Wondering where to buy a Christmas tree in SLO County? Here are Yelp’s most popular spots
If you’re anything like us, every time Dec. 1 rolls around, you start Googling one thing:
Where can I buy a Christmas tree?
There are plenty of pre-cut and fake options at large retail stores, of course. But if you’ve got a hankering for the full holiday experience, we’ve compiled this list of the most popular tree farms around San Luis Obispo County where you can find your perfect tree.
Bonus? Some of these let you cut the tree down yourself, while others offer extra holiday cheer in the form of tractor rides, visits with Santa, etc.
This list has been compiled from Yelp’s most popular Christmas tree shopping locations, so some local options might not be included. If we missed your favorite, feel free to drop an email to reporter Kaytlyn Leslie at kleslie@thetribunenews.com and share why you think your spot is the best.
Brookshire Farms
Where it is: 4747 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles Fairgrounds parking lot.
What it offers: Known mostly for its yearly pumpkin patch, the farm also sells Christmas trees every winter. According to its website, the trees for sale are brought down from the owners’ farm in Oregon every year and sold in San Luis Obispo County. They offer several varieties of tree, including grand fir, Douglas fir, noble fir, Nordman and silver tip. The farm also offers flocking if you want that “just snowed” look. And it takes requests for large trees (12 feet or above) or commercial requests on its website.
Helpful Yelp review: “Such a cute place to buy your Christmas tree! My fiance and I have gone here every year, for the past two years, and are never disappointed!”
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Hidden Springs Tree Farm
Where it is: 3202 Monterey Road, Atascadero
What it offers: Established in 1962, the Atascadero tree farm is one of the few places in San Luis Obispo County to cut down your own Christmas Tree. The Dobb family, descendants of the original Frank family owners, now grow about nine varieties of trees on 10 acres of land. Those include Monterey pine, Douglas fir, Scotch pine, white fir, blue and white spruce, redwood and cedar. They also import pre-cut trees of types that don’t grow on the Central Coast, according to the website. A saw is provided to cut down your chosen tree, as well as a cart to haul the tree around the farm. Free hot apple cider is available, while popcorn, homemade wreaths, roasted chestnuts and baling and stands are all available for a fee. A photo booth is also on the property.
Helpful Yelp review: ”We have been coming to this family tree farm for years. It is one of the highlights for our family. The kids love searching out the perfect tree. The staff and family who owns it are so kind and welcoming. Yes, you will spend more than Home Depot or Lowe’s, but the experience for us is priceless and we love supporting local.”
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weather can impact hours.
Cambria Nursery and Florist
Where it is: 2801 Eton Road, Cambria
What it offers: The nursery takes part in the annual Cambria Christmas Market and benefits from visitors coming in to see the massive light setups. It sells several varieties of trees, as well as handmade wreaths. The business also offers holiday-themed workshops to create Christmas crafts.
Helpful Yelp review: ”The Christmas trees are unrivaled in San Luis, and the themed trees are ingenious and captivating.”
Hours: The nursery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but is also open during the Cambria Christmas Market to show off its light decorations. The Christmas Market is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 23, but requires a ticket to enter.
Holloway’s Christmas Trees
Where it is: 561 South Oakglen Ave., Nipomo
What it offers: Another of the only places in SLO County that allows people to cut down their own tree, Holloway’s in Nipomo calls itself the “largest choose and cut farm in California.” The farm grows Monterey pines on site, and imports noble firs, Fraser firs, balsam firs and grand firs from out of state, according to its website. The farm also features several holiday entertainments for families and visitors, including a fire pit to roast marshmallows and a train ride. The farm offers a $30 membership system that provides rewards and discounts, including access to some of the farm’s special holiday activities, but access to the farm itself is free, according to owner Carl Holloway. Purchasing a tree provides instant membership, according to its website.
Helpful Yelp review: “First time at Holloway’s & I had a blast. Great place for friends & family. They have this fire pit that’s perfect for roasting marshmallows! And all these fun activities around the farm to all ages. Best part was the smell of the trees, “snow” machine, & their train ride! So much fun! Definitely worth the membership. Thanks Carl for showing us the ropes.”
Hours: Open noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The farm is open for a half day on Christmas Eve.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify aspects of Holloway’s membership program as well as type of trees available for purchase.
This story was originally published December 7, 2019 at 5:00 AM.
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