The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has announced that its annual Chumash Charity Golf Classic raised $135,000 this year, with proceeds split among People Helping People in the Santa Ynez Valley, Hillside House in Santa Barbara and the Cabrillo High School Aquarium in Lompoc.

The tribe’s annual tournament, which spans three days, was held Sept. 24-26 at the River Course at the Alisal in Solvang.           

“It’s our great honor to provide needed funds for these three worthy organizations and their ongoing projects through another successful Chumash Charity Golf Classic,” said Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

People Helping People, which has launched a capital campaign to fund a major construction project at its headquarters in Solvang and expand its services, received $75,000 in proceeds from the charity event. Hillside House and the Cabrillo High School Aquarium, which were selected by Chumash Enterprises employees as beneficiaries, each received $30,000.

People Helping People (PHP), which serves the Santa Ynez Valley, is dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos, and surrounding communities by addressing emergency and basic needs, furnishing comprehensive integrated family and individual support services, and acting as a catalyst for positive community change. PHP will use these funds to assist with an expansion project.

“The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians inspires us all to build a compassionate community, care for our neighbors and give generously,” said Erica Flores, chief executive officer for People Helping People. “With a heart full of gratitude, People Helping People is honored to receive this leadership gift towards our critical capital project and expansion of our Solvang Service Center in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, serving those with the greatest needs. This gift reflects our shared values and deepens our longstanding relationship. Our connected histories with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians spans across three decades and is strengthened by our collective belief that we can do the most good, for the most people, when we do it together.”

Hillside House offers residential services for people with a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission of Hillside House is to provide a home that supports residents’ efforts to maximize their physical, cognitive, social and emotional abilities so they can attain their highest level of independence in an environment where people are treated with dignity and respect. The organization will use these funds to help hire much-needed direct care staff.

Cabrillo High School Aquarium promotes cross-curricular, hands-on education and strives to emphasize its message of global marine awareness. A student-run facility, the program prepares students to go out into the world in their chosen careers. Students are also able to receive scholarships to continue their studies in marine science and environmental fields. The school’s aquarium program will use these funds to support Phase 2 of the aquarium’s long-term expansion project, which includes six new displays, the development of an all-new gallery annex and increasing the facility’s exhibit floor space by nearly 50 percent.

Since its inaugural event in 2005, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ annual golf tournament has raised more than $2 million for local charities and nonprofits. Past beneficiaries have included Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara County, Lompoc Family YMCA, Unity Shoppe, the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter, Good Samaritan Shelter, local schools, local museums, and more.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $30 million to hundreds of groups, organizations andschools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s long-standing tradition of giving. For more information and to access applications, please visit chumash.gov/foundation or call (805) 688-7997.

Feature Image: Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (fourth from left); Erica Flores, chief executive officer for People Helping People (fourth from right); and staff and board members for People Helping People pose for a check presentation photo outside of People Helping People in Solvang on Monday, Nov. 4. The Chumash Charity Golf Classic, held in September, raised a total of $75,000 for PHP. Photo Courtesy of Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

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The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School office staff and administration has chosen SYHS senior Lucas Malloy as the Santa Ynez Valley Elks October Student of the Month.

Lucas is a senior who loves guitar, piano, and banjo. He is also a state lifeguard and loves anything around the ocean, including surfing. One of his favorite classes is advanced auto repair, and he is also in the yearbook class. Lucas is also taking two concurrent enrollment classes, English and economics, that are offered in partnership with Allan Hancock College. He also loves his family farm and the pigs, horses, cows, and chickens.

In addition, Lucas is a recipient of a scholarship to become a pilot at the Santa Ynez Airport. He just completed his first solo flight on Thursday, Sept. 26, and is preparing for his cross-country flight this month.

On top of all those commitments and accomplishments, Lucas maintains an excellent GPA and hopes to attend Hancock College so he can work simultaneously on completing his flight school. Lucas wants to explore many other places as a commercial or private pilot but feels he will come right back to our community because he loves it here.

