Don’t miss SLO County’s ‘Christmas at the Ranch’
-A message from Santa Margarita Ranch-
– California’s hottest new holiday experience is back as “Christmas at the Ranch” returns to the historic Santa Margarita Ranch starting on Friday, November 28.
In only its third year, Christmas at the Ranch has already become a can’t-miss family extravaganza of classic steam trains, twinkling lights, tasty provisions, magical sights and old-fashioned holiday cheer—the closest thing to a Hallmark Christmas movie come to life.
“My wife Shelly and I have poured our hearts into this effort to create a tradition that feels both timeless and welcoming—a chance for families to simply be together and soak in the season,” said Steve Rossi, a co-founder of Christmas at the Ranch. “We are so grateful for our partners to help bring this vision to life.”
Magical Train Rides & Wholesome Family Fun
Christmas at the Ranch attendees enter the event on one of two authentic steam engine locomotives, one with classic open-air cars and one that pulls three original Disney train cars used in the first years that the theme park opened its doors.
The nearly two-mile train ride treats guests to illuminated festive sights—including live-action displays of elves unpacking gifts from a vintage C47 prop airplane and an all-new North Pole Village that promises to dazzle the imagination.
The train rides conclude at Santa’s Village. Here, riders disembark and enjoy carolers; a visit with Santa; a magic show; dinner and snack food trucks; face painting; painting classes, lawn games such as cornhole and roping; fire-roasted s’mores through a local high-school FFA; pony rides; a “letters to Santa” station; and holiday craft cocktails for the adults.
A Prestigious Newsweek Selection
Heading into the season, Christmas at the Ranch has been nominated as a “Best Christmas Train Ride 2026” in Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Newsweek editors and panelists nominated a total of 15 top holiday train ride experiences from across the nation. “It’s an incredible honor to make this list in only our third year,” Rossi said. Readers may vote here for Christmas at the Ranch.
Get Tickets Today – Will Sell Out
“Christmas at the Ranch” takes place over nine weekend evenings from November 28 through December 21, 2025 at Santa Margarita Ranch in the heart of San Luis Obispo on California’s Central Coast. The ranch is easily accessed just minutes from Highway 101 in the town of Santa Margarita. Main event adult and youth tickets from $15 to $40 (children 2 and younger free) depending on train car choice. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are expected to sell out.
All proceeds from Christmas at the Ranch benefit two partner nonprofits, AGM Community Partners and Vintage Traditions Foundation.
Where: Historic Santa Margarita Ranch between Atascadero and San Luis Obispo
When: Weekends November 28 through December 21, 2025
Tickets: Starting at $15 (2 and younger free); Must be purchased in advance and are on track to sell out
Purchase: www.ChristmasattheMargarita.com.
