San Francisco Area Christmas Tree Farms

I can’t give up the fresh cut tree habit at Christmas. My husband reminds me that it is environmentally “not friendly” but what would Christmas be without the smell of an evergreen tree wafting through the house?

Cutting your own tree can be a memorable family outing and there are some terrific options in the Bay Area. So pack up the saw, the thermos of hot cocoa and the checkbook (many tree farms don’t accept credit cards) and find your perfect tree.

Santa's Tree Farm in Half Moon Bay. If you are looking for a tree farm with entertainment value, this may be your spot. Free hot cider, a train ride and visits with Santa. They are open November 25th through December 24th and their hours are 9am-5pm on weekends and 8am-5pm on weekdays.
78 Pilarcitos Creek Rd., Half Moon Bay
(650) 726- 2246

Ranch Siempre Verde. A longer drive for most (it is close to Ano Nuevo) this place has a legion of devoted fans. They offer great trees (all $55) including types from Cedar to Cypress to Noble Firs. This is less farm and more forest, making the search for a tree really feel like a walk in the woods. They give you a handsaw to cut it on your own too.

Now for the kiddies…they have wonderful homemade swings all around the property - from giant tires to a wood plank 4 feet long you can fit the whole family on (great photo op). Once you are done with your Christmas tree romp you can roast marshmallows and make wreaths. They’ll even take the kids on a tractor ride.
2250 Cabrillo Highway, Pescadero
(650) 852-3299

Crest Ranch Christmas Tree Farms. This is a great option, particularly for families in the South Bay. They have an incredible selection of Christmas trees ranging from Douglas Firs to the lesser known Arizona Cypress (think tree in Grinch Stole Christmas). They are open a week before Thanksgiving, seven days a week from 8am-5pm. They offer a picnic area for you to sit down and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in from their snack bar, open on weekends.
12500 Empire Grade Road, Santa Cruz
(831) 426-1522

The Johnson Farm
Located in Boulder Creek is the Johnson Farm. They have a nice selection of trees and create a great atmosphere with their country store, weekend hayrides, bonfire, and picnic area. They are open November 25th through December 18th from 9am-5pm.
16385 Two Bar Road, Boulder Creek
(831) 338-0422

Skyline Tree Farm. With acres of trees right up on Skyline Drive, Skyline Tree Farm offers a great selection of trees. No rides or snack shops, this is just about finding the perfect tree. Dress your kids in bright colors to keep an eye on them as you wander through nature’s wonderland of trees.

20514 Gist Road, Los Gatos (on Skyline Blvd./Highway 35, one mile south of Page Mill Road or 6 miles north of Highway 9)
(408) 395-0337