Reindeer Ridge

"Wonderful for families!"

We were delighted to discover Reindeer Ridge Christmas Tree Farm today because it's one of the best farms for kids we've been to.  The atmosphere of of this family run farm is so friendly and happy.  There were families weaving excitedly through the tree.

The first thing our boys wanted to do was to jump on board for a free tractor hayride.  It was wonderful way to survey the farm to see which section of the farm we wanted to start our search at.  The views of the lush rolling hills at Reindeer Ridge are gorgeous.  

This farm isn't big (a plus for those with little ones), but the quality of the trees are superb.  I loved that between the trees were rows of green grass.  We arrived right after some light showers and it wasn't muddy at all. Within 5-10 minutes, we had found our perfect tree.  The Christmas Trees here at Reindeer Ridge were healthy, well trimmed, fragrant, had hard any bald spots.   Although I am biased against farms that don't offer one price for any tree (we're always looking for a tall tree), I was pleasantly surprised to find trees that fit our tight budget.  While there were 10ft Douglas Firs for $70, there were also 10ft Cypresses for $45.  I loved that each tree was tagged with it's price, so that it just made "shopping" for our tree quick and easy.  They also had pre-cut Oregon grown Noble Firs.

The staff were eager to help.  When they saw us cutting the thick trunk of a Cypress, they came along offering to cut it with their chain saw.  We chose to do it the hard way...but it was nice to know that we could bale at any time and get some help.  The saws were easy to use and sharp!  Our 3 and 6 year old boys had a great time loading the tree on the hand cart and wheeling it over to the netting station.  Netting is just $1.50!

In the barn, everything you could possibly need for your tree was available for sale - tree stands, biodegradable tree disposal bags, mistletoe, ornaments and more.  The snack bar has free coffee.  Drinks like hot cocoa, apple cider, soda and bottle water along with cookies, apples fritters and other goodies were available for sale.  The prices were reasonable.  My favorite was the freshly grilled hot dogs and bratwursts.  So, pick up lunch here or bring your own and picnic on one of their many picnic tables.

Reindeer Ridge is just 4 miles from Hwy 101 along scenic country roads.  It took us about 1 hour from San Francisco.  There are several wineries nearby, so if you're up for making a day of it, you might want to squeeze in some wine tasting.  A local family who we met at the farm recommended stopping at Twin Hills to pick up some apple bread and other sweet apple treats.