The Magic of the Holiday Stroll at Kelsay Farms
Writer & Photographer Christina Cochran
Each December, as the last leaves of autumn fall away and the crisp air settles over Franklin, Kelsay Farms transforms into something extraordinary — a glimmering wonderland of twinkling lights, laughter, and community. What began as a simple family idea during the quiet uncertainty of 2020 has now become one of Johnson County’s most beloved holiday traditions: the Holiday Stroll at Kelsay Farms.
For the Kelsay family, the farm has always been about connection — between generations, neighbors,and the land itself.
“The Holiday Stroll was an idea that came about from COVID, to be honest,” says Amy Kelsay, who helps run the family’s multi-generational farm alongside her husband and children. “Our daughters were looking for a place to go outside with their friends to take photos with Christmas lights. We had been considering a holiday event for a while, but that year sort of sparked the idea of creating a walk-through light exhibit and experience.”
That winter, the Kelsay kids rolled up their sleeves — collecting Christmas trees, untangling miles of light strands, and building photo props by hand. What began as a family project in 2021 quickly grew into a full-fledged community event.
“We’ve listened to our visitors and added new sections to the event each year,” Amy says. “The number of trees, light strands, and exhibits has grown and changed so much. Every year, it feels like a whole new experience.”
A Wonderland on the Farm
Now entering its fifth season, the Holiday Stroll has become a hallmark of the Franklin area’s holiday calendar. Visitors can expect everything from photo ops with Santa and live Christmas carolers to cozy campfires and steaming cups of cocoa. And every year, there’s something new to discover.
“We’re excited to bring back many of our favorite attractions — visits with Santa, the Live Nativity, the snowball fights, and the Whoville Hunt,” Amy says. “Last year, we added a giant inflatable snow globe that guests could actually get inside for photos and snowball fun. This year, we’re adding over 75 lit trees and a new game called Gift Tag Guessing Game!”
These imaginative touches are what make the Holiday Stroll feel both fresh and familiar. It’s a blend of nostalgia and creativity — rooted in family values but designed with a flair for fun and wonder.
From Fall Fields to Winter Lights
As visitors walk the pathways lined with glowing evergreens and holiday music, it’s easy to forget that just a few weeks earlier, those same paths were bustling with families enjoying Kelsay Farms’ famous fall festival. Balancing both fall and winter events is no small feat, but for the Kelsays, it’s a labor of love.
“This is what we love about offering Holiday and Fall — they are both so different!” Amy says. “The holiday season is mostly in the evenings when it’s dark, and although it still focuses on families with children, we see so many teenage groups, date nights, and even grandparents coming out to enjoy the lights. Guests often tell us they can’t believe the transformation — it feels like a completely different place!”
That transformation happens in a matter of weeks. The farm closes at the end of October, then reopens the day after Thanksgiving as a glowing Christmas village. The shift is a logistical dance of creativity, teamwork and countless hours of preparation.
“We work on activities, props, and photo backdrops year-round,” Amy says. “We’re part of a national agritourism organization, and through that, we visit other farms and get inspired by what others are doing. We’re always thinking of ways to improve the guest experience. Behind the scenes, it’s about prioritizing which areas to improve and then dedicating time and resources to make it happen. We involve our whole family and even our employees — because they’re the ones who hear what our guests love most.”
Creating Lasting Memories
For the Kelsays, it’s not just about creating fun attractions — it’s about creating moments that stick.
“Honestly, more than anything, we want families to leave here with those little moments that stay with you forever,” says Josie Kelsay, a seventh-generation member of the family and a sophomore at Purdue University studying agribusiness. “Maybe it’s laughing together during the Moo Choo Express ride, sharing hot cocoa under the lights after shopping in the Country Store, or simply taking a deep breath and enjoying the holiday season. This time of year is always incredibly busy, so we hope this gives families a chance to slow down and create lasting memories.”
