Wintry wonderland at Dell’Osso Family Farm

LATHROP — Christmas music rang out from the loudspeakers and a wintry chill filled the air Saturday at Dell’Osso Family Farm in Lathrop.

Hundreds turned out for the first day of Holidays on the Farm. Young couples walked hand in hand while small children in heavy coats wobbled alongside their parents as they made their way toward the farm’s many seasonal attractions.

“This is super cool,” said Lacey Nelson, a 28-year-old Modesto resident who was accompanied by her children, 8-year-old Kaiden and 10-year-old Caley. “We’re having fun just playing in the snow.”

Holidays on the Farm features snow tubing, ice skating, a breathtaking display of Christmas lights and a snow blower that turned a section of the farm into a winter wonderland for kids who delighted in the opportunity to throw snowballs. The Country store offered eggnog, hot apple cider and a chance for children to pose for pictures with Santa Claus, the jolly old man who will soon set out on his sleigh to visit boys and girls around the world.

Diego Aguilera, a 28-yearold Stockton resident, attended opening day with his wife and their two daughters, 14year-old Naomi and 3-year-old Genises, who had her picture taken with Santa.

“We’ve been coming for the last three years,” Aguilera said. “It’s kind of a tradition in our family, so we try to come every year. We enjoy pretty much everything from the food to the rides to the atmosphere. It’s a pretty awesome experience.”

Holidays on the Farm will run through Jan. 2. The farm is open until 9 p.m. each day except Christmas Eve, when it closes at 5 p.m., and Christmas Day, when it will not be open. Admission and parking are free.

“It’s good, cheap family fun,” Nelson said. “It’s affordable, the kids like it and it’s something to do that gets us out of the house.”

When asked how much fun he was having, Nelson’s son, Kaiden, said, “100 percent.” He said he most enjoyed the zip line and the ice skating rink.

“I like that the zip line was so high up in the air and you can flip around and stuff,” he said. “Ice skating was fun, too. I fell a lot.”

Dell’Osso Family Farm also offers a Pumpkin Maze in October and other events throughout the year, but Michael Dell’Osso, whose family owns and operates the farm, said there’s something special about Christmas.