Don’t miss ‘Christmas at the Ranch’
A winter wonderland event in the heart of SLO County
– Step into a winter wonderland right in the heart of San Luis Obispo County as “Christmas at the Ranch” returns for a second year to enchant children and adults alike. Guests are calling it “a holiday Hallmark movie come to life.”
Happening at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch between San Luis Obispo and Atascadero, this one-of-a-kind holiday event features vintage Disney cars and open-air steam train rides that wind through fields of light with exciting holiday props and live actors.
Christmas at the Ranch takes place on weekend afternoon/evenings through Dec. 22, 2024, with all proceeds benefitting the ranch’s nonprofit event collaborators, AGM Community Partners, and Vintage Traditions Foundation. Tickets ($40 general; $25 for ages 3 – 12; ages 2 and younger free) must be purchased online in advance and are on track to sell out. Tickets are required for access into the event.
In addition to train rides, the festivities also include a Santa’s Village; Christmas vendor market; pony rides; magic shows and kids’ activities; a holiday cocktail bar for adults; and numerous food and beverage stations including s’mores kits that can be prepared over one of the many firepits. S’mores kit purchases benefit a local high school FFA program. Guests are even invited to try out an authentic railroad hand car on a bit of available track.
All aboard for Holiday Magic!
All attendees enjoy a ride on one of two authentic steam engine locomotives, one with open-air cars and one that pulls three train cars used in the first years that Disneyland opened its doors. One car has just been refurbished to like-new condition after an 11-month restoration. “Attendees will get to see what the train car looked like when it was new on Disneyland’s opening day in 1955,” said Steve Rossi, co-founder and coordinator of Christmas at the Ranch.
The Disney cars are enclosed and are perfect for those who want to stay cozy and indulge in Disney lore. The open-air cars provide more room to enjoy fresh air with more expansive views. All of the trains take a 20-minute ride through the ranch, where numerous charming and surprising sights are revealed.
Launch your holiday season amid the warmth of western hospitality at “Christmas at the Ranch.”
