This Arkansas Christmas Tree Farm Offers Pony Rides And A Holiday Treasure Hunt This November

Somewhere in the trees, a flock of Christmas duckies is hiding, and kids get to hunt for them. That’s the plan for the day after Thanksgiving this year.

I can’t imagine a better way to burn off leftover pie.

The very next weekend brings pony rides into the mix. Add hayrides, hot chocolate, and a mailbox for letters to Santa.

I’m all for any holiday outing that keeps little hands busy and grown-ups smiling.

This family-run farm sits in northwest Arkansas, and the trees are the real headliners. You grab a hand saw, pick your favorite, and cut it yourself.

Then the crew shakes it, nets it, and ties it to your car.

I like the idea of a tree with a story attached. So which part sounds best to you, the ducks, the ponies, or the saw?

The Duck Hunt Nobody Saw Coming

Rubber duckies wearing holiday cheer are the unlikely stars of November 27, 2026. Wonderland Christmas Tree Farm calls this event Duck the Halls, and yes, the pun is fully intended.

Here’s how it works. Christmas duckies get hidden around the tree farm, and families head out searching for them.

It’s basically an Easter egg hunt that wandered into the wrong holiday and decided to stay. Kids get a mission, and parents get a reason to explore more of the rows.

The timing is pretty clever too. It lands the day after Thanksgiving, when most families have extra energy and leftover turkey to work off.

A quick tip helps here. Dress kids in shoes that can handle grass and dirt, since the hunt happens out among the trees.

You might also plan to pick your tree while you’re searching. Spotting a duck and picking out a beautiful Christmas tree on the same trip is a solid win.

Bring a small bag for any treasures found along the way. And maybe a phone for photos, because a toddler holding a holiday duck is basically a greeting card waiting to happen.

Honestly, who could say no to that?

Saddle Up For The Holly Jolly Pony Days

Ponies and Christmas trees make a surprisingly cheerful pair. On November 28 and 29, 2026, the farm hosts its Holly Jolly Pony Extravaganza Days.

The headline feature is simple. Pony rides join the holiday fun, giving young visitors something extra special to brag about.

Let’s be honest about why this matters. A tree farm trip can feel long to a five-year-old who doesn’t care about needle retention.

A pony ride changes that math fast. Suddenly the whole outing becomes an adventure instead of a shopping errand.

Planning ahead helps a lot. Since the event lands on Thanksgiving weekend, it makes sense to arrive with plenty of daylight to enjoy everything.

Pair the ride with tree hunting, a hayride, and a stop at the gift shop. That’s a full afternoon without anyone asking, “Are we done yet?”

Grandparents might enjoy this weekend just as much. Watching little ones grin from a saddle is a pretty great way to kick off December.

Snap a photo near the trees for the family album. Pony pictures from northwest Arkansas could easily become your new holiday card cover.

Early Birds Get The Best Branches

Opening day arrives Saturday, November 21, 2026, and that’s worth circling on the calendar. Wonderland Christmas Tree Farm kicks off the season with an Early Bird Weekend on November 21 and 22.

Both days come before Thanksgiving, and no reservations are needed. You just show up and start browsing.

Why rush? History gives a pretty clear answer.

Back in 2024, the farm sold about 1,000 trees during its first week of the season. That year’s holiday rush showed just how quickly families start picking out their Christmas trees.

That’s a lot of happy living rooms in under a week. It also means waiting until mid-December could leave you with slim pickings.

Early shoppers get the widest selection of sizes and shapes. That’s a big deal if you need a tall tree for a high ceiling.

A fresh-cut tree should still look lovely through the season with regular watering. So buying early doesn’t mean your tree will droop by Christmas morning.

Bring measurements of your space before you go. Trees always look smaller in an open field, and nobody wants a tree that scrapes the ceiling.

Five Kinds Of Trees And One Trusty Hand Saw

Variety is the name of the game in these fields. Choose-and-cut options include Virginia Pine, Scotch Pine, Leyland Cypress, White Pine, and Turkish Fir.

Prefer something ready to go? Pre-cut Fraser Firs are shipped in from North Carolina.

The cutting part is refreshingly old school. Hand saws are provided, so you don’t need to bring tools from home.

There’s one firm rule here. Chainsaws, axes, hatchets, and power saws are not allowed, so leave your inner lumberjack’s heavy gear in the garage.

Honestly, that rule keeps things safe and relaxed for everyone. Kids can watch from a safe distance while a grown-up handles the saw.

Each tree type has its own look. Leyland Cypress has a soft, feathery style, while firs tend to have sturdy branches for heavier ornaments.

Think about your decorations before you choose. A tree loaded with glass ornaments needs stronger limbs than one with ribbon and paper stars.

