LEXINGTON, Ky. — Black Friday is the opening day for many Christmas tree farms in Lexington and some are already booked and sold out for the season. 

Dale Barker has owned a Barker's Christmas Tree Farm in Lexington for years, and says this season is one of the quickest to fill up.

“This is the second year with reservations, only for selling trees. I never thought it would come to that 20 years ago but all the reservations have already been taken,” Barker said.

Because of the pandemic Barker took reservations to maximize the amount of families on the farm while being safe. Those reservations increased his business.

“We went with the reservations mainly because of COVID but I said it actually solved two problems as of the lines in the parking lot and we live on a small road and the traffic was bad for our neighbors so it helped out several things. Last year was the time to change if you're ever going to change,” Barker said.

Barker's Christmas Tree Farm has become a tradition for Lauren Muench and her family, and says it’s the holiday tradition she looks forward to all year.

“Our most exciting family tradition. We come out here every year. This is the first year though we were able to bring Dax, our baby. Last year I was pregnant with him. And so we were excited to get our photo taken off the wall this year and a new one this year but yeah, this is my favorite. We love coming out here,” Muench said.

Barker says the reservations are full for the season, and most trees are accounted for, but there's a small chance for cancellations.

“People who will go back on who don't want to use the reservation can cancel it and you can pick that up. But it depends on the weather, that if we get rained out tomorrow or the next day we may be open next weekend so you just gotta look and see if you don't already have a reservation,” Barker said.

Barker says he is excited to have a busy start to the season and to see familiar faces ready for Christmas.