Solvang Julefest
Solvang Julefest is a Month-Long Holiday Celebration, Danish Style
Solvang’s Danish-style holiday celebration begins November 27, 2026, with some new facets and fun-filled events; it runs throughout the festive season, until January 3, 2027.
“Experience the Julehygge” November 27th-January 3rd
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 27, 2026 – January 3, 2027. 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 4-6 2026, filled with holiday experiences the whole family will enjoy!
Special Events
Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 4th, 2026 begins 5:30 PM
The sparkling start to Solvang’s holiday season begins with the Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony, taking place on Friday, December 4, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Solvang Park located at 1630 Mission Drive.
This cherished community tradition will once again feature festive ballet performances by Fossemalle Dance Studio, live entertainment and caroling, culminating with the lighting of the tree and a park-wide light as the ballerinas encircle the tree to illuminate the heart of Solvang with holiday magic.
Solvang Julefest Parade
Saturday, December 5th, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Celebrate this year’s Julefest as parade floats and entries make their way through Solvang’s charming village streets on Saturday morning, beginning at 11:00 AM. Enjoy a delightful display of marching bands, horses, dancers, classic vehicles, and festive floats, with more than 400 participants and over 50 contingents bringing the spirit of the season to life.
Don’t miss this cherished holiday tradition — and be sure to visit with Mr. Claus following the Parade to make your Julefest celebration complete!
Join the Julefest Parade!
Are you ready to join the Julefest Parade?
Parade registration will be opening soon! This year’s festive theme is “Nisser & Nordic Night” — and we want to see your creativity shine!
Gather your family, friends, organization, or business and get ready to be part of one of Solvang’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Register today through Solvang Parks & Recreation and join us for a magical day and night of lights, laughter, and holiday cheer!
Nisser & Nordic Nights awaits!
Maker’s Market
Wednesday’s, December 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd 2026 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Fashioned after traditional European night markets, the Solvang Julefest Maker’s Market will feature local artisans, crafters, and food vendors offering one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, seasonal treats, and more — all beneath the twinkling lights of an open-air Christmas market under the stars.
While visiting the Makers Market, be sure to stroll next door to the Solvang Farmers Market, taking place right alongside the festivities. This lively open-air market showcases the best of our region’s agricultural bounty — from freshly picked fruits and vegetables to artisan breads and flowers. It’s the perfect complement to the Makers Market — a chance to shop local, savor the season, and experience the authentic flavor of Solvang.
Together, the Julefest Maker’s Market and Solvang Farmers Market create the perfect festive pairing — a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and holiday spirit in the heart of Solvang Park 1630 Mission Drive from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
*This event is rain or shine.
Photos with Santa Paws
Saturday, December 12th, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Get ready for some tail-wagging holiday cheer! Therapy Dogs of America returns for a third year with their festive Santa Paws photo booth in Solvang Park, 1630 Mission Drive. Bring your own pup for a cute holiday snapshot or pose with one of their friendly therapy dogs—either way, you’ll leave with a heartwarming memory perfect for sharing.
This event is free and open to the public. Families, children, and dogs are all welcome. Come join us for a fun and furry start to the holiday season!
Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers
Saturday’s November 28th, December 5th, 12th, and 19th from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (weather permitting).
Copenhagen Countdown
Thursday, December 31st, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Join us for Copenhagen Countdown NYE event. A festive celebration featuring the Molly Ringwald Project, a top drawing 80’s tribute band, performing live from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in Solvang Park. Ring in the New Year alongside Denmark at 3:00 PM with this European-style countdown to midnight. Come celebrate and start your New Year early — Solvang-style!
*This event is rain or shine.
Solvang Christmas Tree Burn
Friday, January 8th, 2027
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 2026 Tree Burn is scheduled for Friday, January 8th, 5:00 PM (weather permitting).
Julefest Tours
Nisse Mischief & Merriment – A Solvang Julefest Walking Tour
Bring the family for a playful Julefest holiday experience led by a guide dressed as a nisse, a small, mischievous Danish Christmas character known for helping out, bringing holiday cheer, and getting into a little harmless holiday mischief. Designed for the young and young at heart, this experience is a lighter, whimsical tour filled with festive storytelling, simple interactive moments, and cheerful seasonal fun in downtown Solvang.
Hygge, Holiday & Hans Christian Andersen – A Solvang Julefest Walking Tour
Step into a candlelit Julefest evening inspired by Solvang’s Danish heritage, Danish Christmas traditions, and the timeless tales of Hans Christian Andersen. This walking tour invites guests of all ages to enjoy local history, storybook moments, and charming character encounters as downtown Solvang shines for the holiday season.
*These events are rain or shine.
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 Valleyfor a a jolly good time!
*This event is rain or shine.
Solvang Business Julefest Window Decorating Contest
Join us for the Julefest Decorating Contest, where local businesses showcase their holiday spirit and creativity! This festive competition invites shops, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and lodging properties to transform their windows into winter wonderlands. Visitors and residents alike can stroll through our charming village and admire stunning Julefest displays. Don’t miss the chance to see the magic of the holidays come alive!
Bring your holiday cheer to life! Registration is now open for the Solvang Business Julefest Window Decorating Contest. Don’t miss your chance to spread joy and light up downtown — register today through Solvang Parks & Recreation and join in the festive fun!
Ongoing Events
Light & Music Show
November 27th, 2026 – January 3rd, 2027 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM
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 below.
Timeless Echoes: A traditional soundtrack spectacle at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:00 PM.
Radiant Beats: A modern light and sound odyssey at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
New Year’s Melodies: A celebration of song and light to kick off the New Year at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM running December 26th – January 3rd.
Nisser Adventure
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.
Photos with Santa at Santa’s Village
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.
Santa’s Village
November 27th, 2025 – January 3rd, 2027
Step into the magic of Santa’s Village in Solvang Park! Explore our enchanting village scene, complete with a delightful gingerbread house that will spark your holiday spirit. Bring the whole family for a festive adventure filled with joy and plenty of Danish “hygge”!
More Julefest Happenings
In addition to our official Julefest events, there are plenty of other events and special offerings from businesses around town getting into the spirit of the season. Check out more “Holiday Happenings” below, then visit our What’s Happening in Solvang? page or our full event calendar for more!
Look for more Happenings closer to Julefest.
More Information
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVENTS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE MONTH!
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.
Please Note: If you plan to make a weekend of it, research and book your Solvang Julefest hotel rooms as far in advance as possible. Review each hotel’s cancellation policies to ensure a refund of your stay, if you need to cancel for any reason. A varied selection of Solvang hotels may be found here.
