It’s been a 15-year hiatus, but after the most successful Fall Harvest festival season on record this past October, Christmas is returning to Brightwaters Farms in Bay Shore.
The farm owners made the announcement today.
“We wanted to spread joy and provide a place for people to come and enjoy themselves once again for the holidays,” said Robin Quintal, who operates the 12-plus acre working farm at 1624 Manatuck Blvd. with her family.
Things will get twinkling on Friday, Nov. 29, then go into Christmas Eve. In the meantime, thousands of cut Christmas trees are being placed on display and will be available for picking or cutting, as per the customer’s choice
The halls of the farm’s Country Store are also being decked out for Christmas.
There, shoppers will find holiday baked goods and plenty of Christmas gifts and novelties. Of course, the farm animals will be on hand, along with winter-themed bounce houses and pony rides — albeit for a fee — but entering the farm will be free.
Also, the hayrides are being replaced by sleigh rides.
If you get hungry, the country kitchen and bakery will have all types of great food as Santa’s helpers will be cooking up soup, burgers, hot dogs, pretzels and more.
Check the weekend schedule for updates on the times for Breakfast with Santa, or photos with Santa and crew.
Mrs. Clause will also be on hand on the weekends, putting on shows for the kiddies.
The farm’s big Christmas Tree lighting is also scheduled for Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. All are welcome to the lighting, where the Brightwaters Farms family will be passing out a complimentary cider donut and hot chocolate.
The event runs through Christmas Eve. The hours are as follows:
- Monday to Thursday: Noon to 8 p.m.
- Friday: Noon to 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you go
Here’s a full list of things to do, buy and just experience at the Brightwaters Farms’ Christmas Extravaganza:
• Pick you perfect cut Christmas tree from the thousands of trees on the farm. You can either cut or pick your own tree.
• Grab all your decorating needs, wreaths, blankets, kissing balls, roping, mistletoe and much more.
• Take a hay ride around the farm, visit and feed the farm animals.
• Visit the Winter Wonderland playland with holiday inflatables, little tractor ride and pony rides with Lolipop and Stormy.
• Have breakfast and brunch with Santa every weekend.
• Take a picture with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves with Rudolph.
• Enjoy Mrs. Clause puppet shows on Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays.
• Grab some roasted chestnuts and toast s’mores on an open fire.
• Visit the Country Store for all you holiday gifts and treats.
• Purchase freshly baked Pies, donuts and goodies as well as lunch and snacks available at the county concession and bakery.
• Get your hot, fresh cider donuts right off the rack.
