NO GOVERNMENT MEETINGS SCHEDULED
SOLVANG JULEFEST EVENTS (For more info, go to https://solvangusa.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest/.)
SATURDAY, DEC. 20
Christmas Matter Holiday Carolers, 5 to 8 p.m. (Final performance)
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. (weather permitting).
In Downtown Solvang
SATURDAY, DEC. 20 AND SUNDAY, DEC. 21
Photos with Santa at Santa’s Village, 12 to 4 p.m.
Santa Claus will come out for one last time in 2025 on Saturday, Dec. 20 and again on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 12 to 4 p.m. Come on out and meet Mr. Claus with Christmas lists at the ready! This event is rain or shine.
At Solvang Park (Santa’s Village), 1630 Mission Drive, Solvang
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31
Copenhagen Countdown, 2 to 4 p.m.
Join us for Copenhagen Countdown NYE event. A festive celebration featuring the Molly Ringwald Project, a top drawing ‘80s tribute band, performing live from 2 to 4 p.m. in Solvang Park. Ring in the New Year alongside Denmark at 3 p.m. with this European-style countdown to midnight. Enjoy a variety of delicious festive foods along with a beer, wine and spirts garden. This is a family-friendly event that everyone will love (weather permitting).
At Solvang Park, 1630 Mission Drive, Solvang
FRIDAY, JAN. 9
Solvang Tree Burn, 5 p.m.
Solvang Christmas Tree Burn, supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, and one of the largest fire safety demonstrations along the California Central Coast, 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, Jan. 9, at 5 p.m. (weather permitting).
At Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang
ONGOING JULEFEST EVENTS
Light & Music Show, every evening from 5 to 9 p.m.
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, 6, and 8 p.m.
Radiant Beats: A modern light and sound odyssey at 7 and 9 p.m.
New Year’s Melodies: A celebration of song and light to kick off the New Year at 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m. running from Dec. 26 to Jan. 4.
At Solvang Park, 1630 Mission Drive, Solvang
Nisser Adventure (scavenger hunt), anytime through Jan. 4
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.
In Downtown Solvang
OTHER EVENTS
FRIDAY, DEC. 19 TO SATURDAY, DEC. 21
Holiday Lights Festival (final weekend), starting at 5 p.m.
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
FRIDAY, DEC. 19
Alma Rosa Ugly Sweater Holiday Party, 5 to 8 p.m.
Dust off your ugliest, loudest, most outrageous holiday sweater … because we’re throwing a festive party you won’t want to miss! Here’s what’s coming: 50% OFF wine by the glass; Special library wine available for purchase; Complimentary seasonal bites + grazing table. Come in an ugly Christmas sweater and be entered into a raffle. Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram to receive a promo code for discount on a future purchase. We’ll also have holiday music, and family-friendly Christmas movies on a warm, festive night to sip, snack, and celebrate the season. Bring your friends, bring your sweater … and we’ll bring the wine.
At Alma Rosa Winery Solvang Tasting Room, 1623 Mission Dr Suite M, Solvang.
For more info: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSEUaYCk9EK/
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
