Kersey Valley Christmas — Local services in Archdale

Thank You!! That was my first visit and I loved it. I had more fun than the kids. I didn't realize that Mrs. Claus was standing outside in the line with us til we saw her greeting guest to take a picture with Santa. We arrived an hour early (tickets was for 5:30pm) and it was fun too. The kids were playing with other kids and adults were having conversations (very good vibe outside standing for an hour). We entered the gates and people were friendly 😀. We entered and I was amazed with the lights and activities. We started walking and my friend suggested we go to the train but we took pictures with Santa first. NOTE: after Santa, you went through the gift shop. They had some great tree ornaments). As we went in line the gentleman directing us to Santa suggested we scan the QR codes for the rides (they notify you when it's your time to ride). After pictures, we did the train ride (sit in low but worth it) but had to wait a short time before we got on. When we waited for the train, I saw people walking through the light display. Don't forget to see the singing reindeers. After the train ride, we went to get the kids on the bouncy balloon 🎈. The small babies even had a bouncy. While they were on them, I snuck away for kettle popcorn. So good, I got regular kettle & carmel corn. Came back & we went to the bungee cord bounce (you know rhe kids wanted on that) but before that, I noticed the wagon ride wasn't full, so we got in line and that was fun (you got to see those lights you couldn't see on the train ride) WOW!!! Afterwards we got the kids on the bungee bounce and it was great to see all ages having fun. During your walk through, you could take pictures with the characters walking around (snowman, moose and more). Please go see the Grinch. Hilarious!! We went to have hot chocolate (Peppermint & Smores) with souvenir mug. When it was time to go, we went to the picture booth and the young lady we had was very polite & cheerful. We had 2 extra tickets and they couldn't give us our money back, so a manager stated they could give us 2 free pictures. So at the picture booth, the young lady was told the situation and they had sent the confirmation to the booth (no having to call a manager or waiting to confirm the switch). Once we got the pictures taken care of, we noticed snow falling which was cool. Snow machine. It would have been great to have more snow falling around the park. When going out the gate, you had a friendly exit by staff and characters. Even the cops were nice and conversating with you as you exited. I was then told about Halloween at the farm. We will return for that scary scene 🙄😳. All in all, best time!!! Added: the hot chocolate wasn't very hot like I like it and the women's bathroom was way more crowded than men but standing outside with other women was even fun (talking about taking over the men's bathroom 🤣🤣). I will say the women's bathroom ran out of TP and one on the stands was informed about the situation and she got there in record time to full the stalls. Thank You Kersey for a...

A Disappointing and Mismanaged Experience

We spent $182.52 on six tickets (after taxes and fees) and $20 on parking for two cars, hoping for a fun family outing during Thanksgiving. My son and his wife, who are active-duty military, joined us with their two dogs, as the event was advertised as “dog-friendly.” Unfortunately, the experience turned into a frustrating disaster.

The event hours were listed as 5-9 PM, so we arrived just before 7 PM expecting to have two hours to enjoy the festivities. After a 30-minute drive, we encountered some traffic near the parking lot, which we anticipated. However, we were directed to an overflow lot and charged $10 cash per car to park. The only way to reach the event from this lot was via a large, crowded tractor-pulled shuttle with 94 other people. Walking wasn’t allowed due to the lack of a lit path.

We waited nearly an hour for the shuttle, and one of the dogs became anxious due to the cramped conditions. My son and his wife had to exit the line, only to be told the shuttle was their only option. There were dozens of empty spaces in the main parking lot, but when we asked if they could drive down and drop off the dogs, we were told they’d have to go through the same traffic and shuttle lines again. After pleading our case, they were finally allowed to attempt parking in the lower lot—but when they arrived, they were refused.

By the time we got into the event—nearly 8:30 PM—most of the attractions were closed, and we couldn’t even walk through the lights. What was supposed to be a joyful family outing became a stressful, disheartening experience.

While many employees, including those at the ticket booth and gate, were kind and tried to help, others were rude and dismissive. One employee, who radioed to “Uncle Bob” and “Daddy,” showed no empathy, and “Daddy” was equally unhelpful, refusing to assist or offer a refund.

It’s baffling that an event boasting “over 2 million lights” didn’t think to include a lit walking path from the parking lot. This poorly organized event felt like a scam, leaving us $200 out of pocket and robbed of a meaningful opportunity to spend time together.

Would not recommend.

Edit to add: While we appreciate management’s response and offer to have us return at no charge, 4 out of the 6 of us are from out of town and leaving today, so this isn’t feasible. To be completely honest, I am still so upset about the way we were treated that I have no interest...

If perfect Christmas experience was in the dictionary, Kersey Valley Christmas would definitely be one of the definitions. After our visit last night, I have struggled to find the correct words to describe this event and do it justice. Christmas event? Light show, unique, fun, well yes, but really none of the above terms are adequate. Our family is a close bunch, we always have been. But in today's fast-paced lifestyle we aren't always together, even when we are in the same room. For the 3 & 1/2 hours we visited Kersey Valley Christmas we were all in the same place even when different things were catching our attention. There is a wagon ride through the display. A train ride around the display and you can even walk through the display each attraction giving a different experience. No matter your age, walking up to the Kersey Valley express is a childhood dream come true. Twinkling lights are everywhere as the train clicks down the track at a gentle pace allowing you to take in all the sights offered. The Wagon ride is just as magical and is long enough that you feel like you have left the property. Every staff member we encountered was helpful, engaging and seemed genuinely happy to be there, a rarity in most places you visit now days. The hot chocolate and concessions we had were great making the whole night wonderful. Perhaps the best part of the evening was the only time our phones came out, was for was pictures to go along with the memories made! Magical Experience is as close to a good description of the Kersey Valley Christmas as I can think of there is so much more to see and do than I mentioned here, you really should go experience it for yourself! In closing if you are looking for some of the magic of the season that may have been lost, Kersey Valley is the perfect place to find it, coming from personal experience this year! A genuine thank you to all the staff, characters, and owners of Kersey Valley for putting on such a great event that has become a Christmas tradition...