OUR HISTORY
What began as a small family farm in 1972 has grown into a cherished holiday destination for generations.
OUR STORY
OUR STORY
Keeping a Beloved Tradition Alive
Christmas Ranch Tree Farm has been part of the community for over 50 years. When the opportunity arose to bring this cherished tradition back, our family knew how important it was to preserve what made the farm so special.
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We are working hard to restore and regrow our fields with the mentorship of Mr. Donald A. Cameron, the founder of Christmas Ranch Tree Farm in 1971, and with the tremendous support of our family. Together, we are committed to honoring the farm's legacy, reputation, and the values that have been passed down for generations. ​
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We invite you to visit the farm, enjoy the fresh air, sip some warm cocoa, grab some popcorn, and experience everything Christmas Ranch has to offer. Join us for holiday events, activities, and family traditions as we work to make your holiday season truly special.
Photo by Michael Montalvo/Acorn Newspapers
Read the full story: "A family affair: Thousand Oaks tree farm gets a fresh start
We are excited to welcome you back to the farm.
- The Zepeda Family
History
Christmas Ranch Tree Farms was found in 1971 by Don and Marilyn Cameron on two acresof land in Simi Valley, California.
In 1971, they expanded with a ten-acre parcel in Thousand Oaks, California, eventually growing the farm to its current size of 15 acres.
In 2016, after 45 years of serving the community, the Camerons passed the torch to longtime employee Jeffery Ruggieri. Jeffery became the new owner and led Christmas Ranch through a period of significant growth from 2016 until the farm's final winter season in 2023, when it ultimately closed.
Which leads us to where we are today...
Don & Marilyn Cameron
Founders of Christmas Ranch Tree Farm
Our Story
I used to walk by the Christmas tree farm every day on my way to school, always wondering what it was. My best friend in elementary school would tell me made-up haunted stories about the farm, so at first, it terrified me. As I got older and finally reached the age where I was allowed to work, I began looking everywhere for a job.
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One day, in the fall of 2016, as I was walking home from high school, I saw the gates to the farm open and a gentleman working in the distance, digging holes. I decided to walk in and see what this place was all about (I also wanted to see if the stories I had heard were true). This is where I met Jeffery (Jeff). ​​​
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I told him I was looking for a job, and coincidentally, it was his first year taking ownership of the farm. He had tons to do, and I started working at the farm the very next day. By the time Christmas came around, I was the only one who knew where everything was, so naturally, I was trusted with a managerial role.
Andy & Don
Original Sign, 1971
The farm was a
huge part of my young life.
From 2016 on, I was Jeff’s right-hand man and had the opportunity to witness and take part in many tough decisions, farm improvements, and amazing memories. I was hooked. I worked year-round at the farm for many summers and came back every Christmas until the farm’s final season in 2023.
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The farm was a huge part of my young life. It taught me the meaning of hard, hard work. I watched many of the trees I planted and nurtured from seed eventually get chosen by families to take home. Throughout the years, I’ve met some amazing returning customers, some of whom are now passing the tradition down to their own kids. I’ve also met some of my best friends and built great relationships with many of our regular customers.
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That being said, there was nobody more disappointed by the farm’s closure than me, except maybe Don. I spent all of 2024 trying to figure out a way to bring it back.
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As of May 2025, with the help and mentorship of Mr. Donald A. Cameron and a commitment to the original principles on which the farm was built, I am proud to announce the grand opening of Christmas Ranch Tree Farm under new ownership.​