In the crisp evening air, families stroll a nature trail aglow with festive lights, pausing by fire pits to sip hot cocoa and even meet Santa under the stars.
Just 75 miles south of Chicago, Fair Oaks Farms — in Fair Oaks, Indiana — offers this unique holiday haven, featuring a Forest of Lights, cozy igloo dining, games and more.
“It’s all about traditions and family gathering together,” says Ryan Weaver, Fair Oaks Farms’ Chief Operating Officer. Running Nov. 22-Jan. 5, this fifth annual event is made for making memories.
“We really want it to be a place where families can connect with each other,” Weaver says. “It allows you to slow down and experience the country.”
Ready to escape the city bustle for a weekend? Here are eight can’t-miss highlights.
1. Forest of Lights
This peaceful half-mile walk celebrates nature with shining scenes and holiday lights wrapping the trees. “Each year, we have a theme,” Weaver says. “This time, we’re focusing on sky, land and water.”
Along the trail, “snow globe” tractors lit up by sponsor John Deere capture kids’ attention, while a shadow play wall lets everyone create lively silhouettes in the light.
“People can stop and linger, sit and rest, or walk right through,” he adds. At the midway point, fire pits at the forest pub offer drinks, s’mores and games like giant Jenga, tic-tac-toe and checkers.
Key details: Visit early in the season (Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 22-Dec. 8) or nightly Dec. 12-Jan. 5 (closed Dec. 24-25). Runs 5-9 p.m. Admission is $15/adults, $10/3-12 and free/2 and under. You’re welcome to pre-purchase but not required; there’s always room.
2. Sundays With Santa
Santa joins the festivities each Sunday in the Forest of Lights, offering a relaxed photo spot for families.
Key details: Bring your camera for DIY photos with Santa — no reservations required.
3. Igloo dining experience
When tummies rumble, dine at The Farmhouse Restaurant or, by reservation, in one of its seasonal igloos just outside.
“It’s a nice private dining experience, where you enjoy the scenery of the lights around you under the dome,” Weaver says.
The igloos feature the full dining and beverage menu — with kid-friendly choices, too. Pre-order apps and they’ll be ready for you upon arrival.
Key details: Igloos can be reserved online and are available for groups of 2, 6 or 10.
4. The Holiday Market
For unique holiday presents, Fair Oaks Farms’ market offers lifestyle goodies like fresh-baked treats, unique home decor and its popular artisan cheeses. “People love putting together their own gift boxes,” Weaver says. Don’t forget to grab a s’mores kit for the fire pits!
Key details: The market is open daily Nov. 15-Jan. 5, with extended hours (12-9 p.m.) starting Dec. 12. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
5. Holiday train
Pair your Forest of Lights stroll with a festive ride on the holiday train. Decorated with lights, it adds some extra spirit for small children especially.
Key details: The train departs from the Dairy Adventure (see #8), and tickets are $2 a ride.
6. On-site family-friendly hotel packages
For families traveling from Chicago or nearby, Fair Oaks Farms’ barn-themed Fairfield by Marriott hotel offers holiday packages. “It’s a great trip,” says Weaver. “Many folks come for the day or a weekend.” Family-friendly amenities include a pool with a toddler slide, a zero-entry section and an indoor/outdoor hot tub.
Key details: Book packages that include Forest of Lights admission and other perks.
7. Cowfé & Ice Cream Shop
Warm up at the farm’s Cowfé with grilled cheese featuring its award-winning dairy — and, of course, dip into seven flavors of homemade ice cream.
“Butter pecan is a big favorite,” Weaver says. “Our cookies and cream is decadent, and the chocolate is really rich.”
Key details: The Cowfé is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 p.m.-6 p.m. weekends. Visit the nearby Dairycatessan for even more goodies.
8. Three educational farm museums
Fair Oaks Farms also has three interactive museums: Dairy Adventure, Pig Adventure and Crop Adventure. Each brings farming to life with interactive displays and play spaces, like a corkscrew slide in Dairy Adventure and a three-story ropes course at Pig Adventure.
“Our goal is connecting people to where their food comes from,” Weaver says, adding that the museums give families “a place to explore while learning more about farming.”
Key details: One-day passes are $22 or $38 for a two-day pass covering all three.
Plan your family’s country holiday escape to Fair Oaks Farms
Ready to slow down and experience a holiday getaway less than two hours from Chicago? Fair Oaks Farms offers festive activities, dining and more to fill a weekend.
“We offer a place to enjoy the holiday season in a country atmosphere, with the richness of good food and nature,” Weaver says.
To learn more about Fair Oaks Farms’ holiday season and start planning, visit the Fair Oaks Farms holiday page.
