Saunders Farm unveils their most ambitious Christmas transformation yet for 2025, debuting the all-new Forest Light Walk alongside beloved holiday traditions.
When one of Ottawa’s most creative entertainment venues turns its attention to Christmas, you know something special is brewing. Saunders Farm in Munster, Ontario—famous for their world-class Haunted Walk—has transformed their 100-acre property into a winter wonderland running December 6-30, 2025. The headline attraction is the brand-new Forest Light Walk, a separate immersive experience joining their established Holiday Light Stroll, creating two distinct ways to experience Christmas magic. Add Santa visits, ornament workshops, seasonal treats, and Saunders’ signature attention to detail, and you’ve got Ottawa’s most comprehensive Christmas farm experience.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Saunders Farm Christmas 2025 features the NEW Forest Light Walk plus returning Holiday Light Stroll, Santa visits, crafts, and treats from December 6-30. Two distinct light experiences, family activities, and the creativity Saunders is famous for. Located 20 minutes from Ottawa in Munster.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | December 6-30, 2025 (select dates) |
| 📍 Location | 7893 Bleeks Road, Munster, ON K0A 2M0 |
| 🎟️ Cost | $20-30/person depending on experience |
| ⏰ Time | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (evenings only) |
| 🚗 Drive Time | 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa |
What’s New in 2025: The Forest Light Walk
Saunders Farm doesn’t do anything halfway, and their new Forest Light Walk proves it. Separate from the Holiday Light Stroll that fans already know and love, the Forest Light Walk takes visitors deep into the farm’s wooded areas for an immersive nighttime experience unlike anything else in the Ottawa region.
Picture this: you’re walking through actual forest trails—not parking lot displays—with sophisticated lighting installations transforming the natural landscape. Trees become canvases for projection mapping, pathways glow with synchronized LED displays, and sound design creates an atmospheric journey through winter wonderland scenes. Saunders invested heavily in professional lighting technology, the kind typically seen at major botanical gardens and destination light shows.
The walk takes approximately 45-60 minutes at a leisurely pace, winding through about a kilometer of trails. Unlike walking-only experiences, the Forest Light Walk incorporates interactive elements where kids can trigger light displays, musical sequences change based on movement, and surprise moments keep everyone engaged. It’s more theme park attraction than simple light viewing.
What makes it special is Saunders’ storytelling approach. Rather than random pretty lights, the Forest Light Walk tells a narrative through different zones—each section represents a different aspect of winter or Christmas themes. One area might feature dancing northern lights effects, another recreates a magical ice palace, and another brings Christmas stories to life through light and sound.
Accessibility was built into the design. The trails are widened and smoothed specifically for this attraction, accommodating strollers and wheelchairs far better than typical forest paths. The lighting itself provides excellent visibility for safe walking. For more magical winter experiences around Ottawa, check out our Winterlude 2025 complete guide.
The Holiday Light Stroll: A Beloved Tradition Evolves
Saunders’ original Christmas attraction, the Holiday Light Stroll, returns for 2025 with expanded displays and new features. This experience centers on the farm’s main areas—barns, buildings, and open spaces transformed into Christmas scenes with hundreds of thousands of lights.
The Holiday Light Stroll takes a different approach than the Forest Light Walk. Where the forest experience emphasizes immersion and atmosphere, the main farm stroll delivers classic Christmas spectacle. Think large-scale light sculptures, animated displays, character scenes, and those Instagram-worthy photo opportunities families hunt for.
Recent additions include expanded candy cane forests, a larger-than-life toy soldier display, and what Saunders calls their “12 Days of Christmas” area where each verse gets its own elaborate scene. The vintage barn serves as a hub with hot chocolate, treats, and warming stations between outdoor sections.
One of the most popular features remains the “lights-on-demand” stations where kids press buttons to activate special displays or musical sequences. These interactive moments keep children engaged beyond just looking at lights. The farm also incorporates some of their famous Haunted Walk props reimagined for Christmas—friendly versions of the technology that made their Halloween attraction internationally recognized.
The Holiday Light Stroll takes 30-45 minutes depending on how many photos you stop for (spoiler: you’ll stop for many). Ticket prices typically run $20-25 per person for the stroll alone, with combination tickets available for experiencing both the Forest Light Walk and Holiday Light Stroll in one evening.
