Decorating for Christmas in SLO County? Here are 9 places to buy a real tree
‘Tis the season to pick up a perfect evergreen tree in San Luis Obispo County.
As Christmas nears, neighborhoods are being decked out in sparkling holiday lights, red-ribboned wreaths and festive displays.
That means now is the right time to choose your favorite fresh-cut Christmas tree.
Large retail stores have plenty of pre-cut and fake options, but if you’re looking for the full holiday experience, we’ve put together a guide to popular tree farms and seasonal lots around the county.
Most local spots are open through Wednesday, Dec. 24, or until trees are sold out.
Here are a few local places where you can buy a real, live tree to adorn with lights and ornaments this holiday season.
Agape Christmas Trees in Templeton
What: Multiple types of living potted and pre-cut trees ranging from 2 to 24 feet tall, as well as Christmas wreaths and garlands, are available for sale at this 80-acre Templeton tree property.
The lot also offers $25 Christmas carriage rides for four people or $5 per person tractor rides from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
“Hop aboard our beautifully decorated carriages or tractor and take a leisurely ride through the enchanting winter landscape,” Agape Christmas Trees said on its 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, Templeton
Info: 805-460-9161 or agapechristmastrees.com
Brookshire Farms in SLO
What: Brookshire Farms is full of evergreen trees fresh-cut from a farm in Oregon.
This year, six varieties are available, including grand, Douglas, noble and Nordmann firs. Trees range from 12 inches to 14 feet.
The farm will flock your tree with a light dusting of snow or a full winter wonderland look, depending on your preference, it said in a Facebook post. The spot also sells Christmas tree stands.
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Where: 4747 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo
Info: 805-549-8733 or brookshirefarms.com
Hidden Springs Tree Farm in Atascadero
What: Operated by third- and fourth-generation farmers, this 60-year-old property is one of the few places in SLO County where you can chop down your own Christmas tree.
Upon arrival, visitors are told where to park and provided a saw and cart. Families can then hike through acres of trees until they find the perfect holiday evergreen to cut and haul home.
According to the website, the Atascadero tree farm has five lots and grows seven different varieties of Christmas trees on the property. Popular varieties include Douglas fir and Monterey pine.
Tree prices start at $85, and are tagged based on type, height and quality, its website said. However, those looking for a discount can grab misfit and rescue trees for $25 or more.
The farm also offers special holiday treats including hot apple cider, hot cocoa and chestnuts. Pre-cut trees and homemade wreaths are available for purchase as well.
When: Noon to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: 3202 Monterey Road, Atascadero
Info: 805-466-2134 or hiddenspringschristmastreefarm.com
Avila Valley Barn
Avila Valley Barn has a variety of pre-cut Christmas trees for purchase.
While picking up a tree, families can meet Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14., or get face painting done by Buddy the Elf from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7.
If you get peckish, the barn also has fresh-roasted corn, a chicken shack, a sweet shop and lots of fresh produce.
Where: 560 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo
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 offers fresh pre-cut Christmas trees, garland, wreaths and poinsettias, among other holiday gifts.
While supplies last, people who pick up a holiday tree there also get a free ticket to the Cambria Christmas Market.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Where: 2801 Eton Road, Cambria
Info: 805-927-4747 or cambrianursery.com
Holloway’s Christmas Trees in Nipomo
What: This popular Nipomo Christmas tree farm has been operating since 1962. This could be its last year in business after owners Carl and Debbie Holloway recently listed the property for sale.
Visitors can come and chop down their own trees or pick from pre-cut trees ranging from 2 to 12 feet high, including noble, fraser fir, balsam fir and grand fir.
Holloway’s Christmas Trees prides itself on being “the largest choose-and-cut farm in California,” according to its website.
This year, the tree farm is also offering curbside pickups and pre-flocked trees.
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: 561 South Oakglen Ave., Nipomo
Info: 805-929-6203 or hollowaysfarm.com
Salinas River Ranch in Atascadero
What: This family-run Atascadero tree farm lets visitors cut down their own pine or cypress trees or choose from various pre-cut options from Oregon.
Most cut-your-own trees cost $90. So-called Charlie Brown trees, which are less conventionally attractive, start at $25.
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.
While on site, you can also purchase wreaths with custom bows, browse Christmas crafts and gifts, feed farm animals and roast s’mores by the fire pit all day, according to the farm’s Facebook page.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: 9555 Santa Barbara Road, Atascadero
Info: 805-801-1118 or salinasriverranch.org
Jack Creek Farms in Templeton
What: The sixth-generation Templeton family farm sells cut-your-own pine and cypress Christmas trees.
Prices range from $40 to $80 depending on its size, but don’t expect a picture-perfect tree, the farm said.
“We are definitely a more ‘rustic’ experience, Jack Creek Farms said in a social media post. “Our trees might be a little more ‘Charlie Brown’ than ‘Rockefeller’ tree, but (we) feel that we make up for it with our charm.”
Visitors are provided a hand saw, a wagon and lots of twine to tie up holiday trees to vehicles.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday
Where: 5000 Highway 46 West, Templeton
Info: 805-239-1915 or jackcreekfarms.com
SLO Ranch Farms in San Luis Obispo
The San Luis Obispo Christmas tree lot offers pre-cut trees and fresh wreaths.
While visiting SLO Ranch Farms, you can also sample seasonal eats from local vendors and say hello to friendly farm animals.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
Where: 871 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo
Info: sloranchfarms.com
