A trip to one Onslow County farm has become a holiday tradition for many families in North Carolina.
Mike’s Farm in Beulaville was once a tobacco farm and later a Christmas tree farm. Now, it’s an agritourism farm, offering educational school programs, strawberry picking, pumpkin picking and a variety of other seasonal events.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Mike’s Farm transforms into a winter wonderland. Wreaths decorated with tinsel and ornaments are hung on barn doors, Christmas music rings from speakers, hot chocolate and cookers are served, and festive scenes are painted in lights across the farm.
In late fall and into the winter, Mike’s Farm invites visitors to get into the holiday spirit by taking part in its festive events.
The Festival of Lights Hayride has become a popular family tradition. Visitors take their seats on hay bales and head out on a 30-minute tractor ride through the woods. There, they find dozens of lighted Christmas scenes. From classic nativity scenes and Santa with his reindeer to farm animals and racecars, viewers are sure to delight in each display.
The farm holds a variety of events in November and December, each offering a unique way to experience the farm and hayride. The hayride runs 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly from Nov. 14 to Dec. 23 and Dec. 26 to 28. The ride is $15 for guests 5 years old and older. Reservations are not required for the hayride itself, but some of the other experiences must be booked in advance.
One such event is the Dinner & Hayride experience. Running the same dates listed above, this option includes a family-style dinner in addition to the hayride. The all-you-can-eat meal inside the cozy, country restaurant includes fried chicken, pork tenderloin, corn, green beans, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits, beverages and dessert. The restaurant is open by reservation only during this season, but takeout plates are available at the restaurant and food truck.
Across the state, folks mark their calendars for the day tickets go on sale and wait in anticipation, hoping to secure one of the highly sought-after reservations. Bookings opened for this year’s Christmas events at 9 a.m. on Sept. 3 and quickly sold out. Cancellations left some spots open, just to be quickly filled by hopeful website watchers.
Other events include Supper with Santa (which features a story time with Mrs. Claus, dinner, a meet-and-greet with Santa and the hayride), the Ho! Ho! Christmas Show, Wilmington Celebration Choir and others. Private mini and group hayrides are also available for booking online.
Mike’s Farm hosts other seasonal events throughout the year, including a haunted hayride in October, strawberry picking in the spring, egg hunts at Easter and more. The farm also operates its gift shop, N.C. Products Barn – a shop featuring North Carolina-made products perfect for crossing off your Christmas list – and a bakery.
The farm is located at 1600 Haw Branch Road in Beulaville. To check for cancellations or book your visit, go to mikesfarmnc.com.