For those looking for some good news this holiday season, Christmas tree prices in Northern California are expected to stay close to last year’s levels, according to the California Christmas Tree Association.
No gloom could dampen the holiday spirit of the Cruickshank family, who had the chance to experience the sweet, citrusy scent of Douglas firs as they arrived at Santa’s Tree Farm and Village in Half Moon Bay on Wednesday.
Owner of Santa’s Tree Farm and Village in Half Moon Bay, Calif., Natalie Sare checks on this year’s crop, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. The family business is celebrating their 50th year of selling trees. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Cradled by the verdant State Route 92, the 487-acre choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm, owned and operated by Dan and Natalie Sare, has been a staple of the community for half a century. For the Cruickshank family, who traveled from Martinez, both price and the opportunity to support a locally owned business were key in choosing where to buy their tree this year.
“It’s nice because you can pick a giant tree, a medium-sized tree or whatever fits your family — all for a good price,” said Krista Cruickshank, a regular customer who arrived ahead of the Black Friday rush.
The trees at Santa’s Tree Farm and Village are grown directly on the farm and priced at $96, regardless of size. In an era of rising costs due to inflation, this consistency in pricing is a major factor for the family.
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“Christmas trees are getting crazy expensive, but we’re willing to make the drive out here so we can pick whatever size we want for the same price. It’s really nice,” said Cruickshank, who works in tech marketing.
Christmas tree growers in the region say they do not expect significant price increases this year. Depending on the size, farm, tree type and additional services, prices at other farms and sellers can range from as low as $65 to as high as $200 or more.
For Dan and Natalie Sare, who are celebrating their 50th year of selling Christmas trees, being a choose-and-cut farm gives them the room to minimize price hikes.
“We try not to raise them too much,” said Natalie Sare of their prices. “We typically don’t raise them for several years.”
In its 2024 advisory, the National Christmas Tree Association encouraged shoppers to start early to secure the best selection.
“Due to their popularity, some choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms in parts of the U.S. sell out quickly,” the association said. “Shopping early in the season, right after Thanksgiving, is a good idea no matter where you plan to buy, as it gives you the widest range of options.”
While supplies may be tight nationally, the association assured consumers that there will be enough real, farm-grown trees for everyone who wants one.
“Since 2016, the supply of real trees has been limited, but each year shoppers have been able to find a tree,” the association said.
According to the association, about 25% of Americans bought their Christmas trees from choose-and-cut farms last year. Others purchased their trees from chain stores (21%), nurseries (16%), retail lots (15%), nonprofit organizations such as the Boy Scouts or churches (13%), online retailers (6%), or other sources (4%).
Mark Scheberies, owner of Alhambra Christmas Tree Farm in Martinez and president of the California Christmas Tree Association, said prices in Northern California will remain relatively stable this year, with supply well-positioned to meet market demand.
Alhambra Christmas Tree Farm owner Mark Scheberies looks over trees growing on his property on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Martinez, Calif. The farm sells both pre cut and cut your own Christmas trees. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group)
“I think it’s really just going to be very similar to last year,” Scheberies said. “There may be some markets with slight increases, but I’m not expecting any significant hikes. Farms have been planting like crazy over the last seven or eight years, and those trees are now ready. The market is actually as healthy as it’s been, with a good balance between supply and demand and no major shortages.”
In addition to the popular Douglas firs, the Sares also grow cedar, redwood and Monterey pine trees at their Half Moon Bay farm.
They also offer more than just trees.
The Sares aim to give families a full holiday experience, featuring Santa visits on select days, train rides, a gift shop and a puppet show created by their son, Michael.
Linda Stucky, an apartment manager from Belmont, visited the farm with her niece Lexy Denis and brother-in-law Paul Bradicich. They selected a large Douglas fir for the family and a smaller one for her mother’s room.
“It was very fun. There were definitely a lot of options,” said Denis. “All the trees were beautiful, and it was cool to see so many different types. It was fun to chop one down.”
Bradicich said he’s most looking forward to using 60-year-old antique Christmas ornaments from when they used to spend Christmas in Lake Tahoe.
Denis said she’s excited to decorate the tree while listening to Christmas music. For Stucky, the holidays are about “being together and having peace together.”
Scheberies said the popular tradition of going out to pick a Christmas tree offers families a chance to “reconnect” and leave behind the challenges of the past year.
“A lot of people take their family photos for the year and do things like that,” he said. “It’s a feel-good tradition — a way to kick off the holiday season, spend time together and forget about everything else.”
Sare said her business has weathered economic challenges in recent years because holiday traditions take on even greater meaning in times of crisis.
“It’s a once-a-year purchase, so people feel really good about buying a Christmas tree,” Sare said. “It’s a special tradition, and it makes them happy. Many people have told me they’re willing to spend the money because it’s something they only do once a year.”
Visitors look over trees for sale at the Alhambra Christmas Tree Farm on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Martinez, Calif. The farm sells both pre cut and cut your own Christmas trees. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group)