This Arkansas Christmas Tree Farm Has Pig Races, Hayrides, And A Magic Candy Cane Tree
Pigs race here. Kids hunt for a magic candy cane tree.
And the hot chocolate is free, which feels like a Christmas miracle all by itself.
This family farm in Arkansas grows thousands of trees, and the fun doesn’t stop at the tree rows. There’s a hayride, a petting zoo with goats and baby chicks, and a giant haystack with tunnels and a slide.
I can’t imagine a better way to kick off the holidays. I like the idea of picking a tree and cheering for a pig on the same afternoon.
The same family has been growing trees here since the 1980s. So who’s ready to place their bets on a racing pig?
Cheer Loudly Because The Pigs Are Racing For Glory
Most holiday outings don’t come with a sporting event. At Pine Grove Christmas Tree Farm, the pigs handle that part.
Pig races are one of the farm’s headline attractions, right alongside the trees. It’s the kind of activity that turns a simple tree errand into a full family event.
Kids get to pick a favorite and cheer it across the finish line. Grown-ups usually end up just as invested, even if they won’t admit it.
The races fit right into a day packed with other farm fun. You can catch one, then wander off to see the animals or hop on a hayride.
Plan to arrive with some time to spare. Saturdays offer an earlier start, with the farm opening at 10 a.m.
Weekday hours start in the afternoon, so check timing before you head out. A little planning helps you catch the action without rushing.
Bring your phone for videos. Pigs running at full speed are hard to describe later, and nobody will believe you without proof.
Honestly, a pig race is a pretty great story to tell. It’s also a fun reminder that Christmas traditions don’t have to be fancy to stick.
Go Looking For A Tree That Hands Out Candy Canes
Somewhere among the rows, a special tree is waiting. Kids at Pine Grove Christmas Tree Farm get to search for the magic candy cane tree.
It’s a simple idea with big payoff. Finding it feels like winning a holiday treasure hunt.
The search also gives little ones a job while the family walks the fields. That can make the tree hunt feel shorter for kids with short attention spans.
Parents, this is your secret weapon. A child on a mission is far less likely to ask how much longer this will take.
The candy cane tree adds a little mystery to the whole visit. Kids may remember the hunt as much as the tree you take home.
Wear comfy shoes for walking between rows. Farm ground can be uneven, especially after rain, so sneakers or boots are a smart choice.
You might also make a game of it. Give everyone a guess about where the tree is hiding before you start searching.
A little imagination goes a long way out here. And let’s be real, a tree that hands out candy is the kind of magic everyone can support.
Climb Aboard For A Bumpy, Happy Hayride
Few things say farm Christmas like hay sticking to your jacket. The hayride at Pine Grove Christmas Tree Farm delivers exactly that.
Riding through the farm gives you a fresh view of the property. It’s a relaxed break between activities, especially for tired little legs.
Hayrides are a classic for good reason. They’re slow, simple, and somehow everyone smiles once the wagon starts rolling.
Dress for the weather before you climb on. Arkansas December afternoons can swing from mild to chilly, so layers make sense.
A blanket or warm hat can help on cooler days. Gloves are handy too, since hay can be scratchy on bare hands.
Kids usually love sitting right on the bales. For toddlers, holding them close keeps the bumpy ride fun and safe.
The hayride pairs nicely with the farm’s free hot chocolate. Grab a cup afterward to warm up and swap favorite moments.
It’s also a great photo moment. Families squeezed together on a hay wagon make a much better holiday card than another stiff living room pose.
Your Perfect Tree Is Out There Somewhere In These Rows
Around 4,000 trees grow on this farm. That’s a lot of options for one living room corner.
Pine Grove Christmas Tree Farm offers several varieties, so you can match a tree to your style. Choices include Virginia Pine, Murray Cypress, Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, and Blue Ice.
Prefer a classic fir? Pre-cut Fraser Fir trees are available too.
Carolina Sapphire and Blue Ice have a bluish color that stands out. Leyland and Murray Cypress have soft, feathery branches.
Virginia Pine is a Southern favorite with sturdy branches. It holds heavier ornaments well, which matters if your collection is large.
Measure your ceiling before leaving home. Trees look much smaller in an open field than they do indoors.
You can cut your own tree if you want the full experience. Staff can also do the cutting, which is handy if sawing isn’t your thing.
Take your time walking the rows. Picking the tree together is half the fun, and debating the best one is basically a family tradition.
