HILLSDALE ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Orchard of Lights: Demarest Farms' 32‑Acre Holiday Drive‑Through in Hillsdale
A guided vehicle tour across 32 acres of holiday displays at Demarest Farms — this guide explains what’s included, the booking rules, and how the bundled petting‑zoo and Santa experiences work.
Orchard of Lights: Demarest Farms' 32‑Acre Holiday Drive‑Through in Hillsdale.
Adventure brief
Orchard of Lights: Demarest Farms' 32‑Acre Holiday Drive‑Through in Hillsdale
Experience the Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale: a guided vehicle tour across 32 acres of dazzling holiday displays with on‑site fire pits, hot cocoa and s’mores activity, a Winter Lights Petting Zoo, and a free visit with Santa; reservations are required online and admission is sold per vehicle.
Experience a magical holiday adventure at Demarest Farms' Orchard of Lights in Hillsdale, New Jersey. This private guided vehicle tour takes you through 32 acres of beautifully illuminated holiday displays, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for families, couples, and friends. Along the way, enjoy charming scenes themed around the holiday spirit that brighten the crisp winter nights. After the tour, warm up by the fire pit with a cup of hot cocoa and make your own S’mores, adding to the cozy experience. Capture treasured moments with Santa Claus, making this a perfect holiday tradition for children and adults alike. Throughout the evening, festive tunes enhance the joyful ambiance, making the Orchard of Lights an unforgettable outing. Demarest Farms offers an accessible, easy-paced experience ideal for all ages, blending outdoor winter fun with seasonal cheer in a spectacular setting just outside New York City. Planning your visit during the winter months ensures the glimmering lights stand out against the dark sky, creating a truly enchanting adventure.
Route Schematic
Route schematic & key stops
The event follows a vehicle route through the light displays with a handful of activity stops along the way.
Drive‑through light show
A guided vehicle tour that traverses 32 acres of holiday displays.
Fire pit area
An on‑site fire pit where guests can enjoy hot cocoa and make s’mores.
Winter Lights Petting Zoo & Santa
Bundled options include entry to the petting zoo and a free visit with Santa.
Reservations must be made online and admission is sold per vehicle; operator may adjust the route or stop order as needed for flow and safety.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A 32‑acre guided vehicle light show
The heart of the Orchard of Lights is a guided vehicle tour that moves guests through 32 acres of holiday displays — a vehicle‑based parade of lights designed to be experienced from the comfort of your car.
Fire pit, hot cocoa and s’mores
The event includes opportunities to cozy up by the fire pit with hot cocoa and to create your own s’mores, bringing a tactile, evening‑campfire element to the holiday lights.
Petting zoo access and a free visit with Santa
Bundles pair the light show with entry to the Winter Lights Petting Zoo and include a free visit with Santa, making the outing a family‑focused holiday package.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
Orchard of Lights unfolds as a vehicle‑led circuit through illuminated displays across 32 acres, punctuated by stop‑over moments for fireside treats and animal encounters; the combined format blends a drive‑through spectacle with short, on‑site activities and a Santa visit.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Light Show Only duration is stated as 1 hour; plan drive and on‑site activity time accordingly.
No specialized gear is required; the event provides hot cocoa and s’mores activity and is designed to be enjoyed from your vehicle with short stops for outdoor activities.
Reservations must be made online; admission is issued per vehicle and bundled ticket options specify petting‑zoo entry capacities.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?
Yes — reservations must be made online.
How is admission issued?
One admission ticket is sold per vehicle.
What are the bundle options and prices?
Available options include: Light Show + Winter Lights Petting Zoo Bundle for $59 (includes one vehicle admission, petting‑zoo entry for up to 4 people, and a free Santa visit); VIP bundle for $69 (one vehicle, petting‑zoo entry for up to 6 people, and Santa); and Light Show Only for $35 per vehicle.
Is Santa included?
Yes — a free visit with Santa is included with the listed ticket options.
How long is the light show?
The Light Show Only option is listed with a duration of 1 hour.
Does a bundle include petting‑zoo access?
Yes — the Light Show + Winter Lights Petting Zoo bundles include entry to the petting zoo for the specified number of people (up to 4 for the standard bundle, up to 6 for the VIP bundle).
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-13T02:39:31.287Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.