Carlsbad CA— Blending holiday spirit with a bit of western history, the City of Carlsbad will celebrate the season at its Holiday at the Rancho event Saturday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park.
The event will feature Santa in a cowboy hat, a tree lighting and a holiday movie under the stars, among other activities at the park located 6200 Flying L.C. Lane.
Tickets are available at $8 per person and children under 3 are free.
Admission includes crafts, face painting, holiday shopping, cookie decorating, 14-foot tree-lighting, an outdoor movie and entertainment.
Children can also sit on the lap of the western-styled Santa, a unique moment that parents can capture with their own cameras or pay $3 for a souvenir photo. Pony rides will be available and are an additional $6.
Rachael Shay, special events supervisor for the City of Carlsbad, said the Holiday at the Rancho is a community holiday celebration that highlights the City of Carlsbad and Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park’s rich history.
Attendees can get a taste of this history by taking part in a 30-minute guided tour of the Hacienda. Tours will take place at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Once a working ranchero, the park was owned by actor, philanthropist, poet, preservationist and rancher Leo Carrillo. “We are so lucky to have this unique property in Carlsbad,” Shay said. “It lends itself to the nostalgic of the holiday season.”
Parking is available at Leo Carrillo Elementary School or on surface streets. Parking will be limited at Leo Carrillo Ranch, and half of the lower lot will be used for disabled parking.
To purchase tickets, please visit www.carlsbadconnect.org