Spread across 100 acres, Live Oak Canyon transforms itself each holiday season from a traditional pumpkin patch into a holiday-light-covered winter wonderland offering food, rides, petting zoo, ice skating rink, Christmas tree farm, and (until Dec. 23) a train ride to see Santa at the North Pole.
California Baptist University students Cody Meyer and Allison Castro remarked that Live Oak Canyon’s decorations enlivened their holiday spirit.
“The lights make me feel really festive and happy,” Castro said. “We are excited to ride the ferris wheel, too.”
Dr. Brian McDaniel, a 2018 California Teacher of the Year, shared similar feelings about the atmosphere and attractions at Live Oak Canyon while visiting the farm with his family.
“This is my first time here at the farm, and it’s wonderful,” McDaniel said. “All the different displays, lights, and Christmas trees get me in the Christmas spirit.”
“This year is also a very special holiday for us,” McDaniel continued. “My oldest daughter just had a baby boy on November 5th, so this is our first holiday together. It’s my first grandchild’s Christmas.”
“The most magical attraction we have seen so far is the candy cane house over there,” McDaniels said. “It probably has 1,000 lights on it, and it really takes you to another place.”
Returning visitor Carlos Lopez also explained why he and his family enjoy the farm.
“It’s like my fourth time coming here for four years in a row,” Lopez said. “Most of my kids love the food, so we come for that. My favorite thing is the loaded potatoes. Right now, actually, we are loading up on drinks and food for the train to go see Santa.”
Live Oak Canyon workers Ajaey Castillo and Leah Hinkley shared, too, what they and their families liked most about the farm.
“I worked the past two years during pumpkin season, but this is my first time working here during Christmas,” Hinkley said. “My favorite ride is the cliffhanger. It’s basically like paragliders. It moves you up and down, then spins you for a second. Or there’s the rock ‘n roll ride. You sit in cars, it sends you around in a circle, moving up and down and spinning you while there’s music playing. And then it goes backwards.”
“My family just likes the Christmas lights,” Castillo said. “We’re always very happy to see lights every year. It gives us something to look forward to.”
“The churros are also good,” Hinkley added. “They’re probably one of the best foods you can get here.”
“The hot cocoa is worth it, too,” Castillo said. “The hot cocoa is one of the best drinks.”
However, visitors expressed some criticisms about Live Oak Canyon as well. Some felt the prices were a bit expensive, parking was lacking, or attractions were too close together.
“We’re broke college students,” Castro said. “So I think it’s expensive.”
“I think it is decently priced for what you’re getting,” McDaniel said. “It’s high quality. The lights are nice. We’ve been to other places that are about the same price with long lines, and it’s just stuff that we could get at home. I appreciate the quality they bring here.”
“But maybe they could space out their eateries and drink stands, so it’s not all in one location,” McDaniels added. “And the parking was a little bit of a trek from our car to the front. Better lighting by the parking would be a bit nicer, too.”
“We need a lot more parking,” Castillo said. “It’s so hard to find parking, especially during the fall season. You’re just constantly stuck in traffic. We heard a lot of complaints about parking during fall.”
Visitors voiced what they would ask Santa for, too. Some requested monetary desires, and some considered priceless benefits to help others around the world.
“I’d ask Santa to make me rich,” Castillo said. “You definitely want to pray for everyone, too, make sure everyone’s good. And then make me rich after.”
“I’d ask Santa for more money,” Lopez said. “We’re paying 10 dollars for a cup of hot cocoa here.”
“I’d ask Santa to give our world leaders a bit more kindness,” McDaniels said. “I think more kindness could help.”
Regardless of the fulfillment status of guests’ requests to Santa, Live Oak Canyon does grant one same wish to many each holiday season–the desire for a local, holiday-themed, family-friendly getaway (albeit with arguably high-priced hot chocolate).
