There’s a special kind of magic in the forests of West Sonoma County this time of year—one that smells of fresh pine needles, crackling wood smoke, and hot chocolate warming cold hands. For many of us who grew up in Northern California, the holidays weren’t official until we bundled into the car, headed out to the country, and cut down our own Christmas tree from a real tree farm tucked deep in the redwoods.
I still remember it: the way we all took turns with the handsaw—my dad starting the cut, my siblings and I taking our wobbly turns, everyone laughing and shivering in the cold. Then that final pull of the blade, when the trunk gave way, the tree leaned, and fell softly onto the forest floor. In that instant, the whole world smelled like Christmas—the sharp, clean scent of fresh-cut Douglas fir filling the air, sticky sap on our gloves, cold breath in the morning light. That was the moment we knew the holiday season had truly begun. And then, without fail, we would head into the town of Occidental for a family-style Italian feast at Negri’s. That was our holiday ritual. And judging from the stories our guests at the Inn at Occidental share with us, we weren’t the only ones.
Today, that tradition lives on—and has only grown richer
Start (or revive) your own holiday tradition in West Sonoma County
Whether you grew up cutting your own Christmas tree or you’ve always wanted to give your kids (or grandkids!) that kind of unforgettable day, this is the place to do it. West Sonoma County still offers the rare magic of tree farms where you can wander into the forest and choose the tree that will fill your home with the scent of Christmas.
And now, there’s even more holiday wonder waiting.
NEW: “Christmas in the Redwoods” at Alliance Redwoods
Just minutes from the Inn at Occidental, Alliance Redwoods has created a brand-new holiday experience that blends twinkling lights, redwood majesty, and pure childlike awe.
For eleven magical nights in December, their cabins, cottages, and cathedral-tall redwoods are transformed into a glowing winter wonderland—a drive-through light show unlike anything else in Northern California.
More than a holiday display, it’s an immersion into the spirit of the season, surrounded by the natural beauty of Sonoma County.
December 19–21: Christmas at the Inn at Occidental
Santa. Bigfoot. Fire pits. Mulled wine. Christmas cookies. Music. Magic.
If you really want to make your tree-cutting trip unforgettable, plan your visit for December 19–21 and stay with us at the Inn. Here’s what’s waiting:
- Santa at the Inn each night to greet children
- Bigfoot makes his annual holiday appearance (yes, really—this is Occidental!)
- Our wine bar pouring local Sonoma wines and festive holiday drinks
- Live Christmas sing-along at the piano
- Courtyard fire pits with marshmallows for roasting
- Free hot chocolate and cookies for kids
- Seasonal restaurant specials at Local Table
- Just minutes from the Alliance Redwoods light show
It’s the kind of holiday weekend you don’t just experience—you remember.
Make it the year you bring the tradition back (or begin a new one)
So many of our guests tell us the same thing:
“I grew up cutting my own Christmas tree. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I came back and did it with my kids.”
That’s what we’re offering: not just an outing, but a memory that becomes part of your family’s story.
Local Christmas Tree Farms
Celesta Farms: Owned by Christmas-loving couple Steve and Carol Schwartz, this ranch, with views for days, often posts pictures of the cute dogs who visit on their website. Dogs are greeted with treats, and their humans enjoy housemade chocolate chip cookies. 3447 Celesta Ct., Sebastopol. 707-829-9352, celestafarms.com
Frosty Mountain Tree Farm: The farm’s picturesque red barn—a 50-year-old former apple-packing warehouse—is home to Santa’s Workshop, with a holiday boutique, popcorn, peppermint bark, and other treats. Mrs. Claus reads stories inside the barn, and there’s a new “train” ride through the fields, pulled by a vintage tractor. 3600 Mariola Rd., Sebastopol. 707-829-2351, frostymountaintreefarm.com
For a fun family activity outdoors, you can choose and cut your own Christmas tree at several farms in Sonoma County. (Kim Carroll)
Garlock Christmas Tree Farm: The Garlocks are tree farm royalty in these parts—the three kids of founders Bob and Sally Garlock now each run farms in the area. Son Keith and his wife Becky took over the original 1966 farm at this site, and Keith’s siblings’ farms, Reindeer Ridge and Frosty Mountain, are just over the ridge. 2275 Bloomfield Rd., Sebastopol. 707-823-4307, garlocktreefarm.com
Grandma Buddy’s: Think Grandma Buddy’s looks like something out of a Pottery Barn catalog? It is! The picturesque property, graced with a beautiful barn and a seasonal stream, is so pretty, it’s been a cover model. 8575 Graton Rd., Sebastopol. 707-823-4547, grandmastrees.com
Graton Fire Department Christmas Tree Farm: Proceeds from this farm, staffed by firefighters, benefit the all-volunteer department. Time your visit right, and you might meet Santa in a fire helmet. This site was formerly the Del Davis Tree Farm, memorialized in a 1995 song from the band Primus. 3750 Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol. 707-322-2091, gratonfire.com/christmas-tree-farm.html
Larsen’s Christmas Tree Farm: This old-school spot is especially welcoming for first-timers: they offer saws, carts, and even “lumberjacks” to help you select and cut your tree. The land, in the same family since 1918, has a pretty red barn and scenic grounds that make a great background for last-minute Christmas pictures. 391 Marshall Ave., Petaluma. 707-762-6317, petalumachristmastree.com
Reindeer Ridge Christmas Tree Farm: Right next door to Frosty Mountain, this spot is run by Paul and Debbie Garavaglia and their daughters. Reindeer Ridge is especially great for kids, with Christmas characters scattered around the farm and Santa visits every weekend. 3500 Mariola Rd., Sebastopol. 707-829-1569, reindeerridgetrees.com
Santa’s Trees: A quaint and natural Christmas tree farm located in the beautiful Freestone area that has been in operation since 1957. Choose and cut your own tree from White, Nobel, Douglas, and Fraser firs. Free cider, cookies, and boughs. 11389 Barnett Valley Rd, Sebastopol, (707) 303-6084, santastrees.biz/
Ready to plan your holiday getaway?
Choose your tree. Light up the night. Come home to the coziest inn in the redwoods.
Book your December stay today at the Inn at Occidental
Plan your visit around December 19–21 for our full Christmas celebration
Match it with a drive-through night at Christmas in the Redwoods
West Sonoma County is waiting. Your tree is waiting. And maybe… your new family tradition is waiting, too.