Santa’s Tree Farm in Half Moon Bay offers a genuinely festive experience where you can bring your dog along while hunting for the perfect Christmas tree. The farm grows six different tree varieties, so you’ll have options to choose from as you walk the property with your dog on a leash. It’s a nice setup for a December outing—the grounds give dogs room to move around while you’re deciding between Douglas fir, Monterey pine, and whatever else they have in stock that year.

Beyond just cutting trees, there’s Santa’s Village activities area where families hang out between tree selection. You’ll find holiday crafts and seasonal treats available, which gives you a reason to spend a couple hours here rather than just grabbing a tree and leaving. The whole vibe is casual and low-key rather than overly commercial, which makes it easier to actually enjoy the experience with your dog instead of feeling rushed.

Half Moon Bay itself is worth the drive from the Bay Area if you’re planning a holiday weekend trip. The coastline around town has some pleasant walking spots, and there are a few dog-friendly restaurants if you want to grab lunch after you’re done at the farm. The drive out Highway 92 gets you there in about an hour from most of the Peninsula.

Since this is a seasonal operation, hours and availability change depending on how much inventory they have left and what week of December you’re visiting. Their website and phone number can give you specifics on when they’re open and whether they still have trees in your preferred size before you make the drive out.