Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park has an array of old and new festivities on their holiday lineup this year. Whether you’re in the mood to give or receive, a trip to the farm’s “winter wonderland” has something for everyone.
Illuminate the Farm
For the third consecutive year, the Winter Lantern Festival will light up Queens Farm with bright displays. Illuminate the Farm features a walk-through experience featuring illuminated tunnels, swings, see-saws and a bounce house.
The holiday lights and Chinese lanterns were crafted by skilled artisans with decades of experience. And this year’s display will feature over 1,500 lights and 80 lanterns, 30 more than last year. The luminescent experience was inspired by Chinese folklore and animals.
Fridays – Sundays, Nov. 17 to Jan. 7
Daily, Dec. 22 to Jan. 1
5 to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $17.99 to $25.99
Holiday Reading: The Gift of the Magi
Prepare to bundle up to enjoy the farm’s fourth annual holiday storytelling event. This year, Kevin R. Free will lead a holiday reading of O. Henry’s classic The Gift of the Magi. The short story, synonymous with the holiday season, was penned at Pete’s Tavern, the city’s longest continually operated bar and restaurant.
While attendance is free, reservations are encouraged. Hot chocolate and cookies will be handed out to complement the outdoor experience. Santa Claus will also make a cameo at the storytelling event for the first time this year.
Saturday, Dec. 16
1 to 2 p.m.
Holiday Market
The farm’s holiday market will feature an array of locally sourced gifts with something for everyone such as honey from the farm’s apiary or scarves made with the farm’s very own wool. They’ll also be selling a range of Christmas trees and poinsettias while supplies last.
The Farm Store also sells merchandise such as sweatshirts and cozy headwear, along with candles, stationary, maple syrup, hot sauce and gardening gear.
Nov. 24 to Dec. 24
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Dec. 24: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Wreath Making Workshop
Make your own evergreen wreath at one of the farm’s bespoke hands-on workshops that have been held for over 30 years. No experience is required for this unique experience to craft your own holiday decor. Attendees will receive guided instruction and the materials to craft a wreath to take home.
Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10
10 a.m. – noon; 1 to 3 p.m.
Tickets: $38
CUNY Food Drive
For the fifth consecutive year, the farm is collecting food donations to stock the Knights Table Food Pantry at Queens College. Last year they gathered over 500 pounds of food that went to CUNY students and their families.
Acceptable contributions include healthy shelf-stable items such as beans, oatmeal, soups and whole grain products. This year they’re also requesting toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste as well as feminine products to provide essential products to students in need.
Nov. 24 to Dec. 31
Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Dec 24: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed on Dec. 25)
