For a cozy, authentic farm Christmas experience, Stanley’s Christmas Village at Olde Maple Lane Farm delivers old-fashioned holiday charm just outside Ottawa on select December weekends.
Away from the hustle of city attractions, Stanley’s offers families a more intimate celebration featuring sleigh rides through snowy fields, warm farm shop browsing, festive treats, and the magic of meeting Santa in a genuine rural setting.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Stanley’s Christmas Village runs December weekends (Dec 6-7, 13-14, 20-23) at Olde Maple Lane Farm in Edwards, ON. Features sleigh rides, Santa visits, farm shop, and festive treats in an authentic farm setting.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | Weekends: Dec 6-7, 13-14, 20-23 |
| 📍 Location | Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, Edwards |
| 🛷 Highlights | Sleigh rides, Santa, farm shop |
| 🎄 Atmosphere | Traditional, rural, intimate |
What to Expect
Sleigh Rides
The signature Stanley’s experience—horse-drawn sleigh rides through the farm’s winter landscape:
- Traditional sleigh pulled by horses
- Scenic route through fields and forest
- Cozy blankets provided
- Perfect photo opportunities
- Weather-dependent (snow enhances experience)
Image: Illustrative image only.
Santa Visits
Meet Santa in a genuine farm setting:
- Intimate, unhurried visits
- Photo opportunities
- Christmas wish lists
- Farm atmosphere adds authenticity
The Farm Shop
Stanley’s farm shop is a destination in itself:
- Maple products – Syrup, candy, butter
- Local preserves – Jams, pickles, sauces
- Farm-fresh goods – Seasonal products
- Gift items – Local artisan products
- Christmas decor – Holiday-themed items
Festive Treats
Warm up with farm-fresh refreshments:
- Hot chocolate
- Maple treats
- Seasonal baked goods
- Farm kitchen specialties
December Schedule
| Dates | Days |
|---|---|
| December 6-7 | Saturday & Sunday |
| December 13-14 | Saturday & Sunday |
| December 20-23 | Saturday through Tuesday |
Note: Check Stanley’s website or call ahead for specific hours and any schedule changes.
Why Choose Stanley’s?
The Farm Difference
Unlike larger commercial attractions, Stanley’s offers:
| Stanley’s | Commercial Attractions |
|---|---|
| Intimate atmosphere | Large crowds |
| Real farm setting | Themed environments |
| Authentic experiences | Staged attractions |
| Personal service | Assembly-line feel |
| Quiet, peaceful | Busy, noisy |
Perfect For:
- Families wanting a quieter experience
- Grandparents with grandchildren
- Couples seeking romance
- Anyone who values authenticity
- Photography enthusiasts
Image: Illustrative image only.
Planning Your Visit
What to Wear
The farm experience is largely outdoors:
| Item | Importance |
|---|---|
| Warm boots | Essential – farm terrain |
| Heavy winter coat | Essential – outdoor activities |
| Hat & gloves | Essential – sleigh rides are cold |
| Layers | Important – shop is warmer |
| Snow pants (kids) | Recommended – playing in snow |
What to Bring
- Camera – Countless photo opportunities
- Cash – Farm shop may prefer it
- Warm blanket – Extra warmth for sleigh ride
- Cooler bag – For food purchases (farm products)
- Holiday spirit – Required!
Duration
Plan for approximately 2-3 hours to enjoy:
- Sleigh ride (30-45 min)
- Santa visit (varies)
- Farm shop browsing (30+ min)
- Treats and warming up (30+ min)
Getting There
Location
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm Edwards, Ontario (Approximately 45 minutes south of downtown Ottawa)
Directions
- Take Highway 416 South from Ottawa
- Exit at Regional Road 6 (Manotick)
- Follow signs to Edwards
- Farm is well-signed locally
Parking
- Free parking on the farm property
- Short walk from parking to activities
Combining with Other Activities
Make a Day of It:
Morning:
- Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne
- Sunday Market (if Sunday)
Afternoon:
- Drive to Stanley’s Christmas Village
- Sleigh rides and Santa visit
- Farm shop and treats
Evening:
- Return to Ottawa
- Winter Wander lights on Sparks Street
- Dinner in ByWard Market
Nearby Attractions:
- Saunders Farm (A Country Christmas)
- North Gower area farms and shops
- Manotick village shopping
Tips for Best Experience
Timing
- First weekends (Dec 6-7, 13-14) typically less crowded
- Mid-afternoon arrival allows daylight and sunset
- Weekdays (Dec 20-23) may be quieter than weekends
- Book sleigh rides in advance if possible
For Photos
- Golden hour – Late afternoon light is magical
- Sleigh ride – Someone stay behind for passing shots
- Santa setting – Authentic farm backdrop
- Farm details – Rustic elements add character
For Kids
- Manage expectations – This is a farm, not a theme park
- Embrace the animals – Farm animals may be visible
- Allow time for exploration – Kids love farm environments
- Dress for play – Snow play is part of the fun
Compare: Ottawa Christmas Farm Experiences
| Farm | Location | Scale | Signature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanley’s | Edwards | Intimate | Sleigh rides |
| Saunders Farm | Munster | Large | Light Walk |
| Mādahòkì Farm | Ottawa | Medium | Indigenous culture |
Stanley’s strength: Authentic, intimate, traditional farm Christmas experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need reservations? A: Contact Stanley’s directly for reservation requirements, especially for sleigh rides.
Q: How weather-dependent is the experience? A: Sleigh rides operate in most winter conditions. Snow enhances the experience but isn’t required. Contact the farm during extreme weather.
Q: Are sleigh rides extra? A: Check Stanley’s pricing structure—some experiences may have separate fees.
Q: Is the farm accessible? A: Farm terrain can be challenging. Contact Stanley’s directly for accessibility information.
Q: Can we buy a Christmas tree? A: Check Stanley’s website for Christmas tree availability.
Final Thoughts
Stanley’s Christmas Village offers something increasingly rare in our over-scheduled, over-commercialized holiday season: simplicity, authenticity, and genuine farm hospitality.
The sleigh ride through snowy fields, the warmth of the farm shop filled with local products, the unhurried Santa visit in a real barn setting—these experiences connect families to holiday traditions that existed long before theme parks and commercial attractions.
For Ottawa families seeking an antidote to holiday chaos, the drive to Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm leads to a simpler kind of Christmas magic. It won’t be the flashiest attraction you visit this season, but it might be the one your family remembers most fondly.
Source: Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm and Ottawa Road Trips – Summarized and adapted for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa holiday experiences, visit Ottawa Events or explore Where to Go this season!
