For anyone looking to buy a live Christmas tree, they might be overwhelmed by where to go, the type of tree to buy and the costs of the trees.

Most live Christmas trees come from Oregon, specifically noble firs, which Anthony Dal Bello of Anthony’s Christmas Trees said are the “cadillac of Christmas trees.” 

Anthony’s Christmas Trees has been a Christmas staple in Santa Barbara since 1954. The lot started at the corner of Milpas and Yanonali streets and after 50 years moved to the Earl Warren Showgrounds.

Dal Bello retired in 2018 but still pops in from time to time to say hello to longtime customers and help out where he can. 

“​​We are now serving a third and maybe fourth generation,” Dal Bello told Noozhawk. “It’s just great to see all these people come back.” 

Anthony’s sells noble fir trees for $54.35 to $288.25, Nordmann fir trees for $54.35 to $288.25, and Douglas fir trees for $65.24 to $206.50, with exact pricing depending on the height of the tree.

Dal Bello said he believes that the aroma of the live trees is why so many people prefer them over fake trees; it’s the same reason noble firs are the most popular — the strong scent signaling Christmas. 

Dal Bello said that not only do noble firs have the best smell, but they last longer than other trees, especially when kept in water. Nordmann trees last for a while, too, but don’t have as good of an aroma. Douglas firs do have an aroma at first but it doesn’t last as long, which is why many sellers get them later in the season, according to Dal Bello. 

While Anthony’s might be one of the largest lots that sell Christmas trees, there are plenty of places for residents to go find the right tree.

Lane Farms Christmas Tree Patch has noble fir trees, Nordmann fir trees and Douglas firs, all from Oregon. While picking out a tree, guests can visit the farm animals, explore a corn maze, and get poinsettias, wreaths and garland. Lane Farms will sell trees until Dec. 17. 

Big Wave Dave’s might have the largest variety of trees in the area. It offers Nordmann fir, natural silver tip, grand fir, Fraser fir, Douglas fir and noble fir. Big Wave Dave’s has locations in Moorpark, Ventura, Camarillo and Santa Barbara. 

Dave’s Douglas firs start at 4 to 5 feet for $45 and go to 8 to 9 feet for $125. Noble firs start at 1 to 2 feet for $25 and go up to 7 to 8 feet for $150. Fraser firs start at 4 to 5 feet for $60 and go up to 7 to 8 feet for $150. Nordmann fir and silver tip trees also start at 4 to 5 feet for $60 and go to 7 to 8 feet for $150. Premium and larger trees are priced individually.

Dave’s Christmas tree lot will be open until Dec. 23 at 3865 State St., at La Cumbre Plaza in the Macy’s parking lot. 

For those in Goleta, La Sumida Nursery has a wide selection of noble firs. Its smallest noble firs are 2 to 3 feet and are $29, while the largest are 14 to 15 feet for $799. It also has small rosemary trees for $32.95 and small pine trees for $49.95.

Boy Scout Troop 37 is holding its annual Christmas tree fundraiser through Dec. 16 in the parking lot of CVS, 5875 Calle Real in the Calle Real Shopping Center. The tree lot is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Click here for more information or to place an order.

For North County residents, Agin Family Christmas Trees has locations in Buellton and Santa Ynez. It sells noble, Douglas, Nordmann, grand and Fraser firs. It’s located at 3450 Baseline in Santa Ynez and 270 Industrial Way in Buellton.