Los Gatos · California
Patchen California Christmas Tree & Pumpkin Farm
A family farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Los Gatos, family owned since the late 1960s, with two choose-and-cut tree farms, Rancho on Old Summit Road and Old Town on Old Santa Cruz Highway, saws, baling and car tie-down provided, trees up to 25 feet, handmade wreaths, a vintage red truck for photos, wine tasting and delivery.
At a glance
Your tree visit.
- Tree choices
- Cut your own
- Choose-and-cut tree in the field
- Field prices not published
Choose-and-cut field prices are not published; confirm at the farm. Trees ordered through the farm’s online shop run $105–$400 by type and size, a separate purchase.
Prices & conditions ↓ - Visit times
Opens Saturday, November 21. Rancho: Tuesday–Friday 1pm–5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am–5pm, closed Monday, open Black Friday. Old Town: Saturday and Sunday 9am–5pm and Black Friday, otherwise closed Monday–Friday.
Full schedule ↓
Find your tree
Choose your Christmas tree.
Patchen’s two mountain farms grow trees for choose-and-cut: mostly Monterey pine, Douglas fir, Sierra and coast redwoods and two cypress varieties, with some white fir. A California red fir, called a Silvertip, is sometimes available in a few trees from Northern California. The farm advertises eight varieties and sizes up to 25 feet. Tall trees of 10 to 20 feet are available for homes and commercial buildings, and the farm asks you to contact it about anything over 20 feet.
You walk the rows until you find the tree you want, then cut it on the colored spot, leaving at least five or six branches on the stump. The farm provides the saw, baling and car tie-down, and its staff will help find, cut, carry and load a tree. It does not allow chainsaws. The farm discourages tagging a tree, because a tag makes it more attractive to other shoppers, but it will hold a tree you have cut, fresh and safe in the barn, until you return.
Published varieties
- Monterey pine
- Douglas fir
- Sierra redwood
- Coast redwood
- Monterey cypress
- Leyland cypress
- Incense cedar
- Deodar
- White fir
Which variety suits your decorations?
General tree guidance; the farm’s selection, sizes and services are described above.
- Concolor fir
- Longer, silver-blue needles with a citrus scent when crushed.
- Douglas fir
- Soft needles and more flexible branches, suited to lighter ornaments.
Learn more: University of Wisconsin Extension ↗ · National Christmas Tree Association ↗
Compare the options
Trees & prices.
The farm encourages cash and also accepts credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and checks. Online shop prices exclude tax and delivery.
| Selection & size | Price |
|---|---|
| Choose-and-cut tree in the field | Not published Confirm at the farm. Some prices are discounted $5 on weekdays, and the farm says it pays the sales tax for anyone paying cash. |
| Saw, baling and car tie-down | Provided The farm provides the saw, baling and tie-down; staff will help find, cut and carry a tree. No chainsaws. |
| Online shop tree, under 7 feet | $105–$135 By type; online order for farm pickup or delivery, not a field price. Tax and delivery are extra. |
| Online shop tree, 7 to 20 feet | $160–$400 By height, $20 more for each additional foot; same price for every type. Tax and delivery are extra. |
| Handmade wreath | $45–$95 By design; made from fresh Christmas trees and cannot be returned. |
| Cedar garland, 15 feet | $65 Sold at the farms’ gift shops. |
| Photo pass for professional photography | $45 Bought online before the visit; per shoot or family. |
| Toys for Tots discount | $5 off For a new unwrapped toy, on all purchases. |
Choose-and-cut at the farms
Both farms sell choose-and-cut trees from the same set of types, and the farm’s website, phone number and price system are shared. You do not need to book to cut a tree. The Rancho farm, at 17430 Old Summit Road, is the longer-hours tree farm, with a weekday afternoon shift, tall trees, Santa photo opportunities and the red truck from November 17. The Old Town farm is described in its own section below.
The farm grows its trees on wood-chip ground cover. Some stumps regrow, and the farm says a few have produced as many as seven trees. A typical 7-foot tree is six to ten years old. Helpers carry trees down the hill, so expect mountain terrain.
Field prices and savings
The farm does not publish a choose-and-cut price list, so confirm the price at the farm. It says some prices are discounted $5 on weekdays, without saying which, and that it pays the sales tax for anyone paying cash. It accepts competitors’ coupons up to $5 or 10 percent, and gives $5 off all purchases for a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
Preseason cutting appointments are available before opening day; use the contact form on the farm’s website to schedule.
Online tree shop: a separate purchase
The farm’s online shop sells trees from 6 to 20 feet by type and size, for farm pickup or delivery. The farm’s team hand-picks and cuts a tree fresh for you. These prices are for an online order, not the price of cutting your own in the field, and they exclude tax and delivery.
