News

Johnson Farm offers Christmas tours in December

The front porch of Historic Johnson Farm’s 1880s brick farmhouse decked out for the holidays.

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 18, 2025

The Historic Johnson Farm will host several Christmas tours in December.

The farm offers daytime Christmas tours on weekdays December 1 through December 19.
Guided tours are at 10:30 a.m. each day.
While drop-ins are allowed, the farm asks that visitors consider making a reservation because those with reservations take priority.
Guided daytime tours are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors 65 and older and free for children 4 years old and younger. Groups of 10 or more can schedule a private guided tour on any weekday at 1:30 p.m. Group rates are $8 per person for the afternoon private tours.
For those who do not want to take a guided tour, the farmhouse will be open for self-guided tours from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays (December 5, 12, 19). Reservations are not needed for self-guided tours. Tickets cost $5 for all.
Holiday gifts and a stocking-stuffer items are available for purchase at the farm. Mugs, ornaments and magnets with the farm logo will be for sale along with stickers featuring the farm’s animals. The popular children’s book about the farm, “Winston the Farm Dog: A History of Historic Johnson Farm,” along with the new “Historic Johnson Farm Coloring Book” will also be for sale. The Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists gift shop will be stocked full of handmade fiber gifts.
The farm, located at 3346 Haywood Road in Hendersonville, was a gift to schoolchildren and the community by the late Vernon and Leander Johnson. It is owned by Henderson County Public Schools and is managed by an Executive Director and the Historic Johnson Farm Foundation, Inc. It is also designated a North Carolina Cultural Treasure.
The farmhouse was built by hand from 1876-1880. It is believed to be the oldest standing brick home in Henderson County.
The Christmas season was a special time for Johnson family members, who were known for their generosity. Their home was among the first in the county to get electricity. For many Christmas seasons, they placed their tree decorated with colorful lights on the front porch. Travelers enjoyed the glow of the display to and from town in the evenings. Throughout the year and especially at holidays, Sallie Johnson was known for her delicious cakes. The farm grounds were plush with greenery that was gathered to decorate their home. The celebration of Christmas was much simpler then.
The Christmas tours are important for the non-profit foundation that operates the heritage education center as part of Henderson County Public Schools. The tours and similar events provide a significant portion of the farm’s operating expenses and educational experiences, according to the farm foundation.
For more information, call the farm foundation office at 828-891-6585 or visit www.historicjohnsonfarm.org or www.facebook.com/HistoricJohnsonFarm or email jfarm@hcpsnc.org