The Ultimate Erin Hill Acres Guide: From Christmas to Summer
If you’re anything like me and love visiting local farms in Ontario then I have one that is perfect for making memories at! Let me introduce you to Erin Hill Acres. This Christmas tree farm is so much more now with its new owners and makes for a fun day trip from Toronto.
Located in the town of Erin, just south of Orangeville, there’s so many fun things to do at Erin Hill Acres. But like I said, it’s so much more than a Christmas tree farm, it’s a year-round destination to visit with friends and family.
After my visit, where I literally spent hour there, chat with one of the owners and his son that works there, as well as excited visitors, I’ve created a guide for everything you need to know about Erin Hill Acres before you go.
What is Erin Hill Acres?
It’s one of the best Christmas tree farms in Ontario, and has been for decades. However, the previous owners as they aged stopped planting trees. So, the new owners, Glenn Garrard and family, are working at planting and growing new trees.
FUN FACT: It takes roughly 7 to 10 years to grow a Christmas tree.
Along with their work with Christmas trees, the new owners are working to create a memorable destination that goes beyond the holiday season. You’ll find plenty of things to do at Erin Hill Acres in the summer, like flower fields, concerts as well as in the holiday season like photos with Santa, festive photo-ops and more.
Things to do at Erin Hill Acres
Get a Christmas Tree
Of course, the top thing to do at the farm is get your fresh Christmas tree!
At Erin Hill Acres you’ll find gorgeous Fraser Fir trees that come in various sizes. You’ll find trees as big as 12 feet down to cute little ones at 3 feet that they call their Mini Kringle trees.
Attend a Christmas Event
I absolutely loved visiting during the holidays and enjoyed their classic experience called A Country Christmas Experience. There’s so much to do and see at the farm, from festive photo-ops that are perfect to snag your family Christmas photo at to tractor rides through the fields to see their Christmas trees growing.
But there’s a number of festive experiences that including meeting Santa to a holiday tea.
- A Country Christmas Experience
- Heritage Holiday Tea
- A Magical Santa Experience
- Cookies & Cocoa with Claus
Meet the Animals
If you’re looking for farms in Ontario where you can hang out with animals, then plan a visit to Erin Hill Acres!
The farm is home to a variety of animals like alpacas, donkeys, pygmy goats, chickens, ponies and sheep. During the holiday season it’s the perfect time to see real life reindeer!
Of all the animals at Erin Hill Acres my favourite are their Highland cows. These fluffy cows with their shaggy reddish-blonde coats are the cutest.
Plus, I love that each of the animals has a name, showing how much the family cares for their animal family.
Enjoy lunch
You can easily spend a couple of hours at the farm, especially during their A Country Christmas Experience.
One thing you can do is enjoy lunch at the farm at their Courtyard Café. Located right next to the retail shop, the café is an outdoor patio with picnic tables and in the winter – cozy bonfires to warm up at.
They are best known for their wood-fired pizzas. And I was blown away when I tried the pizza with spicy salami and farm fresh honey drizzle. Another visitor favourite is the Great Gramma’s Mac & Cheese.
In addition to pizzas, other menu items include burgers and hot dogs. Plus, you’ll find varying seasonal flavours throughout the year.
Browse their Shop
One thing I loved about the farm is their retail shop that’s at the edge of the parking lot. Its located in their renovated barn that dates to the 1800s and is full of charm and fun items.
During my visit in December, there were an array of great Christmas gift ideas, from ornaments to cozy home décor. There was even a door matt that said ‘winter sucks’ and I couldn’t stop laughing.
You’ll also find adorable stuffies and toys for kids, like a Highland cow stuffie that was so soft. Other items include bath and body products, candles, and tasty treats.
Attend a Market
If you love local markets then check out one of the Erin Hill Acres markets. Currently they have few different ones.
In the summer they host a Wellness Day and market. It features wellness inspired experiences like yoga, sound bathing and more, along with a local market.
Fall brings the Harvest Market that’s on in September. It features local produce, fun fall photo-ops, and seasonal treats. Plus, there’s a Christmas market in November.
Visit the Flower Fields
Many know it as a Christmas tree farm and that’s it. But the farm is a year-round destination and a must visit in the summer too.
In the summer at Erin Hill Acres, you’ll find sunflower and lavender fields too.
Attend a Concert
If you love live music then you’ll love attending a concert at Erin Hill Acres! Throughout the year they have a lineup of musicians, including epic tribute bands, putting on concerts in their courtyard.
Insider Tip: Tickets for concerts must be purchased in advance.
Things to Know Before You Go
Where is Erin Hill Acres?
Erin Hill Acres is located in the town of Erin, 14 minutes outside downtown Erin.
It’s 25 minutes south of Orangeville and 1.5 hours northwest of Toronto.
Address: 5837 3 Line, Erin, ON N0B 1Z0 (MAP)
Does it cost to visit?
Yes, to visit and enjoy the experiences at Erin Hill Acres there is a small fee. For their A Country Christmas Experience it’s $12 (online) or $15 (at the door) for adults. Children 4 and under are free. And concert tickets are $30
Best Time to Visit
I think visiting Erin Hill Acres at Christmastime is the best for the full festive experience. But any time they are hosting an event, whether it’s during the holidays or in the summer is a good time to visit.
Is it Dog Friendly?
Yes, Erin Hill Acres is dog-friendly. All they ask is that your dog is on leash at all times and that you clean up after them.
What is there to do nearby?
If you want to make it a full day trip, you’ll find a variety of things to do nearby.
There’s a number of things to do in Erin, that include afternoon tea, cute cafes and shops. You can also add a visit to downtown Orangeville, and explore the shops, cafes, tree art sculptures and more.
If you like hiking, a couple of my favourites spots to hike near Erin Hill Acres are Island Lake Conservation Area, Forks of the Credit Provincial Park and Rockwood Conservation Area.
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