In December of 2015, about 5,000 people from across the Lower Mainland visited Timberline Ranch’s Country Christmas attraction.
This year will be the third annual Country Christmas at the popular summer camp. It is best known for its authentic western-style ranch and retreat on 73 acres of forest and farms, but for one month it takes on a different theme.
“We’re trying to give people a non-commercial, relaxed, country Christmas,” said Craig Douglas, Timberline executive director.
Country Christmas includes numerous activities with the cost of admission:
• Christmas tree display and contest;
• the Origins of Christmas display;
• a bakery where kids decorate their own cookie;
• hay maze;
• wagon ride;
• Nativity scene;
• petting zoo with a donkey, bunnies, goats, a llama;
• ‘Snowville’ ball pit with targets for ‘snowballs’;
• family photo spot;
• workshop for making a Christmas ornament;
• game zone with activities and puzzles;
• storyland;
• pony rides are available for 12 and under for an additional $5 charge.
Most of the attractions are indoors, and even the wagon is covered.
With a pony ride, it generally takes families two hours to visit each of the activity areas, said Douglas.
With the event becoming increasingly popular, even more visitors are expected this year, said Douglas.
Funds raised at the Country Christmas are used to support year-round programming at the non-profit Timberline Ranch.
Country Christmas is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 20. Registration is mandatory.
• See www.timberlinechristmas.ca for dates and times, and to make an online reservation.