Event marks a fiery end to the Danish-themed city’s Julefest celebration spanning more than a month
By Janene Scully, Noozhawk North County Editor
Forced to take last year off, the Solvang Christmas tree burn returned the evening of January 8 for its 31st edition.
The event served as the fiery end to the Danish-themed city’s annual Julefest celebration that spanned more than a month.
Since Christmas, valley residents have offered up their trees, creating a big pile in a field near the Mission Santa Ines.
The 2021 tree burn did not take place because of COVID-19 concerns and public health guidelines in place at the time.
The City of Solvang and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department join forces to host the event, which also serves as a demonstration about the fire danger posed by dry Christmas trees.
It’s considered to be one of the largest fire safety demonstrations on the Central Coast.
The event also included music, a retirement of American flags led by Boy Scout Troops 007 and 41, and refreshments for sale before the grand finale of igniting the gathered trees.
Through the years, some residents have questioned the event’s effects on air quality and concerns about fire danger, not as much of a worry this year after significant rain fell in December.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.
