WHEN IS A COWBOY CHRISTMAS?

A Cowboy Christmas runs every Friday and Saturday, November 24, 2023, through December 23, 2023.

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WHERE IS A COWBOY CHRISTMAS LOCATED? 

It is being hosted at the stables of Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides, located at River View Park. 

151 Sycamore Drive

Buellton, California

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WHO IS PUTTING ON A COWBOY CHRISTMAS? 

A Cowboy Christmas is proudly hosted by Old West Events in conjunction with SYV Horseback Rides, located at River View Park in Buellton, California. Old West Events is a 501(c)3 that benefits the Santa Barbara Youth Collective. SYV Horseback Rides is a working public riding stable that offers trail rides along the Santa Ynez River for the public, as well as riding lesson programs for kids and adults. The horses and ponies at SYV Horseback Rides represent a broad range of breeds and disciplines – many are formerly famous show and rodeo horses who are now retired – true to the rich equine history of the Santa Ynez Valley. 

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HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS? 

Adults are $19.95 and kids 12 & under are $16.95. (Kids 2 & under are free.) Or a $60 FAMILY PASS (up to 2 adults/3 kids). Each ticket includes an All-Access Pass to experience all Premium experiences one time, and all remaining experiences unlimited times! Premium Experiences include: The Daring Elf Adventure, The Tipsy Ornament Challenge, Ornament Decorating, and Horseshoe Decorating. 

VIP Wristband Tickets are also available for $35.95 and include UNLIMITED access to all event experiences and activities, including Premium Experiences.

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HOW ARE TICKETS DIFFERENT THAN LAST YEAR?
Last year, we functioned under a punch card system, meaning each experience had a value of a certain number of punches, and guests purchased additional punch cards at checkout.

This year, we're simplifying AND adding value! Each paid admission will receive an All-Access Pass that allows ticketholders to experience ALL event activities at least one time... no additional punch card bundles needed!  

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CAN I BRING A GROUP? 

Yes! Send us a note for group pricing. 

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CAN I BUY TICKETS AT THE DOOR? 

If tickets are still available for that day, you can purchase tickets at the door. However, we recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to ensure admittance.

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WHERE DO I FIND THE AGRICULTURE WAIVER? 

Every family must sign the Agriculture Waiver to enter our farm. While we do everything we can to keep you safe, you are coming to a farm – and we've got both animals and candy canes! You'll see a download link to the Agriculture Waiver in your ticket confirmation email after checkout, or you can find it here. Please print and sign for all guests in your party. Present it at check-in along with your ticket confirmation. Please note, tickets can be either digital or printed at check-in, but the waiver must be printed. 

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DO I HAVE TO BRING MY TICKET & WAIVER TO THE EVENT?

Yes, please bring your PRINTED Event Waiver, along with either a printed or digital copy of your tickets to present at check-in.

 

WHAT EXPERIENCES ARE INCLUDED IN EACH TICKET?

• 1x PREMIUM EXPERIENCE: A Daring Elf Adventure (experiential pony ride, includes souvenir) - Kids only

• 1x PREMIUM EXPERIENCE: Tipsy Ornament Challenge (Challenge on horseback) - Older Kids & Adults

• 1x PREMIUM EXPERIENCE: Ornament Decorating Station 

• 1x PREMIUM EXPERIENCE: Horseshoe Decorating

• Mechanical Bull Riding - Older Kids & Adults

• Magical Pony Bounce House - Kids Only

• Christmas Pony Decorating 

• Petting Zoo 

• Obstacle Course Challenge (win prizes!)

• Letters to Santa

• North Pole Mailbox

• Lasso Arena

• Mt Crumpet Climb (Hay Bale Pyramid)

• Find "Cowboy the Elf"

• Santa Meet-And-Greet

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WHERE CAN I SEE DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES OFFERED? 

Right here! 

