Please enable JavaScript to use this site.
Details

All Aboard!  The Central Coast’s newest holiday tradition for the whole family is back for the second season:

Christmas at the Ranch!

The Santa Margarita Ranch hosts “Christmas at the Ranch” complete with the enchanting Pacific Coast Railroad’s Jingle Bell Express. Visit Santa's Village and sit with Santa! Be spellbound by the magic show with Andy Morris! Step aboard and make memories with the whole family with this one-of-a-kind, all-new Christmas experience...Christmas at the Ranch!

*** SCROLL DOWN TO CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE DATES & TIMES ***


 TRAIN RIDES

These narrow gauge train rides take you from the historic Santa Margarita Ranch through a Christmas showcase to your final destination of Santa’s Village.


MEET SANTA

When you arrive at the Santa’s Village, children will be treated to a cookie while they can explore the decorations, watch a magic show with local radio hero, Andy Morris, and have a visit with Santa Claus.

Every passenger ticket includes a cookie.


PICK YOUR TRAIN 

You have the choice of two unique trains to take you on a journey around the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. Each ride will take about 30 minutes as you travel through holiday decor with life-size displays and lights, reminiscent of childhood dreams. Passengers will disembark at Santa’s Village where the “Big Man” himself and fun activities will be spreading holiday cheer.

Train Option 1:
Old Time Steam Train
One of our steam locomotives will pull a boxcar & flatcar with open sides and open top seating, along with a fully enclosed little red caboose.  So be sure to bundle up and enjoy the outdoor ride through the ranch.

Train Option 2:
Historic 1880s Steam Train with Rides inside the original Disneyland Passenger Cars
One of our steam locomotives will pull three of the original train cars that Walt Disney built and ran around the Disneyland Park when it first opened in 1955. Riders will be inside the enclosed cars as they travel around the Ranch.  Please dress warmly as weather conditions permit.

Cost (All trains): $40/General Admission (ages 13+), $25/child (ages 3-12),  2 & under are free, but must sit on the lap of an adult. 

NEW: 3 tickets available in the Cab of the Steam Locomotive  - $100 each

Have you ever wanted to ride in the cab of a steam locomotive? Here’s your chance! Paid cab rides will be offered giving you a behind-the-scenes experience and opportunity to get a close up look at a working steam locomotive.  

Must be at least 15 years old (12 years old acceptable, if accompanied by an adult) and closed toe shoes and long pants required.  Please be sure to read other conditions outlined in our FAQ. 

Very limited tickets available for this opportunity, $100/person for cab rides.


WHAT TO EXPECT: 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO

Departure Dates & Times
Fri, Dec 6, 2024

Historic 1880s Steam Train with Rides inside the original Disneyland Passenger Cars

9 times from 03:45 PM to 08:15 PM

Our historic #3 steam locomotive will pull a series of “open cars” on this open-air railroad experience.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM

NEW: 3 tickets available in the Cab of the Steam Locomotive each trip.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Sat, Dec 7, 2024

Historic 1880s Steam Train with Rides inside the original Disneyland Passenger Cars

9 times from 03:45 PM to 08:15 PM

Our historic #3 steam locomotive will pull a series of “open cars” on this open-air railroad experience.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM

NEW: 3 tickets available in the Cab of the Steam Locomotive each trip.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Fri, Dec 13, 2024

Historic 1880s Steam Train with Rides inside the original Disneyland Passenger Cars

9 times from 03:45 PM to 08:15 PM

Our historic #3 steam locomotive will pull a series of “open cars” on this open-air railroad experience.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM

NEW: 3 tickets available in the Cab of the Steam Locomotive each trip.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Sat, Dec 14, 2024

Historic 1880s Steam Train with Rides inside the original Disneyland Passenger Cars

9 times from 03:45 PM to 08:15 PM

Our historic #3 steam locomotive will pull a series of “open cars” on this open-air railroad experience.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM

NEW: 3 tickets available in the Cab of the Steam Locomotive each trip.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Fri, Dec 20, 2024

Historic 1880s Steam Train with Rides inside the original Disneyland Passenger Cars

