Mattituck's Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm plans massive Evergreen Maze
A rendering of the Evergreen Maze expected at Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm in Mattituck opens on Sept. 26.
Credit: Julie Hanus
Christmas is coming early in Mattituck as the Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm prepares to unveil its new Evergreen Maze on Sept. 26.
The maze, which is 2.3 acres, has been in the works since 2018. The Shipman family, who have owned the farm since 1987, opened up the space and planted arborvitae hedges to build the 13-foot walls of the maze.
“I wanted to do something different that would tie in with Christmas trees,” manager Jonathan Shipman says. “I was trying to think outside the box saying, ‘What doesn’t everybody else have?’ ”
Before entering, guests will be given a flyer noting a dozen items to search for that are tucked away in the dead ends of the maze.
“The list gives people a reason to explore the maze, not just run through it as fast as possible,” Shipman says. “There is a designated start and finish. The maze is made to be walked in one direction.”
There will be 11-foot wide passage trails for comfortability and wheelchair accessibility inside the maze. It will take participants about an hour to make it through. However, if you get lost, don’t worry, a staffer will point you in the right direction.
“It’s going to have some resemblance to the maze in ‘The Shining’ movie. We got some inspiration from that hedge when we made it,” Shipman says. “When you walk out, you will be heading towards the pumpkin patch.”
The center section of the maze features a brick fireplace, which serves as a key photo-op spot and an open courtyard that can be used for special events.
“Nothing is planned for this fall but I’m sure we are going to add things. We are throwing ideas around. It’s hard to get everything to fruition in one year,” Shipman says. “This is like a soft opening for us. It’s trial by error. It will evolve and become more detailed in the future.”
The maze will only be open during the daylight hours to start but has the ability to be illuminated for nighttime activities next season. Once launched, the maze is on track to be one of the largest in the United States, second only to Pineapple Garden Maze in Hawaii’s Dole Plantation.
“I want people to put their phones down and enjoy themselves,” Shipman says. “Let the kids use their imagination and get ‘lost’ in the maze. It’s all about enjoying being outside.”
The farm offers other family-friendly activities like pumpkin picking, a snack shed, a gift shop, live Christmas carolers as well as mini train rides around the property.
Visit shamrockchristmastreefarm.com or call 631-298-4619 for more information. Tickets for the maze are not yet on sale and prices are currently unavailable.
Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm, 20685 Main Rd., Mattituck
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
