Searching for the perfect holiday tree is a tradition for many families. It often involves more than just choosing the right tree. Many families travel to you-cut tree farms making it a special outing. Some farms and lots also offer activities like wreath making and petting zoos. Check out what the Bay Area has to offer for holiday greenery.
Bay Area-Wide
ABC Tree Farms – In business since 1980, ABC Tree Farms has lots throughout the Bay Area with a variety of trees including noble firs, Douglas firs and grand firs. It also sells wreaths, garlands, tree stands, mistletoes and other holiday necessities. Most locations also offer flocking, fire retarding and tree delivery. Check the website for hours and the nearest location.
Rent a Living Christmas Tree – If you don’t want to go to a tree farm or lot, go green
this holiday season with a live Christmas tree delivered to your door. They have potted cedar, fir and redwood trees. Delivery available in the South San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey Bay. Deliveries start at the end of Nov. with rental for up to 30 days.
East Bay
Alhambra Christmas Tree Farm – This historic, family-run farm has pre-cut and you-cut trees, as well as garlands and wreaths. Trees for cutting include Douglas firs and Monterey pines. Tree netting and loading assistance are available. Open Nov.-Dec. 24. 1-7pm Mon.-Fri., 9am-7pm Sat.-Sun. Closed Thanksgiving Day.
2647 Reliez Valley Road, Martinez
Castro Valley Christmas Tree Farm – Choose from a wide variety of species and sizes and cut your own tree. Trees include Monterey pine, redwood, cypress, cedar, Douglas fir and white fir. They provide site maps, saws and twine. Open Nov. 23, 28-30 and Dec. 5-7 and 12-14. 8am-4:45pm. $124.95-134.94 for you-cut trees and $120-160 for pre-cut noble firs.
Redwood and Miller roads, Castro Valley
Smith Family Farm – This farm has a country store with holiday decorations and fresh
cut Douglas and noble fir trees in a wide range of sizes. Visit with Santa on the
weekends. Open Nov.-Dec. 12-6pm Mon.-Thu., 11am-7pm Fri., 9am-7pm Sat.-Sun.
4350 Sellers Ave., Brentwood
smithfamilyfarm.wixsite.com/smithfamilyfarm
North Bay
Larsen’s Christmas Tree Farm – Offers a variety of you-cut and pre-cut trees. Saws, carts, measuring poles and twine provided. Tree shaking and netting services are available. There’s also a Christmas gift shop on site. Opens Nov. 28. 9am-5pm Fri.-Sun., Mon.-Thu. afternoons or by appointment.
391 Marshall Ave., Petaluma
sites.google.com/view/petalumachristmastree/home?authuser=0
Little Hills Christmas Tree Farm – Choose-and-cut trees include Monterey pine, Leland cypress and Carolina sapphires. The farm also includes pre-cut trees, flocked trees, an animal corral and a gift shop. Opens Nov. 28. 10am-5pm Tue.-Fri., 9am-5pm weekends.
961 Chapman Lane, Petaluma
Peninsula
Lemos Farm – Choose from a variety of trees and enjoy hayrides, a train, pony rides, a
play town, a petting zoo and more. Dates and times TBA.
12320 San Mateo Road (Highway 92), Half Moon Bay
Rancho Siempre Verde Christmas Tree Farm – Bring family, friends and good cheer to this family-owned tree farm. You can make wreaths, take tractor rides through the fields and then pick out your favorite tree. Cut-your-own trees include Douglas fir, Monterey pine, sequoia, incense cedar, Arizona cypress and swift silver. Pre-cut are silvertip, noble and Nordmann fir. Dates and times TBA.
2250 Cabrillo Highway (Highway 1), Pescadero
Santa’s Tree Farm and Village – Originating in 1972, this farm has a variety of trees that visitors can cut with saws, as well as pre-cut trees. Trees for cutting usually include Douglas firs, Monterey pines and redwoods. Tree services include flocking, fire retardant, tree netting and delivery. There are also visits with Santa, train rides, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen and a gift shop. Tree cutting is Nov. 23-Dec. 23, rain or shine. 9am-5pm weekdays, 8am-5pm weekends.
78 Pilarcitos Creek Road (Highway 92), Half Moon Bay
4C’s Christmas Tree Farm – This family-run, you-cut tree farm has been around for
more than 40 years. Tree selections usually include Monterey pines, Douglas firs, spruce and pre-cut noble firs. Check its Facebook page for updates on opening day and hours.
678-698 San Mateo Road, Half Moon Bay
facebook.com/cozzolinochristmastrees
San Francisco
Guardsmen Christmas Tree Lot – Every year since 1947, this lot has sold trees to
benefit at-risk youth in the Bay Area, giving kids the opportunity to attend summer camps, after-school programs and private schools. This annual tradition is run entirely by volunteers. Tree delivery is available. Open Nov. 29-Dec. 18. Hours are 9am-9pm (closing early at 6pm on Dec. 5, 13 and 18).
Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco
Silicon Valley and South
Battaglia Ranch Christmas Tree Farm – Cut your own locally grown tree or buy a pre-
cut tree from the Battaglia family farm in Oregon. Open Nov. 22-26 9am-5pm, Nov. 28-
Dec. 21 9am-7pm, Dec. 22-23 10am-5pm. Closed for Thanksgiving.
13580 Murphy Ave., San Martin
Black Road Christmas Tree Farm – Cut your own Douglas fir, grand fir, white fir or Sierra redwood. This destination is comprised of three farms on Black Road just south of Los Gatos off Highway 17. All locations shun the use of chemicals. Picnic area available. Opens the day after Thanksgiving. All trees are $80 including tax, and they accept cash and checks only. Check its Facebook page for updates.
20259 Black Road, Los Gatos
facebook.com/blackroadchristmastreefarms
Four Winds Christmas Trees – This 60-acre you-cut tree farm offers many types and sizes of trees. Trees include Douglas firs, white firs, grand firs, silver tips, blue spruces and noble firs. Usually opens Thanksgiving Day. Check website for hours, prices and details.
19679 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos
Lone Star Tree Farm – This farm features a variety of trees for cutting, fresh wreaths and local honey. Saws and twine are provided. Dogs on leash welcome. Opening day is Thanksgiving. 9am-4:30pm weekdays, 8am-4:30pm weekends.
20514 Gist Road, Los Gatos
Patchen California Christmas Tree Farms – The town of Patchen is one of five ghost towns in the Santa Cruz Mountains that flourished during the last half of the 19th century. Offers a variety of trees you can choose and cut, living trees and pre-cut trees. They also recycle artificial trees. Tree delivery available. Usually opens mid-November. Check website for updates and hours.
17430 Old Summit Road and 22217 Old Santa Cruz Hwy., Los Gatos
Ward Ranch Christmas Tree Farm – This family-run, choose-and-cut tree farm is dog-
friendly. It typically has a large variety of trees including Douglas fir, white fir, incense cedar, Sierra redwood, grand fir, Monterey cypress, Arizona cypress, Leyland cypress,
coastal redwood and Monterey pine. It also usually offers activities for kids and families. Dates and times TBA.
4820 Bonny Doon Road, Santa Cruz
Teresa Mills-Faraudo is an associate editor at Bay Area Parent.