Lucas accomplished all this before his 18th birthday which is on the Nov. 16. So happy belated birthday and thank you for being a model of what it means to be a Santa Ynez High School student. We are so proud of your accomplishments and know your future is limitless.

Student of the Month is a program sponsored by the Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge. Students are recognized for their grades and school and community involvement. The Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life.

Feature Image: Santa Ynez High senior Lucas Malloy (center) accepts the prize check for winning October’s Elks Student of the Month from Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Bonnie Rees (left) and Elks Scholarship Coordinator Pat Merritt. Contributed Photo

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Amanda Russell’s childhood dream was to become a ballerina, and her mother made sure to provide her with whatever she needed to fulfill that dream. And through hard work and dedication, that dream has been fulfilled. She was recently asked to join the staff at Fossemalle Dance Studio in Santa Ynez as a new dance teacher.

“I was basically raised at Fossemalle Dance Studio having started dance classes when I was 5 years old,” said Russell.“My first ballet dance performance was in 2011, and I wore an angel costume with wings and held a little candle. I was in awe of the older dancers and was determined to learn ballet no matter what.

“My mother raised me by herself since I was 2 and she never failed to keep me in dance classes, working several jobs so she could support my passion,” said Russell emotionally.

In time, Russell added jazz, tap, and hip-hop into her curriculum of classes. She began performing in the Christmas tree lighting dances featuring tap and ballet. The opportunities only grew as she moved into the advanced dance classes. 

While attending Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, she taught basic ballet and tap as a side job at the Buellton Rec Center, taking her inspiration from Fossemalle’s classes, which she continued to take. She also occasionally stepped in as a substitute teacher at Fossemalle Dance Studio.

“I was privileged to have the opportunity to perform at the Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley in celebration of the life of Marta Becket, performer, artist, and friend of Christine’s,” she said. “That was a wonderful experience.”

Russell continued to pursue her passion for dance by applying for intensive workshops and auditioning for stage performances. 

“I auditioned with the American Ballet Theater for an intensive workshop and was selected to go to Texas, but I had to decline. But that summer, I auditioned for ’42nd Street’ with Arts Outreach and tapped my heart out. That was the start of my career,” she said. “I continued doing theater at the high school with Jeff McKinnon until I graduated. I would do theater at the high school and then come after school to take dance classes. Those times were hard because of Covid. We had to dance outside and ultimately do our annual performance on Zoom. Miss Fossemalle made sure the stage outside was clean and dry and safe for the dancers.”

Russell would continue her passion for dance as she furthered her education.

“After graduation, I went to Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) intending to study animal science, but quickly shifted my focus back to theater, a field I had experienced, been involved in, and enjoyed in high school,” she said. “I was a part of two SBCC Theatre Group productions which led me to audition for various theater programs throughout the country. I was accepted at three places: Emerson in Boston, Marymount in Manhattan, and at the equally prestigious Pacific Coast Performing Arts Program (PCPA), and I chose PCPA to be close to home and to the beach.”

Due to her heavy dance background, Russell was granted several professional opportunities at PCPA while still a studentin their rigorous acting program. She was an ensemble swing for “Cinderella” (2022), ensemble member and Dance Captain for “BrightStar” (2023), ensemble member and Assistant Choreographer for “Elf” (2023), Assistant Choreographer for “Little Shop of Horrors” (2024), and ensemble member/co-choreographer for “The Clockmaker’sDaughter” (2024). Upon graduation, PCPA granted Russell the Kobelt Family Dance Scholarship in recognition of not only her diligence and commitment to each production but also her knowledge and expertise in the art of dance.

“I was in their two-year acting program and graduated in May of this year. While I was a student there, I was fortunate to be a part of several productions, mostly because of my dance background. I was even given the opportunity to be dance captain as well as assistant choreographer in ‘Elf’ the musical. I loved working with George Walker, the lead in the musical as well as the director/choreographer, and Keenon Hooks, who recognized my dancing skill and asked me to assist him in creating several productions. They both were such great mentors to me.”

