More than monthlong holiday celebration starting on Nov. 28
Solvang has announced new facets to its annual holiday celebration, Julefest, the magical time of year when Solvang’s charm reaches peak heights. The 2025-26 edition of Solvang Julefest returns to the Santa Ynez Valley wine country destination on Friday, Nov. 28, uns through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. The celebration will once again include multiple holiday-themed happenings all located within the town.
Included in this festive roster are the nightly Light, Music & Snow Shows in Solvang Park (corner of Mission Drive and First Street), which run throught the entire Julefest. The holiday-themed, choreographed light and music display, right in the center of Solvang’s historic village, features two different 10-minute shows that will alternate on the hour each evening. Showtimes will be every hour on the dot from 5 to 9 p.m., and at the end of each show, Solvang Park will be dusted with a flurry of season- ally-appropriate snow.
One of the new daily occurrences throughout Solvang Julefest will be located within Solvang restaurant and bar, Craft House At Corque, as they host MIRACLE – The Christmas Cocktail Pop-Up Bar, from Nov. 18 through Jan. 4, 2026. Miracle, as described on the concept’s website, “is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.” Craft House At Corque is taking reservations for the holiday cocktail conversion via Tock, with two different reservation options, “Miracle Family,” during “Family Hours,” and “Miracle 21+,” with reservations available at any time. Information will also be posted to Instagram: @ miracleatcrafthouse.
New to this year’s Solvang Julefest lineup are storytime sessions with local authors, Adam and Kate McHugh, as the couple launches their first children’s book, Ferd and the Magic Hat: A Solvang Christmas Story. The new release, illustrated by Allie Daigle, spins a whimsical and joyful Christmas tale for children and their “grownups” who read along, as it celebrates the community, the heritage, the “hygge,” and the bright welcome of Solvang during the holidays.
“Every year we try to find new ways to add just a bit more charm to our enchanting Danish village holiday celebration, Solvang Julefest. Julefest’s fun festivities provide entertaining options for all ages, for our locals and our visitors, with new daytime events and extra evening magic,” said Randy Murphy, Solvang’s city manager. “Consider this the season when storybook Solvang takes a Christmas turn, making this one of the most celebrated winter holiday destinations.”
Additional, daily Solvang Julefest activities include the annual Nisser Adventure, where, between Nov. 28 and Jan. 4, participants of all ages join in a city-wide hunt for the mysterious Solvang Nisser (Christmas elves) which have hidden themselves through- out downtown Solvang. Once participants have found each Nisse, they may return to the Visitor Center to receive a special Solvang keepsake.
Solvang Julefest also provides cheerful holiday shopping opportunities with a Makers Market in Solvang Park, happening three Wednesdays in December (Dec. 3, 10, 17; 3 to 7 p.m.).
Solvang Julefest tour options include the evening Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours offered on select dates, complete with Christmas carols and an entertaining education about some Danish traditions and Solvang history. The tours’ daytime counterpart, Solvang Jul Daylight Tours, are morning experiences (10 a.m. start) also led by a local Dane dressed in traditional folk garb. Returning to this year’s Solvang Julefest is the Solvang Trolley Christmas Light Tour, whisking hot chocolate-fueled Trolley riders through the Santa Ynez Valley for a nighttime glimpse of local light displays. Details and ticket sales for each tour will be available online at solvangusa. com/things-to-do/solvang-ju-lefest/
The first weekend in December features the Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony, set for Friday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m. in Solvang Park (tree lighting occurs at about 6:30 PM), and the 2025 Solvang Julefest ParadeSaturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.) with marching bands, horses, classic cars, plus more parade floats and entries, all traveling along Solvang’s main streets. Post-parade, Julefest boasts an opportunity to meet Mr. Claus in Solvang Park.
Now in its second year, Solvang Julefest’s New Year’s event, “Copenhagen Count- down,” parties in Solvang Park on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 2 to 4 p.m., with a family-friendly countdown to New Year’s in Denmark (3 p.m. PST). The event will feature live music by the Molly Ringwald Project, children’s activities, and varied food and beverage vendors in the beer, wine, and spirits garden (further details TBA; also weather permitting).
Solvang Julefest’s unofficial conclusion is marked by the annual Solvang Christmas Tree Burn, usually held in early January, and considered to be one of the largest fire safety demonstrations along the California Central Coast. The 2026 Tree Burn is currently scheduled for Friday, Jan. 9, at 5 p.m. (weather permitting).
