The gifts are unwrapped, the bank accounts are recovering and the leftovers are in the fridge. 

For those that celebrate the Christmas holiday in classic tradition, it’s time to take down the tree and lights — unless you follow the Denver tradition of leaving them up for the upcoming National Western Stock Show. 

If you are taking down the tree, there are a variety of locations across the metro area where you can drop it off for free. 

Denver Treecycle

Denver residents can drop off their Christmas trees at a plethora of locations throughout the city between Dec. 26 and Jan. 31. The recycled trees will then be turned to mulch, which is also free for residents in early May.

Those recycling trees are required to remove plastic wrap, ties, twine, decorations and stands, according to the Denver City and County website.

Both the Saturday and weekday drop sites are open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The weekday drop sites include:

• Cherry Creek Transfer Station at 7301 E. Jewell Ave. (enter on E. Jewell Avenue)
• Havana Nursery at 10450 Smith Road. (enter on Smith Road)
• Central Platte Campus at 1271 W. Bayaud Ave. (next to the Denver Animal Shelter)

 The Saturday drop sites are only open on Jan. 4 and include:

• Sloan’s Lake Park (Northwest Parking Lot) at West Byron Place and Yates Street.
• Fred Thomas Park at 2400 Quebec St.
• Evie Dennis School Campus at 4800 Telluride St.
• John F. Kennedy High School at 2855 S. Lamar St.
• Central Platte Campus at 1271 W. Bayaud Ave. with extended hours until 4 p.m.

A second set of Saturday drop sites will be open from Jan. 11 to Jan. 18 and include:

• Sloan’s Lake Park (Northwest Parking Lot) at West Byron Place and Yates Street.
• Bruce Randolph School at 3955 Steele St.
• Fred Thomas Park at 2400 Quebec St.
• Evie Dennis School Campus at 4800 Telluride St.
• Central Platte Campus at 1271 W. Bayaud Ave.
• Cherry Creek Transfer Station at 7301 E. Jewell Ave.
• Havana Nursery at 10450 Smith Road.
• Carson Elementary at 5420 E 1st Ave.
• John F. Kennedy High School at 2855 S. Lamar St.
• Congress Park at E. 9th and Josephine St.

Aurora 

Aurora will also have a collection of Christmas tree recycling locations throughout the city. The sites will be open from Dec. 26 to Jan. 6.

Those recycling are asked to remove nails, decorations and stands from the tree. No artificial trees will be accepted.

Free mulch will also be available at the locations. Those taking the mulch are asked to bring their own containers and shovels.

The locations include:

• Del Mar Park at12000 E. 6th Ave. (enter at Peoria Street in the west parking lot)
• Saddle Rock Golf Course at 21705 E. Arapahoe Road (west of E-470)
• Olympic Park at 15501 E. Yale Ave. (east of Chambers Road)

Lakewood

For those west of Denver, Lakewood will be holding free Christmas tree recycling between Dec. 26 and Jan. 5 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Like the other recycling centers, residents are required to remove any wires, decorations and stands from the trees. Wreaths, tree limbs, garlands and artificial trees will not be accepted. 

Mulch will also be available at the drop site, though residents are required to bring their own containers.

The tree drop-off will take place at Lakewood’s Greenhouse at 9556 W. Yale Ave. The greenhouse is located between Estes and old Kipling streets and signs will be posted to follow.

Littleton

Those south of Denver can also drop off their trees in Littleton between Dec. 26 and Jan. 10 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Littleton collection site is located at Cornerstone Park at 5150 S. Windermere St. at the corner of West Belleview Avenue and South Windermere Street. There will be signs posted to follow.

South Suburban Parks and Recreation will also be collecting trees at its Willow Spring Service Center at 7100 S. Holly St. every day. Residents can just leave the trees at Cornerstone Park or at the Willow Spring Service Center in the designated enclosure by the front gate.

Other areas

Most other cities will also be providing free tree drop offs after Christmas.

Check out your local city’s website to find out more information.