Solvang, California, is known as one of the ten best winter holiday towns in the United States. Visit the town in December for Solvang Christmas 2024, and you’ll quickly understand why. Readers Digest confirmed this reputation by calling Solvang the “Best Christmas Town in California.”  

The annual Solvang Julefest 2024 celebration returns on Friday, November 29, 2024, and runs through Friday, January 3, 2025.

The Solvang Danish Village abounds with the Christmas spirit in December as Julefest is celebrated with festive decorations, Christmas music, and holiday cheer. Enjoy a Christmas parade, marvel at the sparkling Christmas lights, and shop for unique gifts.  The magic of Christmas shines around every corner in this Southern California gem that brings us to Northern European Christmas traditions.

Even though Santa Barbara County doesn’t receive snowfall, add a sprinkle of cultural joy and holiday spirit. Make your plans to celebrate Christmas in Solvang. This incredible Danish city in California becomes one of the most beautiful places in the state to celebrate Christmas. Celebrate Julefest at Solvang for a memorable Christmastime activity in Southern California.

Join the extraordinary celebration in Solvang and make memories of family fun, culinary delights, and wintery holiday experiences. Whether you come for a day to stroll through the streets or stay for a few days, you’ll experience a warmed heart and uplifted soul.  

Get Free Weekly Travel News Updates

What is Solvang Julefest?

Solvang Julefest is a cornerstone event in this Christmas village during December. This beloved traditional celebration lasts over a month, bringing visitors Christmas cheer and family fun. Experience light shows, ornamented trees, holiday music, and unique holiday shopping at Solvang Christmas 2024.

• The village shows off holiday decorations during December
• A full schedule of activities supports Julefest, including a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas parade, and the Solvang Christmas market
• Hotel availability is generally good during the pre-Christmas weeks

When is Solvang Julefest?

Julefest runs every year from late November through early January. Mark your calendar and plan your day or weekend road trip to Solvang Christmas 2024.

Julefest: November 29, 2024, through January 3, 2025

Solvang Julefest Schedule of Events

Visit the official Solvang Julefest website for the latest information on scheduled Solvang Christmas events.

Find the official Solvang Julefest Schedule of Events Here

The Best Things To Do at Julefest Solvang 2024

We’ve compiled the best things to do at Solvang Julefest. Check out our listings to plan your merry and bright holiday adventure in Solvang.

1. Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Julefest kickoff event takes place on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 5 – 6:30 PM; come early for seating at Solvang Park. You won’t want to miss this special ceremony as the City of Solvang lights its city tree to bring in the holiday season.  

The Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony includes holiday dancers with ballerinas and music performances during this exciting occasion.

Location: 1630 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463

2. Julefest Candlelight Tours

Enjoy the Julefest Candlelight Walking Tour with a local guide. You’ll receive an LED candle at the start of the walk to illuminate your way through the town streets. As you pass buildings that feature Danish architecture, your guide, adorned in Danish folk dress, will introduce you to fun facts and Danish holiday traditions.

The Candlelight tours run on Saturday evenings in Solvang during Julefest.

The tours are a great way to experience the town’s Danish culture.  Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, listen to Christmas Carols, and meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus during your tour. Spots are limited for this tour, so plan to be sure you get a place on the tour.  

Advance purchase is required.

Dates: November 30 – December 28, 2024 (select dates)
Time: 5 pm

Check Julefest Candlelight Tour Information Here

3. Julefest Parade

Join the fun of the jubilant Solvang Julefest Parade.  It’s one of the most anticipated seasonal events in Solvang. After a hearty Danish breakfast, get a good viewing spot on Copenhagen Drive or Mission Drive.  Behold the display of dancers, holiday floats, horses, marching bands, and more.

Over 400 participants representing 50 groups march and make their way through the Solvang streets. It’s a great way to bring more hygge (Danish coziness) to your holiday celebration.

Date and time: Saturday, December 7, 2024, 11 AM – 12:30 PM

4. Solvang Nisse Adventures

Gnome hunters rejoice! There are Solvang Nisse (Danish for “gnome”) hiding throughout the city, and the mischievous band of gnomes challenges you to find them in the Nisse Adventures Scavenger Hunt. It’s lots of fun for the whole family.

