Celebrate the season with unforgettable holiday events at your favorite California farms!
Throughout November and December, farms across the state host a variety of holiday events and celebrations. Festive light shows set the sky aglow, while caroling echoes through the night. From intimate wreath-making workshops to all-out holiday extravaganzas, these holiday events blend farm life with the spirit of the season.
Tanaka Farms, Hikari Festival of Lights
Orange County’s Tanaka Farms goes all out during the holiday season with an incredible light show – Hikari Festival of Lights. Hop on a wagon ride (cup of hot cocoa in hand) or wander down walking paths to explore the dazzling display. Then shop their holiday market for farm-fresh gifts, snap a pic with Santa, and pick the perfect Christmas tree (they’re grown on-site)!
Fort Cross, Holiday Hayride
Kick off the Christmas season with a Holiday Hayride at Fort Cross! In true Fort Cross fashion, this festive event blends agritourism, education and entertainment. In addition to a holiday hayride, guests will enjoy a reptile show, treasure hunt, cider pressing, and even a holiday hoedown!
Avila Valley Barn
Throughout November and December, Avila Valley Barn is transformed into a winter wonderland, Central Coast-style. Find the perfect tree at their Christmas Tree Farm, and shop for poinsettias, fresh wreaths and farm-fresh holiday gifts. Littles will love photo ops with Santa and story time with the Grinch, Rudolph and more of their favorite holiday characters!
McEvoy Ranch
McEvoy Ranch olive oils are on everyone’s wish list, but did you know that the charming Petaluma farm also hosts incredibly popular wreath-making workshops? BYOP (bring your own pruners) and slip on some sturdy shoes—guests will traipse through the ranch to select seasonal elements—like lavender, bay leaves, and rosemary—to adorn their handmade wreaths. Make sure to save a little time to shop in the gift store to shop for olive oil gift sets, beauty products (Oprah’s a fan!), cookbooks and more!
123 Farms, Christmas Nights
123 Farms isn’t just Southern California’s largest organic lavender farm – it’s a holiday destination! On select nights throughout November and December, 123 Farms hosts Christmas Nights – an all-out celebration of the season. Over one million lights adorn the farm’s lavender, grapevines and historic olive trees, creating a truly magical scene!
Start your evening with a 15-minute ride on the Jingle Bell Express to get the lay of the land. Along the way, kids can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, while adults unwind with a lavender-infused cocktail or a glass of 123 Farm’s Black Bench wine. After your ride, explore the festive holiday maze, browse the Blacksmith Shop for lavender-inspired gifts, and wander through the 12 Days of Christmas Shops to discover one-of-a-kind treasures handcrafted by local artisans.
Murray Family Farms, The Nightmare Before Christmas in the Pumpkin Patch
Outdoor movie night – but with a decidedly different twist! Murray Family Farms hosts an annual outdoor screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Dress up in your Skellington-inspired best, and enjoy hot cocoa and popcorn while sprawled out on blankets in the middle of the pumpkin patch!
After the movie, there’s plenty of time to partake in Murray Family Farms’ attractions. Hop on the Christmas-themed Tractor Tour, try your luck at the Ball Toss Arcade or race pumpkins down the super slide!
Sweet Thistle Farms
Sweet Thistle Farms, a Clovis Flower Farm and Pumpkin Patch, hosts events throughout the year – but people are particularly eager to snag a seat at their annual wreath making workshops! Owner Sarah Shoffner walks guests through the process of creating the perfect fresh evergreen wreath, while old – and new – friends sip on cider and fill the barn with laughter and holiday cheer.
Hillcrest Tree Farm, Pajama Christmas
Hillcrest Tree Farm is the Central Valley’s answer to the Polar Express. During their annual Pajama Christmas events, visitors can take a moonlight ride on their antique steam train through the towering redwoods. Hillcrest Farms also offers holiday hayrides (complete with caroling!), cider pressing, ornament making, live music and even a petting zoo! After you’ve had your fill of activities, load up on cookies and cider and snag a set by one of the fire pits while you soak in the surrounding Christmas cheer.
Article by Hilary Rance. Photography courtesy of Sweet Thistle Farms, 123 Farms, Avila Valley Barn and Tanaka Farms.