After graduation, Russell was asked by Fossemalle to perform in the studio’s anniversary showcase, which included many former dancers from around the country who had graduated from Fossemalle’s Dance Studio. 

“From March through June, I danced at Fossemalle’s Dance Studio, preparing for her 35th Anniversary show which took place in the Little Theater at the high school,” she said. “Christine asked me if I wanted to be in more of the dance productions and I was slightly overwhelmed but thrilled. Christine then asked me to come and be part of the staff.

Fossemalle said she feels proud to have her former student return as a teacher. 

“I knew her passion for performance and dance was strong. I had worked with her before, and I knew of her dedication and dependability and I wanted her to become part of our team,” said Fossemalle. “It makes me feel so special that I have Sonia Ibarra-Corona, who I taught since she was 4 years old and now Amanda Russell, who I taught since she was 5, both now teaching dance with me at the studio with passion and love, sharing the art of dance with the next generation. It’s like passing on my legacy.”

Russell started teaching jazz and tap in September at the studio for beginners and will be adding an adult tap class using her experience training actors how to tap at PCPA.

“I am honored to join the women who shaped my life,” Russell said. “I have come full circle, back to the beginning, and back to my dance home. And I am thrilled to be a part of the team.”

For more information, call Fossemalle Dance Studio at (805) 688-8494.

Feature Image: Amanda Russell (right), shown here with studio founder Christine Fossemalle, is a new dance teacher at Fossemalle’s Dance Studio. Photo by Devyn Marseilles 

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Jan Finley officially opened her new real estate office, EXP Luxury Realty at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Aug. 22 under her own brand, the J. Finley Group. 

She has been in the real estate business for 24 years, previously working for Steve Golis, a successful commercial broker in Santa Barbara, where she acquired most of her real estate experience, for which she says she is “forever grateful.”

Finley and her husband, Father John Finley (attached to the altar of St. Athanasius Orthodox Church in Santa Barbara) moved to the Valley in 2007.

“I was working in Santa Barbara and I continued to commute, but that got old very quickly, so I joined Coldwell Banker in Los Olivos,” Finley said. “But, in truth, I always wanted to own my own real estate office.”

Originally from Washington state, Finley moved to Santa Barbara in 1970. She initially worked for Nordstrom Santa Barbara for eight years ending as the store information manager, which she says she loved. When she left to take a break from the corporate world she found a job working in an entirely different environment.

“I accepted a position with the County Education Office, where I worked with children with severe mental and physical challenges,” Finley said. “It was a rewarding experience, but my interests were in technology. As a favor to a friend, I was asked to help open a new real estate office in Goleta, as their admin and technology director. After watching the commercial agents, I decided that’s what I wanted to do as it was more business-minded.”

That began her path in real estate.

“I took a position as an admin and leasing agent for another boutique commercial real estate office,” Finley said. “With the experience I’d gleaned along the way, I moved on and took another position with the Golis Multi-Family team andfrom there I joined Coldwell Banker in Los Olivos to be closer to home.”

However, Finley had one ultimate goal in mind.

“With the Nordstrom customer service values engrained in me, I knew that I wanted to open my own office,” she said. “I had been with the best-of-the-best real estate companies and I knew I wanted to create an office culture and team where everyone shares the same core values and where we can have fun and provide the best customer service for our clients. I was enabled by EXP Luxury Real Estate to open my own office. I knew I had found my place, that my affiliation with EXP Luxury Real Estate would enable me to attain my dream working environment.”

A grand opening and ribbon-cutting was held with community leaders, local business owners, friends, and family in attendance. 

“We had a wonderful celebration. Artiste Winery & Tasting Studio generously donated the wine for the event and Lynne Alexander with Board Appetit donated huge charcuterie boards filled with an array of delicious goodies for everyone to enjoy,” said Finley. “Standing in my own office surrounded by friends and family I realized that my dream had come true.”

The Finleys have three children, all married, and eight grandchildren, all living just over the hill in Santa Barbara.