Get in on the quest by decoding clues to locate their hiding places. Scan the QR code as you find each nisse to confirm your findings. You’ll be rewarded with a special prize if you find all the hidden gnomes.

Stop at the Solvang Visitors Center to pick up clues.
Solvang Visitors Center: 1637-1639 Copenhagen Dr.

5. Christmas Shopping in Solvang

We love the unique shops in the Danish Capital of America. You won’t find big-name stores. Instead, the Danish town is filled with over 150 mom-and-pop Danish shops and boutiques with unique treasures that are hard to find elsewhere.

You can get your Christmas shopping done in the wonderful gift shops where you find European clocks, antique treasures, Danish cookware, and more. You’ll find so much here to bring joy to your loved ones when they open gifts on Christmas day.

Christmas Shopping is available in Solvang throughout the year at Jule Hus. It’s Solvang’s Christmas shop and a must-stop for us on every visit. Step inside to find new ornaments for your tree.  They also sell an incredible array of holiday nutcrackers and hand-crafted gifts.

You’ll find unique gifts in the European-flavored stores, which offer abundant selections of unique items. Book lovers should stop at The Book Loft. In this independent bookstore, you’ll find signed books by local authors, antiquarian books upstairs, and more.  The premises also house the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. If you want to find the perfect book for yourself or gift to someone special, stop at The Book Loft.  You’ll find a wide selection from fairy tales to modern novels. The friendly staff will even gift wrap your book at no extra charge!

Culinary fans will delight at the offerings at Solvang Spice Merchant with its hand-bottled spices and contemporary cookbooks. You’ll be sure to find a great stocking stuffer here.

Find a Listing of Solvang Shops Here

6. Solvang Makers Market

Meet local artisans and crafters who offer their wares for purchase at the Solvang Makers Market.  This Solvang Christmas Market event takes place on Saturdays leading up to Christmas. You’ll find a great selection of handmade goods and art pieces for your holiday shopping. If you’re looking for California Christmas markets, a journey to Solvang during Julefest makes for a fun-filled day.

Location: Elverhøj Museum of History & Art
1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, CA
December 10th & 17th from 11 am – 5 pm

7. Light & Music Show

Get ready to be dazzled at the Solvang Light & Music Show during the Solvang Julefest! Solvang Park transforms into a vibrant spectacle every evening as it glimmers with sparkling lights and festive decorations. As the heart of Solvang’s holiday magic, you can’t miss the 10-minute light and music display that occurs on the hour each night. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere and experience the joy and wonder of this magical event. Stay tuned for the showtimes, and mark your calendar for an unforgettable evening filled with holiday cheer.

Dates: November 29th, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Light show times 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM
Location: Solvang Park,1630 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
Website: Solvang Light & Music Show

8. Santa’s Village

Say hello to Santa Claus every Saturday before Christmas at Santa’s Village. Bring your littles so they can let Santa know their wishes for making it onto the nice list.  Santa is here from 12 pm to 4 pm.  Photographs are free and make a remarkable memory of your trip to Solvang.  

Santa visits for photos on Saturdays in December. Mark your calendar to visit on December 7, 14, and 21 in 2024.

9. Take Photos To Remember Your Trip to Solvang

Don’t go to Julefest without taking many photos to remember your trip.  Here’s a few unique spots in this Scandinavian town in California that make for memorable photographs

Alisal Road – On the eastern end of town, this road has numerous shops, restaurants, and displays of festive decorations in December. It’s lovely to see how the town’s storeowners get into the holiday spirit by showing holiday lights and trees in their stores. 

Copenhagen Drive – It is Solvang’s main road and home to many notable stores.  In December, the street is lined with sparkling lights and is a beautiful place to stroll with loved ones. During your December visit, take a romantic stroll and admire the beautifully decorated storefronts.

Solvang Park – If it’s your first time in Solvang, visit Solvang Park. It’s home to the famous Hans Christian Andersen statue. In December, decorations grace the park. Also, if you’ve been enjoying holiday drinks, you’ll find clean bathrooms here.

The Windmill – is an iconic landmark in Solvang.  During Christmas, the nearby shops display Christmas decorations, setting the season’s mood.

