The 2022 guide to buying a Christmas tree in San Diego is here—whether you’re looking for a pre-cut tree or a U-cut Christmas tree—it’s all inside
Christmas tree farms have that magic ability to instantly ignite memory-making opportunities and put a smile on your kiddos’ face. Most lots and farms offer real Christmas trees for sale the day after Thanksgiving and is considered the unofficial kick-off to holiday celebrations before visiting San Diego holiday lights, taking a photo with Santa, and of course, attending all those must-see nearby holiday events. These family-owned, U-cut Christmas tree farms know how to make the journey of tree-picking merry and bright. From full-service Christmas tree farms near San Diego to our favorite San Diego Christmas tree lots—here’s where to pick the perfect pine (or fir!) near San Diego.
Where to Buy Christmas Trees Near Me
1. Family Christmas Tree Farm
This ten-acre, family-owned farm in El Cajon offers native California Monterey Pine trees and also provide the saw for cutting and the twine to secure the tree to your car. In addition to the U-cut Christmas tree experience, there’s an abundance of pre-cut tree varieties (Douglas, Grand, Noble & Nordmann Fir) as well as potted trees (including Rosemary) and wreaths to choose from. Shaking is free, and for a small fee, netting and stands are available as well. Don't forget to pick up your mistletoe and cinnamon brooms here too!
300 Pepper Dr.
El Cajon
Online: familychristmastreefarm.com
2. Sand Haven Pines Christmas Tree Farm
The drive to Sand Haven Pines Christmas Tree Farm in Perris is worth the time and effort. Here you can cut down your pick of a beautiful Monterey Pine tree, the kids get a free candy cane and you'll get a free cup of coffee. If you need a hand, the staff will also cut and carry your tree, shake it clean, net it for transport, drill a hold in it for the tree stand, install the tree stand, flock your tree if desired, and even tie it to your car for the trip home. A variety of potted Christmas trees are also available—so you can plant it in your yard after the holidays and enjoy it forever. Don't forget to print out the discount coupon found on their website.
Christmas Tree Farm Opens: Nov. 19
19255 Wood Rd.
Perris
Online: sandhavenpines.com
3. Highland Valley Christmas Tree Farm
Tree cutting and wine? Yes, please! Check out this Ramona farm where there's also a whimsical winery on-site—the Principe di Tricase Winery where you can taste wine by the glass or the bottle. They have Monterey Pine and Leyland Cypress varieties with sizes ranging from 3 to over 12 foot tall trees, and once you've picked your perfect pine or fir, you can cut it down yourself or, they’ll come cut it for you. In addition to cutting your tree, they offer shaking, drilling and netting for free. There's also a petting zoo, small train ride, children's workshops, hot cider, mulled wine, coffee and hot cocoa bombs, and live music on the weekends.
18425 Highland Valley Rd.
Ramona
Online: pineandwine.com
4. Pine Tree Acres
Another Ramona-based Christmas tree farm, this spot has been doling out Christmas trees for the past ten years. In addition to Grand, Doublas, Nobels, and Frazier firs that are trucked down from Oregon, you can cut your own Monterey Pine Christmas tree on the farm. They provide handsaws but you can also call in an expert to help or cut it down for you. If you like the idea of a potted Christmas tree (you can plant it after the holidays if you'd like), they have Monterey, Aleppo and Deodar Cedar varieties. Netting is available for $2.
Christmas Tree Farm Opens: Nov. 25
620 Haverford Rd.
Ramona
Online: pinetreeacresramon.wixsite.com
The Best Christmas Tree Lots in San Diego
5. Mr. Jingle's Christmas Trees
Mr. Jingle's Christmas Trees is a pop-up tree lot as opposed to a farm, but if you're not up for chopping down your tree this year, this is a great place to pick out a fresh Christmas tree closer to home. With three locations in San Diego: Clairemont/Pacific Beach, Balboa Park, and La Jolla, there are plenty of options to pick up your Christmas tree nearby. Mr. Jingle's offers Douglas, Nordmann, and Noble firs in a wide variety of sizes (from 2-to-17-feet), as well as wreaths, garland and decorating accessories. They also offer online ordering and tree delivery or pick-up.
Locations: Clairemont/Pacific Beach, Balboa Park, and La Jolla
Online: mrjingleschristmastrees.com
6. Pinery Christmas Trees
Another pop-up Christmas tree lot, Pinery Christmas Tree lots are conveniently located all over San Diego in Bonita, Del Mar Horsepark, Rancho Bernardo, Murrieta, and Mission Valley. This year they're offering the options to shop on location or to opt for home delivery. Here you'll find fresh cut Nordmann, Noble, Grand and Douglas fir varieties. Make sure to print their $5 off coupon from their website.
Locations: Bonita, Del Mar Horsepark, Rancho Bernardo, Murrieta, and Mission Valley
Online: pinerychristmastrees.com
Tips For a Successful U-Cut Christmas Tree Experience
If you usually get your tree from a lot but are ready to head out into the field, we’ve got a few tips for you:
1. Leave the compact car at home and instead bring the family truck or SUV to accommodate your freshly chopped tree. Bring a tarp, old sheet or blanket to put in the trunk to catch the needles and sap. You can also put the sheet to use on the roof of your car if you are going to tie it down.
2. Most farms have some rope or twine but it never hurts to bring your own to make sure you can tie it down securely before you head home. Even if it costs extra, spring for the wrapping on-site if the farm offers this service.
3. Bring snacks and water. Cutting down your own tree is some serious sweaty business, so be sure to eat and stay hydrated (for both kids and adults).
4. The farms usually provide a small hand saw for your use. If you have a better tool at home, bring it.
5. Charge those phones and cameras because you’re going to want to capture this family tradition.
Good to Know: The annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program begins the day after Christmas, Dec. 26, through Jan. 23, and features 17 drop-off locations available to San Diego city residents. Save our handy guide for your Christmas tree pick up schedule, where to drop off and how you can even recycle those Christmas lights.