“I feel very blessed to have all my family so close by, my mother and siblings as well,” said Finley. “I am also grateful to all my clients for their trust and support which allows me to live my dream. I love living in Santa Ynez and now having an office in the middle of town, amid the business community, brings me great joy. I have to say, I’m living my best life.” 

The J. Finley Group office is located at 3568 Sagunto St., Suite J, in Santa Ynez, and can be reached online at janfinleyrealestate.com

Feature Image: Jan Finley is shown surrounded by friends and family by her new J. Finley Group real estate office at the ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Aug. 22. Contributed Photo

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Regina Jensen’s “Good-as-New” store, where people can shop for clothing, books, or a gift, on the honor system, is holding an outdoor-only sale from 2 p.m. until dark on Sunday, Nov. 24, and again on Sunday, Dec. 22, just in time for Christmas. 

The store is run on the principle of what Jensen calls Radical Trust, whereby shoppers can pick out what they want or need and pay for them “Farmstand Style” by dropping cash (exact amount only) into a secured lockbox, or by a local check.

“People can acquire even less expensive items and bundles that can be used for Christmas gifts for friends and family and can easily be returned locally for something else,” said Jensen. “The prices are extremely reasonable; buy one item and pick two more items from the ‘gratis’ box. Visitors can also pick one item from the ‘gratis’ box without making a purchase.”

Some of the items for sale are new and unused books, bundled and exchangeable, which came from a bookstore that was closing; new kitchen items; new to nearly new women’s shoes, sizes 7 1/2 to 9; men’s footwear, work and outdoor, nothing “fancy”; women’s jewelry, priced to sell, packaged for Christmas; women’s clothing, unused Victoria’s Secret bras, sizes 36/34 C or thereabout; new kids toys; medium to large succulent outdoor plants; and many personal items, to mention just a few.

Jensen’s closet-size “Department Store” is filled with almost new items for the bargain hunter and is a not-for-profit enterprise. 

“All proceeds, after expenses are paid, go to Maria at Monique’s Hair Salon around the corner from my shop,” said Jensen. “She distributes these funds to needy Hispanic families in the United States and Mexico, her first culture of concern.” 

The Good-as-New shop is at 1669 Fir St., in Solvang, behind the ACE Hardware store. It is a tiny house between the shoe repair shop and the laundromat and in front of the hair salon. The address doesn’t appear on the building.

Feature Image: Regina Jensen is shown in front of her Good as New store in Solvang shortly after its opening. Her business will be holding outdoor sales on Nov. 24 and Dec. 22. Star File Photo

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The City of Buellton blocked off a stretch of Avenue of Flags on the weekend of Nov. 8-10, but no one was really complaining.

That’s because the northern part of the city’s north-south thoroughfare was the site of the annual Buellton Fall Fest, which is becoming a go-to site for families, music lovers, food and wine buffs, and even bargain hunters.

For the youngsters, the lure was the carnival area, just left of the entrance, where the kids flocked to with their parents in tow — after they got some ride tickets, of course. The area just south of the San Marcos Motel was filled with thrilling carnival rides and games of chance in the center, with stuffed animals and other prizes.

Graham Palmer of Buellton was with his wife Rachel in the area as they watched their young daughter Edie trying to pop balloons with darts to win a prize.

“We’ve been coming here with our daughter ever since they started it here,” Palmer said. “She always likes to come over and play the games here; she’s not even that interested in the rides, just the games.”

Palmer said he really appreciates having an event like the Fall Fest that they can go to just to enjoy some time together.

“I hope they keep it going,” he said.

Another top draw for the Fall Fest was the music lineup over the three days, with two stages to accomodate them. Locally known bands like the Molly Ringwald Project, Valley Sons, Authority Zero, and the Mad Caddies performed over the first two days, while visitors on Sunday saw 805 Cali Tejanos bringing a Latino vibe to the stage, and Josue Hernandez y Grupo Nivel 4 to follow later that evening. In between that were rock acts like Echoswitch and Paradise Kings, the latter of whom were introduced on stage by Buellton Mayor Dave King.

