For the first time ever, Temecula’s Alpaca Hacienda will welcome the public to a holiday open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1.
An alpaca mugs for the camera at the Alpaca Hacienda in Temecula. (File photo: Ashley Ludwig/SWRNN)
The man in red is expected to arrive on his tractor at 12 p.m. and will greet children of all ages until 2 p.m.
Why a tractor and not those famous reindeer?
“Reindeer and alpacas don’t get along very well, so Santa will be riding up on his tractor,” said Beth Osborne, owner of the Alpaca Hacienda.
Parents are invited to snap photos as the kids join Santa on the tractor.
“It’s a great Christmas card opportunity,” Osborne said.
The Alpaca Hacienda was inspired to host the holiday open house event after the success of the previous open ranch day for September’s National Alpaca Farm Days.
“Alpaca farms from all over the nation opened their ranches and educated people about our wonderful animals,” Osborne said. “People had such a nice time that we decided this holiday-themed event would be fun for all.”
The holiday open house also gives Osborne and local artisans the chance to showcase their alpaca fleece wares that are available at the ranch’s new boutique.
The boutique offers handmade items, including gloves, hats, socks, scarves, throws, as well as alpaca and silk felted artisan scarves and wall art.
“We have knitted and crocheted items, all made by local women, created from the ultra-soft alpaca yarn,” Osborne said.
Local wildlife artist, Shelby Skinner, will host an art sale of her paintings.
A spinning and carding demonstration will educate people wanting to know more about how the shorn alpaca fleece is turned into yarn, as well as historical lessons on the history of spinning.
Osborne, a former teacher, loves to take the opportunity to educate her visitors. 
“We will have many boarders on hand to help answer questions potential buyers might have. Alpacas are ‘easy keepers.’ They just need a little wiggle room and a buddy if someone wants to buy one for a pet or hobby farm,” Osborne said.
Rounding out the event, Christmas carolers, visiting from Calvary Chapel will sing throughout the afternoon.
In the event of rain, the festivities will be rescheduled.
The Alpaca Hacienda is located at 31755 Rancho Vista Road in Temecula.
To learn more, visit: www.TheAlpacaHacienda.com.
Ashley Ludwig is a local writer and regular contributor to SWRNN.
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