East Hampton-Portland|Local Event
Decber 12th & 13th - A Family Christmas Experience at Star Hill Family Farm
Celebrate Christmas at Star Hill Family Farm in Portland, Connecticut! Our annual Family Christmas Experience returns November 21 through December 20, 2026, with horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa visits, farm animals, Christmas trees, handmade wreaths, and delicious holiday treats.
Whether you're continuing a family tradition or visiting for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you!
NEW FOR 2026: GOAT CUDDLING!
Spend time up close with our playful goats during special cuddling sessions! This new experience is planned for on-site purchase, subject to availability. Ask our staff for details when you visit.
Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Santa and Mrs. Claus return to hear Christmas wishes, collect letters, and pose for professional photos by AK Photography.
Dates: November 27, 28 & 29; December 5 & 12
Hours: 11 AM–4 PM
Photos: $40 per group; first come, first served. No reservations required.
Children can bring letters from home or write them at the farm and place them in Santa's mailbox.
View Santa's schedule and photo information.
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
Enjoy a guided ride through the farm's hillside, including a fireside stop. Two wagons depart every 15 minutes from 10 AM to 4:30 PM on select days.
November: 21, 22, 27, 28 & 29
December: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20
Tickets are $15 per rider, plus a $1.50 booking fee and Connecticut sales tax. Children 2 and under ride free when secured with a parent or guardian.
Advance online reservations are required. Seating is limited, and rides can sell out.
Book or learn more about wagon rides.
Meet the Farm Animals
Visit miniature cows, goats, horses, chickens, donkeys, and more. Animal feed is available for purchase, and staff may be available to introduce the animals and answer questions. Please supervise children and interact with animals only in designated areas.
Christmas Trees & Handmade Wreaths
Choose from fresh Balsam fir Christmas trees, generally 4–10 feet tall, with some larger trees available. Browse wreaths handcrafted at the farm, seasonal decorations, tree accessories, and heavy-duty stands.
Store hours, November 21–December 20:
- Monday–Friday: Noon–4 PM
- Weekends: 10 AM–5 PM
- Black Friday, November 27: 10 AM–5 PM
Fresh Donuts, Food & Warm Drinks
AGucci's Donuts serves freshly made gourmet donuts, including apple cider donuts, along with roasted coffee, hot cider, and cocoa. The mobile farm kitchen also offers breakfast sandwiches, burgers, chicken fingers, fries, and more.
Open weekends and Black Friday, 10 AM–5 PM.
December 19: Canned Food Drive & Santa Story Time
Help support neighbors in need by bringing canned goods or nonperishable food donations. Santa and Mrs. Claus will read Christmas stories at 11 AM, 12:30 PM, 2 PM, and 3:30 PM.
Professional Santa photo sessions will not be offered on December 19. Wagon rides that day require advance online reservations.
Plan Your Visit
Star Hill Family Farm
819 Glastonbury Turnpike
Portland, CT 06480
Opening day is Saturday, November 21. Activities run on select dates through December 20, with different schedules and fees for individual attractions.
We're grateful to the families who make our farm part of their Christmas traditions and look forward to celebrating with you this season!