On the second stage, Fredddy and Friends were playing to one appreciative group celebrating a friend’s birthday.

“It’s been so much fun to come here and check it out,” said the birthday girl, Liz Barron of Santa Maria. “We were looking for something to do outside the usual stuff in Santa Maria, and this seemed like a good place to go.”

For those looking for food and refreshment, the choices were vast, as food trucks and booths for all kinds of cuisines were available, as well as craft beer and wine in certain, and football fans were able to see some gridiron action as a projection TV was set up in one of the tented dining areas.

Finally, many vendors were able to take advantage of the big turnouts and hawk their wares. One of them was Ray Fortune, who recently moved his record shop, Wylde West Wreckerds, from Santa Ynez to Los Olivos. He had a few tables set up with crates of used records and cassettes to sell.

“It’s a chance to get the name of the business out there and spread the name,” Fortune said. “Also, there are always record and music nuts to discuss records, and that’s always a fun part of this.”

Attendance numbers weren’t available yet for the Fall Fest at press time, but it’s probably safe to say the event will be back next November. And for those looking for another holiday event, there’s another Fest around the corner: The Buellton Winter Fest is coming on Sunday, Dec. 8. It will have a new home this year as it will be happening at River View Park, so the event can be held in concert with the Holiday Lights Festival at the adjacent SYV Botanical Garden.

For more information about the holiday events, go to buellton.org.

Feature Image: There were plenty of fun rides in the carnival area during the three-day Buellton Fan Fest on Avenue of Flags.

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The holiday season in Santa Barbara is about to shine brighter than ever as the beloved ZooLights event returns to the Santa Barbara Zoo! From Nov. 13, to Jan. 12, 2025, visitors will be treated to a dazzling spectacle of festive lights and magical displays, creating an unforgettable holiday experience for families and friends alike.

This year’s ZooLights promises even more wonder, with over 50,000 LED bulbs illuminating handcrafted silk-covered lanterns in stunning animal and nature scenes. The 2024 edition introduces exciting new features, including a tropical habitats showcase and a trip back in time with an extinct animals exhibit featuring dinosaurs. Attendees can explore interactive and immersive displays while savoring seasonal snacks and warm drinks available for purchase throughout the Zoo.

Event Details

ZooLights will be open on select evenings from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $23 for adults and $21 for children aged 2–12, with Santa Barbara Zoo Members receiving a $2 discount. Guests are encouraged to book early, as tickets for this popular event sell quickly. For specific dates and ticket reservations, visit sbzoo.org.

In line with the Santa Barbara Zoo’s commitment to inclusivity, the ZooLights team is available to assist with accessibility accommodations. Contact welcome@sbzoo.org for more information.

Don’t Miss Thanksgiving at the Zoo

For those looking to add a unique twist to their holiday celebrations, the Zoo is also open on Thanksgiving Day for a fun outing before or after your feast. Reservations are required for all visitors, including members, with general admission available until 2:30 p.m. and member admission until 3 p.m. The Zoo will close promptly at 3:30 p.m.

Celebrate the holidays with the perfect combination of seasonal cheer and the wonder of wildlife at ZooLights 2024. It’s a tradition you won’t want to miss. For specific dates and ticket reservations, visit sbzoo.org.

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The Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church will be the new location for the annual Solvang Christmas Nativity Pageant, which will be held for one day only, on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 5 p.m. The pageant has historically been held at Solvang Theaterfest, under the guidance of Janette Swanson, but a new venue had to be found, and the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church grounds were offered.

“Janette Swanson has been organizing the event for the past 40 years,” said Autumn van der Linden, the office manager of the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church. “There was no pageant held last year, as Swanson just couldn’t do it any longer. She had to do a lot of fundraising throughout the year, getting sponsors from the community, which allowed the event to be ‘free of charge’ to the public.” 

Swanson had sent out a mass email hoping to find someone who was interested in picking it up.

