While fake Christmas trees are becoming more and more popular, there is nothing quite like the magic of getting a real tree from the Christmas tree farm and enjoying the smell of fresh pine all season long. Whether you’re looking to buy a fresh pre-cut tree, experience the joy of cutting down your own, or rent a real tree for the season, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best Christmas tree farms in OC.
Where to Purchase a Pre-Cut Christmas Tree in Orange County
Pre-cut tree lots are great for families who want the fun of perusing through and finding the perfect tree quickly and conveniently. Many of these lots also have additional fun and festive activities for the whole family to enjoy!
1. Tanaka Farms Christmas Tree Lot & Holiday Market
- Location: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine
Despite being a real and functional farm, Tanaka Farms doesn’t actually grow their own trees. Instead, it is a trusted source for pre-cut Christmas trees shipped fresh from Oregon. Starting November 29, Tanaka Farms opens their Christmas Tree Lot & Holiday Market where you can choose between Noble Fir, Douglas Fir, Nordmann Fir, and Silvertip Fir and peruse through festive holiday decor for sale.
Want to make it an even more magical experience? Come during the evening and also enjoy their annual Hikari Festival of Lights!
2. Santa’s Garden Christmas Trees at the Fire & Lights Festival
- Location: Newport Dunes Resort, 1131 Back Bay Dr, Newport Beach
Santa’s Garden offers an extensive selection of pre-cut trees, from petite sizes to towering options. Like Tanaka Farms, their trees come delivered fresh from Oregon, but they offer a selection of Noble Fir, Nordman Fir, Grand Fir, and Douglas Fir varieties. They also provide custom flocking and glitter finishes, along with wreaths and holiday decorations, for a fully customized holiday look.
While you’re there, you can also enjoy free entry to the annual Fire & Lights Festival with holiday craft booths, festive drinks and concessions, photos with Santa and more! If you arrive on opening night (November 29), you can also witness the Lighting of the Bay when Santa will “flip the switch” and bring the bay aglow!
3. Mr. Jingles Christmas Trees
- Location: 480 N State College Blvd, Brea
Mr. Jingle’s is a second-generation family business offering a wide selection of fresh pre-cut Christmas trees, including six different types ranging from 2 to 20 feet tall (the widest selection on this list!), including Noble Fir, Nordmann Fir, Grand Fir, Douglas Fir, Silver Tip, and Fraser Fir.
Beyond trees, they provide fresh garlands, wreaths (8 to 60 inches), lights, ornaments, and other holiday goodies to make ensure you can successfully set up and decorate your tree as soon as you get home! Customers can shop in person or order online for delivery and installation services.
Where to Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree in Orange County
If you’re looking for the more traditional Christmas Tree farm experience, Orange County has a few farms that not only let you choose and cut down your tree but are also beautiful enough to make for a picturesque photo opportunity with the family (please note, however, that professional photo sessions are not allowed at either location).
1. Peltzer Pines Christmas Tree Farm
- Location: 7851 Black Star Canyon Rd, Silverado
Peltzer Pines is the ONLY place in Orange County where you can personally cut down your own Christmas tree! This family-run farm is owned by a 3rd-generation OC farmer (though you’re likely to also meet his 5th generation family members around the farm too) and has been a cherished part of Orange County’s holiday traditions since 1963.
This farm offers both fresh Monterey Pines and Leyland Cypress Trees. Please note, their second Brea location permanently closed in 2022 due to non-renewal of the land lease. The Silverado location continues to operate, offering the same quality and experience that families have come to love!
2. Richfield Pines Christmas Tree Farm
- Location: 5392 Richfield Rd, Yorba Linda
Richfield Pines is a 10-acre family-owned farm specializes in fragrant Monterey Pines and is perfect for families looking for an authentic Christmas tree farm experience. However, unlike Peltzer Pines, they ask that you do not cut down your tree yourself—instead, once you’ve found your tree, you’ll take your tree’s tag to the cashier and a member of their team will cut down your tree for you.
Some trees reach up to 20 feet tall, and children can enjoy complimentary candy canes while parents select the perfect tree. Because the farm is so vast, they recommend bringing hiking boots or other appropriate footwear.
3. Farmakis Farms
- Location: 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
Farmakis Farms offers a unique experience where you can select homegrown California Monterey Pine or Leyland Cypress trees that are still in the ground; however, like Richfield Farms, the staff will cut your chosen tree for you (you will not be allowed to cut it yourself). They also provide fresh Noble, Nordmann, Douglas, Silvertip, Grand, and Fraser Fir trees sourced from Oregon, should you like to choose a pre-cut tree instead!
Additionally, Farmakis Farms hosts a Certified Farmers Market every Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, featuring top-quality produce, fresh fish, artisan breads, small-batch foods, and a variety of handmade crafts and goods. This makes it an ideal destination to support local businesses and enjoy a farm-fresh experience during the holiday season!
Where to Rent a Real Christmas Tree in Orange County
A growingly popular option for those seeking a real Christmas tree is renting one! This option tends to be a more sustainable choice as the trees get repotted into larger containers after the season ends, so they can be reused and reloved year after year. Here is the top option from whom to rent Christmas trees in Orange County.
1. The Living Christmas Company
The Living Christmas Company rents out live, locally grown trees that can be returned after the holidays. Choose from a variety of sizes and species, including Monterey Pine, Aleppo Pine, White Spruce, and Blue Spruce. They will conveniently deliver and pick up your tree at your home or business.
Where is your favorite spot to get your Christmas tree in OC? Let us know in the comments!
