For those waiting for excellent news this holiday season, Christmas tree prices in Northern California are expected to stay near last yr's levels, based on the California Christmas Tree Association.
No gloom could dampen the vacation spirit of the Cruickshank family, who had the chance to experience the sweet, citrusy scent of Douglas firs after they arrived at Santa's Tree Farm and Village in Half Moon Bay on Wednesday.
Located along leafy State Route 92, the 487-acre Christmas tree farm owned and operated by Dan and Natalie Sare has been a staple in the neighborhood for half a century. For the Cruickshank family, who traveled from Martinez, each the worth and the chance to support a neighborhood business were key aspects in deciding where to buy their tree this yr.
“It's nice because you can choose a giant tree, a medium-sized tree or whatever suits your family, all for a good price,” said Krista Cruickshank, an everyday customer who arrived before the Black Friday rush .
The trees at Santa's Tree Farm and Village are grown right on the farm and value $96 no matter size. In times of rising costs attributable to inflation, this price consistency is a vital factor for the family.
“Christmas trees are getting crazy expensive, but we're willing to drive here so we can choose any size we want for the same price. It’s really nice,” said Cruickshank, who works in technology marketing.
Christmas tree growers within the region should not expecting any significant price increases this yr. Depending on the dimensions, farm, tree species and extra services, prices can range from $65 to $200 or more from other farms and sellers.
For Dan and Natalie Sare, who’re celebrating 50 years of selling Christmas trees, being a select farm gives them the chance to attenuate price increases.
“We try not to raise them too much,” Natalie Sare said of their prices. “We typically don’t raise them for several years.”
In its suggestion for 2024, the writes The National Christmas Tree Association encouraged shoppers to begin early to make sure the very best selection.
“Due to their popularity, some Christmas tree farms in parts of the United States are selling out quickly,” the association said. “Shopping early in the season, right after Thanksgiving, is a good idea no matter where you plan to shop, as it gives you the widest selection.”
Although supplies could also be tight nationally, the association assured consumers that there will likely be enough real, farm-grown trees for anyone who wants one.
“Since 2016, the supply of real trees has been limited, but every year buyers have been able to find a tree,” the association said.
According to the association, about 25% of Americans purchased their Christmas trees from select farms last yr. Others purchased their trees from chain stores (21%), nurseries (16%), retail locations (15%), nonprofit organizations resembling Boy Scouts or churches (13%), online retailers (6%), or other sources (4%).
Mark Scheberies, owner of Alhambra Christmas Tree Farm in Martinez and president of the California Christmas Tree Association, said prices in Northern California will remain relatively stable this yr and provide is well positioned to satisfy market demand.
“I think it’s going to be really similar to last year,” Scheberies said. “There may be some markets with slight increases, but I don't expect any significant increases. The farms have been planting like crazy for the last seven or eight years and now the trees are ready. In fact, the market is as healthy as ever, with a good balance between supply and demand and no major shortages.”
In addition to the favored Douglas firs, the Sares also grow cedar, redwood and Monterey pines on their farm in Half Moon Bay.
They also offer greater than just trees.
The Sares' goal is to offer families with a whole holiday experience, with visits from Santa Claus on select days, train rides, a present shop and a puppet show created by their son Michael.
Linda Stucky, a property manager from Belmont, visited the farm along with her niece Lexy Denis and brother-in-law Paul Bradicich. They selected a big Douglas fir for the family and a smaller one for his or her mother's room.
“It was a lot of fun. There were definitely a lot of options,” Denis said. “All the trees were beautiful and it was cool to see so many different species. It was fun to cut one down.”
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Bradicich said he's most looking forward to using 60-year-old antique Christmas ornaments from after they spent Christmas in Lake Tahoe.
Denis said she was looking forward to decorating the tree while listening to Christmas music. For Stucky, the vacations are about “being together and having peace together.”
Scheberies said the favored tradition of picking a Christmas tree offers families a probability to “reconnect” and put the challenges of the past yr behind them.
“A lot of people take their family photos and do things like that throughout the year,” he said. “It’s a feel-good tradition — a way to start the holidays, spend time together and forget about everything else.”
Sare said her company has weathered economic challenges lately because holiday traditions tackle even greater importance in times of crisis.
“The purchase happens once a year, so people feel really good about buying a Christmas tree,” Sare said. “It’s a special tradition and they enjoy it. A lot of people have told me they’re willing to spend the money because they only do it once a year.”
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