By Blake Jackson
This Christmas, embrace the authentic agricultural spirit of Pennsylvania by exploring these seven ways to support local farmers and create lasting holiday memories:
1. Choose Your Christmas Tree at a Farm:
- Pennsylvania boasts the third-highest number of Christmas tree farms in the nation, with over 1,400 dedicated farms offering Douglas firs, Fraser firs, and more.
- Cut your own tree or choose pre-cut options, and enjoy festive activities at many farms, including holiday tours, music, and lights.
2. Be Dazzled by Holiday Lights Displays:
- Farms across Pennsylvania transform their landscapes into glittering winter wonderlands with captivating light displays.
- Drive-thru experiences like Shady Brook Farm in Yardley offer a convenient way to enjoy the spectacle.
- Immerse yourself in the magic with walking trails through illuminated farm grounds, like Christmas at Country Creek in Chambersburg.
3. Witness the Nativity Come to Life:
- Many farms create live nativity scenes, offering a unique and meaningful way to celebrate the season.
- Observe animals playing supporting roles in the story as families bring nativity to life.
- Farms like Chippewa Farms in Somerset and Dryhouse Farm in Belleville offer drive-thru and walk-through experiences.
4. Take a Magical Sleigh Ride:
- Experience the thrill of a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered fields at farms like Port Farms in Waterford and Daisy Field Farm in White Haven.
- Enjoy breathtaking winter scenery and the warmth of blankets and hot beverages.
- Reserve your sleigh ride in advance, as demand is high during the holiday season.
5. Decorate Your Home with Poinsettia Blooms:
- While California may reign supreme in poinsettia production, Pennsylvania growers cultivate vibrant red, white, and pink varieties for your holiday tables.
- Visit greenhouses like Miller Plant Farm in York and Glick’s Greenhouse in Oley to choose from a diverse selection of poinsettias, from traditional red to unique varieties like "marble" and "jingle bells."
6. Discover Unique, Handmade Gifts:
- Support local farms by shopping for handcrafted goods produced on-site.
- Explore goat farms offering goat milk soap, candles, and lotions, or bee farms selling their honey.
- Farms like Gillam’s Little Acres Farm in Mercer and White Clover Farm in York offer a variety of hand-crafted gifts, including holiday decor and home furnishings.
- Participate in wreath-making workshops and discover charming farmhouse decor at Weirick Primitives in Snyder County.
7. Immerse Yourself in German Christmas Markets:
- Experience authentic German Christmas traditions at Christkindle Markets in Bethlehem and Mifflinburg.
- Sample delectable treats, browse handcrafted goods, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
- Visit your local farmers market during the holiday season to find locally sourced meats, poultry, dairy, produce, and other gift ideas.
This Christmas, embrace the spirit of Pennsylvania's agricultural heritage and create unforgettable holiday memories while supporting local farms. Choose your Christmas tree, marvel at dazzling lights, witness the nativity, take a sleigh ride, decorate with poinsettias, find unique gifts, and experience the magic of German Christmas markets. A complete list of Lancaster County farmer’s markets is available here.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-baccon
Categories: Pennsylvania, General