Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Review: Is it Worth it?
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Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival Review
I went to Holland Ridge Farms expecting a pretty tulip field and a quick photo op, and I left having spent three and a half hours wandering through 8 million tulips with a pink bucket overflowing with stems.
It is the kind of place where you stop trying to capture the “right” photo because every direction looks like a postcard. Rows of red, pink, purple, yellow, and white tulips stretch farther than your camera can frame, and the colors honestly look unreal in person.
But here is the part no one tells you: Holland Ridge Farms can be either the best spring day trip in New Jersey or a frustrating mess of traffic and crowds, depending entirely on when you go. I went on a Friday on purpose, and it made all the difference.
In this Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival review, I am breaking down exactly what to expect, how much it costs, the best time to visit to avoid the chaos, what to bring, and whether this NJ tulip festival is actually worth the hype.
And yes, those tulips on Instagram? They look just as good in person.
Table of Contents
Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival
What is the Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival?
Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival is a u-pick tulip festival with over 8 million tulips planted on over 300 acres of farmland.
It happens mid-April to early May, with dates dependent on when the tulips bloom. It is not just a tulip festival; the farm has set up photo props, a farmers’ market, a petting zoo (weekends only), themed weekends, and more to make your visit magical.
However, it does not last long, so make sure to pay attention to their socials to get dates.
Where is Holland Ridge Farms located?
Holland Ridge Farms is located in central New Jersey at 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514.
From NYC to Holland Ridge Farms, it is approximately 75 minutes or more, depending on traffic.
From Philly to Holland Ridge Farms is about an hour.
How to get to Holland Ridge Farms?
There are a few ways to get to Holland Ridge Farms. You can drive, Uber/Lyft, or take the Megabus. There are no other alternatives located nearby.
Public Transportation to Holland Ridge Farms
If you are leaving from NYC, you can take Megabus on Saturdays and Sundays by purchasing your ticket here.
Holland Ridge Farms Tickets and Pricing
Tickets
Tickets for the U-pick tulip festival cost $20 on weekdays and $25 on weekends. Children ages 3 and up need tickets, which can be purchased here.
Tulip Pricing
In addition to tickets, you can also purchase tulips by the stem for 50 cents on weekdays or $1.00 on weekends. If you prefer not to pay individually for your tulips, you can purchase a pink bucket that you can fill up with as many tulips as you can fit! Buckets cost $20 on weekdays and $40 on weekends. You do get to take the bucket home with you!
Picnic Pads, Gators, and more
There are also some add-ons to upgrade your experience at the farms. You can reserve a private gator for 4 to 10 guests with a cost of $150 – $200. If you want to have a picnic, you can reserve a picnic pad for up to 10 guests for $150 -$200, depending on when you visit the farm. The picnic pads include lemonade and a cookie for each guest!
Navigating the farm can be done either by walking or taking the free tractors that circle the farm if you do not reserve a private gator.
There is also a windmill that you can go into that offers panoramic views of the farm, which is open throughout the week.
For the most up-to-date pricing, check the official Holland Ridge Farms pricing page.
What to expect at the Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival?
Best Time to Visit Holland Ridge Farms
I would highly recommend going during the week if you are ok with missing any of the themed weekends or if you do not have children. I went on a weekday, a Friday, to avoid the crowds, and it was perfect.
Furthermore, if you are debating on going when it first opens, or a little later, I would give it a few days after opening so that the flowers are fully bloomed.
When purchasing tickets, you choose one of the hourly time slots available, with last entry at 5 pm. They do close at 6 pm, and I would give myself at least 3 hours there. I spent about 3.5 hours at the NJ tulip farm, taking pictures, picking tulips, and eating.
After parking, they scan your ticket for you to enter. Before walking up to the tulip fields, you can pick up your pink bucket if purchased or a black bucket if you are paying by the stem.
Tulip Fields and Tulip Picking
Then it is time for you to admire the fields; there are fields upon fields of tulips in every color you can imagine. Think classic reds and yellows, soft pinks, purples, whites, and peachy bi-color varieties. The rows are organized by color, so the photos look like stripes stretching toward the horizon.
Picking is simple; you pull the stems at the base by hand, no scissors needed. There is no time limit, so you can take your time wandering the rows and finding your favorites. I fit about 30 tulips in my pink bucket comfortably and had to tell myself I did not need any more. Honestly, where would they all go in my NYC apartment?
