Experience Holiday Traditions and Survival Skills at Fort Cross Homestead in Santa Ysabel, California
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly walking and light activity
Overview
Discover the charm of farm life and early settler traditions at Holidays on the Homestead in Santa Ysabel. Enjoy candle dipping, cider pressing, a festive hayride, and a country hoedown in this immersive outdoor holiday experience.
Holidays on the Homestead - Open Sign Up
Educational fun for the whole family!
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About This Adventure
Experience a memorable outdoor field trip focused on living history and survival skills. Engage in hands-on activities like candle dipping, ornament making, and cider pressing, along with a festive holiday hayride and country hoedown. Immerse yourself in the charm of farm life while creating lasting memories with friends and family.
tDurationtttttnUsually 3-4 Hourstttttnn##tAbouttttttnField trips focused on living history, farming, and/or survival skills. Hands-on activities. Learn through doing!nn###Field trip activities include:n - Candle Dippingn - Ornament Makingn - Holiday Hayride with Carolingn - Cider Pressingn - Country Hoedownn - Farm Animalsnttnn##tMore infotttttn- Prepaid reservations are required.n- All sales are final. No refunds, date changes, or credits given for any reason.n- Check-in is strictly no later than 15-20 minutes before the event starts. n- This is an outdoor event. Please check the weather for "Wynola, CA" before dressing for the day.ntttttn##tWhat to bringtttttn - Water bottle and sack lunch (we will take a short lunch break around noon)n - Closed toe shoes are recommendedn - Picnic lunch
Adventure Tips
Dress for farm activities
Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes suitable for crafting and outdoor farm activities.
Bring water and snacks
Keep hydrated and energized for a full day of hands-on learning and seasonal fun.
Arrive early to explore
Arriving early gives you time to fully enjoy all crafts, the hayride, and festivities without rushing.
Follow safety guidelines during candle dipping
Use caution with hot wax and flames during candle making to ensure a safe experience for all ages.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- California quail
- Western fence lizard
History
Fort Cross preserves the way of life of early Californian settlers with activities that recreate traditional farm skills tied to local heritage.
Conservation
The homestead emphasizes sustainable practices like composting and seasonal farming to reduce environmental impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Santa Ysabel
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe shoes
Protect your feet during farm walks and craft activities.
fall specific
Layered clothing
Stay warm in cool mornings and adaptable during midday warmth.
fall specific
Reusable water bottle
Keep hydrated throughout the outdoor event.
Camera or smartphone
Capture memorable moments of the homestead and holiday celebrations.