Every holiday season is full of bright lights, nostalgic tree lightings, and meet-and-greets with jolly St. Nick. But, new to the holiday scene this year is the magical Christmas trail at Calleva Farm in Dickerson, Maryland.
For over 30 years, the Markoff family has been scaring teens and adults at Markoff’s Haunted Forest, but this year marks the farm’s first Christmas trail — an idea that has been five years in the making. The Christmas trail will only be open from 5 to 9 p.m. for two weekends: November 30–December 1 and December 6–8.
“October 31 comes around; it’s Halloween that day. Then the next day, we’re taking it down and putting up Christmas. So, the last month has just been kind of a crunch time for us,” says Match Hanson, marketing director at Calleva Farm.
Everyone who walks the trail will be transported into a favorite holiday movie or story. The experience will feature scenes from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, A Christmas Carol, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, The Polar Express, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Guests will also find a nativity scene, the Dickens-themed village, and other nostalgic settings that’ll put you in the Christmas spirit.
There’s a reason this is a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. The family and staff handcrafted almost all of the trail’s displays, from the gingerbread buildings to the Polar Express train replica. And what hasn’t been made from scratch has been refurbished and given new life.
“My uncle is a straight wizard. I don’t know how he pulls it out,” says Hanson. “There’s this book that I’m still in awe about how he made it.”
Expect to arrive early or stay late to explore the farm’s Christmas Town. As you enter the front circle of the experience, you’ll feel like you’re in the North Pole. A life-size gingerbread house, lights, a tree lot, and rustic vendor and food booths set the scene before heading into the trail.
The market within the town will feature 10 vendors with ornaments, treats, and gifts for the holiday season. The food menu offers another can’t-miss experience, with hot chocolate, sizzling sausages, and fresh stroopwafels to snack on during your walk.
Tickets for Christmas at Calleva Farm are $30 for all guests. The Christmas Town and tree lot will open at 4 p.m. to allow guests to experience the section before the sun sets. 19120 Martinsburg Rd., Dickerson, Maryland
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Feature image courtesy Christmas at Calleva Farm
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