Christmas Tree
Farms, Tree Lots, Hayrides, Sleigh Rides and Other Winter Fun
Where to find a sleigh
ride or winter hay ride in your area!
There's nothing like a sleigh ride on a cold winter day! Whether you are going for a midwinter activity in January, February or March, or going in December to pick a Christmas tree, cut your own tree, get one already cut, or just want a fun and romantic sleigh ride or horse-drawn hayride; here's the complete list of where to find sleighrides. If I've missed farms or stables offering sleigh rides, please write me to suggest them!
Many of the sleigh and winter hay rides are offered by Christmas tree farms that have cut-your-own trees, precut or you-choose-and-they-cut trees, but just as many are offered by stables that operate sleigh rides throughout the winter (and carriage ride, hayrides and horse riding in the other months).
Except in very cold northern or mountainous area, sleigh rides are usually catch-as-catch can, meaning you must call in advance to reserve a spot on a list. Then IF there is a sufficient snowfall, they will call you back and ask if you want to go.
Also keep in mind that due to the absence of snow, many more farms offer wagon rides and hayrides. So if you can't find a sleigh ride in your area, don't despair, try a hay ride instead; you can find them in almost every area! If you want a hayride or wagon ride instead, click here to find one near you!
Before you go ALWAYS CALL THEM to verify:
- the availability on the date and time that you want.
- the nature of the sleigh ride (is it a sleigh on sleds, or a wagon made to look like a sleigh, is there hay or blankets, how long is the ride, what is the terrain or scenery, how cold is it) and
- the price.
Click on the blue links below, of the area closest to you. Then just scroll down the page and look for the yellow highlighted "sleigh rides". I've indicated the number of farms/stables below! Also see this section for sleigh riding tips!
Arizona
There are a half dozen in Arizona. See this page.
California
Eldorado County -1 sleigh ride location
Mariposa County -1 sleigh ride location
Colorado
Connecticut
Hartford - 3 sleigh ride locations
Eastern CT (New London County) - 2 locations
Florida
Idaho
Blaine County - 1 sleigh ride location
Illinois
- GoSleigh.com Countryside Christmas - sleigh rides, Horse-drawn sleigh rides (weather permitting), snacks, refreshments and/or concessions, Beautiful rural setting, skiing nearby, Within an easy drive to an Interstate road, School tours, children welcome, No pets please, No smoking allowed,
10009 Lilja Road, Harvard, IL 60033. Phone: 815-600-8066. Email: contact@gosleigh.com. Open: Call for reservations; Open for sleigh rides throughout the winter season; Visit GoSleigh.com for latest hours and sleigh ride availability. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: We're approximately 35 minutes east of Rockford, or 1 hour northwest of O'Hare airport. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Click here for our Facebook page. Join GoSleigh.com Countryside Christmas for a day of snow packed fun! Affordable luxury sleigh rides and more! Visit GoSleigh.com for details!. (UPDATED: November 23, 2011)Chicago area - 4 sleigh ride locations
Indiana
Northern Indiana - 1 sleigh ride location
Central Indiana:
Childs' Farm - Follows organic practices, horse-drawn hayrides, Horse-drawn sleigh rides (weather permitting), Fresh eggs, restrooms, farm animals, school tours
14118 Peach Road, Plymouth, IN 46563. Phone: 574-936-9262. Open: Reserved hayrides available anytime,Spring through fall, call! Sleigh rides are weekends, 1pm to 3pm. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Open for sleigh rides December through February weather permitting; Call first!. We follow organic practices, but are not seeking certification. Payment: Cash, only. We are "Certified Naturally Grown", a farmer's organization for organically grown farm products. (ADDED: December 01, 2009)
Kansas
Kentucky
Hopkins County - 1 sleigh ride or winter hay ride location
Louisianna
Maine
Cumberland Count - 1 sleigh location
Massachusetts
Michigan
Allegan County - 4 sleigh ride locations
Berrien County - 1 sleigh ride location
Cass County - 1 sleigh ride location
Clinton County - 1 sleigh ride location
Genesee County - 3 sleigh ride locations
Ingham County - 1 sleigh ride location
Ionia County - 1 sleigh ride location
Jackson County - 1 sleigh ride location
Kalamazoo County - 1 sleigh ride location
Kent County - 1 sleigh ride location
Macomb County - 3 sleigh ride locations
Manistee County - 1 sleigh ride location
Monroe County - 2 sleigh ride locations
Ottawa County - 1 sleigh ride location
Saginaw County - 1 sleigh ride location
Sanilac County - 2 sleigh ride locations
St. Clair County - 5 sleigh ride locations
Van Buren County - 1 sleigh ride location
Minnesota
Aitkin County - 1 sleigh ride location
Anoka County - 1 sleigh ride location
Dakota County - 1 sleigh ride location
Hennepin County - 1 sleigh ride location
Otter Tail County - 2 sleigh ride locations
Missouri
Montana
New Hampshire
