Buy a real tree, snap some family photos, grab some homemade crafts, and try your hand at ziplining or curling at these lots in the Charlotte area.

We all love the look of a real Christmas tree, but they're not always the most practical. Between the logistics of hauling one home, the upkeep, and the reoccurring cost, sometimes opting for an artificial Christmas tree is the way to go.

We put all the best artificial Christmas trees to the test, including Balsam Hill, King of Christmas, and Puleo International.

Christmas music is already playing on central Iowa radio stations, so lights and tree decorations aren't far behind.