“I had just started working at the church as office manager, and I received an email in August of 2023 from Janette Swanson, who I did not know at the time, asking if anyone was interested in taking over the annual Solvang Nativity Pageant and that they should contact her,” van der Linden said. “My first thought was that I hoped someone would step up and take it over, as I have a heart for Christmas and hoped my two children would one day be a part of the pageant. It doesn’t feel like Christmas without a Christmas pageant and seeing all the kids participating.”

But van der Linden couldn’t let the idea of getting involved out of her mind. She had been involved in leading Christmas choirs in her hometown, and she was tempted to reply to the email.

“I asked people what they thought, and everyone said it was a huge job, and since I had just arrived in the Valley and knew very few people, I should pass. Sadly, there was no Nativity Pageant last year,” she said. “But in February 2024 I received another email from Janette, and I decided to take on the project. Since then, Janette and I have met a few times, and she has given me contact information and basically the whole show in a binder. After praying about it, I knew in my heart that I was not so interested in fundraising that was required to put on the pageant as I was in sharing the story of the Nativity with the community. So, I got to work.”

She started with the information that was in the binder Swanson had given her.

“The cost of renting Theaterfest was $7,000 a day, and I just couldn’t afford that, plus the politics involved in fundraising was something I didn’t want to become involved in,” she said. “I asked the church elders if this was something they would be interested in hosting, and they agreed to have the pageant held on the property. Ruthy Gallo, the children’sministry director, agreed to help me with the event and without her help and support, I would not have agreed to take on this project.”

Van der Linden has been busy recruiting for the program.

“I’ve sent out a flyer to all the schools and churches inviting any preschool through fifth-grade children who want to join in the choir,” she said. “They can show up on Tuesday, Dec. 3 or 10, at 3:30 p.m. There will be a final rehearsal on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. Rehearsals will be held in the main sanctuary at the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church. Costumes will be provided for the performance. Adults and teens who wish to join the adult choir are welcome as well. Rehearsals will be on Saturday, Nov. 30, and Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.

“Alan Satchwell will be the choir director for the adult choir. All are welcome. If you are unable to make it to rehearsals, that is OK. We would still love to have you sing with us on Dec. 15. Simply email autumn@syvpc.org to let us know. It’sall traditional Christmas music, which almost everyone knows.”

Members of Arts Outreach’s Valley Glee Club will be performing. Ballet dancer Lauren Thill will be dancing to the strings of harpist Emma Tesdahl. And Santa Barbara Strings, an eight-piece stringed group directed by Mary Beth Woodruff will also be performing at the pageant.

“Besides the musical entertainment, there will be live animals in the garden from 4 to 5 p.m.,” van der Linden said.”Many local 4-H kids will be bringing their animals, and Seein’ Spots Farm will also be bringing their rescued donkeys and mules, and we may possibly have a camel from Atascadero joining us. Everyone will be able to mingle and pet them as well.

“There will also be an opportunity to take photos in front of a Bethlehem backdrop, which could make great Christmas cards.”

The Nativity Pageant will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. in the main sanctuary with C.J. Jackson as narrator. 

“The event is free of charge and open to the public. Attendees can come in costume if they like, dressed as their favorite Christmas biblical character,” she suggested. “The event will be held indoors, so no need to bring blankets or chairs.”

Following the pageant, there will be Christmas crafts for the children to make, food and refreshments available for purchase, and a Christmas Marketplace for adults who wish to do some Christmas shopping. Cash only — no credit cards please. 

“God has illuminated the path every step of the way, and I know He’s going to make this an amazing community event,” said van der Linden. “Come — it’s free, bring your friends and all your kids and enjoy being a part of the Christmas spirit and the ‘reason for the season.’”

For more information, email autumn@syvpc.org or call (805) 688-6323 between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church is at 1825 Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang. 

