Kleerview Farm kicks off Christmas season in Bellville with reindeer, Santa and more

BELLVILLE — Baby reindeer, Santa Claus, hot chocolate and more are just a few of the many festivities visitors can expect at Kleerview Farm this season.

As the holidays approach, Kleerview Farm in Bellville is welcoming families for another exciting year. Hours will look a little different than in past years, with weekend operations shortened from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

From selecting the perfect Christmas tree to enjoying a full lineup of activities, Kleerview Farm at 2454 Baughman Road, offers an experience that goes well beyond tree cutting.

Families travel from across Ohio and beyond

Families from all over make the trip each year, and for owner Kevin Kleer, opening day on Saturday was more than a seasonal marker — it’s a celebration of community, youth and family values.

“It feels like just yesterday we clocked out from last year,” Kleer said.

He said they began preparing for this year’s festivities in mid-October and said they have never opened this early.

Kleer said Kleerview Farm always works to provide a rich experience beyond choosing a Christmas tree. He noted they offer far more than what typical tree farms do, including wagon rides, Santa Claus, baby reindeer and even appearances from Disney’s Elsa and Anna on the first weekend of December.

“We enjoy showing off the farm. We put a lot of work into a bunch of kids’ activities and it has really paid off for us,” he said.

“I always look forward to seeing our regulars and meeting new people,” Kleer added.

Kleer said the wide range of activities has drawn visitors not only from hours away, but from other states as well.

Columbus natives Arlyn and Craig Althoff chose this year to visit Kleerview Farm for the first time.

Arlyn said an online search for Christmas tree farms led their family to make the trip to Kleerview. Adding, they wanted to pick a tree farm offering more than just one activity.

She said Kleerview Farm opening a week earlier than most other tree farms also played a role in their choice to visit.

“Seeing the kids’ reactions to Santa, the reindeer and all the fun things they have here has definitely been my favorite part,” she said. “Along with getting our tree.”

History of Kleerview Farm

With a history spanning more than four decades, this family-run farm has become a cherished destination for holiday traditions.

Aside from the tree purchases, Kleer said everything is done by donation.

Kleer said the farm hires mostly high school and college students who work hard and often return year after year, sometimes followed by younger siblings. He also noted this is the first season they’ve drawn student workers from six different school districts.

Kleerview Farm covers 230 acres, with land for Christmas trees and pastures for 45 registered Angus cattle. Kevin and Debbie Kleer began planting trees in 1981 and now maintain about 28,000 trees across 26 acres.

The farm grows White pine, Scotch, Blue and Serbian spruce, Canaan firs and Fraser fir. In 2024, 70 percent of their sales were firs, reaching buyers in Ohio and several other states.

Originally a dairy operation starting in 1976, the farm shifted to Angus cattle after selling the milking herd in 2000. The cattle graze on 62 acres and are fed hay harvested from 115 acres.

Kleerview has remained a multigenerational operation, now involving the fifth generation in planting, sales and farm support — continuing traditions started by Kevin’s grandfather, Frank Kleer.

(Photos from opening day at Kleerview Farm. Credit: Hannah Martin)