Festive Farms with Markets in the Chicago Suburbs
‘Tis the season for holiday markets and festive decor! But even better if you pair that with a local farm that sells fresh produce, baked goods or Christmas trees, or has a petting and feeding zoo.
Check out these local farms and markets, and immerse yourself with all the festive and cozy activities they have to offer!
Photo of Big & Bright Trail of Lights Show via sonnyacres.com
November 22-December 30, 2024
The Big & Bright Trail of Lights Show at Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago is a beautiful walk-thru trail, featuring a beautiful light show, photos with Santa and a holiday market. There is delicious food for purchase and an open fire to keep warm and roast s’mores.
2855 Hart Rd
Aurora IL 60502
Photo owned by Kristel at On the Go with 4 Kids in Tow
November 23-December 23, 2024
Abbey Farms is a u-cut tree farm in Aurora with one of the best markets onsite. The Nagel Farmstead Emporium is 6k sq ft of artisan gifts and specialty food items, including homemade sauces, salsas, seasonings, dips, honey, preserves and much more.
9407 Richardson Rd
Spring Grove IL 60081
Photo via of Richardson Farm via facebook.com
November 29-December 22, 2024
Another u-cut tree farm, Richardson Farm in Spring Grove has over 50,000 trees of many varieties and sizes, spread over 75 acres. After you choose your perfect free, head over to the heated sales barn where there’s free hot chocolate or coffee, along with fresh wreaths and decorations for sale, as well as homemade donuts.
100 S Barnes Rd
Aurora IL 60506
Photo of Blackberry Farm via enjoyillinois.com
December 6-22, 2024, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays only
All aboard the Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm! During the Holiday Express season, the entire place is like a market in itself, with holiday activities throughout the whole farm, such as the Holiday Village, where you can warm up with an indoor craft and festive music or the Little Elf Hobby Shoppe, where you can create candy cane ornaments. Visit Santa at the North Pole Oasis, listen to holiday stories at the Gingerbread School House, or stop by Kringle’s Cafe for delicious hot cocoa and treats.
17250 S Weber Rd
Lockport IL 60441
Photo of Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm via facebook.com
Cottonwood Christmas: December 1, 2024
Whoville Holiday Hoedown: December 7, 2024 [21+ only]
The barn at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm is all decked out for the holidays for 2 very special holiday events: the family-friendly Cottonwood Christmas on 12/1, and the adult-only Whoville Holiday Hoedown on 12/7.
At Cottonwood Christmas, enjoy all the festive fun it has to offer, with Santa and Grinch meet & greets, storytimes, a petting zoo area with goats & sheep the Cottonwood Railroad, bonfire pits, kids crafts, guaranteed snow, hot food & drinks, holiday music and of course festive decor.
13202 Hebron Rd
Hebron IL 60034
Photo of Hephzibah Farms via facebook.com
Take an interactive and educational tour of Hephzibah Farm, where you’ll be able to pet, hold and learn all about the animals at the farm, while all the bars are festively decorated for the holiday season.You can also visit their farm market store, that sells naturally raised meat and eggs, homemade bakery items, alpaca fleece, artisan gifts and much more.
Jerry Smith Farm
7150 18th St
Kenosha WI 53144
Photo via jerrysmithfarm.com
November 29-December 22, 2024
During the winter season, Jerry Smith Farm in Kenosha WI, has Holiday Lights on the Farm, with an enchanting and beautiful display of lights. After you go on your lighted walk, warm up by a cozy fire pit and savor warm beverages and s’mores. Take family photos in the many holiday displays and ride the lighted wagon. And don’t forget to explore the winter wonderland market, featuring a splendid array of Christmas Trees and holiday wreaths.
NEW to this year: 1 hour cozy igloo rentals! Choice of hot cocoa, coffee or cider, with cookies and fresh popcorn.
Photo of Randall Oaks Zoo Winterfest via chicagofun.com
December 7-22, 2024, weekends only
Holiday decorations will surround the barns and animals at Winterfest at Randall Oaks Zoo. You can also sit by a bonfire, browse the community sponsorship trees and see Santa.
Cosley Zoo
1356 N. Gary Ave.
Wheaton IL 60187
Photo via cosleyzoo.org
Cosley Zoo’s Festival of Lights is a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights. There is also an amazing selection of Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery for purchase, and hot chocolate and a unique assortment of holiday gifts in the gift shop.
Which festive farm is a must-visit for you? Let me know in the comments!
‘Tis the season for holiday markets and festive decor! But even better if you pair that with a local farm that sells fresh produce, baked goods or Christmas trees, or has a petting and feeding zoo.