There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than visiting Christmas Town at the Rustic Barn!
This annual light show extravaganza has become a beloved tradition for families, businesses, and organizations in Jacksonville NC and the Carolina Coast. With twinkling lights, wagon rides, food trucks, and festive market vendors, Christmas Town is the perfect holiday destination for visitors of all ages.
Here’s a glimpse into what makes Christmas Town so special and a few tips to help you make the most of your visit.
A Season of Holiday Magic
Christmas Town is open from Thanksgiving through the Christmas holidays, offering families a chance to bask in the glow of the area’s largest Christmas light show. Spanning several weeks, the festive atmosphere at ELJ Farms’ Rustic Barn property draws crowds from near and far to enjoy holiday-themed wagon rides, holiday shopping, and beautifully illuminated displays.
Two Ways to Enjoy the Light Show
- Drive-Thru Light Show
If you’re looking for a cozy, private way to experience the wonder of Christmas Town, the Drive-Thru option is ideal for you. This allows you to enjoy the dazzling light show from the comfort of your own vehicle—a perfect option for families with young children or those wanting a simpler family experience. Note, with this option, you will not be able to stop and explore Christmas Town Shops.
Here’s how it works:
Arriving: Upon entering the parking lot, turn on your right-hand signal. Parking attendants will guide you to the right, where you’ll pay for tickets and receive instructions.
Pricing: Tickets are $25 per vehicle, covering up to four people. Each additional passenger is $5, and children aged 4 and under are free.
The Experience: Once you’re ready, follow the designated path through the light show trail. For safety reasons, visitors are required to stay in their vehicles throughout the entire drive, without stopping or turning around. Drive-thru participants will not be able to stop at Downtown Christmas Town shops.
The Drive-Thru option is a peaceful and memorable way to take in the lights, making it a wonderful holiday tradition.
- Wagon Rides with Downtown Christmas Town Experience
For a more immersive experience, holiday wagon rides add even more fun. During the ride, you’ll stop at Downtown Christmas Town, where visitors can step off the wagon and explore a variety of festive attractions on foot.
Here’s what to expect from the wagon ride experience:
Arriving: When you enter the parking lot, turn on your left-hand signal and you’ll be directed to one of two parking areas. After parking, you’ll head to the Pro-Shop to pay for your wagon ride or check-in for your private reservation.
Pricing: Wagon rides are $10 for adults (13 and older), $8 for children aged 5-12, and free for kids aged 4 and under.
The Experience: Once aboard the wagon, you’ll be taken through the light show trail with a special stop at Downtown Christmas Town. Here, you can explore new additions, such as:
– The Jolly Post Office: A festive stop for Santa pictures!
– The Sweet Shop: Warm up with holiday beverages and sweet treats.
– The General Store: Browse vintage-style candies and holiday goodies.
– Mrs. Trish’s Flower Shop: Find beautiful Christmas wreaths, bows, and more to add a touch of seasonal flair to your own decor.
After visiting these charming shops, you’ll board another wagon to finish the light show trail and return to the Pro-Shop parking area.
Handicap Accessible Wagons: At ELJ Farms, we prioritize the comfort and experience of every guest. We’ve installed TWO state-of-the-art lifts to assist with wagon loading, ensuring that all visitors can easily enjoy the holiday magic. Your family’s accessibility needs are important to us, and we’re committed to making Christmas Town a welcoming experience for everyone.
More Holiday Fun for the Whole Family
Christmas Town isn’t just about lights—there’s an array of fun activities and holiday experiences for visitors to enjoy! While on the farm, you can browse the market vendors for unique holiday gifts, grab a bite to eat from food trucks, and take photos with Santa to capture those timeless holiday memories.
Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa from the Sweet Shop or enjoying a nostalgic treat from the General Store, there’s something for everyone to love at Christmas Town.
Tips for Your Visit
- Check Facebook for Updates: Follow ELJ Farms on social media to stay up to date on event details, weather conditions, and any special promotions or changes in schedule.
- Arrive Early: Christmas Town is a popular destination, so arriving early ensures you have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the festivities without feeling rushed.
- Dress Warmly: The wagon rides and outdoor attractions can get chilly, so be sure to dress warmly and bring blankets for the wagon ride.
- Bring Cash: While most vendors accept cards, having cash on hand can speed up transactions, especially at the food trucks and market vendors.
- Private Wagon Rides: For a more personalized experience, you can book a private wagon ride for your group. This allows you to enjoy the magic of Christmas Town at your own pace, creating lasting memories with family and friends in a more intimate setting. Each wagon can accommodate up to 20-25 people, making it perfect for larger groups. Private wagon rides must be reserved, with bookings opening on September 1st.
- Santa Pictures: A professional photographer will be on-site every night to capture those special moments. Your photos will be delivered to you by email within 3-5 days of your picture date. Be sure to plan your Santa pictures early—Santa heads back to the North Pole on December 24th, and after Christmas Day, he’s off on vacation! Don’t miss out on this magical opportunity to make holiday memories.
See You at Christmas Town!
The holidays are a time for creating memories, and a visit to Christmas Town at the Rustic Barn is guaranteed to be a highlight of your season. Whether you’re driving through the sparkling lights or taking a wagon ride to explore Downtown Christmas Town, every moment is filled with holiday cheer.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Christmas Town 2024! From our family to yours, we wish you a merry and bright holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of Christmas magic.