The Timberline Ranch Country Christmas is a unique–yet traditional–family-oriented Christmas experience complete with lit trees, interactive scenes, and music.
Date/Time: Dec 15 2016, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Maple Ridge, Timberline Ranch
Do you know about Timberline Ranch? Until yesterday I didn’t! What a magical piece of tranquility just a short drive from Vancouver. During the summer Timberline Ranch hosts week-long camps which expose the kids to horsemanship, horse back riding, BMX biking and more. As of 2014, Timberline Ranch now offers a magical Christmas experience for families.
The night we visited was a dark and stormy Vancouver evening. I think it added to the magic. The final moments of your drive are through Blaney Blog, along a narrow bumpy road with the mountains looming in the background. Twinkling Christmas lights lead you up a windy driveway to the charming Timberline Ranch.
Christmas trees Timberline RanchYour adventures start with a wander through community-decorated Christmas trees. Our boys had fun picking their favourite tree and casting their vote. I was a fan of the ACT’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicoloured Dream Coat (definitely want to see that show in the Spring). In addition to the trees, have a peak under the wooden door flaps which teach a little bit about the origins of Christmas.
Activities at Timberline RanchThe next stop on your journey is the bakery. Everyone is given a sugar cookie, icing and candy to create a snowman face. Our 5 year old tried to eat his cookie from the top down as he was most eager to gobble off the candy corn nose. He was a gleeful but sticky mess.
Every 15 minutes a covered wagon decorated with Christmas lights takes visitors from the main part of the farm up to the animal barn. Three fun activities await the kids: pony rides, a petting zoo (with the fluffiest and cleanest farm animals I’ve ever experienced), and a hay bale maze. After the kids have exhausted themselves in the barn, hop on the covered wagon and head back to the main buildings for crafts, story time and a cafe for snacks.
Snowballs at Timberline RanchWithout a doubt the highlight of our kids’ visit was Snowville, aka the snowball throwing room. What a brilliant idea! Timberline Ranch turned one of the rooms in their big lodge into a winter scene. Dozens of white plastic balls are in easy reach and the kids get to throw snowballs until they are exhausted. Snowflakes, plush teddy bears, Christmas wreaths and more make fun holiday-themed targets. Truly our kids would have happily thrown snowballs for hours.
Christmas at Timberline Ranch is a wonderfully simple and magical family experience. If you visit during the week prices are $2 cheaper ($7 for adults & $9 for children). You need to make a reservation so please don’t just show up without booking ahead. Celebrate Christmas on a farm, it is an experience you won’t soon forget.
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