Where to Buy Your Christmas Tree

With Christmas less than three weeks away, Bay Area tree lots are bustling with families scouting for that perfect tree. Shopping for an artificial tree is easy; almost every major department or big box store has plenty of plastic or metal options in stock. But if you plan on enjoying that nostalgic Christmas tree scent all this month, you’re probably wondering which lot to hit up this year. Here are a few festive options for this Christmas’ tree hunting trip:

• Christmas Trees across from Century Theatres: With a giant inflatable Santa, the Christmas tree lot at the corner of Hungtington Avenue and Sneath Lane in San Bruno is hard to miss. The business offers trees starting at $19.99.

• Santa’s Tree Farm and Village: For those would-be frontierspeople who prefer to chop down their own trees, this sprawling farm in Half Moon Bay welcomes shoppers to pick their perfect pine and then break out the ax. More than a simple lot, this site is like a Christmas village, complete with a train and hot cider, plus weekend visits from Santa.

• Skyline Ranch Tree Farm: Hunt for your favorite pre-cut noble fir or pick up a freshly made wreath at this expansive site. Situated along Highway 35, Skyline Ranch also offers customers the option of cutting their own trees, with saws available on site. Be sure to come early – this lot closes at 4:30p.m. daily.

• Nativity School Christmas Tree Lot: Located in Menlo Park, this lot serves as a yearly fundraiser for the Nativity School, and is put together and run entirely by parent and staff volunteers. Choose from a variety of firs, wreaths and garlands. This lot is closed Mondays.

• Clancy’s Christmas Trees: If you want to stay closer to The City for your tree shopping excursion, check out Clancy’s Christmas Trees on 7th Avenue. A longstanding lot in San Francisco, Clancy’s offers a festive feel in a small space, and has parking on site. Flocking and delivery are available, and the lot stays open until 10p.m. daily.

• DeeJohn’s/Steve’s Christmas Trees: With lots in Burlingame, San Mateo and San Carlos, DeeJohn’s (some locations go by the name Steve’s) Christmas Trees offers a wide selection and delivery of trees. These lots offer Douglas, Noble and Grand Firs, as well as the rarer Silver Tips.

Zach Stahl contributed to this report.