‘Extremely poor field conditions’ at mission caused by recent rains; decoration-free trees will still be accepted at site through Friday, Jan. 9
Staff Report
The 34th Annual Solvang Tree Burn, which usually signals the end of the city’s holiday Julefest celebration and scheduled for Friday, Jan. 9, has been canceled because of the flooding on the lawn next to Mission Santa Ines, the site of the burn.
“Due to extremely poor field conditions caused by recent rainfall, the 34th Annual Solvang Tree Burn has been cancelled,” reads an email sent by the City of Solvang. “After careful evaluation, it was determined that current conditions present significant concerns for participants, staff, and emergency personnel.
“In addition, this event requires extensive logistics and coordination among multiple agencies. To allow adequate time for planning, staffing, and safety preparations, a decision needed to be made sooner rather than later while continuing to monitor field conditions. Unfortunately, conditions have not improved to a level that would allow the event to proceed safely. We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation.”
The city said people can drop off their decoration-free Christmas tree at the Tree Burn site through Friday, Jan. 9. The trees will be hauled away for chipping.
This is the second time in four years Solvang has had to cancel the tree burn event because of rainy weather. In 2023, the grass area on the east part of the mission’s parking lot was extremely wet after heavy rains in two days preceding it.
The tree burn and resulting bonfire, when held, has given community members a chance to get rid of their Christmas trees after the holiday, while also providing a training opportunity for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, and a chance for the department to advocate for fire safety. The event has also included live entertainment along with refreshments for purchase.
The tree burn will be back next year, weather permitting, presumably on Jan. 8, 2027.
