We all know that daffodils and cherry blossoms are two of the earliest signs of spring in New Jersey, but tulips are right behind them! Here in the Garden State, we're lucky to be home to the country's largest u-pick flower farm, and one of the biggest tulip festivals outside of the Netherlands. Holland Ridge Farms is known for one of the biggest tulip fields outside of Europe, and the entire farm becomes a massive festival while the fields are in bloom. The opening date depends on the tulips, but it generally takes place in early April until the flowers are gone. We think it's one of the best spring festivals in New Jersey, and one look at these fields makes clear why.

Every year, Holland Ridge Farms hosts the most incredible Tulip Festival over a few weeks in April and into early May.

This gorgeous farm can be found in Cream Ridge, a rural town in Monmouth County.

There are EIGHT MILLION tulips growing here every year! In order to ensure quality and variety, Holland Ridge Farms plants new bulbs each year, so you'll be among the first (and only!) people to see these blooms. But hurry up - the season is only a few weeks long.

The Jansen Family has been doing this for generations. Their family-growing operation started in Holland and moved to New Jersey as a small tulip-growing business. In 2018, the family moved to this enormous farm in Cream Ridge and began to make history.

Tulips bloom in mid-to-late April each year, depending on the weather. You'll want to bookmark their website and start checking their Tulip Forecast as soon as the weather starts to warm up.

Come by to take photos in the flower fields and pick your own blooms. You'll make springtime memories that will leave such a smile on your face, you'll be counting down 'til next year before you even leave!

Holland Ridge Farms operates on a limited, timed ticket entry system to help control crowds. You'll need to get your ticket in advance - and they do sell out! While you're here, you can pick your own tulips for $1/stem.

A visit to Holland Ridge Farms is an essential part of spring in New Jersey. What are you waiting for? Get your tickets and plan your visit now!

Tickets, dates, and visitor information can be found on the Holland Ridge Farms website, but for up-to-the-minute details, you'll also want to follow the Holland Ridge Farms Facebook page. Have you ever been to this farm for tulip season or visited any other spring festivals in New Jersey? Share with us your experience in the comments section!

While you're in the area of Cream Ridge, make sure to check in at the Cream Ridge Winery for some amazing sips! It might be a long ride to get to this rural area of New Jersey, so we recommend a healthy supply of road trip snacks.