History
Christmas Ranch Tree Farms was founded in 1971 by Don and Marilyn Cameron on two acres of land in Simi Valley. In 1972, they expanded with a ten-acre parcel in Thousand Oaks, growing the farm to the current size of 15 acres.
(Watch a interview with the founder below to learn more about his story).
​
In 2016, after 45 years of serving the community, the Cameron's passed the torch to longtime employee Jeffery Ruggieri. Jeffery became the new owner and led a strong growth of Christmas Ranch from 2016 to the farms final winter in 2023 before the closure of the farm... which leads us here today.​​​
15% Off All Items
Don & Marilyn Cameron
Our Story
" I used to walk by the Christmas tree farm everyday on my way to school always wondering what it was. My best friend in elementary school told me haunted made up stories about the farm so at first it terrified me. As I got older and was at the age I was finally allowed to work, I was looking everywhere for a job. ​​​
​
One day in the fall of 2016 I was walking home from high school and I saw the gates open at the farm and a gentleman working digging holes in the distance. I decided to walk in and see what this place was about ( I also wanted to see if the stories I heard were true) thats where I met Jeffery.
​
I told him I was looking for a job and coincidentally it was his first year taking ownership of the farm so he had tons to do and I started working at the farm the next day. By the time Christmas came I was the only one who knew where everything was, so naturally I was given the trust of a managerial role.
Since 2016 I was right hand man to Jeff and got to witness and partake 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 to work every Christmas from that point on until the farms final season in 2023.
The farm was a huge part of my young life. It taught me hard hard workI witnessed many of the trees I planted and nurtured from seed get chosen by families to take home. Throughout the years I've met some amazing returning customers, some who are even passing the tradition down to their kids. Ive met some of my best friends and created great relationships with some of my regular customers.
​
That being said there was nobody more disappointed in the farms closure than me... except maybe Don. I understand why it was done, however I spent all of 2024 trying to figure out a way to bring it back. As of May 2025 with the help, mentorship, and original principals of Mr. Donald A Cameron I am proud to announce the grand opening of Christmas Ranch Tree Farm under new ownership".​​​​​
- Andy Zepeda
15% Off All Items
Andy & Don
(Original Sign 1971)
Our Promise
Welcome to Christmas Ranch Tree Farm — your local, full-service Christmas farm dedicated to helping families create lasting holiday memories and tradition.
​
​​​​We understand that prior to the official closure of Christmas Ranch Tree Farms in 2024 Christmas Ranch had established roots set in the community for over 50 years. We felt and heard the communities disappointment loud and clear; persuading us to make an attempt to keep the precious tradition alive. Though under new ownership, we promise to keep up the farms reputation while improving the entire farm experience with the help and feedback of customers like you.
​
Please know, that although our fields have taken a hit during the full year of closure, we are working extremely hard to begin the farms regrowth with the mentorship and traditional values of the original founder of Christmas Ranch Tree Farms founded in 1971 Mr. Donald A Cameron as well as huge help from my family.
We invite you to visit our farm, enjoy the fresh air, some warm cocoa, popcorn, and more. Visit us for holiday events, activities, and lastly we promise to make your holiday seasons truly special.
Our
Vision
At our farm, we envision a vibrant connection with the community while nurturing the environment. We plan to offer engaging elementary school field trips focused on the life cycle of trees, where young minds can learn and grow. As well as a special community event where you can join us in the spring to plant your very own family Christmas tree that you can visit each year until you're ready to take it home. When the time is right we also plan to host events for holidays like Easter and Halloween. We proudly employ high school students to inspire the next generation. Together, we can cultivate love for nature and strengthen our community ties this holiday season. We very much encourage you to reach out and share any ideas for events that you think would be fun for the community.
