb, Christmas tree hunters cannot cut down trees from just anywhere.

“All land is owned by somebody,” said DeKalb police Sgt. Jim McDougall, “so you can’t do it.”

Those who do decide to go out and chop down a tree in a forest preserve or private property will be arrested for trespassing, criminal damage to property and theft, McDougall said.

Once the perfect tree is found for holiday trimmings, steps need to be taken to ensure the tree’s longevity.

To take proper care of the tree, water must always be kept in the base, Faivre said.

If you decide not to put up your freshly cut tree right away, be sure to cut at least half an inch off the bottom to prevent it from sapping over, Faivre said.

If the tree saps over, it seals off any water the tree tries to absorb.

As long as the tree is taken care of, it will last the entire Christmas season without dropping needles, he said.