Solvang Julefest 2024

Solvang’s annual Danish Christmas celebration is an In-the-Spotlight featured destination. It’s a month-long celebration with four weeks of fun from—the first week of December through the first week of January. See below for specific events and be sure to make plans to join the festivities!

Solvang’s Danish-style holiday celebration begins November 29, 2024, with some new facets and fun-filled events; it runs throughout the festive season, through January 5, 2025.

It’s time for Solvang’s annual Julefest celebration extraordinaire! Held in one of the “Most Magical Christmas Towns and Villages Across the World” (according to Oprah Daily), Solvang Julefest is a month+ of lights, celebratory events, and holiday cheer, which runs November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025. Join us for lots of family fun, seasonal music, holiday shopping, culinary delights, wine & beer, and more. Skål!

Insider Tip: Don’t miss our Tree Lighting weekend, December 6-8, 2024, filled with holiday experiences the whole family will enjoy!

Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony – Friday, December 6th, 2024

The sparkling start to Solvang’s holiday season is marked by the Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony, set for Friday, December 6, 2024, at 5:30 PM in Solvang Park. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is once again slated to include ballerinas encircling the Solvang Christmas tree, other live entertainment, and caroling, culminating at around 6:30 PM, set to be accompanied with a park-wide light show.

Solvang Julefest Parade – Saturday, December 7th, 2024

Celebrate this year’s Julefest as parade floats and entries travel along the village streets on this Saturday morning beginning at 11:00 AM. Marching bands, horses, and more! Catch 400+ participants and 50+ contingents as they stroll and cruise down Solvang’s main avenues. Don’t miss this chance to bring more hygge (Danish coziness) to your holiday season, and a free opportunity to meet Mr. Claus, post-Parade.

Maker’s Market – Wednesday’s, December 4th, 11th, 18th, 2024

Fashioned after traditional European night markets, the Solvang Julefest Maker’s Market will feature crafters and local artisans offering one-of-a-kind holiday gift ideas, seasonal treats, and more, at an open-air Christmas market under the stars, in Solvang Park from 3:00 PM-7:00 PM.

Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers – Saturday’s 7th, 14th, 21st, 2024

Join us in downtown Solvang on Saturdays leading up to Christmas for the delightful performances of the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers!  Experience the magic of the season as talented singers fill the air with joyful holiday tunes as they roam the quaint Danish downtown village of Solvang. Performance times 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Copenhagen Countdown – Tuesday, December 31st, 2024

Come together for a European-style countdown to midnight from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and welcome in the new year at 3:00 PM alongside Denmark. Enjoy live music, entertainment, and a spectacular countdown.  This is a family-friendly event that everyone will love!

Solvang Christmas Tree Burn – Friday, January 10th, 2025

Supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, and one of the largest fire safety demonstrations along the California Central Coast, the Solvang Tree Burn is a powerful safety demonstration at the start of the New Year, heralding the end of the Solvang Julefest celebration. The 2025 Tree Burn is scheduled for Friday, January 10, 5:00 PM (weather permitting).

Ongoing Events

Light & Music Show – November 29th, 2024 – January 5, 2025

Every evening during Solvang Julefest, Solvang Park will come alive with all that sparkles and shines! Enjoy a 10-minute light and music display on the hour each night, right in the center of all of Solvang’s holiday magic. Light show times 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM.

Nisser Adventure – November 29th, 2024 – January 5, 2025

Join in on the city-wide hunt for the mischievous Solvang Nisser (Danish for “gnome”)! This group of Nisser have hidden themselves throughout Downtown Solvang and we need your help tracking them down. Find one, or find them all as you enjoy all that Downtown Solvang has to offer. Fun for the whole family!

All Julefest long, pop into the Solvang Visitor Center for a list of clues to the various hiding spots the Nisser frequents.

Photos with Santa / Santa’s Village

Santa’s Village is open every Saturday and Sunday 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM leading up to Christmas Day. Come on out to Solvang Park to meet Mr. Claus with Christmas lists at the ready!

Solvang Jul Daylight Tours

Stroll Down the festive streets of Solvang lined with unique shops, and delicious foods including fantastic Danish pastries! This morning daylight tour is led by a local Dane dressed in traditional folk dress. You will immerse yourself in Solvang’s rich heritage and find plenty of Jul spirit! Experience for yourself through taste, sight, and sound how Solvang keeps its Danish Jul traditions alive!  Please note this is a 10:00 AM day tour.

Solvang Candlelight Tours

The popular Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours will be offered on select dates beginning November 30, running through December 28, 2024. The Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours will provide special holiday experiences for locals and visitors as they stroll the streets of Solvang, accompanied by Christmas carols and an entertaining education about some Danish traditions and Solvang history. Guided by a costumed host, all tour participants will receive an LED candle to hold during the tour.

Solvang Trolley Christmas Light Tour

Enjoy the magic of the holidays in a Trolley Tour

Solvang Trolley invites you to tour the Christmas lights through the Santa Ynez Valley! Featuring fresh hot chocolate, and a jolly good time!

Seating is limited, so please reserve in advance!