Take your time walking the rows. Finding the one tree that feels like yours is half the fun of a Pea Ridge farm trip.

Somebody Else Handles The Roof Rack Struggle

Tying a tree to a car roof can test any family’s patience. Thankfully, the crew at Wonderland Christmas Tree Farm takes care of that part.

After you pick your tree, staff give it a good shake. That removes loose needles before they end up all over your floor.

Next comes netting. Your tree gets wrapped up snugly, making it much easier to carry and squeeze through the front door.

Then the full-service team loads and ties it onto your vehicle. No tangled twine, no guessing games, and no tree sliding off on the highway.

Live nearby and dread the drive? Delivery service is available within a 20-mile radius of the farm.

That option is handy for small cars or anyone without roof racks. It also frees you up to enjoy the farm instead of worrying about logistics.

One smart move is bringing an old blanket. Laying it on your car roof or in the back helps protect paint and upholstery.

Also pack gloves if you plan to help carry. Pine sap is sticky stuff, and it loves to cling to bare hands.

Cocoa, Cookies, And A Letter To Santa

Hot chocolate tastes better after an hour in the cold fields. That’s just science, or at least it feels that way.

Wonderland Christmas Tree Farm offers hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. Local food vendors are typically on site too, which gives hungry families more choices.

Then there’s the Santa station. Kids can sit down and write letters to the big guy himself.

It’s a sweet tradition that slows everyone down for a minute. Little ones get to think about their wish lists while parents sip something warm.

Christmas music plays over speakers throughout the farm. So even the walk back to the car has a festive soundtrack.

Hayrides add another layer of fun. They give tired legs a break while carrying families across the property.

A smart tip is to save the letter writing for the end. Kids who just cut down a tree are usually brimming with holiday spirit.

Bring a pen in your pocket just in case. Some wish lists run long, and Santa deserves clear handwriting.

Photo Props With Serious Vintage Charm

A ’53 Chevy parked among the pines makes quite the backdrop. It’s one of several props waiting for your holiday photos.

The farm also has a vintage sleigh and a camper. Each one adds a different flavor to your family pictures.

Guests are welcome to take photos during business hours. Phones, cameras, and enthusiastic aunts are all fair game.

Professional photography sessions work a little differently. Those are booked before the regular Christmas tree season, while candid photography during tree shopping is permitted under the farm’s rules.

So if you’re planning holiday card portraits, reach out ahead of time. A quiet field with no crowds makes for cleaner shots anyway.

The trees themselves make a lovely setting too. Rows of evergreens give that classic Christmas look without any fancy editing.

Coordinate outfits if that’s your style, but keep comfort in mind. Fields can be muddy, so boots beat fancy shoes every time.

Try shooting in softer afternoon light if possible. Then you’ll have a photo worth framing, and a memory tied to one great Arkansas day.

Your Dog Is Officially Invited

Good news for pet parents who hate leaving their pups at home. Leashed pets are welcome at the farm.

The rules are easy to follow. Keep your pet on a leash and clean up after them.

There’s even a special day just for dogs. Feliz Navi-Dog Day lands on December 5, 2026, with complimentary treats for canine guests.

Yes, the name is a pun. And yes, it’s exactly as charming as it sounds.

Bringing your dog adds another layer of fun to the outing. Plenty of pups love sniffing around fresh trees and open fields.

Pack a few basics before you leave. Waste bags, a water bowl, and a towel for muddy paws will save you trouble later.

Make sure your dog is comfortable around crowds and other animals. Remember, ponies might be nearby on certain weekends.

A festive bandana never hurts either. Your pup posing beside the family tree could steal the spotlight on your holiday card.

A Family Dream That Started With One Tree

Back in 1981, Martin and Jill Babb simply wanted to grow their own family Christmas tree. That small goal grew into something much bigger.

The Babbs first ran a tree farm called Christmas in the Ozarks in Omaha, Arkansas. When demand kept rising, they moved to Pea Ridge and started fresh.

Today Wonderland Christmas Tree Farm spreads across 38 acres. You’ll find it at 14821 Miser Rd, Pea Ridge, AR 72751.

The farm has earned some nice attention over the years. Country Living Magazine recognized it in 2019, and Best Things Arkansas did in 2018.

It has also been featured on HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous. Not bad for a project that began with one family tree.

Before you leave, stop by the mercantile. The gift shop is a great spot for ornaments and keepsakes.

Wreaths and greenery are available as well. They’re perfect for front doors, mantels, or a holiday gift for a neighbor.

Portable restrooms are on the farm, which is good to know with kids. Plan for that, then plan to come back next year.