A sleigh ride through snowy fields, a hayride around a farm under the stars, a bonfire and a mug of hot cocoa afterwards: few Christmas outings feel more magical. Many farms, ranches, ski resorts, and parks offer sleigh rides and hayrides in December, and they make a perfect festive outing for families, youth groups, churches, and friends. This landscape 7 x 5 inch invitation sets the scene with a deep midnight sky, falling snow, a glowing full moon with Santa’s sleigh and reindeer crossing it in silhouette, and gentle snowy hills along the bottom.
A Moonlit Scene
The upper part of the card is a deep navy night sky with soft white snow dots falling. A large pale golden moon with a soft halo sits on the right, and across it flies Santa’s sleigh with a line of reindeer in dark silhouette, a classic image of Christmas Eve. Two overlapping snowy hills in white and pale blue fill the bottom of the card. On the left, All aboard for a appears in gold italic, then Christmas Sleigh Ride in large cream Rye, a Western-style display font that suits farms and ranches, with Hayride, carols, bonfire and cocoa in gold italic beneath. The date and venue details sit on the snowy hills in navy.
Planning a Sleigh Ride or Hayride Party
Book early, because sleigh rides and hayrides are popular in December and many farms take reservations weeks in advance. Ask about capacity per ride, duration, pricing per person or per group, accessibility, what happens if there is no snow, and whether the farm offers extras such as a bonfire, cocoa, a barn for warming up, or a visit from Santa. If there is no snow, most farms switch from sleighs to wagons for a hayride, which is just as fun.
What to Wear
The invitation’s details include a simple reminder: Dress warm! Open sleighs and wagons are cold, especially after dark. Suggest layers, a warm waterproof coat, hats, gloves, scarves, and waterproof boots. Blankets for laps make the ride cosier; ask guests to bring one or check if the farm provides them. Hand warmers are a thoughtful extra.
Carols on the Ride
Singing carols during a sleigh ride or hayride is a lovely tradition. Print small song sheets with familiar songs such as Jingle Bells, Sleigh Ride, Winter Wonderland, and Deck the Halls, and hand them out before the ride. Jingle bells for children to shake add to the fun.
After the Ride
A warm gathering after the ride completes the outing. Many farms have a fire pit where guests can roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Bring flasks of hot cocoa and cider, and a tray of cookies. Some groups end with a potluck in a barn or a nearby home. Mention the after-ride plans on the invitation so guests know how long the event will last.
Editing the Sleigh Ride Invitation
Click the details to change them. The sample reads SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 4 PM, Maple Ridge Farm, 1800 Ridge Road, Stowe, VT, Dress warm! RSVP to Hank. Change the italic line to your own plans. The sleigh silhouette is an editable vector; recolour it or resize it. The moon and halo are circles; change their colour to silver for a cooler look. The snow is grouped and can be recoloured or removed.
Group Bookings for Churches and Clubs
Sleigh rides are a favourite outing for church groups, scouts, youth clubs and companies. For a group booking, add the organisation’s name above the title, the cost per person, and how to pay. Collect payments in advance, since farms often require a deposit. Arrange carpooling, as farms are often in rural areas.
Safety on the Ride
Follow the farm’s safety rules, keep children seated during the ride, and make sure young children are supervised. Check that the route and parking areas are lit and safe in the dark. Bring torches for walking between the car park and the barn.
Printing the Moonlit Sleigh Card
Download a PDF and print at 7 x 5 inches with full bleed. The dark sky looks best on matte card. Navy or white envelopes complete the look, and a small sprig of real pine tucked inside adds a lovely scent.
Emailing the Farm Outing Details
Download a JPG and email or message it to guests. Add a map link to the farm and the parking area in your message, because rural addresses can be hard to find in the dark.
Photos Under the Moon
Encourage guests to take photos during the ride and at the bonfire. Set up a group photo in front of the sleigh or wagon before it departs, while the light is still good.
Sleigh Ride Questions
What if there is no snow?
Change Sleigh Ride to Hayride, and the farm will usually use wagons instead.
Can I add a photo of the farm?
Add a rectangle on the hills and use Replace Image.
Can I change the font?
Yes. Rye suits a rustic farm, but a script font works for a more elegant evening.
A Sleigh Ride Every December
Many families return to the same farm for a sleigh ride every December, and it becomes one of the most anticipated traditions of the season. Take a group photo in the same spot each year and watch the children grow in the pictures. Keep this invitation as a template, changing only the date, so each year’s card joins a small collection of memories. Some families add a visit to a local Christmas tree farm on the same day, choosing their tree after the ride.
Accessibility on the Farm
Ask the farm whether wagons can accommodate wheelchairs or prams, and whether there are accessible toilets and paths. Share this information with guests in advance so everyone can plan comfortably, and nobody misses the ride.
All Aboard for Christmas
Book your ride, fill in the details, and send the invitation. A moonlit sleigh ride with friends and family is a Christmas memory everyone will treasure.
