Get the Kids Ready... Santa Ynez Valley's Favorite Old-Fashioned
Family Holiday Experience Returns!
Ready to get Your Jingle On?
A Cowboy Christmas shares the magic of the season with children (and children at heart) through animals and old-fashioned fun! Here on the farm, we encourage kids to interact with animals, get a little dirty, sip hot cocoa, and experience the joy of the season with holiday experiences such as:
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The Daring Elf Adventure (Pony Ride Experience)
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The Tipsy Ornament Challenge (Horse Riding Challenge)
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A visit from Santa Himself
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Kids Obstacle Course
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Magical Pony Bounce House
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Christmas Pony Decorating
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Letters to Santa
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Wooden Ornament Decorating Station
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Petting Zoo
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Mt. Crumpet Climb (A 125-bale Hay Bale Pyramid!)
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Lasso Arena
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Mechanical Bull Riding
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Ultimate Hot Cocoa Bar
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Snacks, beverages and Beer/Wine Available for Purchase
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The clinks of magical Christmas music heard 'round the stable
... and so much more! (Click below... the list is as long as Santa's nice list!)
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HourS
AdmiSSIon
November 29 – December 21, 2023
Every Friday & Saturday Black Friday to Christmas
3:30 pm - 7:30 pm FRIDAYS
3:30 pm - 7:30 pm SATURDAYS
Tickets are $19.95 per person. OR $64.95 FAMILY PASS for up to 2 adults/3 kids. (Save $40!) Children 2 & under are free.
Each paid admission includes an All-Access Pass to experience ALL TEN event experiences at least one time! (Snacks & drinks are separate. See full list of included activities here.)
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Have a group? Send us a note!
Location
Located in the Santa Ynez Valley
A Cowboy Christmas is proudly hosted by Old West Events, a 501(c)3, in conjunction with SYV Horseback Rides, located at the beautiful River View Park in Buellton, California. A portion of ticket sales benefit the Santa Barbara Youth Collective.
151 Sycamore Drive
Buellton, California
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN IS A COWBOY CHRISTMAS?
A Cowboy Christmas runs every Friday and Saturday, November 29, 2024, through December 21, 2024.
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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?
Tickets are $19.95 per person or $64.95 for a FAMILY PASS (up to 2 adults/3 kids). Kids 2 & under are free. 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 and The Tipsy Ornament Challenge. ​
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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. (We will have hardcopies of the waiver if you forget it.)
WHAT EXPERIENCES ARE INCLUDED IN EACH TICKET?
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1x PREMIUM EXPERIENCE: A Daring Elf Adventure (experiential pony ride, includes souvenir) - Kids only
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1x PREMIUM EXPERIENCE: Tipsy Ornament Challenge (Challenge on horseback) - Older Kids & Adults
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Ornament Decorating Station
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Horseshoe Decorating
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Mechanical Bull Riding - Older Kids & Adults
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Magical Pony Bounce House - Kids Only
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Christmas Pony Decorating
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Petting Zoo
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Obstacle Course Challenge (win prizes!)
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Letters to Santa
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North Pole Mailbox
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Lasso Arena
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Mt Crumpet Climb (Hay Bale Pyramid)
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Find "Cowboy the Elf"
- Santa Meet-And-Greet
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WHERE CAN I SEE DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES OFFERED?
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WHAT ITEMS REQUIRE ADDITIONAL FEES AT A COWBOY CHRISTMAS?
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Food
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Beverages (like the Ultimate Hot Cocoa Bar)
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Wine/Beer
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Shopping
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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/Cowboy Christmas.
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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 5:30 pm-to-7:30 pm arrival window may arrive at any time up until 7:00 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 2025.
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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: @acowboychristmas
Facebook: @syvcowboychristmas
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