Local

Looking for a real Christmas tree? Here are 7 places to find one in SLO County

Christmas Tree Farm
A family cuts a live tree at Holloway’s Christmas Tree Farm in Nipomo in 2013. The Tribune

You may still have Thanksgiving leftovers in the fridge, but Christmas is only a few short weeks away.

In no time, neighborhoods will be decked out in twinkly lights and festive displays.

That means now is the perfect time to pick out your favorite fresh Christmas tree.

Large retail stores have plenty of pre-cut and fake options, but if you’ve looking for the full holiday experience, we’ve put together a list of popular tree farms and lots around San Luis Obispo County.

Here are a few local places where you can buy a real, live Christmas tree to celebrate this holiday season.

Agape Christmas Trees

What: Several types of living potted and pre-cut trees, as well as Christmas wreaths, are available for sale at this Templeton tree lot.

The spot also boasts $25 Christmas carriage rides or $5 tractor rides Friday through Sundays from 2 to 7 p.m. The relaxing rides take people through an “enchanting winter landscape,” according to the lot’s website.

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: 625 Templeton Road

Info: 805-460-9161 or agapechristmastrees.com

Brookshire Farms

What: Brookshire Farms sells fresh evergreen trees grown up in Oregon. They travel north each year to cut the best Christmas trees for sale.

This year, six varieties are available, including grand firs, Douglas firs, noble firs, Nordmanns, natural nobles and silver tips. Trees range from 12 inches to 14 feet.

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily

Where: 4747 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo, and 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles (Paso Robles Fairground parking lot)

Info: 805-549-8733 or www.brookshirefarms.com

Deer peek out from the trees in the lower corners of this photo taken at Hidden Springs Christmas Tree Farm in Atascadero in November 2012.
Deer peek out from the trees in the lower corners of this photo taken at Hidden Springs Christmas Tree Farm in Atascadero in November 2012. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com

Hidden Springs Tree Farm

What: This farm is one of the few places in the county you can cut down your own Christmas tree. Visitors are provided a saw and cart upon arrival, so you can pick, cut and haul your chosen tree.

According to the website, the Atascadero tree farm grows seven different varieties of Christmas trees on the property. Popular varieties include Douglas fir and Monterey pine.

Guests are advised to wear boots to walk around the working farm and to pull on gloves to avoid tree sap and needles. Also be sure to bring towels and rope to help secure your tree to your car’s roof, the farm’s website said.

Tree prices start at $85, but some misfit and rescue trees are discounted at $25 or more. The farm also offers special holiday treats such as hot apple cider, hot cocoa and chestnuts.

The tree farm was set to open on, Friday, Nov. 29, with special hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When: 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday; noon to 7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: 3202 Monterey Road

Info: 805-466-2134 or hiddenspringschristmastreefarm.com

Avila Valley Barn

Avila Valley Barn has a variety of pre-cut trees available for purchase.

And if you get hungry, the barn has fresh-roasted corn, a chicken shack, a sweet shop and lots of fresh produce.

Children can also meet Santa Claus and the Grinch on some weekend days in November and December. Call or check their website for more information.

Where: 560 Avila Beach Drive

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m daily

Info: 805-595-2816 or avilavalleybarn.com

Cambria Nursery and Florist

What: The North Coast nursery sells fresh pre-cut Christmas trees, as well as seasonal gifts. You can also grab a hot coffee from their cafe while you shop.

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Where: 2801 Eton Road

Info: 805-927-4747 or www.cambrianursery.com

Pedro Valencia, right, his wife Teresa, and their children David and Andrea of Santa Maria get a ride with their freshly cut Christmas tree at Holloway’s Christmas Tree Farm in Nipomo.
Pedro Valencia, right, his wife Teresa, and their children David and Andrea of Santa Maria get a ride with their freshly cut Christmas tree at Holloway’s Christmas Tree Farm in Nipomo. Joe Johnston jjohnston@thetribunenews.com

Holloway’s Christmas Trees

What: This popular Nipomo Christmas tree farm has been operating since 1962. According to the website, Holloway’s prides itself on being “the largest choose and cut farm in California.”

Here, customers can chop down their own trees or pick from numerous pre-cut trees, including noble, Nordmann and Douglas fir varieties.

This year, Holloway’s is offering curbside pickups. Wreaths are also available for sale, as well as crafts and seasonal gifts at Santa’s Store.

When: Noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: 561 South Oakglen Ave.

Info: 805-929-6203 or hollowaysfarm.com

Salinas River Ranch

What: This family-run Christmas tree farm lets visitors cut down their own Pine or Cypress tree or choose from various pre-cut options from Oregon.

Cut-your-own trees cost $90. Pre-cut trees vary in price based on type and height, according to the farm’s website. Salinas River Ranch also offers tree netting or tree shaking for an additional $5 fee.

You can also purchase garland, boughs or custom wreaths on site, all while sipping free hot apple cider.

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Where: 9555 Santa Barbara Road, Atascadero

Info: 805-801-1118 or salinasriverranch.org

This story was originally published November 29, 2024 at 5:00 AM.

Hannah Poukish
The Tribune
Hannah Poukish covers San Luis Obispo County as The Tribune’s government reporter. She previously reported and produced stories for The Sacramento Bee, CNN, Spectrum News and The Mercury News in San Jose. She graduated from Stanford University with a master’s degree in journalism. 
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