Winter North Carolina Agritourism Is Aglow During the Holidays

The winter and holiday season is usually filled with warm cocoa, holiday goodies, pictures with Santa and traditions like viewing Christmas lights. This holiday season, get all the goodness in one go at a winter North Carolina agritourism farm where farm families are turning their fields into magical holiday destinations. Here’s a look at how four farms are bringing Christmas cheer to their communities.

Christmas at The Farm 

What started as a simple produce stand and corn maze in 2017 is now a thriving, year-round destination for family fun. 

Mayghan Watson and her husband, Josh, lead one of Surry County’s most active winter North Carolina agritourism farms, complete with strawberry picking, summer camps and a much-loved holiday tradition: Christmas at The Farm.

“We wanted it to be a park-and-play type of experience,” Watson says. “You’re not just sitting in your car.”

The celebration features a walk-through light maze, hayrides, kids’ activities and a thoughtfully designed Santa experience. It’s timed so families can skip the long lines. 

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“Waiting in line with kids is the worst,” Watson says. “So, we built the whole event around avoiding that.”

To make it even more family-friendly, the farm plans to open earlier in the day this year for the first time. 

“We’re planning to open around 2 p.m.,” Watson explains. “That way families with younger kids can come while it’s still light out and get home before bedtime.” 

At the heart of it all is a love for agriculture and education. 

“We use the fun to entice people to come out, but we want them to leave with a deeper appreciation for farming,” she says.

The Christmas Festival at McLaurin Farms 

For Eddie McLaurin, the Christmas Festival at McLaurin Farms is deeply personal. As a kid, he watched his grandfather sell off the farm’s land and cattle, but years later, he started buying the land back piece by piece.

“I knew at a very young age that I wanted to make a living off the farm,” he says. “I just didn’t know how.”

When he launched holiday events, McLaurin knew he was creating something special. Best known to some for hosting Woods of Terror in the fall, McLaurin Farms in Greensboro also welcomes visitors to the Christmas Festival, which is now in its 14th year. 

It’s a festive evening with a walk-through light display, hot chocolate, s’mores and plenty of photo opportunities with Santa. Children are encouraged to explore and play.

“We promote that it’s family, affordable and fun,” McLaurin says. “You can come out for two and a half, three hours, and at the end of the night, the kids are going to be exhausted, but had a great time.”

More than anything, McLaurin wants visitors to feel welcome. 

“Our staff is so nice and down to earth,” he says. “We try to make it a big family atmosphere.”

Tickets are available online and often go on sale midsummer. 

“Even after 14 years, we still hear people say, ‘We didn’t know this was here,’” he adds. “But they come and say, ‘This is so much better than we expected.’ That makes it all worth it.”

Christmas Lights on the Farm at Big Daddy’s Farms

In Johnston County, Big Daddy’s Farms is keeping the Christmas spirit alive. Inspired by a fictional reindeer named Bucky who brings Santa and Mrs. Claus down from the North Pole, the farm hosts an experience that blends fun, faith and nostalgia: Christmas Lights on the Farm.

Visitors take a hayride through an old-fashioned country town and glowing Field of Lights before stopping at Big Daddy’s General Store. There, kids can meet Santa and Bucky the Reindeer while parents browse shelves of old-fashioned candy.

Bonfires, marshmallow roasting, hot drinks and occasional Christmas carolers round out the evening. The festive storytelling sets the scene, and the experience is all about real holiday joy. It’s warm, welcoming and perfect for families.

Festival of Lights at Hill Ridge Farms

Hill Ridge Farms began in 1968 when John Hill established the U-pick vegetable farm in Franklin County. Today, the farm’s Festival of Lights has become one of the state’s popular family destinations.

“Families come and stay two to three hours,” says Jennifer Garry, Hill’s daughter and farming partner. “We’re not a drive-thru. It’s an interactive experience.”

The Festival of Lights features more than 2 million lights, a 20-minute covered wagon ride, play areas, bonfires, an old-fashioned candy store, and even a carousel and train ride. All are included in the price of admission. 

“It’s a festival,” Garry says. “Guests experience the magic of Christmas together. Families tell us they love that the kids can get out of the car, run around, be excited, and see all the displays and lights. Every area of the farm is decorated. Even the play areas are lit up. It’s old-fashioned Christmas fun!”

But there’s a deeper mission behind the sparkle. 

“We want to continue providing agricultural education,” Garry adds. “So many families moving to our area have never seen a tractor or farm animals. We want them to understand the importance of preserving family farmland and supporting farmers by choosing to visit seasonal events at their local area farms.”