It’s the holiday season yet again, and as you likely already know, picking out a Christmas tree can be a tradition of its own. Whether you’re dead set on picking up some foliage the day after Thanksgiving, or the type to panic buy at the last minute when your family decides they’re coming to your place this year, we’ve got a list of the best places to make tree shopping festive, fun, and maybe even a little boozy.
Last updated December 1, 2025
San Francisco
(1634 Jerrold Ave // Bayview)
Firs of all sizes are available at this nursery, which also sells an impressive collection of ornaments! If you're not able to pick out your tree, they can help arrange for delivery. Check out the pricing list here so you know what to expect!
(3500 Fillmore St. // Marina)
For a tree shopping experience without fuss or fanfare that still has plenty of options, check out the lot at Marina Middle School. Whether you need a 3’ tree for your studio or a 16 footer for your penthouse (we can dream, right?) they’ve got you covered. Plus, your purchase benefits the school.
(2101 Sloat Blvd + 1620 7th Ave // Sunset)
With festive string lights, hand-crafted wreaths, and dog-friendly grounds, Clancy's knows how to make tree-picking an enjoyable (and Instagrammable) outing. They've been around since 1949, so best believe they know what they're doing when it comes to the holiday season.
Via The Guardsmen Tree Lot
(2 Marina Blvd. // Fort Mason)
A San Francisco holiday staple, the Guardsmen Tree Lot raises money annually for at-risk youth. If you’re feeling a little grinch-y, you can order your tree online and have it delivered. Keep an eye out for when their annual Crab Feed and Tree Lot Party takes place!
(Multiple Locations)
Delancey Street is one of the top residential self-help organizations in the country, which means their tree lots give you the chance to get in the holiday spirit and support a great cause. If you don’t want to spend the season vacuuming up tree needles, live potted pines are also available.
East Bay
Via Alhambra Christmas Tree Farm
(2647 Reliez Valley Road // Martinez)
From now through December 24, head to this Christmas Tree Farm for the best experience this holiday season. They offer fresh cut trees, plus a Choose & Cut option! Make it a family fun day with complimentary popcorn and apple cider, plus photo opportunities.
(15555 E 14th St // San Leandro)
The shopping mall may be no more, but their lot has hosted an annual lot for over 30 years! This family-owned Christmas tree lot offers a variety of trees for a no-frills experience that is dependable, convenient, and cheery.
(890 Moraga Ave // Piedmont)
Head to the Coaches Field to choose your tree, and make sure to pick up a stand, wreath, garland, or mistletoe for the finishing touches. Act fast—this lot is only open until December 16!
(503 Lake Park Ave. // Oakland)
If you’re looking for tree delivery + installation in East Bay, Brent’s is the spot. They’re family owned and have been selling Christmas trees for three generations, so they’re sure to know a thing or two about getting you squared away for the holidays.
(4350 Sellers Ave. // Brentwood)
Smith Family Farm has a lot to offer, with a fruit stand in the summer and pumpkin picking in the fall. They don’t skimp for tree season either, and offer a wide variety of fresh-cut firs. You can also go gift shopping at their country store, or enjoy a hot drink by the fire. They're open daily, but time your visit for the weekend if you want to get a visit from Santa!
(2171 Monarch St. // Alameda)
With five kinds of trees, online ordering, and delivery, Wonderland makes Christmas tree shopping easy as can be. They also have a bounce house, which is almost certainly only for children, but it might be worth a trip just to double check.
(7001 Miller Rd. // Castro Valley)
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that scene from Elf where they cut down the tree in Central Park, you can do so in a legal manner at Castro Valley Christmas Tree Farm. Pre-cut trees are also available, as are wreaths, stands, and perhaps most importantly, mistletoe.
(6248 Silveyville Rd. // Dixon)
It’s true, Dixon is halfway to Sacramento, but if you’re looking for the full festive experience, it’s well worth it to take a bit of a drive. They have a Christmas boutique, concession stand that’s open on the weekends, a fire pit, and perhaps most importantly, goats. Note: Closed on Tuesdays.
South Bay + Peninsula
Via Rancho Siempre Verde
(2250 Cabrillo Hwy. // Pescadero) - Open on weekends only
Let’s be real – all you need to know is that your tree purchase at Rancho Siempre Verde includes all the marshmallows you can roast and eat. If warm pillowy goodness isn’t your thing, they also have giant swings, wreath making, and of course, plenty of choose-and-cut Christmas trees.
(Multiple Locations)
ABC Tree Farms has approximately a million locations, so if you’re having trouble deciding where to go, one of them is likely to be convenient. Most locations offer flocking (if you want to get the tiniest taste of snow this winter), and many are able to deliver your tree as well.
(22217 Old Santa Cruz Hwy. // Los Gatos + 17430 Old Summit Rd. // Los Gatos)
Patchen offers what we might call the whole package – you can cut your own Christmas tree, warm up fireside, and even enjoy a wine tasting. Santa is often around on weekends, as is hot mulled cider (though the brandy is BYO).
Via Santa's Tree Farm and Village
(78 Pilarcitos Creek Rd. // Half Moon Bay)
As the name suggests, Santa’s Family Tree Farm is the full festive experience. Santa swings by on weekends through December 23rd, and you can visit Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen if you’re feeling particularly peckish.
We love a good lease in the Bay Area, so why not rent your Christmas tree too? While it can get pricey for large trees, they won’t die and become a fire hazard at the end of the year. The delivery area is somewhat limited, but it is available in some parts of South and East Bay. Visit their Carmel farm if you'd like to pick out your own tree!
North Bay
Via Frosty Mountain Tree Farm
(3600 Mariola Rd. // Sebastopol)
Another one-stop-shop, Frosty Mountain is a great place to cut your own tree, take a hay ride, then browse Santa’s Workshop (the store) + Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen (the snack bar). Enjoy a fresh apple fritter and be sure to say hello to the goats before you leave.
(961 Chapman Ln. // Petaluma)
We know Little Hills is worth a stop because they introduce all their farm animals by name on their website. Cutting down your own tree is great and all, but a visit with Petunia the pig or Chewy the alpaca is guaranteed to make your day.
Via Grandma Buddies Christmas Trees
(8575 Graton Rd. // Sebastopol)
There seems to be some disagreement as to whether the trees are Grandma Buddy’s or Grandma’s Buddies, but either way, you’ll find a fir that’s worthy of taking home. If it’s your first time committing to a tree for the season, you can pick up any lights, ornaments, and garland you may need as well.
(18880 CA-128 // Calistoga)
This small but mighty family farm has been growing Christmas trees since 1999, and is Tree Fresh Certified by the CA Christmas Tree Association (today we learned that both of those things were things). Choose and cut and pre-cut trees are both available.
Written by Katherine Andrews
