Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Solvang, California, is gearing up for this year’s Solvang Julefest, the Santa Ynez Valley’s annual holiday celebration. The festivities will begin on Friday, November 29, 2024, and run through Sunday, January 5, 2025. Known for its charming Danish-style architecture, Solvang offers visitors a European holiday experience without the need for transatlantic travel, earning recognition as one of the nation’s “most Christmassy towns” and among “The best Christmas vacations in the U.
S.” “In addition to the weekend festivities throughout Solvang Julefest, we’ve included daily experiences and attractions for locals and visitors, to entertain our midweek guests,” said Solvang City Manager, Randy Murphy. “As a highlight of this, we expanded one of our most European holiday elements, our nighttime Makers Market, which will now present open-air holiday shopping under the stars, Wednesday evenings leading up to Christmas.
” The Solvang Julefest 2024 will feature a variety of holiday-themed events, all set within the walkable and picturesque California Central Coast destination. Daily highlights include a free Light & Music Show in Solvang Park, happening nightly from November 29 through January 5, with alternating shows at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM. Another popular activity is the Nisser Adventure, a city-wide scavenger hunt for Solvang’s elusive Christmas elves, the Nisser.
Participants of all ages can pick up clues from the Solvang Visitor Center to discover these hidden elves and receive a special keepsake upon completion. On December 4, 11, and 18, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the Solvang Julefest Makers Market will take place in Solvang Park. Modeled after traditional European Christmas markets, this open-air market will feature local artisans, offering unique holiday gifts and seasonal treats.
For those looking to learn more about Danish traditions, the Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours will be available on select dates from November 30 to December 28. Participants can enjoy a guided walk through Solvang’s streets, complete with Christmas carols and insights into the town’s history. Each tour-goer will carry an LED candle, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Tickets for these tours will go on sale in early October. The holiday season officially kicks off with the Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 6, at 5:30 PM in Solvang Park, featuring live entertainment, caroling, and the much-anticipated lighting of the tree. The following day, December 7, at 11:00 AM, the annual Solvang Julefest Parade will wind through the town, showcasing marching bands, horses, classic cars, and festive floats.
After the parade, children can meet Santa Claus in Solvang Park from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Santa will also be available for photos on December 14, 15, 21, and 22, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with carolers performing downtown from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The celebrations continue with the “Copenhagen Countdown” on December 31, where visitors can ring in the New Year in Danish style at 3:00 PM Pacific Time, complete with music, children’s activities, and vendors.
Solvang Julefest concludes with the annual Christmas Tree Burn, one of the largest fire safety demonstrations along the Central Coast, scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM, weather permitting. Murphy continued, “Solvang’s Danish heritage and Old World setting shine year ’round, but during Julefest, our village is even more magical. Locals and visitors get wrapped up in Solvang’s infamous Christmas spirit.
Much like your favorite holiday movies, Solvang’s beloved Christmas story runs year after year, for the continued enjoyment of our community and tourists.” Known as “The Danish Capital of America,” Solvang offers a unique holiday escape with its blend of Danish-American ambiance, artisanal shops, diverse culinary offerings, and renowned wine-tasting experiences. Visitors can explore boutiques, enjoy local cuisine, sip craft beers or Tiki cocktails, and immerse themselves in the festive spirit, making Solvang an enchanting destination for holiday revelers.
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