If you’re looking for a holiday event near Greenville, SC that feels unique and magical and will keep your kids busy for a few hours, then the Yuletide Unicorn Festival at Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm in Fountain Inn should be at the top of your list.
This family-run farm is a place where kids can feed goats, meet unicorns, ride ponies, snuggle bunnies, and explore a working farm that stays authentic, rustic, and down-to-earth. We visited for their Christmas festivities, and our young kids had so much fun meeting Santa, riding ponies, roasting s’mores, and cruising around the farm in barrels pulled by a lawn mower driving elf!
Be sure to read our entire review of Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm.
Annual Yuletide Unicorn Festival
We visited the farm the weekend of Thanksgiving, and the milder weather made the experience even more enjoyable. Owner Kate warmly welcomed us and gave us a quick, helpful overview of the farm’s history and what we’d see once we stepped through the entrance barn doors. Before we even opened the gate to head out to the farm space, the goats were waiting for us, and our daughters were off to explore.
One of our absolute favorite parts of visiting Hidden Pasture Farm is the free-range animals that roam the property. Everywhere you turn, a friendly goat or donkey, ducks waddle by, curious chicken, or adorable horse is ready to greet you, usually hoping you have a snack bag for them to nibble right out of your hand. The whole place feels alive in the sweetest way. My husband was really surprised by everything (it was his first time on the Unicorn Farm) and loved it so much.
Meeting with Santa
Families can meet Santa inside the farm’s brand-new barn. He’s warm, kind, and genuinely fantastic with kids, even those who are typically nervous. During our visit, Santa made our youngest feel comfortable enough to share her whole Christmas list. Around the farm, holiday lights shine from fences and barns, the unicorns wear festive accessories, and goats and ducks roam the property, adding to the magic.
Holiday Unicorn Encounters
During the holiday season, the unicorns steal the show. You’ll meet George and other sparkly favorites, each with their own personality and whimsical backstory that Owner Kate loves sharing. Kids can brush their manes, pet them, ask questions, and even read fun fact signs posted around the farm. It’s the perfect mix of fantasy, hands-on animal care, and magical holiday wonder, plus absolutely adorable photo ops.
Pony Rides in the Round Pen
After meeting the unicorns, little riders can hop on a full-size horse for a ride in the round pen. Even the big horses are incredibly calm and used to being around children, which makes first-time riders feel safe and confident. I spent a good bit of time hanging out near one of the resting horses while my daughters took their rides, and it was fun to get to stroke their snots and see their beautiful eyes up close. Pony rides are $7 per ride, and on super busy days, it is a popular attraction, so plan accordingly.
Goats, Donkeys, and Treat-Loving “Unicorn” Ponies
The goats might just be the stars of the farm. They roam freely, follow anyone holding a snack bag, and happily soak up attention. The donkeys and ponies are just as sweet, many earning “unicorn” status simply because of their gentle personalities and love for people.
Feed bags are available for purchase during the holiday festival so kids can treat the animals and enjoy those slow, magical interactions that make this place unforgettable. Just be warned, the goats will go straight for the bags, so you’ll need to help smaller kids keep their hands flat so that they do not get bombarded.
Snuggle Time With the Bunnies
Before the unicorn fun begins, kids can often climb into some little gated pens and cuddle a baby bunny. It’s a quiet, cozy moment that helps younger children warm up before the more active parts of the farm, and sometimes they can even help brush the bunnies or assist with small tasks. My oldest daughter couldn’t stay away; this was her absolute favorite thing to do.
On top of all the animal fun, the holiday season adds an extra layer of magic. Christmas decorations, holiday lights, Santa visits, hot chocolate, select-day live music, and s’mores by the fire.
A Real Working Farm (Wear Boots!)
One of the farm’s biggest draws, especially for parents seeking authentic outdoor experiences, is that Hidden Pasture Farm is a true working farm. You will likely see staff walking around doing chores, scooping, refilling water, and moving between barns. Tools, hay bales, shovels, and natural “farm mess” are part of the environment.
Yes, you will probably step in poop. It’s okay, wear boots or shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. The farm provides sinks for handwashing, and restrooms are available. Bring wipes if you’d like extra peace of mind.
What matters most is how magical the farm feels from a child’s perspective. Roosters crow, goats bleat, ponies munch hay, and ducks wander in and out of view. Nothing is staged. Nothing is overly polished. It’s real, rustic, and full of life, and that authenticity is exactly what makes the experience unforgettable.
Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm Yuletide Unicorn Festival with Santa Details
Unicorn Farm Location:
245 Little Virginia Road
Fountain Inn, SC
Visit the Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm Facebook page for more information on the event!
Hours of Operation:
- Open every Friday, Saturday & Sunday until December 21st, 2025
- Hours are 11 am to 4 pm.
Pricing:
- Adults 18+ – $12
- Kids 3-17 years old – $14
- Babies 2 & under – Free
- Pony & unicorn rides – $7 each
- Animal feed- $3 each
- Bring concessions & food truck fare
- Cash & Card are accepted
- Make sure to buy tickets at the gate in case of rain. They do not offer refunds for this event.
- You can also purchase tickets ahead of time.
Planning your trip to Hidden Pasture? Tell us about it!
Are you looking for more fun Christmas events?
Check out our Kidding Around Guide to Christmas in Fountain Inn!
