Pine scents tells us Jeff the Tree Guy is back at the Market

Linda Kroboth —

With the holidays just around the corner, the St. Lawrence Market Complex celebrates two anniversaries this season; the 40th year of the Christmas Tree Lot and current owner/vendor Jeff the Tree Guy is celebrating his 25th Anniversary at the Market.

Jeff Jordan (aka Jeff the Tree Guy) has been selling his fresh-cut Christmas trees, wreaths,garlandand holiday greens since the 1991 season and credits the St. Lawrence Market for making this product available to its patrons yearly since 1976. As Jeff Jordan notes, “Historically, Christmas trees have been sold at the Market as far back as the 1890s, so it’s great to rekindle traditions while helping to create new ones.”

Jeff Jordan, St. Lawrence Market’s ‘Tree Guy’ since 1991

The practice of decorating Christmas trees was popularized in the 1840s by Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert, after an illustration of the royal couple and their children standing in front of a glowing tree appeared in a local news publication. The trend is still going strong 175 years later. Recently, the Ontario Government passed an act proclaiming the first Saturday of December each year as Christmas Tree Day. 

Back on the tree lot, Fraser Fir and Balsam are still the most popular choices rounded out by the more traditional Scotch Pine, Blue Spruce and White Pine. “We strive to have the perfect tree for everyone and can accommodate most any taste, style and budget. Essentially, we help our customers find what would make their holiday a joyful one,” says Jordan.

Jordan states, “Every year when we set up, Market patrons tell us they are so happy to see us.” Open daily from mid-November to December 24th, busy holiday shoppers are often drawn by the fresh scent of pine and linger to find that special something that will bring Christmas home.

With Jeff the Tree Guy heralding in the holidays, the St. Lawrence Market has become a favourite Christmas destination.