Holland Ridge Farms has set up plenty of photo ops throughout the fields, too, including wooden Dutch shoes, a giant windmill, and tulip-themed backdrops. If you are going for Instagram shots, mid-morning light. It’s the most flattering, and the back fields tend to be less crowded than the entrance.
Food Trucks
Once you have picked tulips to your heart’s desire, check out the food courts near the middle. They sell everything from seafood to chicken tenders to different flavored soda, which was my favorite. They accept cash and cards at each of the places.
Kid-friendly activities at Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival
If you are bringing your kids to the Tulip Festival, I highly recommend taking them on the weekend so they can visit the animals. I went during the week to avoid crowds and did not get to see any of the animals, which is a little bit of a bummer.
On the weekends, there are farm animals, a feeding zoo, a horse and carriage, and pony rides for children to enjoy.
What to bring and wear to Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival?
First, keep in mind that you cannot bring a pet, drones, or alcohol.
If I had to do it all over again, I would bring the following with me:
- Hand Sanitizer: When we went to get food after picking flowers, none of the places had hand sanitizer that we could use before we ate.
- A portable charger: We took a ton of pictures, and my phone ended up dying. It would have been nice to have a charger.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. We ended up mainly walking through the fields as opposed to taking the free tractors. Clothing-wise, feel free to wear what makes you most comfortable, but if you wear a long dress, it might get dirty on the bottom if you are walking through the tulips and not on the grass.
Tips for Visiting Holland Ridge Farms (from a real visitor)
If you are adding Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival to your itinerary this spring, here are some tips to make your visit go smoothly:
- I would arrive a few minutes before your slotted time, so that you are walking up to the entrance at your time and have your ticket ready to scan so that you get in quickly.
- If possible, I would go during the week in order to avoid crowds, and it is cheaper.
- I highly recommend bringing water for your tulips. The bucket does have a hole, so bring a plastic bag to put in the bucket and then pour water in it, so they don’t wilt on the way home.
- Take the free tractor: If you are tired of walking, the tractors circle the farm and stop at multiple points. They are a great way to see the property without exhausting your kids or yourself.
- Bring hand sanitizer: None of the food trucks had hand sanitizer when I went, and after touching tulips and stems all morning, you will want it before eating.
Is Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival worth it?
Yes! I absolutely loved my visit to this NJ tulip festival and am planning to visit again next tulip season. I loved the color variety, the ease of getting to the farm, and the food options. If you are worried about the traffic and crowded fields, try to avoid going on the weekends. Going on a weekday and arriving at your scheduled time slot will make it feel like you have a section of the fields to yourself. For me, Holland Ridge Farms was 100% worth it.
Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival FAQ:
How much are tickets to Holland Ridge Farms Tulip Festival?
Tickets for the Holland Ridge Farms Tulip festival are $20 during the week and $25 on weekends. Children aged 3 and older need tickets.
Is parking free at Holland Ridge Farms?
Yes, parking at Holland Ridge Farms is free and included with your ticket. There’s a large on-site lot, but expect a short wait to enter on busy weekends
Are pets allowed at Holland Ridge Farms?
No, pets are not allowed at Holland Ridge Farms, only service animals. Plan to leave your dog at home if you’re visiting the tulip festival.
Can I bring my own food and drink to the farm?
Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks to Holland Ridge Farms. Alcohol is not permitted, but there are food trucks on-site if you’d rather buy lunch there.
How do I get to Holland Ridge Farms from NYC on public transit?
There is a partnership with Megabus, where you can take a bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal; however, this is only available on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). The bus departs at 9:30 am, arrives at the farm at 11:00 am, and departs at 2:30 pm, so you return to NYC by 4 pm. You can book your ticket here.
What happens if it rains on my visit to Holland Ridge Farms?
Holland Ridge Farms does not close for rain unless it is extreme weather. Continue to check their social media before your visit. If you want to reschedule, make sure you reschedule before 9 am on your scheduled day.
How long do the tulips last?
With proper care, fresh water, and a clean vase, your tulips from Holland Ridge Farms should last 5 to 7 days. Bring a bag and water for the ride home so they don’t wilt.
If you are looking for other things to do in New Jersey, check out:
Delaware River Railroad Excursions Wine Train
For NYC experiences, check out:
Robibero Winery: Grape Stomping and Wine Tasting
