Carriage Rides at El Dorado Hills Town Center are back and it’s all for a great cause taking place on weekends through Dec. 23.

Visitors to El Dorado Hills Town Center can enjoy the beautifully decorated twinkling Town Center atmosphere while they listen to the gentle clip clop of the horse drawn carriage. 

It’s a festive way to celebrate the season while benefiting local non-profit  Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference Education Program and Powerhouse Ministries. Both local charities will receive proceeds from the rides taking place from 4 to 8 pm on December 9, 16, and 23. 

According to Hands4Hope, prices for the rides are as follows:

2 riders: $25

3 riders: $30

4 riders: $40

5-6 riders: $50

A full carriage cannot exceed 6 riders. Rides are weather-permitting and no reservations are needed. Those interested can just show up and purchase a time slot. Rides are first-come first-served, and spots may fill up. 

According to the Hands4Hope website, rides can be paid by checks made payable to Hands4Hope, credit cards, and cash. The ticket booth is located at the drop-off circle by the movie theater, between Mimosa House and Cold Stone.


The organization is still in need of both youth and adult volunteers  to staff the ticket booth on select dates. Those interested can view and sign up for available shifts here. 

Hands4Hope is a local non-profit, youth-driven organization based in Northern California; participants range from Kindergarten to 12th grade. The organization’s  primary objective is to enable youth to make a difference in their communities and offer meaningful community service projects combined with instruction and reflection, school-based clubs, and diverse leadership opportunities. 

Youth are able to decide their own level of involvement.  Hands4Hope is also led by a Youth Board, which is mentored by a Youth Development Coordinator. You can learn more about them at www.hands4hopeyouth.org. 

Powerhouse Ministries has been part of the Folsom Community now for 30-years. The Christian based non-profit offers a variety of difference resources and programs to continue its mission of offering hope and help to those trapped in crime, addiction, abuse, poverty and other tough situations.  Those that want to learn more about them can do so by visiting their website at www.phmfolsom.org.