Does anything smell better than a freshly cut Christmas tree? From the mountains and valleys to the beaches and boardwalks, Californians are in search of the perfect tree to round out their holiday decorations and kick off the festive season right. There’s nothing quite like going directly to a California Christmas tree farm and picking your own tree. Luckily for SoCal residents, there are plenty of Christmas tree lots to explore.

Whether you're baking a fresh batch of Christmas cookies from California bloggers or just putting on a flick from our holiday movie guide, one thing’s for sure: You’ll enjoy it more with the backdrop and fresh scent of a gorgeous evergreen. So, take your entire family—and a camera—on a fun outdoor adventure in SoCal and start a new holiday tradition this year.

Christmas tree farms in Southern California

1. Hagle Christmas Tree Farm

Location: 3442 Somis Road, Somis

Hagle Christmas Tree Farm has been proudly serving Californians since 1989. With 14 acres of land to harvest Christmas trees year-round, the Somis farm grows up to approximately 14,000 organic trees annually—that’s 14,000 happy families celebrating Christmas in California with a new tree each year. The joyful family attractions on site are what set this California Christmas tree farm apart. Aiming to make Christmas tree shopping an enjoyable experience for customers of all ages, the farm offers pony rides, tractor hayrides, photos with Santa Claus, a free-range farm animal petting area, and even freshly cooked food from local businesses.

2. Hidden Springs Christmas Tree Farm

Location: 3202 Monterey Road, Atascadero

The Hidden Springs Christmas Tree Farm has been a part of the local community’s December holiday festivities for nearly 60 years. Today, the family-owned farm is managed by the younger third and fourth generations. Wander across acres of land full of beautiful homegrown trees. While in search of your tree, learn about the history of Christmas tree farming while sipping on a warm cup of complimentary apple cider. Want to stay longer? You can book the farmhouse-style cottage on-site and spend a night basking in the holiday cheer.

Christmas tree farms near Los Angeles

3. Santa and Sons Christmas Trees

Location: 12901 Burbank Boulevard, Valley Glen

Family-owned and -farmed for over 35 years, Santa and Sons Christmas Trees has provided old-fashioned service and fresh, high-quality Christmas trees in Los Angeles for generations. Douglas-fir, noble fir, and Nordmann fir are the tree varieties offered on this lot.

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed this holiday season, worry no more. Santa and Sons has you covered—it is one of the best Christmas tree farms in Southern California after all). Just roll up to the lot’s location, and you can pick out a tree without even leaving your car, drive-thru style. Still sounds too daunting? Schedule a Zoom call with an employee to virtually “handpick” a tree and have it delivered straight to your door—hassle-free, guaranteed. 

Christmas tree farms in Riverside, CA

4. Rye Farms

Location: 30689 Nuevo Road, Nuevo

At Rye Farms, family is considered a driving force behind bringing holiday cheer to the California community. Founders Marc and Janica Rye were raised with a long-held family tradition of picking Christmas trees. Marc lived next to a Christmas tree farm as a child, and Janica worked at one as a teenager. When the two met, they knew Christmas trees were a priority in their lives—leading to the establishment of Rye Farms in Riverside County. Today, the farm offers a large variety of Christmas trees; pick one today to complete your merry decor.

5. SAND HAVEN PINES

Location: 19255 Wood Road, Perris

Explore the wide selection of Monterey pines at this Christmas tree farm in Riverside, CA. The wonderful selection of choose-and-cut trees as well as potted trees at Sand Haven Pines makes tree shopping an easy-breezy activity. After choosing your perfect evergreen, the staff at Sand Haven can cut, net, and flock your tree while you sip on a complimentary cup of coffee and satisfy your sweet tooth with a candy cane. 

Christmas tree farms in Brea

6. Enchanted Country Pumpkins and Trees

Location: 480 North State College Boulevard, Brea

Enchanted Country Pumpkins and Trees was founded by Bill Duncan over 35 years ago and has committed to growing organic, decorative Christmas trees for California families. This Christmas tree farm near Los Angeles is also still family-owned and -operated. Noble, Douglas, Grand, Fraser, and Norman—a large selection of Christmas trees and more can be found at this farm: The full-service Christmas tree farm in Brea offers flocking, delivery, fireproofing, and free tree tie-downs; it's the full package.

Christmas tree farms in Thousand Oaks

7. Christmas Ranch Tree Farms

Location: 1586 Pederson Road, Thousand Oaks

Founded in 1971 by Don and Marily Cameron, Christmas Ranch Tree Farms was initially two acres of land but has grown exponentially and now offers 15 types of choose-and-cut Christmas trees for its customers. Monterey pines, Aleppo pines, Canaan, Fraser, and Leyland cypress in all sizes are just a few examples of what's available here. Not in the mood to drive down and pick out a tree in person? No worries. The online shop gives customers looking for Christmas trees in Thousand Oaks the opportunity to shop from their homes; the desired tree is delivered right to their door.

Christmas tree lots in Orange County

8. Peltzer Pines Christmas Farm

Location: 7851 Black Star Canyon Road, Silverado

Choosing a Christmas tree is easy when your options are great; and even easier when the options are really great. Head over to Peltzer Pines Christmas Tree Farm—explore the variety of trees on the charming property with your family, you can even make a day out of it. Run by a third-generation farmer from Anaheim, this Orange County Christmas tree lot has been in business since 1966. Today, Peltzer Pines is bigger than it's ever been and is still providing Orange County with beautiful trees over 50 years later. 

Plus, if you’re not into traditional Christmas trees—worry not—you can also get a baby palm tree from Peltzer Palms Nursery and have an outdoor Christmas soiree. Nothing says true Golden State-style Christmas like a bedazzled palm tree, and marching to the beat of your own drum.