Christmas in Valley Center at Bates Nut Farm

No registration. Arrive by 5:30 PM on Friday for a spot to watch Santa's arrival. Free gift for the first 1,000 kids (Friday/Saturday).

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About this adventure

Christmas in Valley Center is a free two-day community holiday celebration at Bates Nut Farm in North County, sponsored by the Valley Center Business Association. On Friday evening the Valley Center Marching Band plays at 5:45 PM, Santa makes a grand entrance on a fire truck at 6:00 PM and then lights the farm's holiday lights tree, and a choir of Valley Center students sings carols; free hayrides and visits with Santa run from 6 to 8 PM, and the Grinch is there from 5 PM. On Saturday Santa arrives on a Polar Express hayride at 11:00 AM, followed by free hayrides and Santa visits, holiday performances on the Bates Stage through the morning and free pony rides (Saturday only). Both days have photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch, crafts, gingerbread house making, face painting, a bounce house and a jumbo slide, all free and donated by local clubs, churches and organizations, plus a free gift for the first 1,000 kids. There is food both days and a holiday market with local vendors. Admission and parking are free; the organizers suggest arriving by 5:30 PM on Friday to find a spot for the band and Santa's arrival.