Photos by Brian Addison. Full gallery below.
The historic Rancho Los Cerritos is entirely dolled up for the holidays—Victorian-style.The historic Rancho Los Cerritos is entirely dolled up for the holidays—Victorian-style.
The Old Time Christmas Festival is the annual celebration at the Rancho that harkens to a time long lost but revived by tireless volunteers, performers, and historians. From the odd but captivating decorations—seashells with pictures glued into them were common in the age as was creating pomanders to provide an herbaceous, spicy scent in the air—to the beauty of the 1844 house itself, this Victorian era party is sure to bring even Freud some joy.
The Old Time Christmas Festival will take place this Sunday, December 7, from 1PM to 4PM. Admission is $3 per person or $10 for families. Costumed docents will share holiday traditions from the past and provide stories about the Temples and Bixbys, early owners of the 27,000-acre Rancho.
Additional events also include Holiday Tea, taking place on December 9 from 10:30AM to noon, where seasonal music, Victorian era treats, and costumed docents will enjoy tea and history. Admission is $20. That same day, Cocoa with Santa will provide the little ones some magic and sugary bliss from 4PM to 5:30PM—wee marshmallows included.
Come December 12 and 13, the Rancho will go all out with individual groups embarking on a holiday exploration throughout the grounds. Advanced registration is required and admission is $15. To order tickets, please complete and return the Reservation Form, or call (562) 206-2040 to make reservations over the phone.
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