Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show

By Audrey Lee

Originally a wholesale farm providing radishes, celery, beets and spinach to markets around Philadelphia, Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, Pennsylvania, has grown to be a fun family farm dedicated to putting smiles on the faces of everyone who visits.

During the holiday season, more than 3 million lights illuminate the farm’s property for an unforgettable winter experience. Guests enjoy a whimsical, two-mile ride that has familiar characters, the wonders of the world, sparkling tunnels, the 12 days of Christmas, pirate ships and so much more. Visitors can tune their radios to the holiday music the farm provides that corresponds with the lighted trail. For a wider view, families can bundle up and opt to jump on an open-air wagon (weather permitting) to not miss any of the action going on overhead that you may otherwise miss while in a vehicle. The ride through the grounds by wagon or car typically takes 20 minutes or so depending on how busy the farm is on the night you visit. Cost per car is $30 or $15 per person for the open-air wagon ride. The Holiday Light Show runs through Jan. 6, 2019, with times starting at 5 p.m. and ending at 10 p.m. weekdays, 11 p.m. on weekends. Plan for heavy volumes of people around actual holiday days as this event is popular.

When the ride is over, guests can cozy up next to one of many fire pits scattered around with a cup of hot cocoa and a s’mores kit available for purchase. After warming up, families can peruse the Farm Market for goodies to take home. The market has gourmet cheeses, hormone-free and raw milk, freshly baked pies, homemade ice cream, cookies, specialty foods and a full-service deli counter. Adults can enjoy wine from Rose Bank Winery or sip on some locally crafted beers. Bottles are available for purchase for any holiday parties in the upcoming weeks. In the garden center, guests can explore Christmas trees, wreaths, garland and other holiday home décor.

Throughout other seasons of the year, families can return to enjoy springtime plants and garden ideas, pick your own crops in the summer and early autumn, and haunted hayrides in the fall. Shady Brook Farm is the perfect place to bring the entire family for a visit any time of the year.