Santa’s Workshop and Family Activities
No Christmas farm experience would be complete without Santa, and Saunders delivers here too. Santa’s Workshop occupies one of the farm’s historic barns, transformed into a cozy North Pole outpost. The setup feels more sophisticated than typical farm Santa visits—think carefully designed sets, excellent lighting for photos, and Santa himself prepared for meaningful conversations rather than assembly-line interactions.
Visit times are managed through a queue system that prevents the frustrating long waits common at other attractions. While you wait, kids can explore the workshop areas, see displays of toy-making scenes, and get into the Christmas spirit. Professional photos are available for purchase, but families can also take their own shots. Santa typically appears from 5:30 PM until 8:30 PM on operating nights.
The ornament-making workshop lets kids create take-home decorations. These aren’t pre-made kits—it’s actual crafting with materials, glitter (so much glitter), paint, and guidance from staff. Most children spend 15-30 minutes creating their masterpieces. There’s no additional charge beyond admission, though supplies are available while they last on busy nights.
Food and beverage options exceed typical farm fare. The main barn hosts a Christmas market atmosphere with hot chocolate bars (multiple flavors, toppings galore), seasonal baked goods, and heartier options like soup and sandwiches. Saunders partners with local vendors, so you might find apple cider from nearby orchards or maple treats from local sugar bushes.
Live entertainment appears on select nights—carolers, musicians, and sometimes special character appearances. The schedule varies, posted on Saunders’ website and social media. Weekends typically feature more entertainment than weekday events. For families seeking more holiday fun, visit our guide to ByWard Market winter activities.
Planning Your Perfect Visit
Strategic planning makes a huge difference at Saunders Farm Christmas. Here’s insider knowledge for maximizing your experience:
Ticket strategy: Book online in advance. Saunders uses timed entry tickets that limit crowds and guarantee admission. Popular dates (especially December 20-24) sell out completely. Evening start times stagger from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM—earlier entries see smaller crowds but less dramatic lighting (it’s not fully dark until around 5:30 PM in early December, 5:00 PM by late December).
Which experience to choose: First-time visitors face a decision: Holiday Light Stroll only, Forest Light Walk only, or combination tickets for both. The combination represents the best value and fullest experience, but requires 2+ hours. Families with very young children (under 5) might prefer just the Holiday Light Stroll as it’s shorter and has more frequent break points. The Forest Light Walk appeals more to school-age kids and adults who appreciate immersive experiences.
What to wear: Despite being a farm, most pathways are well-maintained and lit. Waterproof boots remain smart, but you’re not trekking through fields. Dress in layers—you’ll warm up walking, but waiting areas and photo stops get cold. The experience is primarily outdoors, so winter coats, hats, and gloves are essential.
Arrival and parking: Arrive 15-20 minutes before your ticketed time. Parking is organized and attended—Saunders runs this operation professionally. The parking area to entrance walk is brief and well-lit. Accessible parking is available near the entrance.
Best dates: Mid-week nights (Tuesday-Thursday) in early December offer the smallest crowds. Weekend evenings are busier but include more entertainment and fuller atmospheres. The nights between Christmas and New Year’s Eve are popular but many families are traveling, creating a sweet spot for locals. Avoid December 20-21 (weekend before Christmas) unless you love crowds.
Budget planning: Individual experience tickets run $20-25, combination tickets $35-40, children under 3 are often free. Add $15-20 per person for food and drinks, $20-30 if purchasing Santa photos, and potentially more for market purchases. A family of four should budget $150-200 for the full experience.
Making the Most of Both Attractions
If you’re purchasing combination tickets to experience both the Forest Light Walk and Holiday Light Stroll, here’s the optimal strategy:
Start with the Holiday Light Stroll when you arrive. It’s closer to the entrance, serves as a warm-up, and gives kids their bearings. Visit Santa’s Workshop early in your evening—waits increase as the night progresses. Do ornament-making before the Forest Light Walk, not after (tired kids don’t craft well).
