Christmas tree farms and lots near Palo Alto

In Palo Alto itself, one long-running option is a nonprofit lot on Middlefield Road run by volunteers for a Sea Scout program. For families who want the full experience, the farms are close. A 40-minute drive over the hills puts you in the redwoods and coastal fields where you can pick a tree, cut it yourself and tie it to the roof.

This guide covers the 2026 dates and hours the lot and farms had posted by November 11. Trees sell out at the busiest farms by mid-December, so earlier is better. When the season is over, see our holiday tree recycling guide.

The 2026 options at a glance

The Sea Scout lot on Middlefield Road

The Sea Scout Christmas Tree Lot at 3672 Middlefield Road, in south Palo Alto, opens for the season on Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving. Its posted 2026 hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, which makes it one of the few places where you can pick out a tree after work.

The lot lists Noble, Douglas, Nordmann and Grand firs in sizes from 3 to 12 feet, subject to availability, plus wreaths, garland and tabletop silvertip trees. Volunteers help choose trees and tie them onto cars. Delivery and setup may be available for an extra fee. Money raised supports the youth sailing and maritime programs of Sea Scout Ship Terrapin. The lot's phone number is 650-493-6614. The lot suggests calling before a special trip, since stock changes through the season.

Santa's Tree Farm, Half Moon Bay

Santa's Tree Farm and Village opened in 1974. The 2026 season is its 52nd. The farm covers 487 acres in the countryside just outside Half Moon Bay. Staff hand you a saw and send you into the fields, where the farm says trees up to 13 feet tall are available this year. Species include Norway spruce, cedar, Douglas fir, Monterey pine and redwood. Precut trees up to 9 feet stand in the barn for anyone who would rather skip the sawing. The farm also offers flocking.

The 2026 schedule on the farm's site:

• Tree cutting: November 14 to December 23, rain or shine, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays
• Train, gift shop and Mrs. Claus' kitchen: weekends from November 14 to December 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Santa visits: Friday, November 27, plus weekends from November 21 to December 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no Santa on December 5

A visit with Santa and a candy cane come free with any tree purchase while supplies last. For more on Santa around Palo Alto, see our Santa photos guide.

Summit Tree Farm, Santa Cruz Mountains

Summit Tree Farm sits at 23868 Summit Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Los Gatos, with 80 acres of trees. The family has managed it for more than 30 years. In 2026 it opens early, on Saturday, November 21 at 8 a.m. Its regular price is simple: $90 for any tree of any size. It takes cash and Visa, American Express, Discover and Mastercard.

Douglas fir is the main tree, with white fir and Scotch pine as well. The farm supplies the saw and free twine for tying your tree down. A Cub Scout snack shack sells snacks and drinks. Picnics are encouraged. The drive from Palo Alto takes about 45 minutes via Interstate 280 and Highway 17. Summit Road is narrow and winding, so allow extra time and leave before dark. Pair the trip with lunch in town using our Los Gatos food guide.

Rancho Siempre Verde, on the coast

Rancho Siempre Verde, a family farm on the San Mateo coast near Pescadero, has hosted Christmas tree visitors for more than 55 years. In 2026 its Winter Festival runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., rain or shine:

• November 27, 28 and 29
• December 4, 5 and 6
• December 11, 12 and 13
• December 18, 19 and 20

The farm sells admission per car, in advance or at the gate, with four ticket types. It grows Douglas fir, Monterey pine, sequoia, incense cedar and Arizona and Leyland cypress. It also adds precut Noble and Nordmann firs from a family farm in Oregon. Activities include tractor rides, big tree swings, a giant tube slide, hammocks, marshmallow roasting and wreath making. The farm invites visitors to bring their dogs. It is about an hour from Palo Alto over Highway 84 through La Honda. Our Half Moon Bay day trip guide covers the coast nearby.

Lot or farm?

Each option suits a different kind of December weekend.

1. Short on time: the Sea Scout lot. Fifteen minutes from most of Palo Alto and open until 9 p.m.
2. Young children: Santa's Tree Farm, with Santa, a train and pre-cut trees in the barn if small legs give out.
3. Lowest fuss: Summit Tree Farm, with one flat price and a quiet mountain setting.
4. A full day out: Rancho Siempre Verde, with farm activities and the coast close by.

Tips for bringing a tree home

• Bring rope, an old blanket and gloves. The blanket protects your car roof and the gloves protect your hands from sap.
• Load the trunk end forward on the roof so wind does not peel back the branches.
• Make a fresh cut at home. Saw about half an inch off the base before putting the tree in water.
• Water daily. A fresh tree can drink a lot in its first days. Never let the stand run dry.
• Keep it away from heat. Place the tree away from heaters and fireplaces and turn the lights off at night.
• Check the forecast for the hills. Coastal and mountain farms can be muddy after rain. Wear boots.

After the holidays

For about four weeks after Christmas, GreenWaste of Palo Alto collects natural trees at the curb next to your green compost cart on your regular collection day. Remove every light, ornament, nail and stand first and cut the tree into sections no longer than 4 feet. Flocked trees are not accepted. Our tree recycling guide has the dates. Our composting guide covers wreaths and greenery. For the rest of the season, from tree lightings to Christmas Tree Lane, see our holiday season guide.

Frequently asked questions