By Alicia Doyle
Sunday Signal Writer
Local farms are transforming the chilly holiday season into hands-on adventures, welcoming families to pick their own Christmas trees, harvest winter vegetables, and get up-close with barnyard animals. These festive “You Pick” experiences offer something magical for every age — plus a healthy dash of fresh air, local flavor, and simple seasonal fun.
Frosty’s Forest Christmas Tree Farm
Nestled in Valencia, Frosty’s Forest Christmas Tree Farm is a rare Southern California tradition for families who want to cut their own Christmas tree. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the holiday season, the farm invites visitors to stroll rows of evergreens and choose the perfect festive centerpiece.
Alongside classic cut-your-own options, the farm offers living, containerized trees — Blue Spruce, Monterey Pine, Deodar Cedar, and Eldarica Pine — perfect for planting after the holidays.
Families are greeted by cheerful Christmas music, whimsical giant inflatables, and sparkling decorations scattered across the farm. Hot chocolate warms chilly hands on crisp nights, and candy canes add a sweet touch. Friendly staff are ready to help load up purchases, and leashed pets are welcome to join in the festive fun.
For those looking to round out their holiday décor, Frosty’s has fresh wreaths, mistletoe, tree stands, classic ornaments, and even bundles of firewood for cozy winter nights — all available on site.
Frosty’s Forest Christmas Tree Farm is located at Green Landscape Nursery, 25235 Orchard Village Road. For more information, call (661) 259-6450; or visit bit.ly/4pLWoB2.
Gilchrist Farm
Fresh-cut Christmas trees will be available for purchase at Gilchrist Farm in Santa Clarita from November 29 through December 23. Hours are 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. Each tree purchase includes a visit with the farm’s festive animals.
Additionally, Gilchrist Farm transform into a winter wonderland for its annual Holidays at the Farm celebration, running the first three full weekends of December 6–7, 13–14, and 20–21.
This free family-friendly festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday, offering free admission and parking. Guests can enjoy a variety of seasonal attractions and activities throughout the grounds.
Each festival day kicks off with a holiday parade at 10 a.m., featuring festive pony carts, a real fire truck, beautifully restored classic tractors, and, of course, Santa himself. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., children can visit Santa for photos and share their Christmas wishes.
A special parade weekend is planned for December 13 and 14, when the Gilchrist Farm Equestrian Program takes center stage. The farm’s horseback riding students will ride and lead the Gilchrist horses and ponies, dressed in cheerful holiday costumes. Visitors will also be treated to a live riding demonstration by the Gilchrist Farm Demo Team.
Festivalgoers can stop by the Letter Writing Station to craft their own letters to Santa, then head over to cheer on the farm’s famous “Jingle Pigs” during the festive pig races, held at noon and 3 p.m. each day.
Live music adds to the atmosphere, with performances by the Orchard Bluegrass Band and other local acts. Shoppers can explore the Artisan Marketplace, offering an array of handmade and unique holiday gifts from local vendors. The marketplace features trendy crafts, artworks, jewelry, holiday décor, apparel, soaps, candles, and more.
Gilchrist Farm is located at 30116 Bouquet Canyon Road. For more information, call (661) 645-2517 or visit bit.ly/3MgJDjp.
Christmas on the Farm at Underwood Family Farms
The holiday spirit rolls into Moorpark as Underwood Family Farms transforms into a winter wonderland for its annual “Christmas on the Farm,” running through Wednesday, December 24. The farm opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing early at noon on Christmas Eve and remaining closed on Christmas Day.
This family-favorite attraction blends country charm with holiday magic, offering tractor-drawn wagon rides through the scenic grounds, visits with barnyard animals, and festive activities for every age. Guests can stop by the Holiday Store, climb the hay pyramids, explore the play area with tunnels and a wooden firetruck, or enjoy a spin on the wooden train and school bus.
Visitors are encouraged to bring strollers and wagons, though pull wagons and wheelbarrows are also available on site. Admission includes entry to the Animal Center, Farmer Craig’s Chicken Show, and the Pick-Your-Own fields — for those still craving a bit of harvest fun amid the yuletide cheer. Children can write letters to Santa right at the farm and drop them in a special holiday mailbox.
Weekend highlights include live animal shows and a chance to meet real reindeer on December 13, 14, 20, and 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Santa will make appearances on weekends through December 21, greeting families from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa visits are included with admission — so don’t forget your camera for a picture-perfect holiday memory.
Admission prices vary: $16 per person on weekends or $12 per person on weekdays. You may want to buy weekend tickets in advance online. Whether you come for the animals, the wagon rides, or the Christmas cheer, Underwood Family Farms promises a joyful start to the season in true country fashion.
Underwood Family Farms is located at 3370 Sunset Valley Road in Moorpark. For more information, call (805) 529-3690 or visit bit.ly/3MmBOsq.
