Christmas at the

Santa Margarita Ranch

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All aboard for our 3rd annual Christmas at the Santa Margarita Ranch.

Vintage Traditions Foundation & AGM Community Partners invite you to come aboard the enchanting Pacific Coast Railroad’s Jingle Bell Express for a ride to Santa's village!

A family sitting on Santa's lap at Christmas, with a decorated Christmas tree, poinsettias, and festive decorations in the background.

People on a decorated open side train car at night, waving and smiling, with string lights and icicle lights hanging from the train car.

Group of performers dressed in vintage clothing, singing or speaking at an outdoor event at night under string lights.

People sitting on white Adirondack chairs around fire pits at an outdoor gathering at night, with string lights overhead and food stalls in the background.

People dressed as Christmas elves unloading an airplane at night, holding wrapped gifts and celebrating.

Real Steam Trains

Join us on a narrow gauge steam train ride as we take you from the Santa Margarita Ranch to Santa’s Village. Fun and unique displays will dot your journey.

These are real, historic steam trains that offer two unique riding options.

Learn more here.

Meet Santa

When you depart the train you will arrive at Santa’s Village where you and your family can go talk to the “big guy” and share all your Christmas wishes. Don’t forget your camera!

We will have craft stations again to create a special message to send to Santa.

A Christmas scene with a decorated Christmas tree in the foreground, and Santa Claus sitting with a young boy in front of a festive backdrop with Christmas lights, poinsettias, and a woman taking a photo.

Marketplace

Our craft marketplace is where you can do some fun holiday shopping for locally created crafts and unique gifts. Vendors will be changing throughout the days, but each day promises to have something great for everyone.

See the vendor list here!

A burlap table runner with pinecones and Christmas ornaments, and a vase with red and white berry stems in a rustic, decorated barn with string lights and festive decor.

Decorative Christmas pillow with the phrase 'merry christmas' and a small green felt Christmas tree with colorful pom-poms, surrounded by shiny gold ornaments and fairy lights.

People enjoying festive season at an outdoor market with string lights hanging from the ceiling, decorated tables, and food stalls.

Food & More

We have expanded the food offerings this year with more food trucks, snack trucks, and even the chance to roast s’mores over our fire-pits! Come hungry and enjoy any one of the great food options with plenty of space for your family to gather inside and out.

Did we mention that we will have a selection of child and adult beverages available for purchase?

Learn more here and see the vendors.

A woman in a green baseball cap with 'Club Bardo' written on it and earrings, talking on a mobile phone at a decorated holiday food stand. A man wearing a red shirt is talking to her across the counter. The stand is decorated with green tinsel and string lights, with bottles and other items on display.

A pizza trolley converted into a food stand, painted in green and orange with large white letters spelling 'PIZZA' and 'TROLLEY', outdoors near trees.

Green food truck named Wandering Eats with a pick-up window and a chalkboard menu, parked beside a table with baked goods and flowers, set against a hillside background.

More Fun & Games

We have added to this year’s train event with many more games, including Bocci Ball, Roping, Giant Board Games, Cornhole, and other fun activities for all ages.

Pony Rides! Central Coast Trailrides will be offering hand lead pony rides for children 3-12 years old (weight restrictions apply).

Don’t forget to try our real handcar and experience an old-way to ride the rails.

New Activities in 2025 to surprise our guests!

People enjoying a Christmas-themed train ride at an outdoor festival, with holiday decorations and other visitors in the background.

Five horses dressed in red and white Christmas costumes, standing in a grassy area with a decorated Christmas tree and trees in the background.

Three people dressed as Christmas elves posing outdoors in front of a historic house during sunset.

A vintage steam train decorated with Christmas garlands and lights, traveling along a track beneath illuminated arches at night during a holiday light display.

People sitting around a fire pit at night under string lights at an outdoor gathering or party.

Display of jars and containers with dried citrus slices and herbal blends on shelves decorated with greenery, ribbons, and string lights, at a festive market stall.

Corn-hole game wooden sign with white script text reading 'Santa Margarita Ranch' and a circular cutout at the top.

Magic Show

Be spellbound with wonder as Andy Morris shares his incredible talents. We still can’t figure-out how he does his tricks! This incredible show is free and open to all attendees.