Guide to local Christmas tree farms

John Ferrando, left, and his sister Bobbi Hall, among the Christmas trees on the Moon Mountain Farm where they grew up. Moon Mountain is the only remaining tree farm in Sonoma Valley, operated for 35 years by the Ferrando family on land their family has owned since 1918. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

One of the more treasured of holiday customs passed down through the generations is the annual trek out to one of the local Christmas tree farms.   While the options for trees have expanded to include their fake counterparts, nothing quite envelops the holiday season like finding the perfect tree among a forest of choices, cutting it down on your own, and tying it to the roof of your car to bring that fresh pine scent indoors.

Here are some of the local farms where you can find your own perfect tree.  Note:  All farms sell pre-cut and cut your own trees, and many offer shaking, netting, and/or loading services.

Petaluma

Larsen Christmas Tree Farm – 391 Marshall Ave., Petaluma
Family-run for over 50 years.  On the weekends, local 4-H kids hold a bake sale.
Open Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Info: 762-6317

Little Hills Christmas Tree Farm – 961 Chapman Ln. Petaluma
A petting zoo and gift ship is a huge hit, and friendly, leashed dogs can receive dog treats. Free candy canes, popcorn, and apple cider.
Open weekdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., weekends 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Info: 763-4678 www.littlehillschristmastree.com

Liberty Christmas Tree Farm – 241 Liberty Rd., Petaluma
Free complimentary candy canes, apple cider, and greens/boughs.
Open Saturdays & Sundays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Info: 490-6011  www.libertychristmastreefarm.com

Penngrove

Sunshine Living Christmas Trees – 294 Palm Avenue, Penngrove
One of the only container tree farms in Sonoma County.
Open Monday – Thursday, noon – 5 p.m., Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Info: 664-9335

Sebastopol

Celesta Farms – 3447 Celesta Ct, Sebastopol
Find wreaths, garlands, and table-top trees, as well as free home bakes cookies, hot cocoa, apple cider, coffee, and candy canes.  Dogs on leashes welcome.
Open Friday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., weekdays by appointment
Info: 829-9352  www.celestafarms.com

Fisher Farm – 2870 Canfield Rd., Sebastopol
Bring home a flocked or natural tree, as well as wreaths and garlands.
Open Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to dusk
Info: 823-4817

Frosty Mountain Tree Farm – 3600 Mariola Road, Sebastopol
Mrs. Claus reads stories on the weekend, the gift shop sells festive trinkets, and coffee is hardcore (from Molly’s Hardcore Coffee).  There are also hayrides, farm animals, pony rides, and an area for picnics.
Open weekdays noon – 5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Info: 829-2351  www.frostymountaintreefarm.com

Garlock Tree Farm – 2275 Bloomfield Rd, Sebastopol
Horse drawn carriage rides, tractor pulled hayrides, a jumpie, petting zoo, and more.  Check out the gift shop, grab a free candy cane, and indulge in some of the delicious foods they sell in their café. Santa visits on the weekend.
Open Fridays noon – 5 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Info: 823-4307  www.garlocktreefarm.org

Grandma Buddy’s Christmas Trees – 8575 Graton Rd., Sebastopol
Visitors can enjoy free hot cocoa, candy canes, and clippings while they last.  For sale are Grandma’s chocolate mix, wreaths and garlands, centerpieces, and, on the weekend, homemade cookies.
Open daily 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. until Dec. 23
Info: 823-4547 www.grandmastrees.com

Reindeer Ridge Tree Farm – 3500 Mariola Road, Sebastopol
Santa visits on the weekend, and every tree bought comes with a bag of apples.  Families can also enjoy activities like hayrides and a petting zoo, and the gift shop has seasonal gifts for sale.
Open Weekdays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Info: 707-829-1569 or 707-823-4845  www.reindeerridge.com

Santa’s Trees – 11389 Barnett Valley Road, Sebastopol
Those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of a wooded 7-acre forest of trees above all else will love the simplicity of this no-frills farm, situated with views of Bodega and Freestone.
Open Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – dusk
Info: 707-823-6635  santastrees.biz

Twin Hills Ranch – 1689 Pleasant Hill Rd., Sebastopol
Featuring a CHristmas Crafts Fair, Gravenstein apple pies, haywagon rides, and more.
Open Daily 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Info:  707-823-2815, twinhillranch.com

Victorian Christmas Tree Ranch – 1220 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol
Along with free hot apple cider and homemade pumpkin bread by the fire, this farm participates in Trees for Troops Nov. 30-Dec. 2, a program that allows customers to sponsor a real tree that will be sent to troops both at home and abroad.
Open weekdays (except Tuesday) 3-7 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Info: 332-4605 www.victrees.com

Wallinfarm – 840 Ferguson Rd., Sebastopol
Find your perfect Douglas Fir, and then enjoy a cup of hot apple cider before going on your way.
Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Info: 823-6973