Where to Find Your Christmas Tree

There are just a few days left before the big day, so the hunt is on for families in need of a Christmas tree. We have some ideas for you.

There are all sorts of options in Novato and way more if you're up for leaving town. The cut-your-own places are all to the north, and some large retail stores and nurseries in town have trees stacked in front of their front doors. But there are three seasonal lots within the city limits and one just over the southern border that are great options for you.

ROTARY CLUB TREE LOT

If you're determined to support a good cause, consider the Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise's annual tree lot at the St. Vincent's property in Marinwood, a mile south of Novato off Highway 101. It is set up to support local, regional and worldwide benefit programs as nonprofits such as the St. Vincent School for Boys and local Boy Scout of America units. Proceeds also end up contributing to the purchase of smoke detectors for mobile homes, dictionaries for third-graders, the fishing program at Scottsdale Pond and disaster relief efforts around the world. Trees generally run $35-$85, and there are wreaths and garlands for sale as well. You can order and pay for a tree online at novatosunriserotary.org. If you bring a camera, a Rotarian volunteering his time will take a family photo for you. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends, 3-6 p.m. weekdays.

IAN’S TREES

Ian's Trees operates the "No Tree Over $50" seasonal lot on Redwood Boulevard just north of Trader Joe's, Pharmaca and Starbucks. Ian's, based in San Anselmo, has sold Christmas trees for 33 years, including 21 at a Mill Valley location and about 16 in Novato (it used to be where the Trader Joe's parking lot is now). Most of the trees are noble firs from Oregon with a few Douglas and grand firs mixed in. the trees, up to 9 feet, move quickly off this lot because of the prices, and new shipments come in weekly. Workers will put the tree on your vehicle roof and tie it down for you. This is pretty much a no-frills tree lot designed for the “get a deal and scram” crowd. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until Dec. 21. Phone: 847-3762.

COUSINS’ CHRISTMAS TREES

(CLOSED FOR THE SEASON! SOLD OUT!)

Two cousins who live off McClay Road in Novato, Deann DaSilva and PeeBee van den Toorn, decided to open their seasonal lot on a piece of property owned by their family at 7416 Redwood Blvd., right next to . DaSilva and van den Troon say they are emphasizing the family experience at their lot, which will have trees supplied by the Novato/Petaluma-based Pronzini family. The Cousins’ lot will have music, crafts, a petting zoo and photos with Santa and the Grinch (with proceeds going to School Fuel, the nonprofit that supports Novato public schools). Garland, wreaths, mistletoe and other items will be on sale. In addition, the cousins recruited their neighbor , who operated a tree lot on McClay Road for more than 30 years last year. Frank, somewhat of a celebrity in Novato, plans to volunteer his time at the lot and sell jars of Gretta’s famous jams. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Dec. 24. Phone: 250-6117.

DON’S CHRISTMAS TREES

Don's is a seasonal lot at 399 Entrada Drive near Inn Marin and the Dollar Tree store in Ignacio — or shall we say the future home of In-N-Out Burger. Tom Dawson of Napa is marking his 30th year operating this lot leased from California Bay Nurseries. Trees, mostly firs, are mostly in the $50-$85 range. There isn’t much for kids here, but you can find some seasonal items such as wreaths and garland. Phone: 382-1231.

Are we missing any seasonal lots? Let us know.

For a list that includes cut-your-own experiences in the North Bay, check out this list complied by the Marin Mommies website.