Young Calgarian bringing holiday cheer with Christmas tree business

Along Blackfoot Trail in southeast Calgary, the holiday spirit is already in full bloom thanks to one ambitious young entrepreneur.

Julien Millaire, a 22‑year‑old recent college graduate, has launched a new business selling real Quebec‑grown Christmas trees.

But for Millaire, the venture is about more than festive décor — it’s also about giving back.

“It’s always good to give back during Christmas time, especially like it’s cold, it can be miserable for some families, especially those that have loved ones in the hospital getting treatment,” Millaire said. “So every tree that I sell, I’m actually giving back a Christmas gift. All those gifts are items that they needed on their list.”

Using his savings, Millaire purchased 400 trees and has already sold about 30. Prices range from $130 to $380, with sizes stretching up to 10 feet tall.

He takes pride in knowing the details of his stock, pointing out the mix of Fraser firs and balsam varieties, and explaining the colour-coded tags that mark different heights.

“These are quite big trees,” he explained. “They’re very full once they’re open.”

The business is also a practical step toward paying off student debt. Millaire says the idea first took root four years ago, when he began his degree, starting with a simple pickup-and-drop-off service.

Over time, he dreamed of expanding into full tree sales, though he admits it was “always a scary investment.”

Now, with trees available all season along Blackfoot Trail — and options for delivery and pickup — Millaire hopes Calgarians will embrace his homegrown holiday tradition.

And while the Christmas tree lot is his focus for now, Millaire says his entrepreneurial spirit won’t stop once the holidays end. After Christmas, he plans to explore new business ideas, keeping the festive drive alive well into the new year.