Popular SLO County Christmas tree farm put up for sale. Could it close?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Holloway’s Christmas Tree Farm in Nipomo has been listed for sale after 63 years.
- Owners Carl and Debbie Holloway cite retirement and age as reasons for closure.
- The farm will open Nov. 17 for what may be its final season under current owners.
San Luis Obispo County may be losing one of its few options for people who want to cut their own Christmas trees.
Holloway’s Christmas Tree Farm, 561 South Oakglen Ave. in Nipomo, is for sale after 63 years in business, owners Carl and Debbie Holloway announced on the business’ website and social media pages on Sept. 3.
The Holloways said they made the “difficult decision” to sell the property after more than six decades in business after day-to-day farm operations became too challenging to continue.
“It’s time for us to retire, spend more time with our family, and embrace the next chapter of our lives,” the Holloways said in their announcement. “This is something we’ve thought long and hard about, and it is not a decision we’ve made lightly. The farm has been our life and such a big part of who we are for so many years.”
The owners are now searching for a buyer to purchase the property, which is on the real estate market for nearly $2 million.
Holloway’s Christmas Tree Farm will still open to customers starting Monday, Nov. 17, the Holloway family said, although it may be the cherished fifth-generation farm’s final holiday season in operation.
SLO County Christmas tree farm up for sale
Holloway’s Christmas Tree Farm has been growing holiday trees since 1962, when original owner Delmer Holloway planted the first seeds at the Nipomo property
According to his granddaughter Candice Schoettler, Holloway was a hard worker who poured all of his dedication and love into making the property a treasured holiday tradition for local families.
“(He) spent everyday in those trees and was an amazing grandfather to me,” Schoettler told The Tribune. “It wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for him.”
In 1987, Carl Holloway and his wife, Debbie, took over the property, according to previous Tribune reporting.
More than 60 years later, the farm prides itself on being “the largest choose-and-cut farm in California,” its website said.
The family grows Monterey pines from seed, a process that takes about three to four years to grow trees that range from 2 feet tall to 12 feet tall.
The farm also offers pre-cut noble, nordmann, Douglas and grand fir trees, according to the business’ website.
Community says goodbye to beloved Nipomo farm
After the Holloways announced they were selling their farm, more than a hundred people reacted to the news online, with many sharing stories of holiday memories picking out the perfect tree with loved ones.
Grace Handlen of Lompoc said she vividly remembered taking her daughters to Holloway’s Christmas Tree Farm 30 years ago to chop down a beautiful tree to decorate their living room.
“Our house smelled so good that night and all the nights of Christmas,” she said in a Facebook comment, telling the Holloways “thank you for being part of the magic of our special days as a family.”
Nick Renner of Nipomo said four generations of his family — starting with his father and continuing with his grandson Raymond — made annual visits to the Nipomo farm to cut down their centerpiece holiday decoration.
“Each year it was my family’s tradition to choose, argue over and finally love every Christmas tree we brought into our home,” he said in a Facebook comment.
Carl and Debbie Holloway said it was a constant joy to be included in countless memories and traditions over the decades.
“We’ve loved watching families grow, seeing couples get engaged and being the backdrop for thousands of holiday photos,” the Holloways said.
What will happen to South County property?
The future of Holloway’s Christmas Tree Farm is still up in the air, according to the Holloways.
“It may continue as a Christmas tree farm under new ownership, or it may take on a new purpose,” the owners said in a statement.
The Holloways advised anyone who has ever “dreamed of living the Christmas tree farm life” to reach out to realtor Byron Grant at Century 21 Hometown Realty to learn more about the real estate listing.
The 12.78-acre lot, with the tree farm business included, is listed for $1.95 million.
How to visit 63-year-old Christmas tree farm
This holiday season, Holloway’s Christmas Tree Farm will be open for business beginning on Monday, Nov. 17.
The farm will be open to customers at 561 South Oakglen Ave. in Nipomo from noon to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.
The farm will close for the season following Wednesday, Dec. 24.
“It may be the final year the farm operates under the Holloway family, so we would love to see you here once more to celebrate the magic of Christmas on the farm with us,” Carl and Debbie Holloway said.
