Where to buy Christmas tree and decorations near Berkeley
Could anyone advise on the best place to buy Christmas tree and Christmas decorations around Berkeley? (We've just moved to El Cerrito and will stay in the area only for a couple of years, so considering used/second-hand options for decorations as well).
Dec 13, 2016
Parent Replies
We like to get our Christmas tree and wreath from the Delancey Street Tree lot on University in Berkeley. There is another lot on San Pablo in El Cerrito which may be closer to you. The trees are reasonably priced, attractive and we like to support the Delancey Street organization (which is a residential support program helping to turn around the lives of former substance abusers, homeless and ex-offenders through education, work opportunities, counselling etc.).
A great place to find unique Christmas tree decorations is the East Bay Nursery on San Pablo in Berkeley.
We get our trees and wreaths from the Delancey Street lot -- there's one on University Ave near Acton in Berkeley, and one on San Pablo near Stockton in El Cerrito. They have high-quality trees and the money goes to support the foundation's work with people who have faced homelessness, addiction, and incarceration (and these people are staffing the lot and they are unfailingly cheerful and polite, so the whole experience leaves you with an extra holiday glow. Even in the rain.).
For tree lights: LED lights are more expensive up front but you'll make it up quickly in a far cheaper electricity bill. Ace Hardware on Milvia in Berkeley, or Pastime Hardware on San Pablo at Fairmount have good selections.
For second-hand decorations try Urban Ore at Ashby and 7th in Berkeley, or any local thrift store or thrift chain like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Thrift Town (google for nearby locations). Also try Craigslist, Freecycle (there are a number of local freecycle groups you can find by googling) and for that matter, the BPN marketplace itself.
The Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair runs on the next couple of weekends and you will find hand-crafted ornaments there. East Bay Nursery on San Pablo in Berkeley has a vast selection of tree ornaments, as does the merry-go-round in Tilden Park (where you can also visit Santa Claus).
Merry Christmas!