Pick out Your Perfect Pine at These Festive Farms
After Thanksgiving, Christmas tree shopping is, without a doubt, one of the most beloved activities of the year. As the cornerstone of Christmas traditions, it’s impossible to commence decking the halls or gift wrapping without selecting the perfect tree first. There’s something about the smell of the pines and the halos of lights twinkling above that instantly ignites the Christmas spirit—whether you live near sand or snow! From locally grown Monterey pines to Douglas firs imported from the mountains of Oregon, we’ve put together a list of some of the best Christmas tree farms in Southern California. Apple cider in hand, set the tone with Taylor Swift’s “Christmas Tree Farm” before heading out to find your perfect tree for the holiday season!
Highland Valley Christmas Tree Farm
Start your Christmas tree quest at Highland Valley Christmas Tree Farm, where you can choose from a variety of beautiful trees while sipping on local wines, creating a unique holiday experience that blends the scent of pine with the aroma of fine wine. Fuel up for your trek through the Christmas tree forest with artisan Italian food, and be sure to grab a mug of hot cider or mulled wine to warm your spirits. On the weekends, live music starts at noon, adding to the festive atmosphere of this charming farm.
Location: Ramona
Live Oak Canyon Farm
Redlands’ Live Oak Canyon Farm goes all out for the holiday season. Enjoy tractor rides, festive decorations and even meet Santa Claus himself as you search for your tree, creating joyful holiday memories for the whole family. Make a day of it and check out the ice skating rink, rides, petting zoo, and general store and be sure to capture the memory at the many festive photo op stations.
Location: Redlands
Underwood Family Farms
Experience a quintessential farm-style Christmas at Underwood Family Farms. Take a hayride, meet farm animals and choose from a wide range of trees for your holiday celebrations. Engage the whole family with holiday arts and crafts, cookie decorating, letters to Santa and a variety of farmyard games, creating cherished traditions for years to come. In December, the farm also features tractor-drawn wagon rides, a cute holiday store and reindeer sightings!
Location: Moorpark
Julian Christmas Tree Ranch
Julian is known for its rustic charm, small town feel and apple pies, drawing visitors from near and far. Venture to Julian Christmas Tree Ranch this December to experience the magic of this mountain town and pick out the perfect tree! Open since 1947, the Mushet family has been operating this cheerful Christmas tree farm for 76 seasons. Select your tree amidst the serene Julian landscape, and make it a memorable day with a visit to this idyllic town, located just an hour and a half away from the city of San Diego.
Location: Julian
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Chamberlain Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Farm
At Chamberlain’s, you get to pick out the perfect tree! Choose between a fir, spruce or pine and relish the joy of cutting it down yourself, creating hands-on holiday memories. Bond with your family over staking your claim (trees are first come, first served), and choose from Monterey Pine, Monterey Cypress and Leyland Cypress trees. It’s sure to be the start of a new tradition!
Location: Claremont
Greenspot Farm
With a 50-year history of Christmas tree farmers, Greenspot Farm in Mentone offers a magical holiday escape. Alongside a splendid tree selection, you’ll discover wreaths, garlands and a cozy bonfire to warm your heart, making it an ideal spot for festive gatherings. Grab a mug of cider or cocoa and sit down to watch a classic Christmas movie by the fire, cross a few Christmas gifts off your list at the gift shop or tour the farm on their tractor-pulled Christmas Hayride (starting Dec. 1).
Location: Mentone
Farmakis Farms
Farmakis Farms in San Juan Capistrano promises a delightful tree-picking experience filled with Christmas spirit. Stroll through rows of evergreens, and find your ideal Christmas centerpiece amidst a charming atmosphere complete with string lights and a quaint barn. Choose from pre-cut Oregon trees or head into their fields of home-grown California Monterey Pine and Leyland Cypress trees where a staff member will cut your handpicked selection. And during the month of December, this farm comes to life with holiday lights and festive photo ops, and guests can even shop for locally made goods in the barn!
Location: San Juan Capistrano
