GOVERNMENT
MONDAY, DEC. 8
Solvang City Council, 6:30 p.m.
At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang
For more info: cityofsolvang.com
TUESDAY, DEC. 9
Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, 9 a.m.
County Administration Building, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara
For more info: countyofsb.org
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District Board, 5:30 p.m.
Board Room, Administration Office, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, 2975 Mission Drive, Solvang
For more info: www.syvuhsd.org
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10
Santa Barbara County Planning Commission, 9 a.m.
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building, 511 Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
For more info: countyofsb.org
Los Olivos Community Services District, 6 p.m.
Los Olivos Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos
For more info: losolivoscsd.com
THURSDAY, DEC. 11
Buellton City Council, 6 p.m.
At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton
For more info: cityofbuellton.com
TUESDAY, DEC. 16
Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, 9 a.m.
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building, 511 Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
For more info: countyofsb.org
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17
Santa Ynez Community Services District, 5:30 p.m.
At Community Services District Building, 1070 Faraday St.
For more info: sycsd.com
THURSDAY, DEC. 18
Buellton Planning Commission, 6 p.m.
At Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246, Buellton
For more info: cityofbuellton.com
Solvang Design Review Committee, 5 p.m.
At Solvang City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak St., Solvang
For more info: cityofsolvang.com
EVENTS
FRIDAY, DEC. 5 TO DEC. 21
Holiday Lights Festival
The Santa Ynez Valley Holiday Lights Festival returns for its fourth enchanting season, transforming the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden into a glowing winter wonderland for three magical weekends, December 5–21.
Guests are invited to stroll beneath thousands of twinkling lights, explore illuminated trails, and experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of the holidays in one of Santa Barbara County’s most scenic outdoor settings.
As evening falls, the garden comes alive with festive music, shimmering displays, and the scent of roasted marshmallows in the air. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, delicious food and beverages from local vendors, an artisan marketplace, and fun activities for all ages—all while supporting the nonprofit Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden Foundation.
At Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden (next to River View Park), 151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton
For tickets and more info: Tickets and details: syvholidaylights.com
SATURDAY, DEC. 6 AND SUNDAY DEC. 7
Santa Ynez Valley Chorale ‘Christmas Bells in the Valley,’ 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday
The Santa Ynez Valley Chorale, featuring its music director Hyejin Jung, will present its Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3:30 p.m. at Santa Ynez Valley High School, 2975 Mission Drive, Solvang. Tickets are $20, available on www.syvchorale.org, through Chorale members, at the Book Loft in Solvang, or at the door. For this season’s program, Jung rediscovered “The Bells of Santa Ynez” by Paul Weston. It is a well-loved work that was inspired during Weston’s first visit here, and it boasts more than 60 years of history in the Santa Ynez Valley. The night all the Church bells rang marked the ninth time that the full musical work with all 14 numbers was performed in Solvang during its traditional Danish Days celebration. It is the inspiration for the program’s “Christmas Bells” concert theme. It’s a special piece with memories shared by several longtime Chorale members; some of whom sang on the recording and performed it live here decades ago.
At Santa Ynez High School, 2975 Mission Drive, Solvang
For tickets and more info: www.syvchorale.org
SUNDAY, DEC. 7
Breakfast with Santa (9 a.m., 10:30 a.m.) and Buellton Winter Fest (all day)
This one-of-a-kind experience is fun for the whole family and a perfect way to kick off the winter holidays!
Start the day at Breakfast with Santa in the Buellton Rec Center. There are 2 sittings for this special ticketed event, and reservations are required. First seating is from 9-10am and the second seating is from 10:30-11:30am. Tickets are available through the button .https://buelltonwinterfest.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200504497
The afternoon brings the Holiday Village at River View Park, 151 Sycamore Drive. This is a FREE event! Come enjoy 20 Tons of Snow, vendors, music, beer & wine, and the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 5:30pm.
SUNDAY, DEC. 14
Santa Barbara Master Chorale Holiday Performance, 3 p.m.
Join us for a festive holiday afternoon of traditional Christmas carols sung by the Santa Barbara Master Chorale along with Gainey wine to purchase and complimentary cookie and ornament decorating for kids.
The concert is conducted by Dr. David Lozano Torres, with Heather Levin-White as collaborative pianist. Tickets are $35, with 18 and under admitted for free.
At Gainey Estate Vineyard, 3950 Highway 246, Santa Ynez
For tickets and more info: https://gaineyvineyard.com/events
ONGOING
TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS
Storytime at Solvang Library, 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Join us indoors on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Come to enjoy songs, stories, movement, and a warm welcome. Please make a reservation at www.cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/goleta-valley-library
At Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang
For more info: Solvang Library (805) 688-4214
WEDNESDAYS
Solvang Farmers Market, 2:30 to 6 p.m.
Each week, the farmers in the marketplace display a colorful bounty of agricultural products grown right in our backyard. Seasonal diversity is available year-round rain or shine. Come. Shop. Socialize. Certified — the only way to buy! Join us in downtown Solvang every Wednesday on First Street, between Mission Drive (Highway 246) and Copenhagen Drive.
Wine Wednesdays in Buellton, 4 to 8 p.m.
Please join us for an evening out with family fun for all in Buellton, hosted by Esfuerzo Wines and The Birria Boyz. This event will take place each Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Each week we will have guest food vendors, live music and much more to be announced. We hope to see you there!
At 140 Industrial Way, Buellton
For more info: info@esfuerzowine.com
SPORTS AND RECREATION
ONGOING
Pickleball, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Pickleball — part Ping-Pong, part badminton, lots of momentum — is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The games can be fast-paced and deliver a good workout. 2 person teams/ or singles. All are welcome!
At Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton
For more info: buelltonrec.com
Drop-In Adult Basketball, Year Round, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 6 to 7:15 a.m.
Start your day with a pick up game of basketball with friends.
At Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton
For more info: buelltonrec.com
Open Basketball, Ongoing, Mondays, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Start your day with a pick up game of basketball with friends.
At Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton
For more info: buelltonrec.com
For info on these and other programs, go to buelltonrec.com