Take a food break at the main barn before tackling the Forest Light Walk. The forest experience is longer and has fewer exit points, so starting it with warm bellies and fresh energy improves the experience. The Forest Light Walk should be your finale—it’s designed as a journey with a culminating finale, making it the perfect way to end the evening.
Photography tips: The Holiday Light Stroll photographs better with phone cameras or point-and-shoot—it’s brighter and more colorful. The Forest Light Walk demands better equipment or simply enjoying the moment rather than trying to capture it. Many of the forest effects are motion-based and don’t translate well to still photos. Video captures it better.
If you have both toddlers and older children, consider dividing and conquering—one parent can take younger kids for shorter stints while the other tackles the full forest walk with older children. The farm’s layout allows this flexibility. Our guide to winter skiing near Ottawa offers more family winter activity options.
Beyond Saunders: Area Activities
Munster and the surrounding region offer other attractions worth combining with your Saunders Farm visit. The nearby village of Manotick features shops and restaurants perfect for dinner before heading to the farm. Richmond, just minutes away, has a charming downtown with coffee shops and bakeries.
Consider pairing your Saunders visit with Stanley’s Christmas Village for a double-feature Christmas day. Stanley’s operates during daylight hours (10 AM - 4 PM) while Saunders is evening-only, making them natural complements. Both are working farms offering authentic rural Christmas experiences but with different focuses—Stanley’s emphasizes traditional activities while Saunders delivers high-tech spectacle.
The drive from Ottawa takes you through scenic rural areas. Coming from the city, take Highway 416 south to Exit 57, then follow Bleeks Road. The route is well-signed during Christmas season, and Saunders’ lit entrance is impossible to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we bring our own food and drinks to Saunders Farm Christmas?
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted as Saunders provides full food service on-site. Exceptions are made for baby food, formula, and dietary restriction situations. The farm offers extensive food options at reasonable prices, supporting the overall experience.
Is Saunders Farm Christmas accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices?
Yes. Both the Holiday Light Stroll and Forest Light Walk were designed with accessibility in mind. Paths are smooth and wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers. Some slight inclines exist in the forest walk but remain manageable. Accessible parking is available near the entrance.
What happens if weather is bad on our ticketed night?
The Christmas experiences operate rain, snow, or shine. Saunders only cancels for severe weather creating safety hazards. If cancellation occurs, they contact ticket holders and offer rebooking or refunds. Dress appropriately for forecasted conditions—the show goes on unless truly dangerous.
Are dogs allowed at the Christmas events?
Service animals are welcome. Pet dogs are not permitted due to crowds, lighting effects, and indoor food areas. Saunders asks that family pets stay home to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment during this busy season.
How does Saunders Farm Christmas compare to other Ottawa-area holiday attractions?
Saunders is the most sophisticated and technologically advanced Christmas farm experience in the Ottawa region. It’s larger and more elaborate than most competitors. Where other farms focus on traditional activities, Saunders combines tradition with modern entertainment technology. The price point is higher but reflects the production quality.
Final Thoughts
Saunders Farm Christmas 2025 represents the evolution of holiday farm experiences. While other venues coast on tradition alone, Saunders continually innovates—and the new Forest Light Walk demonstrates their commitment to creating something genuinely special rather than simply replicating what others do.
Is it the most authentic, old-fashioned farm Christmas? No, that’s what places like Stanley’s deliver. But if you want production quality, creative ambition, and an experience that feels more like visiting a theme park than a farm (in the best way), Saunders is unmatched in the Ottawa region. The combination of the atmospheric Forest Light Walk and spectacular Holiday Light Stroll gives you two distinct experiences in one visit.
For families who’ve outgrown simple light displays or want something more than another mall Santa photo, Saunders Farm Christmas hits that sweet spot between traditional holiday charm and modern entertainment sophistication. Yes, it costs more than basic Christmas markets, and yes, it requires planning and advance tickets—but the memories and the “wow” factor justify the investment.
Book your tickets early, dress warmly, bring your camera (though don’t forget to look with your eyes too), and prepare for Ottawa’s most immersive Christmas farm experience. Whether you’re starting a new family tradition or seeking a special date night, Saunders Farm Christmas 2025 delivers magic worth the drive to Munster.
Source: Saunders Farm