- Ledgewood Belgian Farms - horse-drawn hayrides, Organic farming, Horse-drawn sleigh rides (weather permitting), pony rides, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
216 Pleasant Street, Epping, NH 03042. Phone: 603-679-4373. Email: ledgewoodbelgianfarm@comcast.net. Open: Horsedrawn Hay and Sleigh Rides by reservations. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Horsedrawn Hay and Sleigh Rides by reservations throughout the year; Bonfires included; Book your Holiday rides now;. Payment: Cash, only. (UPDATED: November 30, 2009)
New Jersey
New Mexico
Los Alamos County
- Valles Caldera Trust
- No Christmas trees for sale, but they do offer horse-drawn sleigh
rides
18161 Highway 4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025. Phone: (866) 382-5537. Email: recreation@vallescaldera.gov. Open: Monday - Friday 8 - 5 MST, Saturday 9 - 5 MST. Directions: The main gate to the Preserve will be open during business hours and is located at mile marker 39.2 along State Highway 4, 18 miles west of Los Alamos or 20 miles East of Jemez Springs. Proceed through the main gate and down the snow packed road approximately 2 miles to the Valle Grande staging area. You will be directed on where to park. You will board a van from here to take you to the sleigh/wagon. The Valle Grande staging area is located approximately two miles inside the Preserve along a north facing, often snow packed and icy unpaved road. We will plow road when weather permits but four wheel drive and/or chains are recommended and may at times be required. On windy days drifting snow can make the road sometimes impassable, even if it has recently been plowed. Click here for a map and directions. Matched draft horses take you through the historical ranch headquarters. From aboard the 60-minute ride, you’ll experience a winter wonderland with possible visions of hunting birds and jumping coyotes. A guide will share the interesting history and lore of the “old Baca Ranch,” offering you insight into its past and its future. With the deeper snows of winter, the horses will be hitched to a large horse-drawn sleigh for an experience you'll long savor. (Note: When snow is not sufficient, a horse-drawn wagon will be used instead of the sleigh.) Horse-drawn tours are a great alternative for those who are seeking an outdoor experience of a shorter duration and with less exertion than hiking or skiing. Winter 2010/2011 Fees: Adults $30, Seniors 62-and-over $24, Children 15-and-under $15, Children $ Free (Age 5-and-under). Reservations are not required, but are strongly encouraged due to the limited season and popularity of the rides. We will accept walk-ins on the day of the ride ONLY if there are seats available. Our sleigh comfortably holds 12 adults. Special arrangements may be made for large groups or additional dates or times by contacting us via email with your request including dates, numbers of participants, and expectations. (ADDED: December 18, 2010, from their website)
New York
-
Andrusz Carriage Service - horse-drawn hayrides, horse-drawn carriage rides, Horse-drawn
sleigh rides (weather permitting), snacks, refreshments and/or concessions,
children welcome,
12067 Nice Road, Akron, NY 14001. Phone: 716-542-5767. Email: dan@wnyhorsedrawn.com. Open: We are available Monday thru Monday seven days a week. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: 12067 Nice Road, Akron, NY 14001. Click here for a map and directions. Call to schedule any event;. Payment: Cash, Check. We specialize in Weddings, Parades and Corporate events. We also have hay rides, and sleigh rides for parties at your location or ours. (ADDED: December 04, 2009) -
Adirondack Sleigh Rides of Lake Placid
- Sleigh Rides, Wedding facilities, Beautiful rural setting, Mountain
views, Horse trails (guided), Horses trails (unguided), Horse ranches,
Horses rented (guided trails), Horse ranches, Dude ranches / Guest
ranches, Lunches offered, snacks, refreshments and/or concessions, Tent
camping, horses allowed,
2830 Wilmington Road, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Phone: 518-834-9933. Email: equinecntr@aol.com. Open: Winter Sleigh Rides: Open seven days a week, from 12pm to 9pm; Other horse activities including horseback riding: Oprn seven days a week, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard. Click here for our Facebook page. We offer sleigh rides at Adirondack Lake Clear Lodge and Retreat in Lake Clear, NY. Group ride is 30 minutes long through the woods on a lantern lit trail and we also offer a private ride on a small cutter which is a 45 minute ride. Hot cocoa is served with both rides. Dinner is also available at The Lodge.(UPDATED: March 26, 2011) -
A Time To Remember Carriage and Sleigh Rides
- NO Christmas trees; but instead:
horse-drawn carriage rides, Horse-drawn sleigh rides (weather
permitting), events at your location (call for info)
