Holiday Hayride at the Del Mar Holiday of Lights

Crossing the first Activity off of our list, The Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds upon the Holiday Hayride!

Now that I’ve actually experienced this family activity I can give a better review of it. Overall, it was a fun experience. You have to try everything at least once. The important thing is that we logged in some family time; and the kids got to enjoy the lights, the marshmallows, and Santa. Sure you can ride in your car, but what fun is that? The hayride was an experience! The tickets were $10 per person and included:

• (1) Hayride around the festive holiday lit race track
• Unlimited photos with Santa
• Carolers to set the mood
• Hot cocoa an/or hot apple cider to help warm you up
• (1) Sugar cookie shaped like a snowman, pretty good I might add – we took a few extras
• Marshmallows to roast on an open fire* (my favorite, wish we had more time to just sit in front of the fire)
• Family Time – priceless
• The chill of the cold winter night – something we don’t get enough of in San Diego

I have to say that I thought this was a pretty good deal. I can’t reinforce it enough, but it’s all about the experience. You have to have a child’s eye view when it comes to things like this. Honestly, I was excited for myself to go on the hayride. I felt like a kid again and that is what the holidays does to us, brings us back to the good ol’ days. I want that for Pinky. I want her to look back and remember the things we did as a family.

On another note, I was so happy with the outcome of family in attendance. We had a group of 14. Roll call please: Pinky, Mommy, Daddy, Lolo, Grandpa, Grandma, Auntie, Andrea, Auntie Amber, Uncle Moe, Kuya AJ, Uncle Abe, Ate Aaralyn, Uncle Sunny and Auntie JoJo. Being in a big group made the family activity so much more fun. I love that Pinky can bring so many people together. Babies in general have a way of bringing people and families together. They are the reason we live and she is the reason we invited everyone out to play. I’m glad Pinky got to experience this first hand with her family.

Before I get into more fun photos, I want to quickly share a few things. I’ll give you a K.I.S.S (keep it simple stupid)!

• Do get there early so you can take in every moment
• Do Take a picture Santa, but…
• Do not get sucked into a Welk’s Resort tour – they are the one’s sponsoring Santa this year
• Do bring your own camera, they let you take photos with your own camera, otherwise you’ll have to give up your email, name and phone number to retrieve the images they take…free aint nothing free!
• Do bring a blanket and wear warm clothes
• Do keep your hands free, try not to bring too much with you; however if you must…
• Do bring a bag. You need your hands to roast marshmallows and carry your cup of hot cocoa or cider around to keep you warm
• Do be prepared to sit for a period of 30 minutes, possibly on the flatbed of a tractor
• Do Have Fun!

That’s it, as far as my review goes, it is whatever you make of it. The lights were interesting, the displays are too far apart from each other if you ask me. I’m sure there is a reason for it. The theme is cleaver, if you get it, the displays are all about Santa in San Diego and Christmas in California…Elves playing volley ball, Santa’s boat docked at the boathouse, farm animals, horses racing, etc. There are also a few patriotic displays to salute the troops.

This was my first time ever being at the Holiday of Lights and I had a memorable experience. My favorite part of the lighting display was going through a colorful light tunnel at the end of the ride. And of course my most favorite, favorite part was watching Pinky point and get excited over the bright lights!

Afterward, we fed our cravings for greasy food and hot soup with a family dinner at the famous Denny’s Restaurant! This week we’re looking forward to Balboa Park December Nights! See you there!

Photos Courtesy of Uncle Sunny, Auntie Jojo and Welks Resorts (*yes I opted to get a few from them after giving up some info).