Jacksonville has no shortage of holiday lights but where else can you see a light show from a hayride, say hi to Santa and Mrs. Claus, roast smores, get sky high on a bouncepad and so much more in one place? Look no further than Sykes Family Farms in Elkton, FL, just west of St. Augustine. Christmas on the Farm is the one stop shop for family holiday fun on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the holiday season. With activities for all ages, it is the perfect destination to get into the spirit.
Holiday Hayride
Upon your arrival, families are greeted by thousands of lights and sweet scents of funnel cakes and kettle corn. If you’re saving up your appetite for after all the activities, grab a hot apple cider or hot cocoa before climbing aboard the hayride. The 10-minute ride features ¾ of a mile of light displays and everyone’s favorite holiday tunes. Riders will pass through brightly lit tunnels, see dancing elves, illuminated ice skating figures, holiday villages, nativity scenes, and every colored Christmas tree imaginable. After the hayride, say hello to the farm animals including goats, bulls, and cows.
Say Hello to Santa
Take the chance to make a list and check it twice at the letter writing station. Send off the letters to Santa then stop by to share the list with the man himself. Santa and Mrs. Claus graciously join families every weekend. Little ones can visit with the pair and share what’s on their Christmas list. While there are many, this is the perfect opportunity for a photo with the whole family.
Farm Favorite Gifts
While gifts are on the mind, check out the country store featuring farm favorites such as honey, butters, jams, candles, and other small goods. While caregivers browse, kids can make an ornament for the tree. The country store is also where you can snag a s’mores kit. Make your own ornament and s’mores kits are sold separately from admission and cash and credit cards are accepted. Once you’ve grabbed your s’mores kit, enjoy the treat by the fire while watching featured holiday films.
Hands on Farm Fun
The fun has only just begun after greeting jolly St. Nick and grabbing gifts. Kids and caregivers can bike the lit up maze, seesaw on tractor seats, and swing beneath the lights. A family favorite is the barnyard ball toss putting throwing skills to the test. And if the family hasn’t worked up an appetite yet, see who can get the highest on the big bounce pads.
Ho Ho Hungry?
As families are bound to be hungry after all the fun, the farm features a menu of everyone’s favorites from cheeseburgers to chicken nuggets. Offering several affordable snacks, there’s bound to be a bite for everyone. Afterwards, indulge in a fried Oreo or funnel cake. Food is cash only and there is an ATM on-site.
Tips & Tricks for Sykes Family Farms
Parking is seamless with attendants guiding vehicles through the lot. On your way out, keep your ears and eyes open for attendants providing directions to head out of the farm. Portable toilets are available on site. While the farm itself is brightly lit, grab your phone light as your head into a stall to avoid any accidents!
All farm activities are outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Keep your eye on the forecast so you’re not surprised by rain. If it’s been a wet day it’s recommended to wear sneakers. A pro mom tip: dress little ones in holiday jammies, as you’re bound to spend at least a few hours hours on the farm, pushing close to bedtime. This will hopefully allow an easy transfer to bed after all the fun.
Sykes Family Farms 2023 Christmas on the Farm Information
Dates: November 24, 2023 – December 16, 2023
Friday & Saturday Nights – 6pm-10pm
Purchase tickets online, last ticket sold at 9pm
Address: 5995 Brough Road Elkton, FL 32033
Callie is a Northern Virginia native, Sunshine Park regular, mom of a toddler and four-legged pre-teen, and golf wife to her husband who is the house favorite. They moved to Jacksonville from the DC area in December 2018 and trading the beltway for the beaches was the best decision of their dog’s life. She spends weekdays working in marketing and weekends working as the activity planner in search of the best nap-inducing events. This typically consists of beach in the morning, soccer and splash pad in the second morning, pool after lunch, Target, and golf carting to get Mayday in the evenings. During the moments to herself she’s listening to podcasts, watching Bravo, laughing at Tik Toks, or adding to cart. She prefers her Roundbird iced and my TacoLu “dilla” style. And if you ever want to discuss niche 90s and 2000s references or anything pop culture related, she’s your Jacksonville Beach Mom. Follow Callie for a mix of all the above!
