The festivities are over, the presents are unwrapped and the snow is, well, not falling.

For those who 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 through the upcoming National Western Stock Show Jan. 10-25. 

But have no fear, those with real trees now taking up space in the house. There are plenty of places to recycle your trees around metro Denver, including some that result in free mulch.

Denver, itself, also has a plethora of recycling options, but some may not want to lug branches and bark into the city.

AURORA

Aurora will also have a collection of Christmas tree recycling locations throughout the city. The sites will be open from Friday 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 at 12000 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

Residents west of Denver can recycle their Christmas trees for free in Lakewood from Friday through Jan. 11. The drop-off site will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Trees must be free of wires, decorations and stands. Wreaths, tree limbs, garlands and artificial trees will not be accepted.

The drop-off location is Lakewood’s Greenhouse at 9556 W. Yale Ave., located between Estes and Old Kipling streets. Signs will be posted to direct traffic.

Free mulch is available upon request, but residents should bring their own containers. Requests can be made onsite or at 720-963-5240.

LITTLETON

Those south of Denver can also drop off their trees in Littleton between Monday and Jan. 23 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The drop-off location is at A1 Organics at 2300 W. Radcliff Ave. in Sheridan. Cornerstone Park is no longer the drop-off location, though it was used for years as the recycling spot for the city.

Like other drop-offs, only clean trees will be accepted. Trees must not have decorations.

The recycling also costs $5 per tree, with credit cards and cash accepted. 20% of all recycling costs will go to local nonprofits, though the city did not specify which ones.

CENTENNIAL

Recyclers southeast of the city can head over to Centennial to drop off their trees for free, as well.

South Urban Parks and Recreation will be holding a recycling event between Friday and Jan. 16 at the Willow Spring Service Center at 7100 S. Holly St.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Douglas County will also be operating four separate drop-off locations with free mulch between Friday and Jan. 31.

• Bayou Gulch, 4815 Fox Sparrow Road, Parker
• Challenger Regional Park, 17299 E. Lincoln Ave., Parker
• Fairgrounds Regional Park, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock
• Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec St., Highlands Ranch

GOLDEN

Along with Lakewood, there are other western options for tree recycling.

The City of Golden will be holding free tree recycling from Friday to Jan. 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Splash, 3151 Illinois St.

The trees will be turned into free mulch that will be available at a later date on 11th Street, just west of the Clear Creek History Park.

OTHER CITIES

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.