CLEMENTS, Md. — A Casual Christmas is back at Mount Chance Farm for its 2025 season, providing families with an old-fashioned holiday experience that some describe as “a real-life Hallmark movie” across three December weekends. The family-run event features unlimited pony rides, Giddy-Up Express train rides, Grinchmas hayrides, and a gallery of professional family photos included with admission. The beautifully decorated barn, fun activities and giving initiatives have become a cherished part of Southern Maryland’s holiday calendar.
The event will be held Dec. 6–7, 13–14, and 19–21, with Saturday hours from 4 to 9 p.m., Sunday hours from 12 to 4 p.m., and a special Friday evening opening on Dec. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is just $20 per car, which includes numerous activities.
A Casual Christmas is the result of a few crazy ideas, a wild imagination, and a whole lot of Christmas lights from Cheyenne and David Dyskra. The couple managed the equine portion of Flat Iron Farm for three years, one of which was during the beginning of COVID-19. During that time, Bubby Knott was forced to make the decision to retire the community tradition.
In 2021, the Dykstras asked Bubby if he minded them doing a “scaled-down version” of the event. From there, they added their own unique ideas and special touches—and that’s when A Casual Christmas was born. In 2022, the Dykstras relocated the event to Mount Chance Farm, where the Christmas tradition continues to grow.
For the Dykstras, the meaning behind the event is simple and rooted in giving back to the community and keeping the spirit of Christmas alive for local families.
“Our family loves Christmas, and we want to share the Christmas spirit at an affordable price for other families to create memories and enjoy. The goal is to offer a welcoming place where families can enjoy the season together,” said Cheyenne Dykstra.
Family Fun Included With Admission
Guests can enjoy unlimited pony rides, Giddy-Up Express train rides, Grinchmas hayrides, and reindeer rides. Families may sip hot cocoa, make s’mores, play games, listen to Christmas music, and explore the decorated areas of the farm. Many describe the atmosphere as similar to stepping into a Hallmark-style holiday scene.
Families can take photos with Santa or have professional photos taken at no cost by Blue Moon Photo Studios. A petting zoo, child-safe axe throwing, ornament making, letters to Santa, cookie decorating, and much more are included in the admission fee.
Additional activities, available for a small fee, include face painting, a mechanical bull, inflatables, and access to the vendor market. Please refer to the calendar of events for daily updates.
Community Giving At The Center
A Casual Christmas supports several local causes each year through its donation efforts and its well-known Veteran Tree program. The Veteran Tree has become one of the farm’s most cherished traditions, with gifts donated to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. In 2023, the program provided gifts for 43 veterans; last year that number grew to 66. Organizers hope to support 75 or more this season.
The event also collects canned goods for St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen and gathers donations of animal food for local animal shelters.
Vendors, Food And Festive Walking Areas
Visitors can stroll through the decorated barn, shop from local vendors, and enjoy dinner and dessert on the farm. Each weekend includes a rotation of crafters and small businesses offering holiday gifts and treats. Lighted displays and decorated photo opportunities provide a place for cherished memories.
New for 2025, families can look forward to caroling and additional themed entertainment, with updates posted regularly on the event’s Facebook page.
A Casual Christmas
23713 Mount Chance Farm Lane, Clements, MD
Admission: $20 per car
Saturdays: 4–9 p.m. | Sundays: 12–4 p.m. | Friday, Dec. 19: 6–9 p.m.
- Dec. 6–7
- Dec. 13–14
- Dec. 19–21
For updates on hours, activities, vendors, and nightly features, families can follow A Casual Christmas on Facebook and make plans to visit Mount Chance Farm for a holiday experience the whole family can enjoy.
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