WHEN IS A COWBOY CHRISTMAS?

A Cowboy Christmas runs every Friday through Sunday, November 25, 2022, through December 18, 2022, and the week of Christmas (December 19–23, 2022).

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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 SYV Horseback Rides, located at River View Park in Buellton, California. We are a working public riding stable that offers trail rides along the Santa Ynez River for the public, as well as a riding lesson program 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 & SEASON PASSES? 

Tickets are $20 for adults and $14 for children ages 3-13. Kids under 2 are free. All paid admissions include a complimentary 5-Hole Punch Card for special activities at A Cowboy Christmas! 

You can also purchase a Season Pass and enjoy unlimited visits during the 2022 Holiday Season! Season Passes are $40 for adults and $28 for children ages 3-13. (A VIP Wristband Season Pass is also available.) Kids under 3 are free. Season passes include a complimentary 5-hole punch card every time you visit!

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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.

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HOW MUCH ARE PUNCH CARD BUNDLES? 

Activities are based on a $1 value per punch. You can purchase a la carte via Venmo at each station, or purchase Punch Card Bundles below and save.

A 10-Hole Punch Card is $10

A 25-Hole Punch Card is $22

A 50-Hole Punch Card is $40

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I DON'T WANT TO BE LIMITED IN ACTIVITIES WITH A PUNCH CARD. IS THERE AN OPTION THAT ALLOWS ME TO ENJOY UNLIMITED ACTIVITIES AS MANY TIMES AS I WANT? 

Yes! You can purchase a VIP Wristband Ticket that allows the ticketholder to participate in as many activities as he/she can fit into one evening! VIP wristbands can only be the ticketholder on his/her ticketed day and can be purchased for $50. A limited number of VIP Wristband Season Passes are also available!

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CAN OUR WHOLE FAMILY USE THE SAME PUNCH CARD? 

Yes! Punch Cards are not specific to any one person, and can be combined, gifted, or transferred.

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CAN I BUY ADDITIONAL PUNCH CARD BUNDLES AT THE EVENT AS WELL?

Punch Cards will be available onsite in the North Pole Mercantile building. However, we recommend purchasing online simply to avoid waiting in line.

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AM I REQUIRED TO PURCHASE PUNCH CARD BUNDLES TO ATTEND? 

Nope! There are plenty of activities at A Cowboy Christmas that do not require a punch card, such as:

• Photos with Santa (and his mini "reindeer") daily from 3:30-6:30

• Letters to Santa

• Decorating the Courtyard Tree

• Mechanical Horses

• Tiny Tots Barn Play

• Shopping at the North Pole Mercantile

• Finding "Cowboy the Elf" (he's sneaky!)

• Shopping at the Village Shops

• Live Entertainment (select evenings)

• Enjoying the twinkle of lights and musical Christmas ambiance

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HOW MANY PUNCHES DO ACTIVITIES REQUIRE? 

• Christmas Pony Decorating - 5 punches for 5 minutes

• Santa's Petting Zoo - 3 punches for 5 minutes

• Make Your Own Horseshoe Ornament - 5 punches

• Christmas Carnival Games (4) - 1 punch per game

• Jr. Reindeer Games Obstacle Course Challenge (win prizes!) - 3 punches 

• Pony Bounce House - 2 punches for 5 minutes

• A Daring Elf Adventure (experiential pony ride, includes souvenir) - 12 punches

• Tipsy Ornament Horseback Challenge (Teens & Adults. Win a punch card or drink voucher!) - 10 punches 

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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

• Wine/Beer

• Shopping

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WHERE DO I PARK FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS?

When you arrive at River View Park, please keep left and park in that parking lot. 

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WHERE DO I CHECK IN FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS? 

Once you park, you will see a check-in tent. Show your tickets here, then board the Christmas Hay Wagon that will take you to the entrance of A Cowboy Christmas.

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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 2023. 

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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 your feet 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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