Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mistletoe Farm?
Mistletoe Farm is a heartwarming family-friendly holiday attraction nestled in the mountains of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, where young and old can enjoy on an outdoor horse-drawn wagon ride on our country farm at night. Music, lights, and intricate dioramas take you along the journey of 
“Santa and the Perilous Christmas Eve.” Kristine M. Shaw’s beloved Christmas Story book comes to life as this narrated story tour takes you from vignette, to live animals, ending at our barn with Santa and all of his amazing live reindeer!
The book is available IN ADVANCE on Amazon.
Some copies MAY still be available ON SITE, but don’t wait, pre-order online today to reserve your copy!
When are the 2026 event dates?
For 2026, Mistletoe Farm will be open on these four special evenings:
- Friday, November 27 — 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM; wagons depart 4:00, 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 PM
- Saturday, December 5 — 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM; wagons depart 4:00, 6:00 and 7:00 PM (the 5:00 PM hour is reserved for a private group)
- Sunday, December 13 — 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM; wagons depart 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 PM
- Saturday, December 19 — 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM; wagons depart 4:00, 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 PM
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in and boarding.
How much do tickets cost?
At the door:
- Adult (13 and up) — $45
- Child (3–12) — $25
- Senior (65 and up) — $25
Early bird — now through Sunday, November 15:
- Adult (13 and up) — $34.99
- Child (3–12) — $19.99
- Senior (65 and up) — $19.99
Buying before November 15 saves over $10 per adult and over $5 per child or senior.
Infants under 3 ride free on a lap. Prices are per person for the wagon ride and include the ticketing service fee — your full total is shown at checkout before you pay.
There is no admission fee to visit the farm. The reindeer, Christmas Market, and Mistletoe Lodge (with Santa and hot cocoa) are free for everyone — no ticket needed!
We strongly recommend buying wagon ride tickets online in advance — most dates sell out!
Are tickets per person or per family?
Tickets are per person, not per family. We have a limited number of seats on the wagon, so we need to know exactly who is coming. Please make sure you purchase the correct number of tickets for everyone in your party, including children.
When booking with grandchildren or other family members, count each person who will attend and purchase that many tickets.
What is your refund policy?
All ticket sales are final. However, tickets may be transferred to another person or time slot if space permits via your confirmation link. Rides operate in light snow or rain. If severe weather requires cancellation, you’ll receive an email or text with reschedule or credit options. No refunds are provided for late arrivals or wrong date/time selections. In the rare case of full event cancellation by Mistletoe Farm, refunds or credits will be offered.
Where is Mistletoe Farm located?
Mistletoe Farm has two entrances on Hills Creek Road:
PARKING / FARM ENTRANCE
403 Hills Creek Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901
Drive here — this is the visitor entrance.
BARN / GUEST ENTRANCE
453 Hills Creek Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901
FREE PARKING ON SITE!
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS.
Wellsboro sits along U.S. Route 6 in north-central Pennsylvania, perched at the edge of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. The downtown is famous for its Victorian gas-lit streets, charming shops, and the annual Dickens of a Christmas Festival. Nearby accommodations include the Penn Wells Hotel & Lodge, Bear Lodges, Sherwood Motel, and various vacation rentals.
What can we expect on-site?
You’ll meet Santa and our real reindeer on-site each night. Staff photographers will capture the magic—if you prefer not to be photographed for marketing, just let us know at check-in. Merchandise like light-up antlers, LED necklaces, knit hats, and festive sweatshirts are available while supplies last. Portable restrooms are on-site, and concessions or hot treats are offered on select nights. Seating is limited and the narrated ride lasts about 20-25 minutes.
All rides are operated by Ole Covered Wagon Tours and driver Brad Confer.
Please Visit them during the summer for GREAT TOURS of the PA Grand Canyon!
Can I pet the reindeer?
Yes! The reindeer will be in an enclosure and you will be able to put your hands through the 4″x4″ openings to pet them. This setup ensures both the safety of our guests and the comfort of the reindeer.
Are These REAL Reindeer?
Yes. In Pennsylvania, reindeer are part of the cervid family (like deer and elk) and fall under state livestock and animal-health regulations. Cervid farms are required to be licensed and subject to regular inspections by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, with strict rules for fencing, pens, herd health, and disease prevention programs such as Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance.
Our reindeer are housed in secure, inspected pens and cared for under the direct supervision of Dr. Kristine Shaw, DVM, a licensed veterinarian and owner of
Grand Canyon Veterinary Hospital in Wellsboro, PA.
As both a veterinarian and the farm owner, Dr. Shaw follows high standards for animal welfare, biosecurity, and herd health.
If you have specific questions about reindeer care, health, or safety, you’re welcome to talk to Dr. Kristine while you are here!She will be happy to explain how she keep both the animals and guests safe.
Can I visit the farm without buying a wagon ride ticket?
Absolutely! There is no admission fee to visit Mistletoe Farm. You’re welcome to visit the reindeer, browse the Christmas Market, and enjoy the warmth of Mistletoe Lodge — including a visit with Santa and hot cocoa — all for free, no ticket needed.
If you enjoy your time with us, we invite you to consider making a donation to help care for our reindeer year-round and keep the magic alive for the community.
2026 dates:
- Friday, November 27 — 4:00–7:00 PM
- Saturday, December 5 — 4:00–7:00 PM
- Sunday, December 13 — 3:00–6:00 PM
- Saturday, December 19 — 4:00–7:00 PM
Is the wagon wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the wagon requires a steep step-up and is not wheelchair-accessible. The grounds may be muddy or uneven, so please wear appropriate footwear. Guests should be able to safely board and exit the wagon. It is a steep set of steps UP to the wagon. Guests with VERY limited mobility should consider NOT taking the wagon ride. Please follow all staff directions around horses and reindeer. Note that pets are not allowed, except for trained service animals and even then, they MAY spook the other animals and are not advised to be brought into this environment and caution is advised, especially the horses.
Are pets or service animals allowed at Mistletoe Farm?
Pets: For everyone’s safety, pets are not allowed at Mistletoe Farm, including on the wagon rides or in the animal areas.
Service animals:
Trained service animals are allowed by law; however, we strongly recommend against bringing them to this particular event for a few important reasons:
The presence of another animal may spook our reindeer, donkeys, and especially the large draft horses, which could be extremely dangerous.
The farm can be busy, noisy, and close-quarters, which is stressful for many animals and increases safety risks.
If you do plan to attend with a service animal, we ask that you contact us in advance so we can try to arrange an earlier or later (quieter) arrival time. We will do our best to accommodate you, but we must prioritize the safety of all guests, staff, and animals.