It’s that heart — simple, wholesome, and authentic — that keeps people coming back year after year. For many local families, the Holiday Stroll has become as much a part of their December as decorating the tree or baking cookies.
The Spirit of Community
Kelsay Farms has been a fixture in Johnson County for generations, its dairy roots stretching deep into the soil of Franklin. But beyond the farm’s agricultural heritage, the Kelsay family sees themselves as stewards of something larger — the spirit of community.
“It’s a privilege to be involved in this community and in Franklin,” Amy says. “We love what this county has to offer and hope to continue to be a place for families and friends to come together to enjoy each other and make lasting memories.”
In a world that can feel increasingly fast-paced and disconnected, Kelsay Farms offers something profoundly grounding — a reminder of the joy in gathering, the beauty of simplicity, and the magic of slowing down.
Behind the Magic
Behind the MagicWhat visitors see — the lights, the laughter, the photo spots — is only part of the story. Behind the scenes is a family-driven operation fueled by creativity and care.
“We have idea boards that continue to overflow,” Amy says. “Every season, we’re dreaming of new ways to make things even better. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to see families enjoying what we’ve created.”
Employees are also an essential part of the process.
“Our staff spends so much time visiting with customers, so their input is invaluable,” she adds. “They’ll often bring ideas back to us that come straight from guest feedback, and that’s how we decide on new additions or changes.”
A Moment of Peace
Among the twinkling lights and festive bustle, there’s one corner of the Holiday Stroll that stands apart — a quiet barn set back from the main pathways, softly illuminated by a few glowing angels. This is Amy’s favorite part of the event: the Live Nativity.
“Our farm is full of Christmas magic — from the hanging lights and hot cocoa to Santa and the carolers — but my all-time favorite attraction is the Live Nativity,” Amy shares. “We designed it in one of our back barns so it’s a stroll to get there. The path is dimly lit and secluded. We wanted it to be a peaceful space, with live animals, piano music playing Silent Night, and my nephew’s sweet little voice reading the Christmas story from the Bible.”
Benches are scattered throughout the barn, inviting families to sit and reflect.
“It’s truly spiritual and peaceful,” Amy says. “It’s our way of reminding everyone what this season is really about.”
Looking Ahead
As Kelsay Farms continues to grow, the family remains focused on what’s always mattered most — faith, family and community. The next generation is already stepping into leadership roles, helping to shape the farm’s future.
“We are honored to be a family tradition,” says Jenna Kelsay, a seventh-generation member and junior at Purdue studying agribusiness. “We hope to continue to be a place where families can create memories together. In the future, Kelsay Farms will continue to be focused on providing a farm experience with an emphasis on fun and education.”
That balance of fun and purpose is what makes Kelsay Farms so special. It’s not just a place to visit — it’s a place to belong.
A Tradition in the Making
From its fall corn mazes to its winter light displays, Kelsay Farms has become a year-round celebration of rural life and family values. But perhaps what makes it so beloved is the heart behind it — the sense that every detail, from the placement of a Christmas tree to the warmth of a bonfire, is chosen with care.
For Amy and her family, that’s the real joy of the Holiday Stroll: watching families laugh, reconnect, and slow down for just a little while.
“The lights and activities are fun, but it’s those quiet moments — seeing a dad take a picture with his kids, or a couple sharing cocoa under the lights — that make it all worth it,” Amy says.
As the evening sky glows above the farm and the air fills with carols and laughter, it’s easy to see why Kelsay Farms has become a cornerstone of the holiday season in Franklin. It’s more than just an event — it’s an experience that captures the spirit of the season and the warmth of community.
When visitors leave, they carry a bit of that light with them — the glow of family, faith, and the simple joy of being together.
And for the Kelsays, that’s the greatest gift of all.
Visit: kelsayfarms.com
Admission: $10 per person — tickets available online or at the front gate.
Hours:
Nov. 28 – Dec. 14: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 5:30–9 p.m.
Dec. 18 – 23: Open nightly, 5:30–9 p.m.