The types and prices below are the shop’s own. Tall and commercial trees, 10 to 20 feet and taller, are handled by professional delivery.
| Tree size | Coast or Sierra redwood | Douglas fir, Monterey pine, Monterey cypress, incense cedar, Leyland cypress | Deodar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 7 feet | $105 | $115 | $135 |
| 7 to 8 feet | $160 | $160 | $160 |
| 8 to 9 feet | $180 | $180 | $180 |
| 9 to 10 feet | $200 | $200 | $200 |
| 10 to 11 feet | $220 | $220 | $220 |
| 11 to 12 feet | $240 | $240 | $240 |
| 12 to 13 feet | $260 | $260 | $260 |
| 13 to 14 feet | $280 | $280 | $280 |
| 14 to 15 feet | $300 | $300 | $300 |
| 15 to 16 feet | $320 | $320 | $320 |
| 16 to 17 feet | $340 | $340 | $340 |
| 17 to 18 feet | $360 | $360 | $360 |
| 18 to 19 feet | $380 | $380 | $380 |
| 19 to 20 feet | $400 | $400 | $400 |
Delivery and recycling pickup
The farm delivers to most Bay Area locations, and can pick up and recycle your tree after the season at the same price as the initial delivery, arranged afterward. A Tree Fresh pack is included in local delivery. Delivery days and dates are not stated. The farm’s page says trees over 16 feet need Bobtail delivery, while its table lists the Low-Boy for 16 to 20 feet; confirm which applies to a very tall tree.
Zones: 1 Los Gatos and Scotts Valley; 2 Santa Cruz and Santa Clara; 3 Sunnyvale and Watsonville; 4 Fremont and San Carlos; 5 Hayward and San Mateo; 6 San Francisco and Oakland; 7 the North Bay and south Marin County.
| Zone | Standard (up to 12 feet) | Bobtail (12 to 16 feet) | Low-Boy (16 to 20 feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $125 | $270 | $345 |
| 2 | $175 | $355 | $440 |
| 3 | $220 | $440 | $540 |
| 4 | $275 | $525 | $640 |
| 5 | $320 | $610 | $735 |
| 6 | $440 | $755 | $910 |
| 7 | $565 | $905 | $1,140 |
The Rancho farm: tall trees, Santa and the red truck
The Rancho farm, at 17430 Old Summit Road, is open Tuesday through Friday 1pm to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm, closed Mondays, and opens Saturday, November 21. It is open on Black Friday, November 27. Its page promises tall trees, handmade wreaths and decorations, festive music, warm beverages, wine and cider tasting, a gift shop, and a chance to meet Santa and take pictures with Betty, the red 1955 Chevy truck, which moves here from the Old Town farm on November 17.
The Rancho page asks you to check the calendar for Santa days and times. The calendar lists only one dated Santa visit, at the Old Town farm on November 21, and the farm’s FAQ says Santa frequently stops by on weekends. No Santa price is stated, and December dates are not published.
The Old Town farm
The Old Town farm, at 22217 Old Santa Cruz Highway, Los Gatos, CA 95033, also opens for the tree season on Saturday, November 21. It is open Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm and Black Friday, and closed Monday through Friday. Visitors stroll through rows of evergreens in a rustic setting with scenic views, and the farm adds handmade wreaths, garlands and seasonal decor, hot cider, a gift shop, wine and cider tasting, and the history of Old Town Patchen. Gates shut 15 minutes before closing.
A Visit with Santa is on the calendar for Saturday, November 21, 1pm to 3pm, at the Old Town farm; the farm describes it as a chance for tree customers to visit with Santa during their visit. Photo Days run here from November 6 to November 17, 9am to 6pm, with full access to the farm and the vintage 1955 Chevy dressed for Christmas. The farm’s autumn pumpkin patch is held at this farm and has ended for the season.
| Detail | Rancho farm | Old Town farm |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 17430 Old Summit Road, Los Gatos, CA 95033 | 22217 Old Santa Cruz Highway, Los Gatos, CA 95033 |
| Tree season opens | Saturday, November 21 | Saturday, November 21 |
| Hours | Monday closed; Tuesday–Friday 1pm–5pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am–5pm; open Black Friday | Monday–Friday closed; Saturday and Sunday 9am–5pm; open Black Friday |
| Choose-and-cut trees | Yes | Yes |
| Santa | Santa photo opportunities with Betty; check the calendar | Visit with Santa, Saturday, November 21, 1pm–3pm |
| Red truck Betty | From November 17 for the tree season | Photo Days, November 6–17 |
Wreaths, greenery, stands and gift cards
Both gift shops sell handmade wreaths made from fresh Christmas trees, which cannot be returned, along with cedar garland, evergreen boughs cut fresh daily at about 18 to 24 inches, mistletoe and holly, tree stands and Tree Fresh packs. No price is posted for mistletoe and holly, which are available at each farm. Gift cards from $25 to $250 in $25 steps can be mailed free or picked up at either gift shop.