Let The Crew Handle The Shaking, Baling, And Loading
Getting a tree home is often the hardest part. Here, the farm makes that step much easier.
Cutting, shaking, and baling are complimentary at Pine Grove Christmas Tree Farm. Shaking removes loose needles, and baling wraps the tree tight for travel.
Staff can help load your tree onto your vehicle too. That’s a relief when your chosen tree turns out bigger than expected.
Need your tree ready for a stand? The farm can drill a hole in the bottom of the trunk.
String is available for tying trees to vehicles. Still, the farm encourages bringing ratchet straps or bungee cords for a more secure ride.
An old blanket protects your car roof from sap and scratches. Toss one in the trunk before you leave home.
The farm also sells tree stands, tree removal bags, and tree preservative. That means you can grab missing supplies on the spot.
Removal bags are a smart buy. They make hauling your tree out in January far less messy, and your floors will thank you.
Goats, Sheep, And Baby Chicks Are Ready To Say Hello
Goats have strong opinions about snacks. Kids can find that out for themselves at the farm’s petting zoo.
The animal area includes goats, sheep, chickens, and baby chicks. It’s a sweet stop between the tree fields and the hayride.
Little ones often get a kick out of seeing farm animals up close. Baby chicks especially tend to steal the show.
Remind kids to be gentle and calm around the animals. Quiet voices and slow hands help everyone stay comfortable.
Hand wipes or sanitizer are worth packing. You’ll want clean hands before reaching for popcorn or cookies later.
Bringing your own pet? Leashed pets are welcome at Pine Grove Christmas Tree Farm.
Just keep a close eye on curious dogs near the animal pens. A respectful distance keeps the goats and chickens relaxed.
The petting zoo is a lovely way to slow things down. In a busy holiday season, a few minutes watching chicks peck around feels surprisingly peaceful.
Tunnels, Slides, And A Barrel Train Keep Kids Moving
A giant haystack with two tunnels and a slide sits waiting for young explorers. Good luck getting kids to leave it quickly.
Play areas like this give children a place to burn energy. That helps when the grown-ups still want to browse trees.
There’s also a barrel train, sometimes called a cow train. Kids ride in cute barrel cars pulled around the farm.
Games add even more fun to the mix. One favorite is a Feed The Pig bean bag game, which fits the farm’s playful theme.
Free coloring books are available while supplies last. They’re a nice bonus for the drive home.
Hay gets everywhere, so dress kids in clothes that can handle it. Expect to shake out a few pockets later.
Photo spots are scattered around the farm too. Bring a charged phone, because festive backdrops tend to pop up everywhere.
Schools also schedule field trips here. During those visits, Mrs. Claus may read books to the kids, which adds a little extra holiday sparkle.
Warm Up With Free Cocoa And Homemade Goodies
Free hot chocolate might be the best phrase in the holiday season. Pine Grove Christmas Tree Farm offers it to visitors.
It’s a cozy treat after walking the fields. Warm hands make tree decisions much easier.
Hungry? Popcorn, soft drinks, and cookies are available for purchase.
A small farmer’s market adds even more to browse. You’ll find items like blackberry jam and pepper jelly.
Pepper jelly makes a great holiday party starter. Spoon it over cream cheese with crackers, and you’ve got an easy appetizer.
Crafts are sold too, so keep an eye out for gift ideas. Picking up something local feels more personal than another online order.
The farm accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. A small extra fee applies to card purchases, so cash can be handy.
Leave a little room in the car for treats. Between the tree, the jam, and the cookies, your ride home might smell amazing.
Decades Of Family Roots Grow On This Arkansas Hillside
Greg and Betty Eckart started growing trees in Paris, Arkansas, back in 1978. They’re known as pioneers among Arkansas Christmas tree farmers.
In 1985, they bought the land in Charleston. The first trees went into the ground there in 1987.
Today, their four children and grandchildren help run the farm. That family touch shows up in all the kid-friendly extras.
Pine Grove Christmas Tree Farm sits at 2919 Yocum St, Charleston, AR 72933. It’s about five miles east of Charleston on Highway 22.
The season usually runs from the Saturday before Thanksgiving to around December 22. That window goes by fast, so don’t wait too long.
Weekday hours run from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays open earlier at 10 a.m., making them great for a full day out.
The farm is even open on Thanksgiving Day afternoon. Black Friday brings earlier hours too, if you’d rather shop for trees than gadgets.
Choosing a tree here supports a family business with deep local roots. That makes your Christmas tree feel even more special.