There’s a magical winter wonderland tucked away in the woods of Manalapan and it’s total holiday spirit #goals and a must for every Hallmark movie fan!
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm is known for its 50 acres of 50,000 Christmas trees its owners have been growing for over 80 years, as well as its beautiful market and gift shop, but for the past four years it has gained huge popularity for The Village, a concept created by the owner’s 24-year-old son.
It has become a must-see Christmas attraction in New Jersey for the fourth straight year and with good reason. The holiday lights alone make it well worth the visit! After taking a quick hayride through the farm, you’ll see 400,000 lights shining amidst the trees.
Once you climb off the wagon, you’ll walk through a path of holiday displays, homes and attractions. You’ll walk on gravel and grass so wear comfortable shoes and bundle up. Take a leisurely stroll at your own pace for about an hour and you’ll see gigantic glowing snowmen, Santa on the lake, a manger, a hot air balloon, elves and nutcrackers, and lots of glowing snowflakes.
Favorite returning activities include stopping by the post office to send Santa a letter and dropping coins into a wishing well – and of course, taking a photo with Mr. Claus himself. New this year is the area’s only 4D sleigh ride experience, where Dash takes you on a journey to save the North Pole.
You and your crew can also take a piece of coal from the coal mine and shoot air-soft pellets at lit-up targets. You’ll also get a sweet and personal explanation of how maple sugar is made.
There are also displays of a train set and dolls making gingerbread cookies. You can use an iPad to write a message in lights, play a video game and pop your head into life-sized cutouts.
If all that walking makes you hungry, order a funnel cake or fried Oreos and wash it down with specialty hot chocolate flavors like candy cane or s’mores.
The paths are accessible to strollers (you’ll have to fold them up on the hayride) and there are plenty of places to sit down. It’s very well-lit, and you can buy glow sticks at the gift shop, too.
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm is located at 114 Daum Rd., Manalapan. The Village at Anne Ellen holiday lights event is open Wednesdays through Sundays, November 9 to December 30, from 5-10 pm. Tickets must be purchased online, in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets range from $13 for kids aged 3-12, to $24 for adults. You will not be allowed to enter before your given time, but the line can take 15-30 minutes to go through so get on line early. Parking is free, but limited, so if you’re coming with a group it’s best to carpool.
The Shops are open from 9 am to 5 pm Fridays-Sundays, October 4 to November 9; and then from 9 am to 8 pm every day from November 9 to December 30 (during the duration of The Village).
The cut-your-own Christmas tree fields are open from November 22 to December 24, on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 am to 4 pm; the pre-cut trees can be purchased until 8 pm. The shops and tree fields accept cash or card.
Check out our Instagram page to see the gorgeous lights display!
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