Solvang Julefest 2023

Solvang Julefest, our annual Danish village holiday celebration, returns to our corner of Santa Ynez Valley wine country on Friday, November 24, 2023 -- and runs through Friday, January 5, 2024! A month-long holiday event, Solvang Julefest (pronounced ‘Yule-Fest’) will include the season-opening Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony and Julefest Parade, Santa visits in Solvang Park, the popular "Nisse Adventure" scavenger hunt, Solvang Food Tours, Candlelight Tours, and so much more...all located within our walkable, California Central Coast travel destination, affectionately referred to as one of the nation's most Christmassy towns.

Tentative Solvang Julefest 2023  Event Schedule  (check back often, for updates and additions)

Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony

Friday, December 1, 2023, 5:00 PM, in Solvang Park (corner of Mission Drive and First Street). The Tree Lighting Ceremony is slated to include ballerinas encircling the Solvang Christmas tree, live entertainment, caroling and of course, the tree lighting.

Solvang Julefest Parade

Saturday, December 2, 2023, through downtown Solvang (parade start time 11:00 AM)

Nisse Adventure

Join in a city-wide hunt for the mysterious Solvang Nisse (Christmas elves) which will have hidden themselves throughout downtown Solvang (more information, TBA).

Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours

Saturday evenings through the Julefest calendar, town-wide (dates TBA). Julefest Candlelight Tours offer a unique, educational, and entertaining way to explore the history-filled village on foot during the most festive of Solvang’s seasons.

Santa Visits in Solvang Park

The season’s main character will greet guests on particular Saturdays during Julefest (December 2, 9, 16, 23).

“Lights and Sights” Tour

Hop on this tour which takes locals and visitors through the Santa Ynez Valley to view the many houses and businesses that display a twinkly Christmas spirit. Traditionally held midweek, Lights and Sights dates will soon be announced.

Solvang Christmas Tree Burn

Usually held in early January as a wrap-up of the month-long Solvang Julefest celebration, Solvang’s Tree Burn is considered to be one of the largest fire safety demonstrations along the California Central Coast. The 2024 Tree Burn is currently scheduled for Friday, January 5 (weather permitting).

Dog-friendly and ideal for kids, Solvang Julefest promotes family fun and adventure through traditional holiday-favorite activities with the addition of more-adult, wine country entertainment.

Further event announcements about Julefest 2023 and updates to the Julefest schedule will be made over the course of the next few months.

Planning to stay with us this holiday season? Be sure to book lodging in advance! Research some of our many hotel options, here.

For more information, including travel itinerary ideas and inspiration for things to do, where to eat and drink, and places to stay, follow our adventures on Instagram and Facebook: @SolvangUSA and facebook.com/VisitSolvangUSA.

*** Please Note: Always check status of events and all event updates prior to making travel plans.