Appleton Farms is hosting family events, culinary workshops, and children’s holiday activities throughout December to celebrate the holidays. Join in their annual Scandinavian tradition of the arrival of the Farm Nisse, the resident hayloft elf, on December 9th or 10th with caroling, cookies, porridge, stories, and children’s crafts. Or try the festive Gingerbread Farmer Decorating and Story Hour in the farm’s Carriage Barn on December 17th. Looking for something geared toward adults? Skip the traditional gift for your bestie and bring him or her along to one of the farm’s culinary programs such as Gifts from the Farm Kitchen. If finding ways to reduce the stress of the holiday rush is what you’re looking for, join their silent, lantern-lit Winter Solstice Walk on Saturday, December 17th.
WHAT: The Farm Nisse: The Nisse – a farm elf from Scandinavian folklore – will visit Appleton Farms. While we wait for the Nisse to awake from his slumber in the hayloft, there will be children’s holiday crafts, cookies and hot chocolate, and carolers. Upon his decent from the hayloft, the Nisse must be offered his porridge. If his porridge isn’t just right, he will play tricks on the farmers and tie the cow’s tails in knots! If he likes his porridge, he will let us help spread the magic seeds bringing good fortune to the farm in the year ahead.
WHERE: Appleton Farms, 219 County Road, Ipswich MA 01938
WHEN: Friday, December 9th from 4-5:30PM or Saturday, December 10th from 4-5:30PM
HOW: Register online at http://bit.ly/HolidaysatAppleton or call the farm at (978)356-5728 x 4118. Trustees Member families: $24. Nonmember families: $30
WHAT: Gifts from the Farm Kitchen: This favorite annual workshop celebrates the joy of sharing special handcrafted food gifts from your very own kitchen! With sweet & savory recipes such as Brandied Fig Newtons, savory Hot Honey, Red Velvet Cupcake Jars, Provencal Marinated Chevre, and another surprise recipe…..all perfect for gift-giving with family and friends throughout the season. Class includes preparation of 5 homemade culinary gift items and participants will take home one of each! We’ll also savor our treats throughout the evening and enjoy eggnog and holiday music while having fun with creative packaging. Chef instruction with culinary methods & techniques, printed recipes, and 5 take-home gifts per person.
WHERE: Appleton Farms, 219 County Road, Ipswich MA 01938
WHEN: Friday, December 9th from 4-5:30PM or Saturday, December 10th from 4-5:30PM
HOW: Register online at http://bit.ly/HolidaysatAppleton or call the farm at (978)356-5728 x 4118. Trustees Members: $80. Nonmembers: $100
WHAT: Gingerbread Farmer Decorating and Story Hour: Join us for some holiday fun on the farm and learn about the origin of this favorite tradition. We’ll start by decorating some delicious gingerbread farmers and cows with a variety of candy and homemade icing. After our creations are complete we’ll snuggle in for some entertaining gingerbread facts and read Hansel & Gretel, the story which spurred the popularity of gingerbread houses. Finish the experience with a traditional holiday craft to decorate your own home with! Hot chocolate will be served.
WHERE: Appleton Farms, 219 County Road, Ipswich MA 01938
WHEN: Saturday, December 17th from 10-11am or 1:30-2:30pm
HOW: Register online at http://bit.ly/HolidaysatAppleton or call the farm at (978)356-5728 x 4118. Trustees Member child: $15. Nonmember child: $25.
WHAT: Winter Solstice Walk : Join us to celebrate the winter solstice by slowing down during this busy season and enjoying the silence of night as we walk quietly together. Experience a traditional spiral walk, light up the darkest night of the year with a homemade lantern, and send off a wish as we welcome the returning of the light. Return to the Old House for refreshments. Best for adults & older children. Please dress to be outside.
WHERE: Appleton Farms, 219 County Road, Ipswich MA 01938
WHEN: Saturday, December 17th 3:30-5:30PM
HOW: Register online at http://bit.ly/HolidaysatAppleton or call the farm at (978)356-5728 x 4126. Trustees Members: $5. Nonmembers: $10.