Feature Image: A Nativity scene from last year’s “A Night in Bethlehem,” which was held last year at the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, is shown. Pictured from left are Greg Millikan, John Donati, Rob Wolf, Dennis Hartman, and Joyce Millikan. Contributed Photo

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Solvang has announced new experiences and details for this year’s Solvang Julefest (SolvangUSA.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest; pronounced ‘Yoola-Fest’), the town’s annual holiday celebration. The seasonal event stretches five weeks, beginning Friday, Nov. 29 and running through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Solvang Julefest 2024 will once again include multiple holiday-themed happenings all located within Solvang, frequently listed as one of the nation’s “most Christmassy towns,” and this year, voted as one of the “Best Christmas Towns” in the U.S., and the top one in California.

Solvang Julefest 2024 will include the expansion of the event’s nighttime Makers Market, now scheduled for three Wednesdays in December (Dec. 4, 11, 18 from 3 to 7 p.m.)

The open-air night markets, fashioned after traditional European Christmas markets, will feature a village of crafters and local artisans offering one-of-a-kind holiday gift ideas, seasonal treats, and more in the village’s central Solvang Park (corner of Mission Drive and First Street). Solvang Park is also the location of the nightly Light & Music Shows, running Nov. 29 through Jan. 5. The holiday-themed, choreographed light and music display, which is free to attend, entails two different shows that will alternate on the hour each evening. Showtimes will be 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m.

“Our Denmark-reminiscent village is festive year ‘round, day or night, but the evenings here during Solvang Julefest are extra magical,” said Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy. “The enhancement of our nightly experiences, and the addition of new daily offerings, provide locals and visitors with a month-plus worth of opportunities to create new holiday memories. And what better place to do that, than in one of America’s most Christmassy towns.”

The popularity of the Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours has sparked the addition of new Solvang Jul Daylight Tours on select dates beginning Nov. 30, running through Dec. 28. Guests will stroll the streets of Solvang, lined with unique shops and delicious foods, including the village’s iconic Danish pastries, during the morning tours led by a local Dane dressed in traditional folk garb. Immersed in Solvang’s rich heritage, attendees will experience Solvang’s Jul spirit through taste, sight, and sound, learning how Solvang keeps its Danish Jul traditions alive. Tours begin at 10 a.m.; advance purchase is required, and tickets are now available at eventbrite.com/o/solvang-hyggehuset-55482949883.

The nighttime tour counterpart, Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours will also be offered on select dates beginning Nov. 30,running through Dec. 28. The Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours will provide special holiday experiences for locals and visitors as they traverse the village 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. Advance purchase is required; tickets are now available at eventbrite.com/o/solvang-hyggehuset-55482949883.

Additional evening entertainment options include the Solvang Trolley Christmas Light Tour, available via advance purchase for Thursday through Sunday nights throughout December. Guests will tour the lights of the Santa Ynez Valley, passing through decorated neighborhoods and past illuminated storefronts, all aboard one of Solvang’s recognizable trolleys. Solvang Trolley Tour tickets are available at book.peek.com/s/d6109943-5251-4516-a496-44bbb4f8858c/6aw07.

The start to Solvang’s holiday season is marked by the Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony, set for Friday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. in Solvang Park. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is once again slated to include ballerinas encircling the Solvang Christmas tree, other live entertainment, caroling, and the much-anticipated tree lighting at about 6:30 p.m.

The following morning, Saturday, Dec. 7 (11 a.m.), the 2024 Solvang Julefest Parade, carrying the theme of “Gingerbread Dreams,” will feature marching bands, horses, classic cars, plus more parade floats and entries’ enticing theme interpretation. Post-parade, Julefest boasts a free opportunity to meet Santa Claus in Solvang Park, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Solvang Julefest Santa meet-and-greets and photo ops will continue Saturdays and Sundays during December (Dec. 14, 15, 21, and 22), from 12 to 4 p.m. in Solvang Park. Entertaining holiday revelers throughout downtown Solvang will be a merry band of carolers, Christmas Matters, singing from 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 7, 14, and 21.

