Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at Apple Hill’s Best Farms
Regardless if snow is in the forecast for Apple Hill, the mountain turns into a winter wonderland each year after Thanksgiving. Tree farms bustle with firs and spruce and families come bearing tarps and tie-downs to bring home their own Christmas tree. There are many open tree farms in Apple Hill, but we have a few favorites.
Carson Ridge Evergreens Christmas Tree Farm (Opens Late November)
Carson Ridge has operated its 9-acre farm for over 55 years! Take your time walking the grounds to find the perfect tree. Yell for a "cutter" when you're ready to select one and a helpful staff member will cut the tree down for you or teach you how to do it yourself. This location welcomes leashed dogs, so even Fido can get in on the holiday fun! Pack a picnic and a thermos of cocoa to make it a perfect afternoon.
Hacienda Orchards (Opens Day After Thanksgiving)
Hacienda Orchards opened its doors in 1998 and offers rolling hills bursting with foliage and wildlife like turkeys, deer, and rabbits. You'll find an abundance of Noble firs, Douglas firs, Scotch pines, and Silver Tips ready for harvest. Staff will help you cut your tree if you want, and all equipment is provided if you want to do it yourself. Leashed pets are allowed on the grounds and restrooms are available onsite.
Madrone Tree Hill (Opens Early December)
Madrone Tree Hill has been family owned and operated since the 1960s. They are home to the tallest Christmas trees in Apple Hill. The 40 acre farm has many winding trails that are open to the public (fun fact: each Halloween season, they turn their trails into the Haunted Forest). You can also book a romantic cabin overnight stay or special event space at this farm, a perfect setting for you and your sweetheart.
Treats to Complement Your Apple Hill Christmas Tree Crawl
No Apple Hill trip is complete without indulging in a few sweet treats. Nestled around the tree farms, you’ll find ranches and orchards filled with seasonal charm like holiday craft fairs, petting zoos, and Santa visits. Although many produce ranches close in the fall, some are still open in December. Don't forget to check the Apple Hill Growers Association website to see what's open before you go.
Boa Vista Orchards
Famous for their fruit pastries, hard cider flights, caramel apples, and baked pies, Boa Vista Orchards is open 363 days a year, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. This farm has produced delicious treats for over 100 years! Stop in for some hot apple cider and a baked good (or a few) as you enjoy your day on the mountain. Don't forget to stock up on jams, pickled veggies, and apple butter!
High Hill Ranch
High Hill Ranch is the biggest ranch in the area, offering piping hot donuts, caramel apples, craft vendors, a pie shop, pony rides, and homemade fudge. Leashed pups are welcome and you can enjoy a restaurant right on site that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. High Hill Ranch is open most of the year until they close on Christmas eve.
Jack Russell Farm Brewery
If you're in the mood for craft ales and lagers, fresh-pressed hard ciders, mead, or artisanal small-batch roasted coffees, Jack Russell Farm Brewery is the perfect pit stop. This family-friendly brewery offers a large beer garden, a grassy picnic area, and a rustic wine patio. You'll probably find live music, food trucks, and fun events happening at the brewery during your trip. Jack Russell Farm Brewery is open year-round.
Holiday Wine Tasting in Apple Hill
Apple Hill is more than just apple orchards and tree farms— it’s wine country, too. Once you’ve found your tree, treat yourself to a little relaxation at one of the region’s beautiful vineyards. Here are a few we recommend.
Boeger Winery
Perhaps one of the most well-known vineyards in the Apple Hill region, Boeger Winery is a historic gem. Walk-in tastings in the standing room can accommodate parties of 10 or fewer, or you can make a reservation for a sit-down tasting in the cellar. Boeger is known to host special events throughout the late fall and winter season. Boeger is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, and closes early on both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Lava Cap Winery
Known for its unique volcanic soils weathered from ancient ash flows, Lava Cap Winery produces wines that are intensely aromatic and luscious with deep, rich fruit erupting with flavor. No reservations are required for tastings on the redwood deck overlooking their vineyard, but if you have a group of 8 or more you should call ahead. Charcuterie and cheeses are available for purchase and guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic supplies if desired. Lava Cap is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Starfield Vineyards
Fine wine, nature trails, and gorgeous mountain views await you at Starfield Vineyards. This vineyard offers a diverse selection of Rhone varietals, Italian varietals, Sparkling Wines, Cabernets, Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs that are sourced from their Sierra Highlands Estate and Coastal vineyards. Tasting reservations are encouraged. Starfield is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Rancho Cordova Hotels Make it Easy to Stay Near Apple Hill
After a full day of exploring Apple Hill Christmas tree farms, wine tasting, and orchard hopping, you’ll want a comfortable place to unwind. That’s where Rancho Cordova comes in.
Just 40 minutes down Highway 50 from Apple Hill, Rancho Cordova hotels give you the perfect balance of convenience, affordability, and relaxation. You'll find affordable hotels compared to more expensive mountain lodging, enjoy a peaceful rest away from holiday crowds, and find easy freeway access to other Northern California hot spots.
