Family Fun Guide: Christmas Event at the Tree Farm with Wagon Rides and Santa’s Playland

There’s something about December that makes everyone want to get outside and soak up the holiday spirit. A Christmas event at your local tree farm might be exactly what your family needs this year. Forget the crowded malls and artificial trees—we’re talking real pine needles, fresh air, and actual memories worth keeping.

Last weekend, we took the kids to our nearby farm for their annual Christmas event, and honestly? Best decision we made all month. The smell of fresh-cut trees hit us the second we pulled into the parking lot. Kids were already bouncing with excitement before we even got out of the car.

What’s the Big Deal About the Christmas Event?

Look, I get it. You can buy a tree anywhere these days. But a proper Christmas event at a tree farm? That’s different. You’re walking through acres of evergreens with your family, hot cocoa in hand, music playing somewhere in the distance. The kids run ahead, pointing at trees way too big for your living room, and you’re just… happy.

Most farms now set up these cozy, heated barns where you can take a break. They’ve got food, they’ve got handmade stuff to buy, and they’ve usually got someone selling wreaths that smell absolutely incredible. Throw in some twinkling lights and a bonfire for marshmallows, and you’ve got yourself a real afternoon out.

Getting Your Tree (The Fun Way)

Here’s how it usually works at a Christmas event. You wander around looking at different trees—Fraser Firs if you want something classic, Norway Spruces if you like them full and bushy. The farm folks know their stuff. They’ll tell you which trees smell the best, which ones drop fewer needles, and whether that massive one you’re eyeing will actually fit through your front door.

Some places hand you a saw and let you cut your own tree. Fair warning: it’s harder than it looks, and you’ll probably need help dragging it back. But the kids absolutely love it, and you’ll have a story to tell. Plus, the photos are priceless—especially when Dad’s sawing away while Mom’s giving “helpful” directions.

Those Wagon Rides Everyone Talks About

Daytime vs Evening Rides

Now we’re getting to the good stuff. The wagon rides at any decent Christmas event are worth the trip alone. You pile onto hay bales with a bunch of other families, everyone gets bundled under blankets, and off you go through the farm.

During the day, it’s nice and peaceful. You see the trees, maybe some farm animals, and the kids point at everything. But evening rides? Man, that’s when the magic happens. They string up thousands of lights everywhere—under arches, around trees, along the paths. Some farms even do these elaborate displays with reindeer scenes and snowmen.

The Light Show Experience

We went on an evening ride last year, and my five-year-old kept saying, “It’s like we’re at the North Pole!” She wasn’t wrong. The whole Christmas event just feels different when you’re rolling through all those lights with your people.

Santa’s Setup (Way Better Than the Mall)

Meeting Santa Without the Stress

Every Christmas event worth visiting has Santa somewhere on the property. But here’s the thing—it’s not like those stressful mall visits where you wait forever in line and your kid gets exactly 30 seconds with him. Farm Santas have time.

Your kids can actually talk to him. They share their whole Christmas list, ask weird questions (mine asked if reindeer eat pizza), and Santa just rolls with it. No rush, no pressure. The photos turn out better, too, because kids are actually relaxed and happy instead of freaked out by the whole thing.

Santa’s Playland Activities

Most farms also set up these play areas near Santa. We’re talking craft tables where kids make ornaments, reindeer game stations, cookie decorating, the works. It keeps everyone busy and having fun. Parents can actually catch their breath for a minute while the kids do their thing.

Food, Drinks, and All That Good Stuff

You’re gonna get hungry walking around in the cold. Lucky for you, most farms running a Christmas event know this. Food trucks, farm kitchens, little stands selling snacks—they’ve got options. 

We’re talking hot dogs, maybe some chili if you’re lucky, and usually some kind of baked goods that smell amazing.

But the real star? Hot chocolate. Every farm’s got it, and most of them do it right. Some add peppermint, some do it with whipped cream and everything, and some even make adult versions if that’s your thing. Farm Animals (Because Why Not?)

Last time we went, there was this goat named Buddy who basically ran the place. Followed everyone around looking for snacks. The kids talked about Buddy for weeks after. Sometimes it’s the random stuff that sticks with them most.

How to Actually Plan This Thing

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays are way less crowded if you can swing it. Weekends get packed, but they also have more going on—carolers, special activities, that kind of thing. Early December means better tree selection. Late December means maximum Christmas vibes but picked-over trees.

Morning works great if your kids are early risers and full of energy. Evening is better for seeing the lights in all their glory. Really just depends on your family’s vibe.

What to Bring Along

Wear layers. Seriously. You’ll be cold outside and too warm inside. Waterproof boots are non-negotiable—farms get muddy. Gloves, hats, the whole winter setup. Bring cash because not every vendor takes cards. And charge your phone because you’ll want photos of all this.

Don’t try to do everything in one visit. Pick what matters most to your family and enjoy it. Trying to cram it all in just makes everyone cranky.

Conclusion

Here’s my advice—make this Christmas event an annual tradition. Take a photo in the same spot every year so you can see how everyone changes. Let each kid pick one ornament from the farm shop. Write down something funny that happened. These little touches turn a fun afternoon into something your family does every single year.

If you’re looking for a place that really knows how to make events special, check out College Station Christmas. They do way more than just holiday stuff, too—weddings, parties, you name it. Places that nail the Christmas event experience usually know what they’re doing year-round.

FAQs

What should we wear to the farm? 

Dress warm in layers, wear waterproof boots, and don’t forget hats and gloves.

How much time do we need? 

Plan for at least 2-3 hours if you want to do activities beyond just grabbing a tree.

Do we need tickets ahead of time? 

Some farms want reservations for popular stuff like wagon rides, so check their website first.

Can we just visit without buying a tree? 

Yeah, most places are cool with that—they make money on food and activities too.

Are pets allowed at the Christmas event?

 Depends on the farm; call ahead to ask about their rules before bringing your dog.