10. Solvang Christmas Tree Burn

The Solvang Christmas Tree Burn, supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, is one of the largest fire safety demonstrations along the California Central Coast. This annual event is a powerful safety demonstration at the start of the New Year, ending the Solvang Julefest celebration. With free live entertainment and the option to purchase refreshments, the Solvang Tree Burn is an engaging and informative way to learn about fire safety while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Date: January 3, 2025, from 5 pm to 7 pm
Location: Mission Parking Lot – 1760 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463

What to Eat at Solvang Julefest?

Solvang, California, is a fantastic food town that takes it up a notch during Julefest.  You’ll find over sixty eateries in town, from traditional Danish fare to Belgian and Mexican offerings, burgers, and farm-to-table selections.  And there’s plenty of coffee, wine, and beer to quench your thirst.

Here are a few notable places to add to your foodie exploration in Solvang:

Brekkies By Chomp – This is our new favorite breakfast stop in town.  They serve an all-day breakfast, including waffles.

Cafe Dolce – If you need a jolt of coffee, check out Cafe Dolce for an array of coffee-based beverages and sweet treats

Mad & Vin – The Landsby’s signature restaurant specializes in delicious wine-country-inspired cuisine. Dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients from California’s central coast. It’s #2 on TripAdvisor for restaurants in Solvang.

Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery – You’ll find tasty baked desserts, pastries, and meat pies here.

Paula’s Pancake House – The #1 restaurant in town per TripAdvisor reviewers. Stop here for the Danish pancakes to round out a traditional eating experience in town.

Solvang Bakery – Visit the Solvang Bakery for the best in Danish baked goods. They’ve been serving them here since 1981.  You’ll not only find traditional desserts, but you can also find fantastic gingerbread houses here too.  The wonderful aromas of holiday spices are hard to resist.  You can also pick up a Gingerbread House Decorating Kit to take home.

Solvang Restaurant – A trip to Solvang isn’t complete without trying the traditional Danish Aebleskiver. This treat goes well with or after your pancakes and sausages.

Travel Tip: For eating during the holiday season at Solvang, inquire with your restaurant of choice to make a reservation

Getting to Solvang

Los Angeles to Solvang

Solvang is 35 miles north of Santa Barbara and 125 miles north of Los Angeles on the 101 (Ventura) Freeway.

Driving from Los Angeles to Solvang offers a delightful journey through some of California’s most picturesque landscapes. The trip typically begins on the bustling freeways of LA before merging onto the scenic US-101. As you leave the city behind, the route transitions into a more tranquil experience, with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll pass the charming town of Santa Barbara as you drive north.

As you continue along US-101, watch for the exit that will lead you to Solvang. The correct exit is Exit 140, marked as “CA-246/Solvang/Buellton.” This exit will take you onto CA-246 East, which leads directly into Solvang. Be sure to follow signs for Solvang, not Buellton, as they are different destinations. Once you’ve taken the exit, it’s just a short drive until you reach the charming town of Solvang. Enjoy the scenic drive through rolling hills and farmland before arriving at this quaint Danish-inspired village.

Book a Rental Car For Your Solvang Visit

Take A Train To Reach Solvang

Train connections are available via Amtrak daily on the Amtrak Thruway Motor Coach to downtown Solvang from Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Carpinteria, California. Train passengers can use their tickets for additional discounts throughout Solvang.

Where to Stay for Solvang Christmas 2024 Julefest?

Solvang offers nearly two dozen places for lodging – including cottages, hotels, and quaint bed and breakfast locations.

Here are our top choices for Solvang hotels. All options below are rated 4.5 or better on Expedia at the time of this post.

Budget Inns in Solvang

Mid-Range Lodging in Solvang

Higher End Accommodations in Solvang

More Travel Tips for Your Visit to Solvang and Julefest

Bring comfortable shoes

Solvang is a place where you park your car and walk through town.  There are only several blocks from east to west and north to south.  The good news is that parking is always free in town.  Bring comfortable walking shoes for your visit.

Bring money

We’re used to paying for our purchases these days with credit cards or Apple Pay on our phones.  Still, bringing dollar bills and coins for donations, tips, and small expenditures is a good idea.

