Discover the enchantment of the Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, NJ. Explore dazzling holiday displays, enjoy festive treats, and create cherished moments with Santa on this unforgettable winter experience.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the tour is conducted in a vehicle with minimal walking.
Wildlife
History
Demarest Farms has been a staple in Hillsdale since the early 20th century, blending traditional farming with community events.
Conservation
Demarest Farms implements sustainable farming practices and encourages visitors to respect the natural landscape and wildlife habitats around the farm.
Demarest Farms
Discover the enchantment of the Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, NJ. Explore dazzling holiday displays, enjoy festive treats, and create cherished moments with Santa on this unforgettable winter experience.
Demarest Farms is a farm in Hillsdale, New Jersey, known for seasonal pick-your-own fruit, farm events, and community-focused activities. The farm offers apple and peach picking, pumpkin patches, scenic hayrides, a farmyard petting zoo, and specialized events such as the New Jersey Wine Festival and the Orchard of Lights. Each season features curated activities: spring and summer fruit picking, charitable barbecues and family fun days, and autumn harvest events tailored for families, schools, and groups. Reservations are required for limited experiences like pick-your-own peaches and pumpkins, ensuring an organized and enjoyable visit. Demarest Farms hosts fundraising events that support organizations such as the Fisher House Foundation and the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation, highlighting a commitment to local causes and public safety. The farm operates rain or shine for select festivals, providing reliable planning information for visitors. Demarest Farms emphasizes safe, educational experiences with supervised school group visits that include hayrides, petting zoo interactions, fresh-pressed cider, and apple cider donuts. The Orchard of Lights is a guided vehicle tour across 32 acres with holiday displays, fire pits, and family-friendly entertainment. The farm’s mix of hands-on agriculture, seasonal entertainment, and philanthropic events makes it a trusted destination for Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey families seeking authentic farm experiences. Visitors can expect clear reservation policies, seasonal schedules, and community-oriented programming that prioritize visitor enjoyment and safety. On-site retail markets feature fresh local goods, and friendly staff provide guidance to make every visit comfortable and memorable for all ages daily today.
Location
Hillsdale, NJ
Convenient Bergen County destination
Pick-Your-Own
Peaches • Apples • Pumpkins
Reservations required for limited experiences
Community Events
Fundraising & Family Days
Supports Fisher House and Water Safety Foundation
Orchard of Lights
32 acres
Guided holiday vehicle tour
Reserve pick-your-own slots, buy festival tickets, or book school group visits to secure a memorable farm day with hayrides, petting zoo visits, and seasonal events.
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly on weekends and holiday evenings, so arriving early will ensure a hassle-free start to your tour.
Dress Warmly
Temperatures can drop in the evenings, so wearing layered clothing and warm footwear will keep you comfortable.
Bring a Camera or Smartphone
There are plenty of photo opportunities with festive lights and Santa, so have your camera ready to capture memories.
Check Weather Updates
Tours operate rain or shine, but severe weather may impact availability—check forecasts before your visit.
Warm Jacket
Keeps you comfortable during chilly evening tours.
winter
Comfortable Footwear
Essential for brief walks to and from the vehicle and around the fire pit area.
Camera or Smartphone
Helps capture the festive holiday light displays and moments with Santa.
Reusable Hot Beverage Mug
Perfect for enjoying hot cocoa by the fire pit while reducing waste.
winter