Indian Valley Carriage Company’s Holiday Lights Tours are also known as “December Christmas Rides”, a nighttime ride to the Christmas House in Novato and to view all the decorated and lit up houses along the way. The tour uses our 12 person wagon, babies and infants are allowed to ride on laps without being part of the 12 adult maximum. Many families and friends anxiously wait to receive the email on November 1st of every year informing them that reservations are now being taken on a first come – first served basis. Some groups bring food and/or spirits, some musical instruments and sheet music, others bring hot chocolate and sweets, and some do all of the above. We strive to keep the noise level below the frenzy that will frustrate the horses with their far more sensitive than human hearing. Many groups do this tour annually and prefer a quiet ride with quiet conversation.
Holiday Lights Tours take place on clear winter nights, rainy nights and everything in between. The wagon has a cover with clear panels in the sides so lights can be seen while staying dry. Very heavy rains and high wind events can cancel the rides at the discretion of Indian Valley Carriage Company. On dry nights with no rain in the forecast, the sides stay rolled up offering a slightly better view.
Other neighborhoods and communities can hire Indian Valley Carriage Company’s horses and lit up wagon for rides around the locale to view their decorated homes. For them we load the horses and wagon and travel, providing them with a block of time commensurate with the route they have in mind and the number of riders thet are expected.
Although some blocks are less decorated, the easy smooth movement of the wagon, the clip-clop of the horses and the festive nature of the tradition, keep the ride enjoyable. Riders are asked to being whatever they want for their enjoyment and comfort including their own blankets. Indian Valley Carriage Company only provides the horses, wagon, and seats. To get on the email list for my November 1st announcement and schedule, send an email to gary@indianvalleycarriage.com with the subject line Holiday Lights Tours. You will get a confirmation that your email was received and you have been added to the list within a day or two.