The Gideon Putnam, Gideon Putnam Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Phone: (518) 321-5539. Alternate Phone: (518) 584-3000. Email: atimetoremember4u@yahoo.com. Open: Fridays, Saturdays (4:00 pm to 9:00 pm) Sundays (10:00am to 4:00 pm). Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Book now for Christmas, New Years and Valentines. Horse-drawn sleigh/wagon rides with or without snow (wheels on sleigh) The rides are not conducted on my physical property--They are conducted at The Saratoga Springs New York State Park. I conduct the rides on the roadways within the park and we depart from: The Gideon Putnam, Gideon Putnam Road, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. (ADDED: December 22, 2011)
Nevada
1 Sleigh ride location in Reno / Lake Tahoe
North Carolina
Coastal NC - 1 sleigh ride location
Western NC - winter hay rides
Ohio
Clark County - 1 sleigh ride location
Pennsylvania
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Prince William County - 1 sleigh ride location
Washington State
Wisconsin
Central WI - Marquette County - 1 sleigh ride location
Greenbay area - Door County - 1 sleigh ride location
Western WI - 1 sleigh ride location
- Northwoods Sleigh & Carriage - horse-drawn hayrides, horse-drawn carriage rides, Horse-drawn sleigh rides (weather permitting),
3100 Junction Road, Ashland, WI 54806. Phone: 715-682-4963. Alternate Phone: 715-292-2252. Email: pat@northwoodscarriage.com. Open: Carriage rides, wagon rides, sleigh rides by reservation only. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. (ADDED: December 03, 2009)
Wyoming
Canada
British Columbia
Ontario
Ontario - Ottawa area
Ottawa, Followfield Rd
North Gower sleigh ridesOntario - northwest Toronto area- 1 sleigh ride location
Ontario - greater Toronto area- 1 sleigh ride location
Ontario, Peterborough area:
Merrylynd Farm - sleigh rides, plus skating, toboganning, hot chocolate
RR 4, Lakefield, Ontario K0L 2H0. Phone: 705-755-1081. Alternate phone: 705-755-0519. Email: merrylynd@peterboro.net. Merrylynd Farm is a certified organic family farm just outside of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. During the winter months, we love to hook up our beautiful Belgian horses and take folks for long horse-drawn sleighrides through the rolling hills of our 100 acre property. There's skating, toboganning, hot chocolate from an iron kettle over an open fire, and much more. Or come in the Fall to visit Kara and Kirsten's pumpkin patch, where you can choose your very own organic pumpkin. We also sell organic beef, flour, and natural chicken from the farm gate.Evergreen Hill Farm - horse-drawn hayrides, horse-drawn carriage rides, Horse-drawn sleigh rides (weather permitting), Hotel / Motel nearby, Beautiful rural setting, School tours, children welcome, handicap accessible, restrooms, farm animals, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, Maple syrup, events at your location (call for info)
687 Street John's Road East, Port Dover, ON N0A1N2. Phone: 5194262155. Email: evergreenhillfarm@gmail.com. Open: We are available 365 days a year, weather permitting for sleigh rides; From 8am until 10pm. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Please come visit us at the farm! We are located at 687 Street John's Road East between Port Dover and Simcoe Ontario. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque. Click here for our Facebook page. We at Evergreen Hill Farm offer year round entertainment with our beautiful Belgian Draft horses. We offer Hay rides throughout the summer and fall and Sleigh Rides, weather permitting. We also offer Maple Syrup and Sugar Bush Tours in the Spring Season. We have something for all your Horse Drawn carriage needs, Horse-drawn hearse, stage coach, wedding carriage, Victorian sleigh. Please visit our website. Thank YOU!. (UPDATED: December 15, 2010) (Suggested by a visitor, ADDED: December 07, 2010)Quebec
Sleigh Ride Tips
What to bring
- Pack for a day trip - I always bring snacks, hand towels or disposable wipes and plenty of liquids to drink.
- Dress in old clothes and hiking boots or old athletic shoes; you want to be comfortable and not worried about staining or tearing your clothes! If the ground is wet, it will really ruin any nice shoe, so wear your beat up old ones! Bring heavy gloves to protect your hands and a jacket or other garment to protect your arms.
- Bring layered clothing, and some extra socks and a blanket. Dress for the weather. The kids may get wet feet, or cold. When you get back to the car, you can wrap them up in the blanket and they'll sleep all the way home!
- The weather could change without notice. If you get hit by a downpour (presuming it's not cold enough for snow), be ready to switch to Plan B and if you can't wait it out, go to the backup plan; such as a visit to a museum, tourist or historic site nearby. Your kids will remember it as "the time we went to cut a Christmas tree and instead had fun doing" something else.
- Pack snacks. You'll be gone for a while and all that being outdoors will work up a big appetite! Bring a cooler and back it with your favorite snacks; hot chocolate or warm apple cider are great. Many farms supply free cider, coffee and hot chocolate; some have lunches and snack for sale.
- Don't forget the camera. You may want to capture those memories you're making. But remember you'll be out on the farm and bring a cheap or disposable camera, rather than the expensive one.