About Us

David, the current owner of Tom Mitts Christmas Trees, took over the business in the summer of 2017 after the unexpected passing of Tom Mitts following heart surgery. David began working at the tree lots at the young age of 8, under Tom's guidance. David's father, Jim, also worked at the tree lot during Don's ownership, as detailed below. Currently, David serves as a full-time Lieutenant/Paramedic in NKY. He is happily married to his wife Emily and is a proud father to six daughters and one son. Continuing the beloved tree lot tradition, David operates Tom Mitts Christmas Trees from the historic Newport location with the support of long-time employee Andy. Andy and his wife Starr had been part of the tree lot community for many years; although they have retired from selling trees, they still visit to catch up. We invite you to enjoy the entire history of our tree lot tradition below and encourage you to visit us for your Christmas trees Newport experience.

Tom Mitts, a lifelong Newport resident and fine artist, first became involved with the Christmas tree business as a youth in the 1970s. He worked for two brothers, Don and Del Breeden, who sold trees and operated carnival concessions. After graduating from Newport High School, Tom left to study physics and art at Centre College in Danville, KY, and LSU in Baton Rouge, LA. Upon completing his studies, he returned home to manage several small tree lots in the early 90s for Don Breeden. He managed the Erlanger tree lot for a decade before becoming the full owner in 2004 after Don passed away. The Newport Mayor, Jerry Peluso, invited Tom to take over the Christmas tree business on Monmouth Street in Newport's business district in 2008. In 2010, we opened two lots in Florence and Newport. However, due to changes in operations, we ultimately focused on maintaining one lot in our historic Newport location.

The Erlanger Tree Lot History spans from 1967 to 1997. Don Breeden, who was like a stepfather to me, started selling Christmas trees in Erlanger in the late 1960s. Our first Erlanger location was in a vacant lot next to the Colonial Cottage Restaurant on Dixie Highway, which has since become a Carpetland store. In 1977, we relocated to the Erlanger Town Center (also known as Van Leunens) and remained there for 20 years until the Bank of Kentucky was built. After a few transitions, our last spot at the Erlanger Town Center was near the Putt Putt Golf Course, from 2001 to 2006. Unfortunately, in 2007, we were unable to set up at the Putt Putt due to franchise agreements that limited our space. After 40 years in the area, we were forced to find a new location due to zoning changes in Erlanger that prohibited Christmas tree sales on Dixie Highway. Thankfully, we found a temporary spot on Dixie Highway that year but were soon informed by Erlanger zoning that we couldn't sell trees there either. This led us to seize the opportunity to take over Peluso's established tree lot in Newport.

For our Newport customers, we are proud to continue the tradition at Peluso's Christmas Trees. The Peluso family has been selling Christmas trees since 1934 at their grocery store and adjoining lot, creating a multi-generational legacy that has been passed down from father to son. Jerry Peluso, the most recent operator, took over from his father, Jimmy, in 1984, who received the business from his father, John, before him. When Jerry was elected Mayor of Newport, he decided to step back from the tree business to focus on his mayoral duties, allowing Tom Mitts, a dedicated Newport resident and experienced tree lot operator, to take the reins in 2008. Peluso's Groceries on Monmouth Street continues under the direction of Jerry's family, keeping alive the tradition of selling loose Christmas candies and nuts—a definite must-do during your visit to the Christmas tree lot.