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WHAT ITEMS REQUIRE ADDITIONAL FEES AT A COWBOY CHRISTMAS? 

• Food 

• Beverages (like the Ultimate Hot Cocoa Bar)

• Wine/Beer

• Shopping

• Face Painting

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WILL FOOD AND DRINKS BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ONSITE? 

We will be offering a limited dinner menu (hot dogs, chips, etc), along with light snacks, sweets, and beverages (including adult beverages) available for purchase. We recommend eating dinner before or after your visit if hot dogs (or similar) aren't your jam.

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CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD AND/OR DRINKS TO A COWBOY CHRISTMAS? 

No outside food or drinks are allowed.

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WHERE DO I PARK FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS?

When you arrive at River View Park, follow signs for SYV Horseback Rides.

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WHERE DO I CHECK IN FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS? 

Once you park, present your tickets at the entrance to SYV Horseback Rides

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WHEN ARE THE LAST GUESTS ALLOWED IN AT COWBOY CHRISTMAS?

Guests within the 6 pm-to-8 pm arrival window may arrive at any time up until 7:30 pm, at which time the doors close for additional guests.

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WHAT ARE PROHIBITED ITEMS FOR BRINGING TO A COWBOY CHRISTMAS?

NO Glass

NO Knives

NO Drones

NO Firearms

NO Weapons

NO Laser Pointers

NO Large Backpacks

NO Fireworks or Sparklers

NO Outside Food or Beverage

NO Sticks, Poles, Bats, or Clubs

NO Illegal Drugs or Paraphernalia

NO Items that resemble a weapon

NO T-Shirts or Clothing with vulgar language or phrasing

NO Animals unless specifically marked as a service animal

NO Commercial/professional audio/video recording equipment and/or tripods

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WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS?

Tickets are non-refundable. A Cowboy Christmas will remain open on days that drizzle. If hard rain or windy conditions force closure, we will do our best to move you to a different day. If no other day works, you will receive a voucher for A Cowboy Christmas 2024. 

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WHAT IF IT RAINS ON THE DAY I HAVE TICKETS? 

See "Refund Policy" above.

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DOES A COWBOY CHRISTMAS HAVE RESTROOMS?

Yes, we have ADA-Accessible Portapotties onsite.

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IS A COWBOY CHRISTMAS ADA ACCESSIBLE? 

Yes! When you arrive, please check in and let us know that you require ADA parking, and they will assist you. Most activities are ADA accessible as well. 

 

ARE HELMETS REQUIRED FOR HORSE & PONY RIDE ACTIVITIES? 

Yes, each person riding a horse or pony will be required to wear one of the helmets supplied by A Cowboy Christmas. All helmets are sanitized between uses. 

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WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO A COWBOY CHRISTMAS? 

Evenings can be chilly. We recommend wearing layers. Please also wear close-toed shoes to protect those little toes from animal hooves!

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CAN I BRING DOGS TO A COWBOY CHRISTMAS? 

Unfortunately, only service dogs that are identified as service animals are allowed into A Cowboy Christmas. 

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IS SMOKING ALLOWED AT A COWBOY CHRISTMAS?

No smoking of any kind is allowed.

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HOW LONG DOES A COWBOY CHRISTMAS TAKE TO EXPERIENCE? 

It can take between 1 and 2 hours to experience A Cowboy Christmas. However, guests are welcomed (and encouraged!) to stay the whole evening and enjoy entertainment, food, games, bonfire, and more. 

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IS A COWBOY CHRISTMAS FOR ALL AGES, OR JUST CHILDREN?

A Cowboy Christmas truly has something memorable for everyone, from kids to adults! But it is primarily geared toward children ages 3 to 12. Please see Activities for a full list of options. 

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CAN I TAKE PICTURES AT A COWBOY CHRISTMAS?

Yes! Photos are welcomed, and we encourage you to tag us when you post on social media! 

Instagram: @syvhorsebackrides

Facebook: @syvhorserides

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