Agritourism Farms Offer Holiday Attractions

Whether you are looking to cut your own Christmas tree, or take a sleigh ride with Santa, North Carolina farms offer an abundance of options for family fun this holiday season.

“Agritourism farms help connect our rural and urban communities across the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “They offer great family entertainment while educating about our state’s No. 1 industry, agriculture.”

Following is a list of several agritourism farms offering special holiday programs organized by regions and dates:

Western North Carolina

  • Justus Orchard in Hendersonville offers 21 varieties of apples on its fourth-generation apple farm. In addition to fresh apples, visitors can find delicious baked goods, apple cider donuts and fried apple pies.
  • Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk, a working angora goat and alpaca farm, will open its doors to visitors Fridays through Sundays, now through Dec.10. Guests can take walking tours of the farm, enjoy apple cider and Christmas cookies, and shop for tabletop trees, wreaths and garland.
  • OakMoon Farm and Creamery in Bakersville will celebrate the holidays with its fifth-annual Yule For Y’all sales event Saturdays in December from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shoppers will find festive goat cheese party balls, holiday treats and farm-made products.
  • Addison Farm Vineyards in Leicester will hold an event featuring local crafters on Dec. 9 from noon to 5 p.m. The fundraiser will benefit Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Farmland Projects. Addison Farm Vineyards is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.

Central North Carolina

  • Mystic Farm and Distillery in Durham is the Triangle’s only farm distillery. Tours are offered Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. through Dec. 30. Private tours are available by appointment.
  • Prodigal Farm  in Durham will host two Goat Kid Festivals featuring tours, goat cheese tastings, music and craft demonstrations. The first will be held on Nov. 19; the second on Dec. 17. Both events are from 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Smith’s Family Fun Farm in Hillsborough will open its Christmas tree farm from Nov. 24-Dec.24. On Friday and Saturday nights, the farm will hold story time with Santa. More information and hours are available on the farm’s Facebook page.
  • Hickory Creek Farm in Greensboro offers Christmas trees, wreaths, poinsettias, hayrides and more holiday fun. On Dec. 9, the farm will host a Christmas Craft Fair with Santa form 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Happy Hills Farm in Monroe will open its doors on Dec. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will feature tours of the fiber-animal farm, opportunities to feed animals, tour the fleece studio and purchase yarn, socks, shawls, scarves and more. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children.
  • Toad Song Farm in Clayton is bringing the community together with a Stone Soup event on Dec. 22 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Visitors are asked to bring an ingredient for the soup, which will be shared with those in need in the community.

Eastern North Carolina

  • Lu Mil Vineyard in Elizabethtown will have a Christmas Light Show, featuring a drive-through light exhibit, country buffet, visits with Santa and holiday gifts. The display is open from 6 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 25-26; Nov. 30-Dec. 3; Dec. 7-10; and Dec. 14-23.
  • SoCo Farm and Food in Wilson offers a farm-to-table private dining experience in a renovated tobacco barn. Holiday parties are available Tuesdays-Saturdays in December at 6 or 8 p.m.
  • Simply Natural Creamery in Ayden will host Christmas at the Creamery Dec. 9-10. The weekend features photos with Santa, fresh cookies, as well as milk and ice cream from the dairy.

Agritourism farms are found in nearly every county of the state. Consumers looking for a farm experience can go to www.visitncfarms.com for a full directory.