9 times from 03:45 PM to 08:15 PM

Our historic #3 steam locomotive will pull a series of “open cars” on this open-air railroad experience.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM

NEW: 3 tickets available in the Cab of the Steam Locomotive each trip.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Sat, Dec 21, 2024

Historic 1880s Steam Train with Rides inside the original Disneyland Passenger Cars

9 times from 03:45 PM to 08:15 PM

Our historic #3 steam locomotive will pull a series of “open cars” on this open-air railroad experience.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM

NEW: 3 tickets available in the Cab of the Steam Locomotive each trip.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Sun, Dec 22, 2024

Historic 1880s Steam Train with Rides inside the original Disneyland Passenger Cars

9 times from 03:45 PM to 08:15 PM

Our historic #3 steam locomotive will pull a series of “open cars” on this open-air railroad experience.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM

NEW: 3 tickets available in the Cab of the Steam Locomotive each trip.

9 times from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Photos
Video
Play Button
General Terms

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Is there assigned seating on the train?  No, but you are guaranteed a seat on the specific train ride you purchase.  Your ticket is only good for the specific train and time that you purchase.  We expect most if not all of the train rides to be sold out.
 
What time should I arrive?  We recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the time of your train's departure. If you miss your train’s boarding and departure, we can not guarantee another departure. Tickets are non-transferable.
 
Are there restrooms on the train?  No.  Restrooms are available prior to departure and after the train ride. 
 
What if it's raining?  This is a rain-or-shine event.  Be prepared for all weather conditions.  We do reserve the right to reschedule train trips in the event of severe weather conditions.  You will be notified through the email you give to My805tix in registering. 
 
Can I bring my own food and drinks on the train?  You may NOT bring your own food or drinks to this event.  Non-alcoholic drinks, wine, beer, and other adult beverages will be available for purchase.  Your ticket includes one cookie.
 
What are the differences in trains?  Please go to www.christmasatthemargaritaranch.com to see the differences in trains and full details.
 
What is included with the purchase of my ticket?  A Christmas-themed train ride through the beautiful Santa Margarita Ranch with decorations along the way to view.  Plus one free cookie.  Entrance into the barn after the train ride to see Santa plus an opportunity to see a Christmas-themed magic show.
 
What about wheelchair access on the train?  Unfortunately, these historic trains do not provide wheelchair access.
 
What about kids' tickets? Kids 2 and under are free and must sit on the lap of an adult. Reduced-price tickets for kids 3-12 are available, and 13+ must purchase general admission tickets. 

What are the event grounds like? This event is being held at a ranch so be prepared for walking on dirt and uneven ground.

Can I bring my pet? No. Please do not bring any pets to the Ranch. 

What is the Ranch address? 9000 Yerba Buena, Santa Margarita, CA
 
Is there parking on-site? Yes, on-site parking is available and complimentary. When you arrive at the ranch via Yerba Buena you will be directed to parking.

Can you tell me more about Santa Margarita Ranch? Yes! Right here. 

 

Refund Policy

All items are non-refundable under any circumstances. 

Item Transfer Policy

If this event allows ticket transfers, you can transfer tickets to someone else by going into your confirmation email > View & Manage Order > Edit Ticket Info / Transfer. 

From there, you can change the name on the ticket & email it to the transferred person. 

Age Restriction

Kids of all ages are welcome!

Miscellaneous Policies

 

RELEASE OF LIABILITY

Our party desires to enter upon and participate in certain activities on the Santa Margarita Ranch located at 9000 Yerba Buena, Santa Margarita, CA 93453 (APNs 070-091-036 and 070-111-037), and other properties owned, leased, or operated by SMR (collectively, “Ranch”); namely “Christmas at the Ranch.” As used in this agreement, “SMR” means Ranch HQ GP and its respective partner trustees. As lawful consideration for being permitted to participate in the historic steam and diesel train rides and activities on the Ranch as part of “Christmas at the Ranch,” our parties agree to all the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement.

