Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm — Local services in Manalapan Township

What a wonderful experience we had this weekend at The Village at Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm! We surprised my family that was visiting from out of town, including my 9-year-old nephew and 6-year-old niece, with a trip to the Village. We were all thrilled to be there especially after seeing the lights in the distance as we drove to the entrance. Our party included 5 adults and the two kiddos. They have done such a lovely setup full of lights and props that feel magical as we were walking through the village. The hayride to get to the village adds to the excitement as you anticipate your arrival. It was pretty chilly the night we were there so I'd say to make sure you check the weather and bundle up-the hayride gives you that extra chill. When the hayride delivered us to the village, we were greeted by a sweet woman who gave us a few tips and told us things to look for such as the post office where the kiddos could write and send a letter to Santa (adorable)! Santa was on-site and our youngest was excited to meet him and she had a cute picture taken with him. We then bought some hot cocoa, hot pretzels (delish!), and popcorn and strolled through the Village enjoying all the sights and buildings such as the Gingerbread house and the Igloo. This was such a fantastic start to the Christmas season for us and more than one of us mentioned how it warmed our hearts. Lots of opportunities to snap photos with your group with adorable, festive backdrops (our fave was the hot air balloon). You can also get your Christmas tree while you're there. We have loved this tree farm for our trees for years! And don't forget the cute gift shops to get a new ornament or decor. Such a wonderful, magical experience...

This is the kind of place where two different families could have two completely different experiences depending on when they go and how the weather is that day. If you go when it's crowded - yes, it's going to take longer to get your tree wrapped and put on your car. If you go when it's freezing, you're going to be cold. Try to go when it's not busy. We went on a crowded Saturday morning but we made the most of it. It was sunny and about 40° so not bad. There are a few gifts shops and they really are beautiful. We were cautious because of Covid but I did walk through quickly when they weren't crowded. (Everyone must wear a mask, of course) It's a very picturesque farm with a few old cars, tractors and even an old firetruck. We had fun looking for a tree. I will be honest: most trees are huge or tiny. We did find one that we liked that was 7 feet tall and a guy that works there cut the tree down for us (Hey, I tried but I'm getting too old for that!). They also tagged the tree and brought it to the area where you pay and get the tree wrapped. We had to wait in line to pay but that was to be expected. We enjoyed watching all the activity there with the guys wrapping the trees. They really work their tails off. (We tipped everyone that helped us.) One guy carried the tree to our car and then tied it down. It was a huge help and honestly, everyone there that we interacted with could not have been nicer. The place will be even better when some of those smaller...

My family and I had an absolute terrible week leading up to us going to Anne Ellen. We recently found out our dog has cancer. My wife being the planner of the family was off her game needless to say with this news but wanted the family to get out for a night together and take our mind off of things. Unfortunately, we didn't know we needed to purchase our tickets ahead of time. Got up to the window only to find out they were sold out. Walking back to the car, I saw she was on the verge of breaking down and that's exactly what happened. My six year old was crying. My one year old was screaming in the car. I told my wife, sit tight I'll be right back. I took a chance and just laid it all out to anyone who would listen to me. By the grace of God and because there are still kind generous thoughtful and amazing people left in this world, the owner made it possible for us to enjoy this night as a family. My daughters absolutely loved everything about it. The lights, displays, seeing Santa (well maybe not my one year old lol) and just being in the spirit of Christmas and what it's all about. I cannot thank the owner himself and his wonderful staff for helping us take our minds off of things for even just a little bit and enjoying an evening with lots of laughs love and smiles. Thank you so much one more time. It's restored my belief in people and doing the right thing for others especially when they need...