Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show

Shady Brook Farm in Bucks County, Pa., will bustle with visitors through Jan. 7, 2018. Unlike other farms in the area, Shady Brook has been around since 1913 and is still growing. They not only attract a crowd looking for typical items such as freshly cut Christmas trees and artisan-crafted decorations, they draw in a crowd looking for light. Not just any light — two miles of endless lights.

According to Eve Moody, the farm’s own director of fun, “over 30 thousand cars will travel through the Shady Brook Light Show over the eight-week span.” When looking at that number further, the farm found at least 100,000 people will pass through the light show — that’s not even including the wagon rides. No matter your age, where you come from or if you have been attending the light show every single year since you were born, each year is different and equally mesmerizing.

Aside from being known for the fantastic light show, Shady Brook Farm is popular all year-round with different festivals and events. In the fall, visitors take advantage of the pumpkin patch, apple picking, the HorrorFest and the famous pumpkin ice cream. In the summer, the farm hosts wine and craft beer festivals every Friday night. They host different “fun days” as well, consisting of strawberry, blueberry and “peachy” days in the summer months. In April, there is even an Easter Egg-stravaganza. Although Shady Brook draws a crowd all year-round, the light show and holiday hayride are some of the most popular attractions.

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The show takes months to set up, and the employees work on the attraction year-round. Moody said the light show began 23 years ago when the farm finally got electricity around a group of trees in one of the back corners. The employees thought it would be fun to decorate a few branches with lights in hopes they would sell more Christmas trees. They did not have any idea as to what the simple decorations would soon turn into. “In a way” says Moody, “the light show took off with a life of its own.”

The show features popular characters from movies, books and the objects from the popular song, “The 12 Days of Christmas.” One of the favorite scenes for locals is the Noah’s Arc exhibit and the famous “believe” sign. Moody says, “Once people come one time, we see them every year.”

Tune your car radio to the designated station, and Christmas music will play during your whole drive. The light show takes about 20 minutes to enjoy at an average pace on a non-busy night, so plan accordingly.

Tickets cost $30 per carload and the show opens at 5 p.m. Prices vary for the different modes of transportation, and there multi-passes are available for purchase. There is even hot chocolate, s’mores and treats available at the Shady Brook Farm Market. Come one, come all for this spectacular holiday event! You won’t miss it, just follow the light.