 

I freely represent and warrant on behalf of myself and my entire party that we understand and agree as follows:

 

That the Ranch is an operating cattle ranch, and all activities engaged in on the Ranch are potentially dangerous. As a guest on the Ranch, we understand it exposes us to a substantial and serious risk of property damage, personal injury, or death. We acknowledge that any injuries that we sustain may be compounded by negligent emergency response or rescue operations.

 

That the Ranch is populated with cattle and wild animals such as deer, wild pigs, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and other animals, and I understand these animals expose us to a substantial and serious risk of property damage, personal injury, or death. 

 

Participation in activities on the Ranch may expose us to substantial and serious risk of property damage and/or personal injury or death, and acknowledge that we are voluntarily participating in such activities on the Ranch with knowledge of the danger involved and hereby agree to accept and assume any and all risks of injury, death, or property damage, whether caused by the negligence of SMR, its affiliates, or otherwise. In consideration for having been given permission to enter upon the Ranch and participate in activities on the Ranch, we expressly waive and release SMR and owners of property leased or operated by SMR, AGM Community Partners and AGM California Inc. and each of the respective successors-in-interest, shareholders, trustees, beneficiaries, members, managers, officers, directors, employees, attorneys, affiliates, licensees, contractors, invitees, and agents of each of the foregoing (collectively, “Releasees”) from liability for any and all claims, now known or hereafter known, for damages for death, personal injury of property damage which we may have, or which may hereafter accrue to us or our heirs as a result of our participation in any activities on the Ranch, including any claims that are known and unknown, foreseen and unforeseen, future or contingent, and whether or not such activities are undertaken by me alone or by other guests of the Ranch, or with employees, agents, members, managers, contractors, or affiliates of Releasees. For purposes hereunder, an “affiliate” of SMR is any person or entity that directly or indirectly owns more than 10% of the beneficial interest in SMR or controls, is controlled by, or under common control with SMR.

 

We shall not now or at any time in the future, directly or indirectly, commence or prosecute any action, suit, or other proceeding against the Releasees arising out of or related to the actions, causes of action, claims, and demands hereby waived, released or discharged by me above, and forever release and discharge Releasees from liability under such claims. We further waive are insurers’ right to make a claim against Releasees based on payments by insurers to us or on our behalf for any reason. This means my insurers have no rights of subrogation against Releasees. This covenant not to sue shall be binding upon me and my spouse, legal representatives, heirs, successors, and assigns.

 

We have read and understand California Civil Code Section 1542, which section states as follows: "A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor." Having read and understood Section 1542, I hereby waive the provisions of said section and assume all risks for claims now or hereafter arising, known or unknown, related to any activities undertaken by the undersigned on the Ranch, and notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1542, hereby knowingly, voluntarily and expressly release all Releasees from all liability for claims for damages to property or personal injury or death arising out of, connected with or relating to such activities. 

 

We hereby grant Releasees, without limitation, the right to use my name and likeness in connection with the activities on the Ranch for any publicity without further compensation or permission.

 

We are in good health, in proper physical condition, and do not have any medical or other conditions that would impair our ability to drive or ride in a vehicle or otherwise participate in activities on the Ranch. If at any time we believe conditions to be unsafe or that we are no longer in proper physical condition to participate in any activity on the Ranch, we will immediately discontinue further participation in such activity.

 

Ranch’s Right to Substitute Equipment:  Given the historic nature of the Pacific Coast Railroad equipment, the Event shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to substitute equipment, including substituting the diesel engine for the steam engine.  The Event reserves the right to cancel use of the Train at any time and for any reason in its sole and absolute discretion (with a refund to Guests for cancelled departures).  Reasons for cancellation may include, but are not limited to, insufficient staffing, equipment failure, fire hazard, safety hazard, etc.  The Event can cancel use of the Train up through and including the date of the Event, as well as, during the Event in the sole and absolute discretion of the Event.

 

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY PARTY HAS READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT WE ARE VOLUNTARILY GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE.  AGREEING TO THIS AGREEMENT IS A CONDITION TO ENTERING UPON THE RANCH AND PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTIVITIES THEREON.