Instead of leaving your bare Christmas tree stripped of its ornaments and ribbons on the curb for pickup, a Flintstone-based business wants it to light up the night sky.
Treetop Hideaways, a boutique treehouse rental business, is hosting its fifth annual Christmas tree bonfire Saturday, Jan. 11 from 6-9 p.m.
Treetop Hideaways rents out two luxury treehouses, Luna Loft and The Elements. Unlike regular treehouses, these boutique rentals boast full climate control, luxurious bathrooms and high-speed internet.
Employee Joy Taylor has been a part of the bonfire festivities for the past two years.
"It's a lovely community event," she said. "Even if you don't have a tree, you can join in."
The event is billed as BYOCT (Bring Your Own Christmas Trees) for a reason: The attendee who brings the most trees wins a free night in the treehouse of their choice. Typical costs for the treehouses range between $297 and $459 per night depending on the unit and day of the week.
A past winner drove through their neighborhood with a flatbed and picked up 40 trees. The runner-up that year had 19, which, Taylor said, would have normally been a winning number.
During the bonfire, visitors can also tour the two treehouses.
"We're usually pretty booked through the fall and spring, so it's nice to show the community what we've been up to," Taylor said.
Attendees are also encouraged to bring along hot dogs, snacks, beer and chairs. Hot chocolate and the fixings for s'mores will be provided, but she advised visitors to bring their own mug.
The free event is held at Treetop Hideaways, 576 Chattanooga Valley Road.
Email Sabrina Bodon at sbodon@timesfreepress.com.