A lot has to happen between now and Christmas, but one tradition Sacramento-area families tend to get right is the tree. The choose-and-cut farms within an hour of downtown open the day after Thanksgiving, and the best ones book up fast on early-December weekends. If you’re planning to go, here are three farms worth the drive, with verified addresses and what to expect when you get there.
Davis Ranch — Sloughhouse (About 30 Minutes East of Sacramento)
Davis Ranch in Sloughhouse is the closest option to Sacramento proper, and it runs one of the more transparent pricing setups around: choose-and-cut trees are a flat $47.99 plus tax, regardless of height. That number comes straight from the farm’s own website and is one of the few prices in this category that’s straightforward to plan around.
The varieties available for cutting include Douglas fir, incense cedar, and Monterey pine. The farm’s site also shows photos of Nordmann fir, deodar cedar, and coastal grand fir. Pre-cut trees may be available, but the farm recommends calling ahead to check stock before making the trip specifically for one.
Davis Ranch is a working produce farm, so the visit can double as a stop for fresh mandarins or other seasonal produce if the timing lines up. The farm doesn’t post specific hours for its Christmas tree season on the main page, so call before you go: 916-682-2658. The address is 13211 Jackson Road, Sloughhouse, CA 95683, and the farm is about 30 minutes east of downtown Sacramento on Jackson Road.
Snowy Peaks Tree Farm — Foresthill (About 50 Minutes Northeast)
Snowy Peaks sits at elevation on 55 acres above Foresthill, and it’s the kind of place that turns a tree errand into a half-day outing. The farm typically opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs through around December 22, though hours have varied between daily and Friday-through-Monday in recent seasons. Calling ahead is the safest move: 530-367-3766.
The farm is known for its silvertip fir trees, which are harder to find at valley lots. White fir, Douglas-fir, and cedar are also available for cutting, and pre-cut Noble and Nordmann firs are typically on hand as well. There are wreaths and garland on-site. Past seasons have included wagon rides, though that’s worth confirming when you call.
The address is 30100 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA 95631. From Sacramento, take I-80 east to the Foresthill Road exit in Auburn, then head about 21 miles toward Foresthill and continue another 6 miles. Dress in layers — it’s noticeably colder at this elevation than in the valley, and mornings especially can run below 40 degrees in late November and December.
Guthrie Tree Farm — Foresthill (About 50 Minutes Northeast)
Guthrie Tree Farm sits a few miles from Snowy Peaks, making it a reasonable second stop if you’re already driving up to Foresthill. The farm is known for fresh-cut trees and handmade wreaths, with custom wreath parties available for groups. The address is 29093 Ridge View Road, Foresthill, CA, and the phone is 530-367-3189.
Listed hours are daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a season that typically runs from the day after Thanksgiving through December 24. One important note: the farm closes during rain or snow. Check the weather and call ahead if there’s any chance of precipitation in the foothills that day. Whether the farm offers choose-and-cut as well as pre-cut trees isn’t confirmed on their listings, so ask when you call.
Practical Tips for Any Tree Farm Visit
- Most farms open the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on November 28, 2026. The first weekend tends to draw the largest crowds — if you can go on a Tuesday or Wednesday in early December, you’ll have more room to roam.
- The saw is usually provided. Most choose-and-cut farms supply the cutting tool at no extra charge. Bring rope, twine, or ratchet straps to secure the tree to your roof rack for the drive home.
- Call ahead the morning of your visit. Hours and availability shift week to week, and foggy or rainy mornings can change what’s open. A two-minute phone call saves a 45-minute drive for nothing.
- Dress for the foothills, not Sacramento. The Foresthill farms sit at roughly 2,500 feet. In late November, that means 15 to 20 degrees colder than the valley floor. Bring a jacket and wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy or wet.
The Details
- Davis Ranch: 13211 Jackson Road, Sloughhouse, CA 95683 | 916-682-2658 | flat-fee $47.99 per tree
- Snowy Peaks Tree Farm: 30100 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA 95631 | 530-367-3766 | season typically late November through Dec 22
- Guthrie Tree Farm: 29093 Ridge View Road, Foresthill, CA | 530-367-3189 | closed during rain or snow | season typically late November through Dec 24
- All farms: call ahead to confirm current hours, tree availability, and any weather closures before making the drive
Bottom Line
Davis Ranch is the easiest lift — flat price, 30 minutes from Sacramento, and worth calling by mid-November to confirm when the season kicks off. For something more of an outing, the Foresthill farms give you elevation, cooler air, and a wider variety of tree species than you’ll find at most valley lots. Either way, the window runs from late November through mid-December at most farms, and the second weekend of December tends to be when the best silvertips and Noble firs go fast.
For more seasonal day trips, see the Apple Hill guide for El Dorado County orchards, the Tahoe ski resort cheat sheet for the coming snow season, and the Sacramento holiday markets guide for in-city holiday shopping.
