A new holiday tradition is being born this year thanks to the efforts of a Chocowinity business owner.

Jane Boahn, whose family owns and operates Raised In A Barn Farm, is planning to host hayrides and story time with Santa Claus Dec. 5 and 12. The farm is located on N.C. Highway 33 east of Chocowinity.

Santa will be the star of the show, of course, but the evenings include a few other special guests, as well.

“Some of our barn staff will be dressed as elves, and perhaps we’ll even have the Grinch hanging around,” Boahn said.

Festivities begin each evening at 6 p.m. with a hayride through the fields. The youngsters will then enjoy a story read by Santa, cookies and hot chocolate. They will even have their photo taken with the guest of honor, according to Boahn.

Reservations are required and there will only be space for 25 children each evening. Cost is $15 per child, with no additional charge for one parent accompanying the child. Cost for a second parent is $5.

“People can even use our barn to take their own photos with Santa, or they can schedule a photo session with us,” Boahn said.

The hayride with Santa event is a special way to welcome the holiday season and make memories, Boahn added. The farm is celebrating its second Christmas since it opened in the summer of 2013.

The barn’s retail shop is offering all sorts of Christmas goodies and gifts, too. Shelves are stocked with homemade candies and cookies, unique wreaths made in the shape of a horse’s head, handcrafted cedar boxes, crocheted items, handmade furniture, custom made frames and Santa ornaments crafted from okra grown on the farm. Pies and cakes are made to order, and candied pecans and sourdough breads are also available.

Raised In A Barn Farm is also hosting two holiday fundraisers benefiting Angels N Camo. Turkey shoots are planned for Dec. 6 and 13 beginning at 6 p.m., according to Boahn. Prizes, including cash awards, will be presented; participants should bring their own shotguns but ammunition will be provided. In addition to the main category of competition, kids only and ladies only events will be held.

To assist local residents in their holiday decorating, Raised In A Barn Farm is selling fresh cut, North Carolina-grown trees and fresh wreaths. Anyone purchasing a tree is offered a free photo session with a digital image provided, according to Boahn.

To reserve space for a hayride with Santa, call 252-945-6153 or email raisedinabarnfarm@gmail.com.

Raised In A Barn Farm is open through Christmas Eve. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The farm is closed Sundays.