The Danish Capital of America

The California Nature Art Museum (CalNAM) is pleased to announce the opening of its latest exhibition Untamed Desert ~ Captured by Paulette Donnellon. The show will be on view from July 26, 2026 to January 18, 2027 in the museum’s Valley Oak Gallery.

Vast, rugged, and full of life, Untamed Desert is a photographic tribute to the extraordinary beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. From the powerful, sure-footed climb of a desert bighorn sheep along rugged ridgelines to the alert, wide-eyed stance of a burrowing owl guarding its sandy doorway, each image reflects Donnellon’s deep reverence for this arid landscape. More than a visual journey, this exhibition is a celebration of the park’s wild spirit and a reminder that even in the harshest environments, beauty endures.

Through the Eyes of Bjørn Wiinblad

Step into the colorful, imaginative world of Danish artist Bjørn Wiinblad at Elverhøj Museum of History & Art. This major exhibition celebrates Wiinblad’s distinctive style, whimsical figures, vibrant colors, and joyful approach to art and design. Discover the remarkable creativity and boundless imagination that made his work instantly recognizable around the world.

On View: August 22, 2026–January 10, 2027

Thursday – Monday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, Solvang

Admission – $5 Adults, $4 Seniors, children under 12 free

A beloved Solvang tradition, the Scarecrow Fest features dozens of creative scarecrows crafted by local businesses and residents. Visitors can stroll through town all October long to see the unique displays and vote for their favorites.

Friday, October 16th – Sunday, October 18th

Get into the Halloween spirit with an adult-only trick-or-treat experience featuring eight stops at participating wineries throughout Downtown Solvang, Los Olivos and Buellton.

Costume required. Eight winery stops. Tickets are $49: buy tickets from Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country.

Put on your best Halloween costume, grab your friends, and sip your way through Santa Ynez Valley wine country. Eight stops. One festive adventure. Come dressed to impress!

Friday, October 16th at 5:30 PM.

Six Cabernet Sauvignons, one blind tasting, and no one knows what's in their glass until the final reveal, not even the owners and winemaker. In honor of Vintners Festival Weekend, Lucas & Lewellen puts its own Cabernet up against wines that all cost more than it does.

At the last blind tasting, their Pinot Noir took second and third place against bottles priced from $60 to over $100. Tickets are $69.

Sunday, October 18th 1:00pm – 3:00pm

1661 Mission Drive Solvang, CA 93463

A Family Funday day featuring Pumpkins on the Patio – kids create while parents enjoy a spritz!

Sunday, October 18th at 7:00 PM.

Dove Award winner and Grammy nominee Nathan Stanley honors his grandfather, the legendary bluegrass pioneer, with an evening of heartfelt songs, family stories and authentic Appalachian music. Catch this intimate tribute in Lost Chord Guitars' acoustically designed listening room.

Join the California Nature Art Museum for a nature journaling session on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Manzanita Nursery.

This program will include a short introduction to nature journaling, a group warm-up activity, and an invitation to walk and explore the nursery’s abundant plant life, or examine select native plants at the CalNAM artist table. All participants are welcome to enjoy use of CalNAM watercolors, watercolor paper, pencils, and brushes or to bring their own supplies.

What to Bring
• Reusable water bottle(s) with plenty of water
• Sun protection
• Folding chair
• Nature journal and pencils/watercolors/etc.
• (Optional) Camera

Ticket price is $5 for CalNAM members and $10 for CalNAM non-members, per participant, all supplies included. Children are free when reserved with a paid adult ticket. 

Advance registration is required. Tickets can be purchased below:
https://www.calnatureartmuseum.org/news/nature-journaling-oct-2026

Please note, dogs are not permitted at this outdoor program.

The Farmers Market works diligently to bring the freshest and most nutritious produce our rich, local agricultural land has to offer directly to the public. The markets serve to strengthen local community ties and magnify our great outdoors with weekly events while enhancing our locals activities.

Every Wednesday from 2:30pm-6:00pm

Downtown Solvang – 400 Block of First Street

More information: https://www.sbfarmersmarket.org/

Friday & Saturday, October 23rd & 24th from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Discover ghoulishly good finds at the Haunted House Street Fair! This spooky popup market, held in conjunction with the Haunted House, features local artisans and crafters selling unique, one-of-a-kind treasures. Treat yourself to frightfully tasty bites and wickedly refreshing drinks from Whiskey n Rye in the wine, beer, & spirits garden, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and handcrafted cocktails — the perfect fuel for your haunted adventures! Be sure to stop by Lindsay’s Little Bakery for some spooky-sweet treats to top it all off!

Friday & Saturday, October 23rd & 24th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Get ready for some not-too-spooky Trick or Treating fun! The Visitors Center located at 1639 Copenhagen Drive will be magically transformed into a Heks Hus (Danish for Witch House). This is the perfect way to start or end your evening at the Solvang Haunted House and Street Fair.

