Sowell's North Pole Christmas Light Display — Attraction in Milton

22 Dec: Worst experience with logistics getting on the property. Don't recommend coming for the holiday lights since the wait was way too long for it to be worth it.

23 Dec: Here are some suggestions to improve the logistics and reduce wait times:

Implement a Timed Ticketing System

Pre-purchase Tickets: Visitors book time slots online for the drive-through display. This limits the number of cars arriving at the same time and spreads out the crowd over the entire operating window.

Buffer Time: Add buffer times between time slots to accommodate any delays and prevent overlaps.

On-Site Check-In: Use QR codes or digital scanners for quick ticket validation.

Optimize Traffic Flow

Two-Way Access or Additional Entry Points: If possible, create an additional entry point or make adjustments so not all cars have to loop around.

Staggered Entrance Direction: Direct traffic differently based on their arrival time. For instance, early arrivals use one route, while later arrivals use another.

Dedicated Parking Areas: If feasible, allow visitors to park their cars and explore the attractions before the light display. Once they finish, they can return to their cars and join the drive-through queue.

Extend Operational Hours

Earlier Opening: Start earlier (e.g., 1600) to spread out visitor traffic over a longer period.

Late-Night Hours: Depending on demand, consider extending hours beyond 2100 on busy nights.

Enhance On-Site Attractions

Encourage visitors to enjoy other activities on the property before joining the light display:

Check-In Queues: Offer a waiting number system with a text notification for when it’s their turn to drive through.

Diversified Activities: Expand existing attractions (e.g., food trucks, live music, photo ops) to occupy visitors while they wait.

Use Real-Time Updates

Traffic App Integration: Partner with apps like Waze or Google Maps to help direct traffic and provide real-time updates to visitors.

Social Media: Regularly post updates about wait times and suggested arrival times.

LED Signs: Use digital signage near the property to show current wait times.

Shorten Drive-Through Route

If possible, slightly reduce the length of the drive-through route to allow for a faster turnover, especially during peak hours.

Use Staff for Traffic Control

On-Site Traffic Directors: Have staff manage car flow to ensure continuous movement and avoid bottlenecks.

Streamlined Entry Process: Pre-sell tickets to eliminate time spent at a payment booth.

Offer Premium Access

VIP Fast Lane: Introduce a premium option where visitors pay extra for faster access to the display.

Exclusive Times: Reserve the first or last half-hour for premium ticket holders.

Conduct Data Analysis

Monitor Visitor Flow: Track peak times and adjust operations accordingly.

Survey Guests: Gather feedback to identify other pain points and opportunities for...

UPDATE 12/2024 Some of the new things they've added since my last update: Pictures with the Grinch are now available, a food truck, a playground, and so many take your own picture opportunities! I have learned by going so many years now there are times you'll wait 2 hours and times you'll wait 5 minutes. During the week is always less crowded!

One thing I've seen alot of people complain about is when there is a line they aren't allowed to make a left turn into the farm. There is a line for good reason and cutting in line isn't fair to anyone else. Also having 2 long lines on both sides of the road where people live isn't ideal either. 1 line and no left turns if there is a line. Just drive down to the last person and get in line with everyone else. 😁

It's such a wonderful family Christmas experience and I will always recommend this become one of your yearly traditions. If you're thinking about going... do it!

Wait Time : 5 minutes to 2 hours Admission Price: $20 per vehicle

UPDATE 12/2022 Sowell Farms will always hold a place in my heart. My family has been going since 2018 and couldn't be more pleased with being able to come every year! It has become a family tradition for us. The owners are the sweetest, everyone who runs this is absolutely amazing and kind. In the 5 years we've been going I have never had a single complaint. Make sure you're prepared to wait to get in, as the years pass more and more people find out and come. We went from waiting no time at all the first year to waiting in line for almost 2 hours this year but it's totally worth the wait! They have pictures with the most sweetest realistic looking Santa I've ever met, train ride, shopping, food and drinks! I would 10/10 recommend making this your new family tradition each year!

Wait Time: 1 1/2 hours Admission: $15 per vehicle

12/2018 Amazing family experience! They also have Santa you can take pictures with. You can buy popcorn and hot chocolate! The lights are amazing! The people are very sweet and so is Santa! It will become a family Christmas tradition for us to go every year! 10/10 would recommend!

Wait Time : 30 minutes Admission Price:...

CHRISTMAS DISPLAY REVIEW ONLY. Happy we gave it a go but we won’t be doing the lights again. A whole trillion of light displays and lighted objects on a 10 minute drive thru. A little overwhelming to take in so much in such a short time. Our young children (5 and 2 year olds) enjoyed all the lights and pointing things out. All staff is helpful and courteous. I’ve been to other lighted events, particularly in Arkansas and up North in PA and VA and I hate saying it but this doesn’t make my list of must see Christmas displays. I would say it’s great if you need to get out and see something very festive and are fairly local to the location (under a hour) as I know there isn’t much in the Pensacola area to see. I would agree with other comments that it does feel over priced for the time spent at the location.

There are other activities at the location. Given the amount of people and lack of mask wearing we did not participate in these and cannot comment on that aspect.

If you live in Pensacola west or further I would view all online photos before making the decision to drive if it is a hour or more for you.

Consider going on a weekday. Went on a Saturday and sat in line for over an hour after an hour ride.

I recommend buying tickets online. They are good for ONE use any day and time that the light display is open.

Check their online Facebook page for weather closings especially if rain is expected.

COVID-19 NOTE: mask wearing is not mandatory and does not appear to be enforced. You will likely have a...