Another daily Solvang Julefest activity is the now-annual Nisser Adventure, where participants join in a city-wide hunt for the mysterious Solvang Nisser (Christmas elves) which have hidden themselves throughout downtown Solvang. Nisse-hunters of all ages may stop by the Solvang Visitor Center between Nov. 29 and Jan. 5, for a list of clues to the various hiding spots that the Nisser frequent. Once participants have found each Nisse, they may return to the Visitor Center to receive a special Solvang keepsake.

Solvang Julefest 2024 also introduced a New Year’s event, the “Copenhagen Countdown,” scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Solvang Park. Guests are invited to count down to New Year’s in Denmark (3 p.m. PST) with live music, children’s activities and crafts, and vendors (further details TBA).

Serving as Julefest’s unofficial finale is the annual Solvang Christmas Tree Burn. Usually held in early January as a close to each year’s Solvang Julefest celebration, Solvang’s Tree Burn is considered to be one of the largest fire safety demonstrations along the California Central Coast. The 2025 Tree Burn is currently scheduled for Friday, Jan. 10, 5 p.m. (weather permitting).

Solvang Julefest 2024 is produced by the City of Solvang (CityofSolvang.com). All Solvang Julefest events are open to the public with either free or paid admission. More information and event updates will be available at SolvangUSA.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest.

Feature Image: People gather around the lighted Christmas tree in Solvang Park during the tree lighting in 2023. This year’s tree-lighting, considered by many the kickoff to Julefest, is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 29. 

The post Solvang’s Julefest to feature ‘Gingerbread Dreams’ Parade during five-week celebration appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Santa Ynez High girls tennis team captured the school’s second CIF Central Section championship in two weeks, beating Clovis West 5-2 in the Division II championship match Tuesday, Nov. 12, on the SYHS courts.

Kate Mazza got the final point, wrapping up her 6-2, 6-2 match at No. 3 singles to clinch the Pirates’ match and championship, which brought celebration and the abrupt end to the two matches still going on.

The title win came 13 days after the Santa Ynez High girls golf team successfuly defended its CIF title won last year.

Santa Ynez got wins in the Nos. 2 to 4 singles to get the five points needed to clinch the match. In addition to Mazza at No. 3, Haley Townes won her match 6-4, 6-0 at No. 2, and Natalie O’Shaughnessy went 6-0, 6-0 at No. 4.

The Pirates began the match by taking two of three in doubles. Townes and Keegan Withrow won their No. 1 doubles match 8-2, and Mazza and O’Shaughnessy took an 8-3 win at No. 2.

“The team showed incredible grit and teamwork throughout the match,” said girls tennis head coach Jennifer Rasmussen.”Haley and Keegan faced a tough start, dropping the first two games. But they didn’t back down — winning eight straight games to seal their victory.

“Our senior duo, Natalie and Kate, showed their experience and leadership, dominating their match 6-3 to set the tone.”

The championship win was a glorious end to a season that saw the Pirates struggle at times as they scheduled competitive preseason opponents and then played in a tough Mountain League. However, the came into the Division 2 tournament as the top seed, and showed it in the first two rounds, beating Righetti High and Justin Garza High by identical 9-0 scores.

“We had a difficult schedule, but we just kept playing the best that we could, and I knew it would prepare for the postseason,” Rasmussen said.

After the first two rounds, Santa Ynez ran into a competitive opponent in Garces Memorial, whom it beat 5-3 in the semifinals.

“We breezed through those first two rounds, but we had a tough match against Garces,” the coach said. “We pulled that out, but they had some solid players and a couple of those matches could have gone either way.”

But things went the Pirates way in that match and continued on to the championship match.

“Every single player gave it their all, and their determination, drive, and teamwork were truly inspiring,” Rasmussen said.”This victory is a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the season.

We couldn’t be prouder of these incredible athletes.”

O’Shaughnessy and Withrow advance in CIF doubles

O’Shaughnessy and Withrow competed in the indiviual doubles tournament in San Luis Obispo and will play Sectional CIF Individual Doubles Tournament next weekend in Clovis. 

The duo defeated Misamore/Camacho (Nipomo) 8-3 and White/Arias (Lompoc) 6-1, 6-3 on Nov. 8 in SLO.

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