The small farming town of Reedley is home to one of the Central Valley’s best-kept secrets – Hillcrest Tree Farm. With a fabulous fall pumpkin patch, a real-life Christmas tree farm and one of California’s only remaining steam trains, holidays are more fun at Hillcrest! 

What to do at Hillcrest Tree Farm

Pick the perfect Christmas tree!

Founded in 1960, Hillcrest Tree Farm is the Central Valley’s oldest Christmas tree farm. The farm features five acres of Monterey pines, one of the few “Christmas trees” that thrives in the Central Valley’s warmer climate. Guests are invited to hop aboard Hillcrest’s steam engine for a quick trip to the pines.

After selecting and cutting the perfect tree, the steam train transports you back to the station, where you can relish in your Griswald-inspired mastery of all things Christmas.  

If the idea of cutting down your own tree seems a bit labor-intensive, Hillcrest Christmas Tree Farm also offers a selection of precut trees. 

Pajama Christmas Nights

While the Tree Farm is open regularly throughout the holiday season, Pajama Nights is a special event that takes place only a few nights a year. Slip into your coziest Christmas jammies, then set off on a Polar Express-style moonlight train ride through the farm! After your train ride, kids will enjoy holiday hayrides, ornament-making stations and a petting zoo. End your evening with cookies and freshly pressed cider, or a cup of hot cocoa, by the fire pit. Pajama Nights at Hillcrest Tree Farm lasts for a few short hours, but the wholesome holiday memories will linger for a lifetime.  

Pajama Nights tickets tend to sell out in a flash. Keep an eye on Hillcrest’s Facebook page and purchase tickets asap. 

Fall Fun: pumpkin patch, corn maze and more!

In early October, Hillcrest Tree Farm opens its pumpkin patch + corn maze to the public, hosting countless field trips and over 10,000 school-aged children each year. With plenty of wide open space, kids are free to roam and explore. Rustic structures, ranging from barns to castles, and stationary tractors and antique cars are set up to encourage imaginative play, with pathways leading families from one area to the next. 

Blossom Trail season

Each spring, folks from all over the state visit Fresno County to take in the beauty of the Blossom Trail. For a few select weekends in March, Hillcrest Tree Farm joins the fun, offering steam train rides to eager explorers of all ages. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon at the farm after you’ve explored the Blossom Trail. 

Pro-tip: stop at Simonian Farms along the way to stock up on all the best seasonal snacks!

Easter egg hunts

Hillcrest Tree Farm’s annual Easter Egg hunt is a local tradition. Deck the kids out in their Easter Sunday best (baskets included) for a community Easter egg hunt, steam train rides and good, old-fashioned fun! 

Stay up-to-date!

Dates and details for Hillcrest Tree Farms events are subject to change annually. The best way to stay updated is to follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Visit Hillcrest Tree Farm

6943 S Reed Ave

Reedley, CA 93654

(559) 638-2762

Open seasonally. Call or check the website for updated hours. 

Make a day of it

While you’re in the area, check out a few of these nearby agritourism destinations!

Article and photography by Hilary Rance.