Bring a tote bag or two

Likely you won’t leave Solvang without purchasing holiday gifts and souvenirs from your visit.  Carrying a bag with you will make it convenient to keep strolling through the town as you do shopping during your visit.

More Holiday Activities Near Solvang

You’ll have a great time if Julefest is your sole destination in the Santa Ynez Valley.  If you have more time beyond Solvang Christmas 2024, think about staying a few days to enjoy the merry season with more holiday events nearby Solvang.

11. Buellton Winter Fest

Buellton Winter Fest is the ultimate kickoff to the holiday season, offering fun for all ages! Start your day with a magical Breakfast with Santa at the Buellton Rec Center, featuring two ticketed sittings (9–10 AM and 10:30–11:30 AM). Later, explore the all-new Holiday Village at River View Park from 4–7 PM, a free event packed with 20 tons of snow, local vendors, live music, a beer and wine garden, and culminating in the dazzling Christmas tree lighting at 7 PM.

Don’t miss the enchanting Santa Ynez Valley Holiday Lights Festival happening at the same location, a separately ticketed event benefiting the Botanic Garden, with tickets at syvholidaylights.com, promising sparkling lights, live reindeer, festive shopping, and much more!

Date: December 8, 2024
Location: Buellton Rec Center and River View Park

Reservations are required for Breakfast with Santa

Website link for reservations
Website for Buellton Winterfest Information

12. A Cowboy Christmas

Cowboy Christmas is all about spreading holiday cheer through exciting, old-fashioned farm fun for the whole family! Guests can enjoy festive activities like the Daring Elf Adventure pony rides, Santa visits, decorating Christmas ponies, and even climbing the 125-bale Mt. Crumpet hay pyramid. From a magical petting zoo to lasso arenas, mechanical bull rides, and an ultimate hot cocoa bar, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join the fun – sip, play, and create lasting holiday memories surrounded by the sounds of magical Christmas music in the heart of the farm.

Dates: November 29 – December 21, 2024 (select days)
Location: 151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton, California
Tickets and info: www.syvcowboychristmas.com

13. Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas

Visit nearby Los Olivos to join in the celebration of Olde Fashioned Christmas. A 10-15 minute drive from Solvang will land you in another great place to ring in the season. This rain-or-shine event features holiday lights, Christmas shopping, snow, roasted walnuts, and hot cocoa.  There’s cookie decorating for the kids and free photos with Santa.

You can also enjoy Bierstacheln – an old German winter beer tradition where the glass of malty beer is hit with a hot poker to warm it and bring on a carmelized marshmallow aroma.

Live music enhances the event from 4 pm to 7 pm, and Tree Lighting takes place in the middle of town at 6 pm.

The event starts at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Los Olivos. 

Date and Time: December 7, 2024, 2 pm – 7 pm
Website link for Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas

More Things To Do in Solvang

Julefest is the landmark event in Solvang during the Christmas season. But there’s so much more to do in Solvang, including…

• The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art – Learn about Danish history inside an 18th-century-styled Scandinavian home
• Old Mission Santa Ines – the historic landmark founded in 1804 is an active Catholic Church and museum and is open to the public
• Wine tasting – Enjoy the Santa Ynez wine country and relax in any number of wine-tasting rooms in town and nearby 
• and more

Add a Tour When You Visit Solvang

Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour

This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with 96 reviews!

Tour length – 5.5 Hours

Forget about touring the local wineries stuffed in an uncomfortable minivan. Instead, let the wind wisp around you as you cycle in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley on this biking and wine-tasting tour.

The tour departs from Los Olivos and travels through local parks and villages.  Along the way, you’ll enjoy wine tastings and sample locally-grown food.

Your expert guide will reveal wine secrets of the region.  E-bikes are available on request.

What Is Included With This Tour?

• 2 Wine Tastings
• Use of Rad Power E-Bike or Poseidon gravel/road sport bike
• Gourmet Picnic Lunch
• Olive Oil Tasting
• Souvenir Water Bottle
• Professional Guide with Sommelier Experience
• Van Support
• Lunch
• Bottled water 
• Alcoholic Beverages