| Item | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Noel Petite wreath | $45 | Handmade; no returns |
| Center Piece wreath | $55 | Handmade; no returns |
| Patchen Old Town Front Door wreath | $75 | Handmade; no returns |
| Lavender wreath | $85 | Handmade; no returns |
| Patchen Old Town Wide Front Door wreath | $95 | Handmade; no returns |
| Magnolia wreath | $95 | Handmade; no returns |
| Cedar garland | $65 | 15 feet |
| Evergreen boughs | $2 single, $5 for 3, $15 for 10 | Cut fresh daily, about 18 to 24 inches |
| Cinco tree stand | $35 for 8 to 16 inches, $45 for 10 to 20 inches | By trunk diameter |
| Big-foot tree stand | $80 for 10 to 26 inches, $135 for 12 to 30 inches, $275 for 15 to 36 inches, $525 for 20 to 48 inches | By trunk diameter |
| Tree Fresh No-Mess Pack | $7 | Bio-bag with hydrating crystal gel made at Patchen |
Wine tasting
The farm says every Christmas tree purchase includes a complimentary tasting ticket for the winery, with wine sampling every afternoon of the tree season. Its wine-tasting page names Burrell School Vineyard and Winery, a short drive away, while its locations page describes complimentary wine and cider tasting at the farms themselves. Ask at the farm where the tasting ticket is honored.
Betty the red truck and professional photography
Betty is the farm’s vintage red 1955 Chevy pickup. She is at the Old Town farm for Photo Days from November 6 to 17, and at the Rancho farm from November 17 for the tree season.
Professional photography requires a $45 Photo Pass per shoot or family, bought online before the visit, with an email or website message at least a week ahead. Shoots are allowed year-round except Saturdays, Sundays and Black Friday during tree season, from opening day until Christmas Day. The farm’s page says photography is welcome only on weekdays once the tree season opens; the farm lists no weekday hours at Old Town, and Rancho is open Tuesday through Friday afternoons, so send a website message with your date and farm. Parking is reserved for customers on busy weekends.
Payment, dogs and other notes
The farm encourages cash and also accepts credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and checks. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Parking, restrooms, rain policy and accessibility are not published; the farms are on mountain slopes, so wear sturdy shoes.
For more than 20 years the farm has hosted an annual holiday outing for more than 200 second graders and donates trees to community groups; it is a drop-off point for Toys for Tots. Its website also links to outside businesses: Redwood Ceramics, pottery sold through a separate online shop, and two independent holiday lighting installers. These are third-party services with no prices listed, and not part of a tree visit.
Pick your day
Dates & hours.
Tree season: Opens Saturday, November 21, at both the Rancho and Old Town farms
Both farms open for the tree season on Saturday, November 21, and both are open on Black Friday, November 27. Gates shut 15 minutes before closing. The farm says you do not need to call before coming and to ignore hours shown on third-party listings. The calendar shows only November events, so December Santa dates are not published.
| Christmas season | Hours |
|---|---|
| Photo Days at the Old Town farm, November 6 through November 17 | 9am–6pm; full access to the farm and the vintage 1955 Chevy; the red truck then moves to the Rancho farm on November 17 |
| Opening day, Saturday, November 21, both farms | 9am–5pm |
| Visit with Santa, Saturday, November 21, Old Town farm | 1pm–3pm; described as a chance for tree customers to visit with Santa during their visit |
| Rancho farm, regular tree season | Tuesday–Friday 1pm–5pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am–5pm; closed Monday; open Black Friday, November 27 |
| Old Town farm, regular tree season | Saturday and Sunday 9am–5pm; closed Monday through Friday; open Black Friday, November 27 |
Gates shut 15 minutes before closing. The farm’s calendar lists only the November events above; later Santa dates are not published. Preseason tree-cutting appointments before opening day are available by website message.
Before you go.
- Choose-and-cut field prices are not published; confirm at the farm. Online shop prices are a separate, pickup-or-delivery order.
- Both farms open Saturday, November 21, and are open on Black Friday. The Rancho farm adds Tuesday–Friday afternoons; the Old Town farm is open weekends and Black Friday only.
- The farm’s calendar lists only one Santa date, at the Old Town farm on November 21.
- Dogs are welcome on a leash. No chainsaws.
- Preseason appointments, photo shoots and lost items are handled by website message through the farm’s contact page.
17430 Old Summit Road, Los Gatos, CA 95033
Keep exploring
Other farms to compare.
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McBurney Tree FarmIndividually tagged choose-and-cut trees near Grass Valley, cut it yourself or let staff cut it, open daily November 20 to December 24, with campfire weekends and a Winter Solstice Walk.
Placerville, California
McGee Christmas Tree FarmAn Apple Hill choose-and-cut farm with one price for any tree: $145 cash or $150 by card, packaging and tax included. Open Thanksgiving weekend, 8am to dusk.
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Indian Rock Tree FarmAn Apple Hill choose-and-cut and fresh-cut farm open Thursday to Monday from about November 27, with saws and staff help provided, a gift shop, and entry tickets needed November 27 to 29.