The holiday magic returns to the historic Santa Margarita Ranch this year as the second annual “Christmas at the Ranch” opens its gates every weekend in the lead-up to Christmas Day.
The holiday event, which kicked off last month and will continue on weekends through Dec. 22, gives visitors the opportunity to experience a unique blend of history, holiday spirit and family-friendly fun.
Among the event highlights is the opportunity to ride aboard historic Disneyland train cars that first operated when the park opened in 1955. The cars, part of the original Disneyland Railroad, were phased out in the 1960s and have called Santa Margarita Ranch home since 2001.
Some of the cars have been restored to like-new condition and attendees “will get to see what the train car looked like when it was new on Disneyland’s opening day,” said Steve Rossi, co-founder and event coordinator.
Visitors can board their train of choice—a 1940s diesel locomotive with open-air cars or an 1800s steam engine pulling Disneyland’s historic train cars—for a scenic, illuminated two-mile ride that ends at Santa’s Village where live carolers, a magic show, pony rides and St. Nick can be found for a photo.
Adelle August poses with kids on the train during the opening day of Disneyland on July 17, 1955 in Anaheim, California. (Getty Images) 
Actress Kathleen Case poses by the railroad steam train during the opening day of Disneyland on July 17, 1955 in Anaheim, California. (Getty Images) 
Actor Steve Rowland, actress Kathleen Case and Adelle August pose on the train during the opening day of Disneyland on July 17, 1955 in Anaheim, California. (Getty Images) 
Train cars from the opening of Disneyland are shown in this undated photo at Santa Margarita Ranch in San Luis Obispo County.
This year’s event comes on the heels of last year’s successful debut, which welcomed visitors to the historic and cultural landmark located about 10 miles north of San Luis Obispo.
Rossi says customer input from the first year’s event helped shape this year’s. “Honoring feedback from last year, we’ve greatly expanded our food truck offerings and added late-afternoon train rides to accommodate families with little ones,” he said.
Also new this year is a Christmas vendor marketplace, offering artisanal goods such as jewelry, leather items and candles.
Tickets for the holiday excursion must be purchased in advance online, and organizers said they are likely to sell out. Tickets range from $25 for children to $40 for adults—children aged 2 and under are free.
For more information about the Disney train cars, including why they were removed from Disneyland and how they ended up on the Central Coast, click here.
