6 spots for horse-drawn sleigh rides in Pennsylvania
This holiday season, dash through the snowy woods and fields of Pennsylvania on a horse-drawn sleigh.
When you take a horse-drawn sleigh ride in Pennsylvania this winter, over the fields you’ll go, laughing all the way. The magical experience of a sleigh ride evokes simpler times, especially when riding through the beauty of the Pennsylvania landscape.
Unlike horse-drawn carriage rides in cities, where horses are subject to distracting noise, toxic pollution, and unforgiving asphalt, sleigh rides on pastoral farms and in quiet parks allow horses to trod on soft terrain without the stress and danger of urban life.
There are a number of farms and other idyllic spots in Pennsylvania where you can book a horse-drawn sleigh ride to enjoy both the winter wonderland around you and the company of a happy horse. We’ve profiled six options for you this season. Be sure to book ahead: sleigh rides are a popular winter activity and fill up quickly!
1. Port Farms – Waterford
Located near Erie, Port Farms is a destination for farm fun throughout the year—including at Christmastime! The farm transforms into a festive Christmas tree farm with visits from Santa, kids’ activities, and magical sleigh rides. Each weekend through December 22, horse-drawn sleigh rides launch at the farm, complete with warm drinks for riders. After your excursion around the farm, you can warm yourself by the fire and pick up gifts at the Harvest Barn gift shop.
Bring blankets to keep extra toasty on your sleigh ride! Each sleigh seats four guests; Port Farms also offers winter carriage and wagon rides, which seat more riders.
2. Happy Trails Stables – Waymart
You can explore the beautiful Pocono Mountains by sleigh this season with Happy Trails Stables. Book a sleigh ride at the winter wonderland that is Happy Trails Stables in Waymart, where the horses will lead you through picturesque scenery.
Happy Trails is open for rides five days a week in winter. Plus, the sleighs have wheels, so rides can happen with or without snow.
3. Daisy Field Farm – White Haven
Daisy Field Farm is a unique horse farm in the western Pocono Mountains, as the farm is primarily a homestead for the family owners in addition to a home for their well-nurtured horses. Because the farm is a private residence, appointments for sleigh rides or trail rides are required. On a horse-drawn sleigh ride, you’ll travel through Christmas card surroundings that abut a wildlife preserve.
Give the farm a call to book a sleigh ride this winter!
4. Holly Hill Belgians – Spartansburg
Holly Hill Belgians in Crawford County is an incredibly popular host for horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter—so much so that they’re already largely booked for the season. The ride is led by a team of large, calm Belgian draft horses who take you through wintery woods, with a stop at Santa’s cabin! You’ll also be treated to hot cocoa and cinnamon rolls.
As of publication, you can still schedule for December 23 or add yourself to a waiting list for other days.
5. Jingle Rides at Tyler State Park – Newtown
Tyler State Park, not far from Philly in Bucks County’s Newtown, is hosting horse-drawn sleigh rides, affectionately known as “jingle rides,” on several days throughout the month of December. The horses, which come from A Better Way Farm, will take you on your 30-minute ride starting at the park’s boathouse.
The rides are almost sold out, so if you’d like to book, do so soon! (You can also scour the site in case of cancellations.)
6. Sleigh Rides at Kings Gap State Park – Carlisle
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, a state park in Cumberland County, is partnering with Benchfield Farms to offer horse-drawn sleigh rides during the Friends of Kings Gap’s Holiday Open House at the park’s Cameron-Masland Mansion on December 8.
Rides are approximately 15 minutes long, and though reservations are not required, they are recommended.
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