Free Family Christmas Farm Experience

Celebrate the holiday season with the Family Christmas Experience at Star Hill Family Farm in Portland, Connecticut! This beloved annual event is free with free parking and brings the spirit of Christmas to life for families across the region with festive activities, cozy traditions, and plenty of picture-perfect moments.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are returning again this year for photos, conversation, and Christmas cheer. They’ll be visiting the farm on November 28th, 29th, and 30th, as well as December 6th and 13th from 11AM to 4PM. Families are encouraged to bring their “Letters to Santa” so he can collect them personally—no risk of getting lost in the mail! Santa and Mrs. Claus always love meeting all the good boys and girls, hearing about your Christmas wishes, and posing for photos to capture the magic of the moment. The local photographers set their prices for any professional photos.

While visiting, there’s plenty to enjoy around the farm. Stop by the animal pens to say hello to the friendly farm animals, explore several DIY photo spots set up throughout the property, and let the kids enjoy fun holiday games and activities. Take a break to enjoy fresh apple cider donuts from our on-site food truck, along with hot cocoa and coffee for the perfect seasonal treat.

Make your visit even more memorable by taking a scenic horse-drawn wagon ride through the hillside of Star Hill Family Farm. Each ride includes a brief fireside stop, where you can warm up and take in the beauty of the surroundings. Wagon rides depart every half hour between 10AM and 4PM on select dates and are available for booking online. Seating is limited, and rides tend to sell out quickly, so advance reservations are strongly encouraged. You can book your tickets at www.starhillfamilyfarm.com/wagon

Before heading home, stop by the Christmas shop to browse our selection of hand-made wreaths and Christmas trees—perfect for bringing that fresh pine scent into your home. Each wreath is carefully crafted by hand, and our trees come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit every space.

A highlight of the season is our special Charity Day with Santa and Mrs. Claus on December 20th, when they will be reading Christmas stories every hour from 11AM to 3PM. Admission for this special event is free with a canned good donation, which will benefit the Portland Food Pantry. Monetary donations will also be accepted on site through the Connecticut Society of Santa.

Whether you’re coming for a photo with Santa, a wagon ride, or a day filled with family traditions, the Family Christmas Experience at Star Hill Family Farm is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Come make memories, share smiles, and enjoy a day where Christmas truly comes to life in the heart of Connecticut. Note, that while general admission is free for the children’s activity area, visiting the animals, and general touring, there are some paid activities which support local businesses and professionals to take part in our event.