A beloved Christmas tradition on the Saanich Peninsula is coming to an end, at least for this holiday season.
After 45 years of helping local families find the perfect Christmas tree, Saanichton Christmas Tree Farm has announced it will not open for the 2026 season as its owners retire.
The family-run farm, located at 8231 East Saanich Road, has been a popular holiday destination for generations of families, many of whom have made the annual trip to pick out a Christmas tree part of their festive celebrations.
In a heartfelt message shared on Facebook, the family thanked customers for their support over the years.
“After many wonderful years, we have made the decision to retire and will not be opening the farm this Christmas season,” the announcement reads.
“Thank you to all of our customers who have supported us over the years and made our farm part of their Christmas traditions.”
The family ended the message by thanking visitors for the memories and wishing everyone a merry Christmas and happy New Year.
For many Saanich Peninsula residents, a trip to the farm was about more than simply bringing home a Christmas tree.
Families could wander through rows of evergreens, search for the perfect tree and cut it down themselves.
The farm’s history dates back to 1981, when siblings Mike and Joan Fleming established the business, combining their backgrounds in forestry and agriculture.
Mike had been growing and selling Christmas trees since he was a teenager and established Woodstock Evergreens in 1968.
Together, the siblings transformed the East Saanich Road property into one of the region’s best-known Christmas tree farms.
Following Mike’s passing in 2018, Joan continued operating the farm and growing Christmas trees in his honour.
Over the decades, the farm became known for its selection of locally grown Christmas trees, including Douglas fir, grand fir and noble fir, along with handmade wreaths and other seasonal greenery.
The family also maintained strong connections to the community, supporting local agricultural organizations and the Central Saanich 4-H Club.
The farm has even supplied Christmas trees for display inside the BC Legislature in Victoria.
While the family’s announcement specifically confirms the farm will not open for the 2026 Christmas season, it does not say whether the property will reopen under new ownership or management in the future.
For now, the news marks the end of a longstanding holiday tradition for many families across Greater Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula.
💬 Join the conversation
1 person is talking about this
