Christmas Lights At Hunsader Farms In Florida Are Worth Planning Your December Around

Snow tubing on a working vegetable farm sounds like a typo. It isn’t.

One family farm in Florida pulls it off every December, right next to hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights.

The lights wrap barns and trees across the property. Hayrides and train rides roll you past the glow after dark.

Santa shows up too, which feels fair, since he probably needs a warm-weather break.

I like how the whole thing keeps its country roots. Kettle corn, warm pretzels, and hot chocolate beat any fancy holiday buffet in my book.

A s’mores station makes the case even stronger.

I believe the best holiday traditions feel a little homemade. This one started with three brothers who moved south to grow vegetables.

So how did a produce farm become one of the brightest spots on the December calendar?

Hundreds Of Thousands Of Lights Turn The Barns Into Holiday Beacons

Hunsader Farms goes big when December arrives. Its Country Christmas event has featured somewhere between 300,000 and 400,000 lights spread across the grounds.

Those lights don’t just sit on a fence and call it a day. They climb the barns and wrap the trees, turning a working farm into a glowing holiday postcard.

Here’s the fun part about seeing lights on a farm instead of in a parking lot. You get open sky, rustic buildings, and real country scenery behind every sparkle.

Your holiday photos will look like they came from a movie set, minus the fake snow.

The event usually runs on select weekends in December. Hours have typically been 6 PM to 10 PM, so the lights get a full evening to shine.

Arriving right around opening time is a smart move. You’ll catch the moment the farm shifts from dusk to full sparkle, and that change is worth watching.

Bring a phone with plenty of storage space. Between the barns, the trees, and the kids posing in front of everything, you’ll fill it faster than you expect.

Dates change each year, so check the farm’s announcements before you lock in your plans.

Yes, You Can Go Snow Tubing In Florida Without Booking A Flight

Snow and Florida rarely share a sentence. At the Country Christmas event, they share a whole hill.

Snow tubing has been one of the standout activities during the holiday celebration. Kids who have never seen a real snowflake suddenly get to slide down a frosty run.

Grown-ups get to feel like kids again, and nobody needs a parka.

Think about how strange and wonderful that is. You can wear shorts in the morning and go snow tubing that same evening.

Only in the Sunshine State does that make perfect sense.

A few smart tips will make the experience smoother. Wear shoes with good grip, since snow surfaces can get slippery.

Dress in layers you don’t mind getting a little damp.

Little ones may need a pep talk before their first ride. Once they reach the bottom, though, the second run usually sells itself.

Snow tubing tends to be a highlight for families, so plan it early in your night. That way, you’ll have energy left for everything else on the farm.

Activities can shift from year to year. Confirm what’s included before you go so nobody gets their hopes set on a hill that isn’t there.

Hop On A Hayride And Let The Lights Come To You

Walking is great, but riding through glowing fields feels downright luxurious. Hayrides at Hunsader Farms give you a front-row seat to the holiday light show.

Sitting on a wagon after dark has a cozy charm all its own. You get to relax, point at the brightest displays, and let someone else handle the driving.

Trains are also part of the fun during Country Christmas. Bigger rides and kiddie train rides give families a few different ways to explore the illuminated farm.

Kiddie trains are a great pick for younger children. They’re sized for small riders, so toddlers can feel like they’re in charge of the adventure.

Planning tip number one is to bring a light jacket. Florida evenings in December can get cooler than you’d guess, especially on an open wagon.

Planning tip number two is to ride more than once if you can. The lights look different depending on where you sit and how dark the sky gets.

Families with kids who get restless after long walks will love these rides. Everyone gets a break, and the scenery keeps moving the whole time.

Santa Knows Exactly Where To Find This Farm

Even the big guy in red needs a farm visit now and then. Guests at Country Christmas have been able to meet Santa during the event.

A photo with Santa is a classic holiday checkbox. Getting one surrounded by barns and glowing trees gives it a fresh country twist.

Have your kids practice their wish lists in the car. Nervous little ones often freeze once they finally get face to face with Santa.

A quick rehearsal helps them remember what they wanted, besides another round of snow tubing.

Music adds to the mood here too. Christmas songs have played throughout the grounds, and live bands and other shows have sometimes joined the lineup.

That mix keeps the energy cheerful from start to finish. You can listen while you snack, stroll, or wait for your turn with Santa.

Bring a camera that works well in low light. Night photos can come out blurry, so hold steady and take a few extra shots.

Also keep a backup plan for any shy children. Waving from a safe distance still counts as meeting Santa, and nobody will judge you.

