Christmas at the Santa Margarita Ranch
Guests ride historic narrow-gauge steam trains through the ranch to reach Santa’s Village, where children can meet Santa and write him messages at craft stations. The village offers a light maze, magic shows, fire pits for roasting s'mores, giant board games, and pony rides. Visitors can also shop for local gifts at the craft marketplace and dine at food trucks.
What to Expect
Ride historic steam trains to Santa's Village on a working ranch.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Vintage Traditions Foundation & AGM Community Partners
Food & Drink
Food and snack trucks offer dinner and snacks, with s’mores over fire pits and child and adult beverages available for purchase.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and interactive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: Free on-site parking is available, with parking accommodations offered.
- Accessibility: Barns and restrooms are ADA accessible, but the historic trains do not provide wheelchair access.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed, except service animals with a certificate.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets as early as you can, because the event is expected to sell out and nobody gets on the ranch without a pre-purchased ticket.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your train, because if you miss your departure, a seat on another train isn't guaranteed.
- If your group wants to sit together, get to the station early so you can board as one, since seats are snug, especially in the Disney cars.
- Bring cash or cards for the food trucks and drink vendors, because no outside food or drinks are allowed and none can go on the trains.
- If you're coming from out of the area, check your email before you leave, since the event runs rain or shine but trains may be rescheduled in severe weather.
Special Events & Promotions
- New for 2026: sponsorship donations that come with private group spaces.
- New for 2026: event packages for private groups such as birthday or company parties, with more details still to come.
- More food this year, with extra food trucks and snack trucks.
- Paid diesel cab rides, with very limited spots. Riders must be at least 15, or 12 with an adult, and must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
- Pony rides for children 3 to 12 (extra cost, weight limits apply) and a Family Painting Experience with Keshet Lavoux (extra cost).
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes. Every rider needs a pre-purchased ticket, and nobody gets onto the ranch without one. Children must be with an adult, and Santa's Village is included with the train ride but not sold on its own.
Can we explore Santa's Village before our train?
Yes, and if you're on a later train it's worth coming early to enjoy the village first. Check in at the ticket booth and line up in plenty of time, because a missed departure can't be swapped for a seat on another train.
What is there to eat and drink?
Food trucks and snack trucks, s'mores over the fire pits, and wine, beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks are all for sale. You can't bring your own food or drinks, and no food or drinks are allowed on the trains.
What should we wear?
Kids are welcome to come in their PJs. Dress warmly because it can get very cold, though Santa's barn is heated. Wear sensible closed-toe shoes, since it's a working ranch with dirt and uneven ground.
What's the difference between the two trains?
One train pulls three of the original passenger cars Walt Disney built for the opening of Disneyland, with two people to a seat booth. The other pulls open-side cars and a caboose.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.