Local Christmas tree farms abound

If you are looking for a locally grown Christmas tree, you are in luck. There are several Christmas tree farms across Santa Clara County to choose from. Below is a selection of local Christmas tree farms for you and your family to enjoy. Hand saws are provided at each farm, all you need to do is show up.
How to choose the perfect Christmas tree
Selecting the perfect tree depends on what you are looking for and you can count on friendly staff at these Christmas tree farms to help you make your selection. According to mckenzietreefarm.com, if you like a strong fragrance to fill up your house you might like a Grand Fir. If you cover your tree with ornaments you should consider a White Fir due to its strong branches and sparse appearance. Of course many people prefer the Douglas Fir and consider it to be the traditional Christmas tree. Happy hunting!
Battaglia Ranch Christmas Tree Farm
13580 Murphy Avenue, San Martin
www.battagliaranch.com
In their own words: “Battaglia Ranch has been in the Christmas tree business for over 40 years. Today, Battaglia Ranch consists of a Choose and Cut Christmas tree farm in San Martin and a wholesale Christmas tree farm in Salem, Oregon. Look for the huge 35 foot tall Santa Claus that greets the motorists on the west side of the freeway very near the San Martin Avenue Exit as you travel on 101 between the cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy. We have several attractions for an afternoon of fun for the whole family.”
Varieties to choose from: Monterey Pine, Leyland Cypress, Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire, Cedar, Noble Fir, Grand Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Nordmann Fir
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm through December 17; 9:00 am to 5:00 pm December 18-23
Other attractions: Wreaths and garland available, Rudolph’s Magical Sleigh Ride, train rides, Santa Claus on weekends, it snows every half hour, gift shop with crafts, coffee, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider
Other notes: If you visit, say hi to owners Paul and Shirley Battaglia.
McKenzie Ranch
19970 Skyline Blvd, Los Gatos
www.mckenzietreefarm.com
In their words: “We are a low-key farm, that embraces a casual atmosphere, where you can get away from all the hussle and bussle. So pack up the kiddies and coolers, leash up the dog, and call all your friends. Come enjoy the great outdoors with our scenic pond and great holiday tunes. Cozy up to our crackling campfire and don’t forget the marshmallows. We have plenty of picnic area for all to enjoy.”
Varieties to choose from: Douglas Fir, White Fir, Grand Fir
Hours: Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Thursday; 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday through Sunday.
Other attractions: large picnic area with benches, duck pond, free candy canes on weekends, firewood available for purchase
Other notes: Cash or personal checks only. If you visit, say hi to owner George McKenzie.
Paradise Christmas Tree Farm
15220 Yvonne Drive, Morgan Hill
www.paradisechristmastreefarm.webs.com
In their own words: “Paradise Christmas Tree Farm is located in scenic Paradise Valley on the outskirts of Morgan Hill. This is a choose and cut farm where you select and cut the freshest perfect tree for your Holiday enjoyment. We currently have a large selection of big trees well over ten feet tall. Because of this large inventory of big trees, we are offering, for the first time, a big tree special. For Monterey Pine and Incense Cedar the height above ten feet will be free.”
Varieties to choose from: Douglas Fir, Monterey Pine, Incense Cedar, Coast Redwood
Hours: Open 9:00 am until dark; closed Mondays.
Other attractions: free candy canes, hot and cold drinks, antique and collectible room, lathe turned wood bowls, plates, cookie jars, dry flower vases, and tree ornaments made on site
Other notes: Cash or personal checks only. If you visit, say hi to owner Don Bianucci.
Patchen California Christmas Tree Farms
17430 Old Summit Road, Los Gatos
www.patchencalifornia.com
In their own words: “Aside from the family fun of an outing in the clear, cool air of the Santa Cruz Mountains, there are more direct benefits to cutting your own Christmas tree. A tree purchased from a lot in the city was probably cut weeks ago. By the time you get it home, the pungent pine forest aroma is long gone and the needles will likely fall off before Christmas Day. Each tree is carefully hand cultured twice a year.”
Varieties to choose from: Monterey Pine, Western White Pine, Coast Redwood, Sierra Redwood, Douglas Fir, Incense Cedar, Monterey Cypress, Noble Fir, Silvertip Fir, and more
Hours: Open daily 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Other attractions: Wreaths made fresh daily, pine cones and decorations, free boughs for home decorating, free candy canes and hot mulled cider. Directly across the road is California Historical Marker #448 commemorating the town of Patchen.
Other notes: Accept cash, checks, credit cards. If you visit, say hi to owner Jim Beck.
All year long you can find local farms using the Country Crossroads farm trails map website http://www.countrycrossroadsmap.com from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.