Kettle Corn, Hot Chocolate, And A S’mores Station Walk Into A Farm

Holiday lights are lovely, but snacks seal the deal. Food vendors at Country Christmas have served up homemade goodies, kettle corn, warm pretzels, ice cream, and hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate on a cool Florida night just hits differently. Pair it with a salty pretzel, and you’ve got a pretty perfect holiday combo.

Then come the s’mores stations. Few things beat toasting a marshmallow under a sky full of twinkling lights.

Campfires have also been part of the scene, which makes lingering very tempting.

The farm’s Eat Shack, known for pizza, wings, and nuggets during other events, may also be open. That’s good news for picky eaters who want something hearty.

Bring cash just in case some vendors prefer it. It saves you a hunt for an ATM when someone suddenly needs ice cream.

Want a smart strategy? Grab a savory snack early, then save the sweet stuff for later in the night.

Kids will likely vote for s’mores first, of course. Sticky fingers are basically part of the admission experience, so pack some wet wipes in your bag.

Goats, Tiny Houses, And A Christmas Village Keep Little Ones Busy

Some of the most popular holiday guests at this farm have four legs. The petting zoo, part of the farm since 1991, has typically stayed open during Country Christmas.

Feeding goats under holiday lights is a pretty unusual way to spend a December evening. Kids tend to remember that kind of moment for years.

Tiny Town is another favorite. This kid-sized area features little buildings children can explore, and it makes the farm feel like a storybook.

A Christmas Village display has also been part of the celebration. Kids can wander through it and soak up the holiday details at their own pace.

Christmas movies on a big screen have joined the fun in past years. That’s a nice spot to rest tired legs while still feeling festive.

Families with toddlers will appreciate having so many options close together. When one activity loses its spark, another is usually nearby.

Plan for a little mess at the petting zoo. It’s a farm, after all, and goats rarely care about your clean holiday outfits.

Closed-toe shoes are a wise choice for everyone in your group.

Three Brothers From Wisconsin Started All This With Vegetables

Back in 1967, three Hunsader brothers moved from Wisconsin to Florida. Their goal was simple: grow vegetables.

That move planted the roots of Hunsader Farms in Manatee County. The family officially gave the farm its current name in 1990.

Fun fact for your next holiday trivia night. The farm hosted a Christmas festival years ago, took a long break, and then brought it back.

The modern Country Christmas returned around 2016.

Knowing that history adds a warm layer to the lights. You’re celebrating at a family-owned farm that grew from fields of produce into a beloved event spot.

The farm still keeps its agricultural side going strong. Shoppers can browse the produce market, check out craft vendors, and explore the antique barn during the holiday event.

That’s a handy chance to pick up a few local treats. Fresh produce or a handmade craft makes a thoughtful gift with a real story behind it.

Wisconsin winters are famous for snow. It’s fitting that a farm started by Wisconsin brothers now offers snow tubing in Florida.

A Family-Friendly Night With No Bar Lines To Dodge

Grandparents, toddlers, and teens can all share this one. Country Christmas has typically been promoted as an alcohol-free event, which keeps the focus squarely on family fun.

That makes planning easier for groups of all ages. You can bring the whole crew and feel comfortable from the moment you park.

Speaking of parking, it has generally been free. Admission is usually charged per person, and young children, historically five and under, have often gotten in free.

Those details can change from season to season. Check the farm’s latest event information before heading out, so your budget doesn’t get any surprises.

Pack smart for the evening. Bring a sweatshirt, comfortable shoes, and a small flashlight for darker walking paths between attractions.

A stroller or wagon can be a lifesaver with little ones. Four hours of lights and activities can wear out tiny legs fast.

Teens might roll their eyes at first. Then they spot the snow tubing hill and suddenly forget they were too cool for Christmas.

That’s a holiday miracle worth driving out for.

Set Your GPS For Country Roads East Of Bradenton

Finding the farm is easy once you know where to point your car. Hunsader Farms sits at 5500 Co Rd 675, Bradenton, FL 34211.

The drive takes you into open country in Manatee County. It’s a nice change of pace from busy holiday shopping centers along the Florida coast.

Regular farm hours run Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Sundays open later, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Country Christmas runs on its own evening schedule, though. Past events have kept the lights on from 6 PM to 10 PM on select December weekends.

The farm keeps busy all year long, too. Fall brings its Pumpkin Festival, and spring has offered u-pick flowers and produce.

So if December fills up fast, you’ll have other reasons to visit. Still, nothing quite compares to seeing those barns glow after dark.

Leave a little early on event nights. Rural roads can feel slower when you’re excited to get there.

Once you arrive and spot the first wall of lights, though, the drive will feel completely worth it.