Exchanging city nights for festive lights down home on the farm

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 17, 2022.

Submitted photo Theo Slingerland has created a holiday experience for those looking to escape the city for a festive prairie getaway, as the Lethbridge Corn Maze is open for Christmas on the Farm this month.

The Lethbridge Corn Maze is opening its doors for a festive Christmas on the Farm this month. Guests can come down to 104051 Range Rd 224, northwest of Diamond City, for hayrides, bonfires, and more.

Owner Theo Slingerland has created a holiday experience for those looking to escape the city for a festive prairie getaway.

“The Corn Maze itself is closed, but we do have other mazes lit up. The pallet maze has all the Christmas lights along it, also the hedge maze is lit up too,” said Slingerland. “We have Christmas lights all over the whole farm, music, and we are doing hayrides if it’s not too cold. As well as bonfires inside the barn with little lambs and animals outside, braving the cold.”

Taking a break from winter events for the previous two years due to the COVID pandemic, Christmas on the Farm offers an opportunity for families and friends to come together and enjoy a break from the hustle of the holidays.

“We have done it three years previously, but that last two years we skipped. This year we are back and we invite everybody to come out and see the lights back,” said Slingerland. “The hedge maze measures over an acre, and the other has a couple hundred trees with lights everywhere.”

Open today, Dec. 17, and the 20th, 23rd, and Dec. 26 – 31, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the experience includes festive lights, petting zoos with baby lambs, ziplines, an indoor Christmas display, and more.

“We have lots of things that we have during the summer and fall,” said Slingerland. “So let’s continue and bring people out to enjoy the farm and share some joy to everyone and give it back to the community.”

Giving city slickers a taste of country style during the holidays, the Corn Maze is open for the holiday season for those looking to escape city nights for festive lights under starry skies.

“The wagon with blankets is great for people to go for a ride along with the lights,” said Slingerland. “The animals are always a favourite and there is hot chocolate and other kinds of stuff for everyone to enjoy.”