Brace yourself for the 32nd Annual Solvang Haunted House, where this year’s theme, “Nightmares… And Beyond,” will bring your deepest fears to life.

Friday and Saturday October 23 & 24
at Solvang Festival Theater
from 6pm-9:30pm
(Kid “Friendlier” 6-6:30pm)

Saturday, October 24th at 6:00 PM.

Get ready to stomp your feet with the Cuyama Valley's most rockin', apron-flauntin' four-piece Americana dance band, fresh off the release of their debut album Betty Arlene. Expect banjo, fiddle, upright bass and plenty of good-humored songwriting in an evening built for dancing.

Join us on Sunday, November 1 for the Wine Club Pickup Party at Clean Slate Wine Bar.

More info / tickets: https://www.cleanslatewinebar.com/event

Friday, November 6th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday, November 7th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Queen of Arts returns to the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art for a festive holiday shopping experience featuring handcrafted works from more than 20 regional artists and makers.

Discover a curated collection of art, jewelry, ceramics, home décor, accessories and one-of-a-kind gifts, and support talented Santa Ynez Valley artists while you check off your holiday list.

This collective gathering of well-being experiences is a great way to explore new ideas about health, self-love and change.

It is more than a gathering—it’s a mini‑retreat. It’s a few hours you set aside for you. Ideal for recharging, discovering something new about yourself, enjoying creative self‑care, and connecting with like‑minded souls—right in the heart of Solvang.

If You’re:

• Looking to explore alternative healing in a no‑pressure, welcoming setting
• Seeking spiritual insights through short intuitive sessions
• Interested in energy work or holistic arts
• Wanting to connect with an open‑hearted, like-minded community
• Looking for a day of shopping, sensory experiences or self-reflection
• Open to learning or trying something new

Come join us. Discounts on food will also be honored at The Yard.

www.thesanctuarysyv.com

Grab your flock and get ready for the most fun night of the season – Turkey Bingo! 50 chances to win & fun for the entire family!

When: Saturday, November 14, 2026

Doors open at 4pm, Bingo is 5-9pm

Where: Solvang Veterans Hall

VIP Tables Available for Purchase: more information to come

Saturday, November 21st from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Get a jump on holiday shopping at the California Nature Art Museum's annual market of local small businesses, artists and makers. It's the place to find unique, handcrafted gifts you won't see anywhere else.

Thursday, November 26th from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Leave the prep, the cooking and the cleanup to Craft House at Corque. Enjoy a buffet of traditional Thanksgiving favorites with some delicious Craft House additions. Adults $79, children 3 to 12 $30, and reservations are recommended.

It’s time for Solvang’s annual Julefest celebration extraordinaire, when the entire Danish-style village transforms into a glowing winter wonderland filled with lights, laughter, and old-world holiday charm. Recognized as one of the “Most Magical Christmas Towns and Villages Across the World” by Oprah Daily, Solvang delivers an unforgettable European-inspired holiday experience right in the heart of California’s Central Coast.

From November 27, 2025 through January 3, 2026, Julefest unfolds as more than a single event — it is a month-plus celebration of tradition, community, and seasonal joy. The village streets sparkle with thousands of twinkling lights, festive décor adorns the iconic Danish architecture, and the scent of fresh-baked pastries and mulled wine drifts through the crisp winter air.

Throughout the season, guests can enjoy:

• Seasonal music and live entertainment, including choirs, bands, and cultural performances that celebrate Solvang’s Danish heritage.
• Signature events like the Julefest Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa visits, and family-friendly festivities that bring generations together.
• Holiday shopping at its most charming, with locally owned boutiques, artisan markets, and specialty shops offering handcrafted gifts, Scandinavian imports, and one-of-a-kind treasures.
• Culinary delights, wine, and beer, from traditional Danish treats like æbleskiver and kringle to award-winning wines and craft brews from the Santa Ynez Valley.

Julefest captures the essence of hygge — the Danish art of cozy contentment — inviting visitors to slow down, gather with loved ones, and savor the simple pleasures of the season. Whether strolling beneath illuminated windmills, warming up with a cup of gløgg, or sharing laughter at a festive event, every corner of Solvang radiates welcoming holiday spirit.

Rooted in authentic Scandinavian tradition yet infused with Central Coast warmth, Solvang Julefest offers a rare blend of European atmosphere, small-town hospitality, and nationally recognized charm. It’s not just a holiday celebration — it’s an immersive experience that draws visitors from near and far to celebrate the season in truly magical style.

So bundle up, bring your holiday spirit, and join us for a month of lights, celebration, and community.

Skål — to joy, togetherness, and a season well celebrated!

November 27th, 2026 – January 3rd, 2027

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.

Santa’s Village will open on Saturday, November 28th and will be open every Saturday and Sunday November 28th, 29th and December 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th, 2026 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Come on out and meet Mr. Claus with Christmas lists at the ready!

*This event is rain or shine.