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Bay Area’s “Cut Your Own” Christmas Tree Farms 2023

Discover 7 real Christmas tree farms near the Bay Area w/ hayrides, bonfires & mulled cider
By - posted 11/22/2023 No Comment

Love the smell of pine and got a hankering for a real Christmas tree? Ditch the paved asphalt lot for a real Christmas tree farm with plenty of charm and festive activities to really get you into the holiday spirit.

Updated 11/21/23

2023 Bay Area Christmas Tree Farms

Confirmed for 2023

Patchen California Christmas Tree Farms

Los Gatos | Head into the Santa Cruz mountains to breathe in the cool mountain air and pick out your own Christmas tree on the site of a famous ghost town turned Christmas Tree ranch. Pack a picnic and eat amongst the pine trees at their many picnic tables or enjoy your lunch by the pondPlus, they have a daily afternoon bonfire, weather permitting, in addition to free hot mulled cider, free photos with Santa (select dates), free WiFi and free wine tasting.

They’ll provide the saws if you want to chop down your own tree, but they’re happy to cut it down for you for free if you like. They’ll also carry it, wrap it, put it on the stand and load it for you. Looking for a discounted tree (who isn’t)? Come on a weekday; some trees and wreaths are discounted $10, and if you pay in cash, they’ll cover the sales tax. They also happily accept competitors’ discount coupons up to $5 or 10%. They have two locations: Old Town Farm (22217 Old Santa Cruz Highway) and Rancho Farm (17430 Old Summit Rd) which are only 3/4 mile apart. Check season hours. – Updated 11/21/23

Grandma Buddies

Sebastopol | Those looking for an Insta-worthy atmosphere will be overjoyed at Grandma Buddy’s Christmas Tree Farm which has hosted many professional photoshoots, including being featured on the cover of Pottery Barn plus it was rated as “The Best Christmas Tree Farm in CA” in The Pioneer Woman. The family-owned farm features amazing backdrops like a picturesque Victorian farmhouse with a wraparound porch, a large whitewashed barn and a smaller redwood barn, plus an intermittent creek that runs throughout the property with bridges. There’s also a mini Christmas village with a train. Plus, you can enjoy free* hot cocoa and candy canes, and of course, choose and cut your own Christmas tree. Please note that the hot cocoa was free in previous years and we expect the same for 2023, but don’t have an official confirmation of its pricing. Grandma Buddies Christmas Trees is located at 8575 Graton Rd, Sebastopol. The farm is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm from November 24 through December 23, 2003. – Updated 11/21/23

Castro Valley Christmas Tree Farm

Castro Valley | Located in the beautiful East Bay hills, just north of Castro Valley, the family-owned Castro Valley Christmas Tree Farm has been offering a unique outdoor experience since 1969 where you can not only cut down a fresh “Choose & Cut” Christmas tree, but also enjoy nature at its finest. You’ll be provided with site maps, saws, and twine upon your arrival. The Castro Valley Christmas Tree Farm has has won “Best Tree in California” for the last 5 years. The trees are hand shaped and the farm uses no pesticides. The farm is located at 7001 Miller Rd, Castro Valley. The farm is open starting November 24, 2023 and is open Friday through Sunday from 9 am to 4:45 pm. – Updated 11/21/23

Rancho Siempre Verde

Pescadero | While you hunt for your favorite tree to take home at this quirky family-owned U-cut Christmas Tree Farm, be on the lookout for their swings overlooking the Pacific Ocean including big swings, small swings, tire swings, rope swings, double swings, triple swings, and more hidden all over the farm. Pack a picnic and climb up the hill to take a ride on their giant swings, play their two large xylophones (unconfirmed for 2022), race down the slide, and enjoy your picnic with gorgeous ocean views. Plus, they offer free tractor rides, fresh greens and boughs to take home, haystacks for the kids to climb, and all the free marshmallows you can roast over the warm fire that’s always going. Also, bring some cash to make your fresh wreath (just purchase the ring; materials are free or bring embellishments from home). The Farm is open 9 am to 5 pm, rain or shine.
2023 Winter Fest – Christmas Tree Festival
November 24, 25 & 26 (Fri, Sat & Sun)
December 1, 2 & 3 (Fri, Sat & Sun)
December 8, 9 & 10 (Fri, Sat & Sun)
December 16 & 17 (Sat & Sun)
– Updated 11/21/23

4-C’s Christmas Tree Farm

Half Moon Bay | Select from an array of gorgeous firs and spruces at affordable prices. The family-run tree farm has served the Coastside and Peninsula for over 40 years. Choose to chop it down or get a pre-cut tree. Saws are provided, and the staff is even willing to help with difficult chopping jobs by whipping out their electric saw. On December 2, 2023, Santa be visiting the farm all day. You may see him at the pay shack, out in the fields on a polaris, or walking around the pre-cut trees. He’s sure to be jolly and happy to take a photo with you. There’s a shortage of trees this year, so come early in the season to get the best pick. 4-C’s Christmas Tree Farm is located at 12341 San Mateo Rd Half Moon Bay. – Updated 11/21/23

 

Santa’s Tree Farm and Village

Half Moon Bay | Santa’s Tree Farm will be inviting customers to cut down their own Christmas tree. Grab a saw and head out amongst the 487-acre farm to choose from four different kinds of trees. Picnic tables for family lunches have been placed throughout the farm. Holiday activities take place on the farm from November 18 – December 23, 2023. In past years, holiday activities included costumed characters such as Frosty the Snowman or Rudolph the Reindeer that wave to tree shoppers from the trackless train which winds its way along some of the tree fields. Little ones were treated to a complimentary puppet show and storytime with Mrs. Claus. Plus, in past years, as added bonus, everyone who purchased a tree received complimentary hot cider and candy canes.* Be sure to stop by the Sleigh Bells Gift Shop, open on weekends to pick up festive holiday decorations. Santa will pay a visit on December 2, 2023 from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. There’s also weekend train rides and Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen will be serving up some goodies. Show the coupon for $2 off any Choose-and-Cut tree. *Please double check with the farm for the most up-to-date activity schedule. Santa’s Tree Farm and Village is located at 78 Pilarcitos Creek Road, Half Moon Bay. – Updated 11/21/23

Lemos Farm

Half Moon Bay | If you’re looking for a festive holiday day out for the family, Lemos Farm offers not only Christmas trees, but a mini amusement park experience with pony rides, train rides, a haunted house, farm slide, car barn ride, barn jumpers, gem mining, a Dig Zone tractor, and a petting zoo. When you’re ready to pick out your tree, hop on a hay ride to their Christmas tree field where you cut down your own tree or select a pre-cut one. Don’t miss Ol’ Paint, the family’s big painted horse statue which is repainted to sport a new theme monthly to match the season. The farm is open year round, so you can enjoy their attractions or seasonal events like their Halloween pumpkin patch and haunted houses or their Easter Egg Hunt. Lemos Farm is opens Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm, and is located at 12320 San Mateo Road, Half Moon Bay. Farm Passes start from $15. – Updated 11/22/23