Santa's tree Farm and Village, Half Moon Bay

Since 1972, the farmers at Santa's Tree Farm and Village have grown one crop: evergreen trees. Today, they cultivate six species—douglas fir, grand fir, white fir, noble fir, redwood, and monterey pine—on 22 rolling fields spread across 487 acres. They equip visitors with saws, sending them out to cut their own Christmas trees. The farm's operators also cultivate holiday cheer—a gift shop stocks handmade wreaths, tree stands, and other decorations ranging from mistletoe to garlands and twinkling baubles. In a central square, performers organize weekend activities such as puppet shows and visits from Santa Claus. A trackless train ferries visitors around the farm as they savor complimentary hot apple cider.