By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

The elves in Santa’s workshop must work well without supervision, because the holiday spirit will be everywhere in the Santa Ynez Valley the next two months as Buellton, Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez are holding their annual Christmas, Julefest and Winter Fest celebrations.

In addition to appearances by the jolly old soul, the festivities included plenty of food and music, an elf hunt, a Gingerbread Wonderland, multiple tree lightings, the Julefest Parade — and 20 tons of imported snow.

Starting with the Santa Ynez Tree Lighting traditions on Wednesday, Dec. 1, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for a visit and kids can drop off letters for Santa at the mailbox in front of the Santa Ynez Library. Fossemalle Dancers will be dancing and holiday carolers will be singing for the spectators. The tree lighting will be 5:45 p.m. and there will be various family activities at the Santa Ynez Historical Museum in the courtyard. For more info visit www.santaynezchamber.org.  

There will be fun for the whole family at Winterfest in Buellton, from snow to hot chocolate tasting.
Photo contributed

Buellton’s annual Winter Fest will take place on Sunday, Dec. 5. This one-of-a-kind experience is fun for the whole family, and a perfect way to kick off the winter holidays. Event-goers can start the day at Breakfast With Santa in the Buellton Rec Center from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by a neighborhood parade. The parade starts at Jonata Middle School around noon and goes up Second Street around Oak Valley and back to Jonata.

The afternoon brings the Holiday Village at Village Park, located behind Tractor Supply. There will be 20 tons of snow along with vendors, music and live performances, and beer, wine and spirits. Winter Fest runs from 4 to 7 p.m. with the tree lighting at 7 p.m.

Last but not least is the Julefest celebration in Solvang. As one of the nation’s most Christmas-y towns, Solvang will present a refreshed lineup of Julefest offerings and extra holiday cheer in the form of new illuminated displays, celebratory scenescapes and settings in an effort to enhance the “hygge” holiday ambience already native to the city.

Plans are in place for the return of the Solvang Julefest tree lighting ceremony, tentatively scheduled for 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, in Solvang Park, on the corner of Mission Drive and First Street. The ceremony is slated to include ballerinas encircling the Solvang Christmas tree, live entertainment, caroling and of course, the season-starting tree lighting. The return of the Solvang Julefest Parade is also in the works, scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, with the parade route to be announced.

During Solvang Julefest, the village will once again host its now-annual Nisse Adventure, where participants join in a city-wide hunt for the mysterious Solvang Nisse (Christmas elves), who will have hidden themselves throughout downtown Solvang. Elf-trackers may visit www.NisseAdventure.com, where they will find animated videos containing clues to the various hiding spots which the Nisse frequents. Once guests find each Nisse they scan a QR code to continue along the adventure, earning a special prize at completion.

As one of the nation’s most Christmas-y towns, Solvang will present a refreshed lineup of Julefest offerings and extra holiday cheer.
Photo contributed

On Saturdays throughout the Julefest stretch, town-wide Solvang Food Tours will be led by the foodie — and photo — experts at Eat This, Shoot That!, and the popular evening Candlelight Tours will return select Saturday nights (Nov. 27, and Dec. 4, 11 and 18), tickets for which include holiday-themed refreshments and a VIP Santa meet and greet experience. Either tour option presents a unique, educational, and entertaining way to explore the history-filled village on foot during the most festive of Solvang’s seasons. More information will be available at www.SolvangJulefest.org.

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Staff Report

This December, Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in Solvang is hosting a “Makers Market” each Saturday before Christmas. A curated group of talented artisans from area studios and workshops will showcase and sell their handmade goods at The Market. Browse the handcrafted gifts and wares on December 4, 11 and 18 from 11 am to 5 pm. There is no charge for admission.

“Makers Market is an opportunity to meet talented local artisans and crafters while shopping handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts, all made locally and sustainably,” said Elverhoj Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates. “There will be a variety of handmade works with a wide range of prices.”

The Makers Market debuts on December 4 with wood crafts by Scott Bruhn, jewelry by Diana Paul, gifts and hand dyed scarves by Emily Abello, and Lori McConnell’s jewelry and paper gifts.

The following Saturday, December 11, will showcase four artisans: Georganne Alex and her art-wear bags and scarves, Kristen Bates with her Danish-inspired and beaded jewelry, Mary Ann Manmone’s functional needle arts, and Mark Infanti’s turned and hand carved wood crafts.

Makers Market concludes on December 18 with Syd McCutcheon’s modern take on folk arts and crafts, ceramics by Shelley Nakano, and Mary Stanley’s fiber arts for all ages.

Market guests are invited to browse the Museum Store and the selection of modern + heritage inspired goods and gifts, many exclusive to Elverhoj. There will be weekly store specials and holiday discounts.

Elverhøj Museum of History & Art is located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang. For more information, visit www.elverhoj.org or phone (805) 686-1211.

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This is the second year for Santa Ynez Valley kid Caleb Moon of being the Junior Barrelman for the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo, even though there wasn’t an actual rodeo to be had. This year they are holding the Christmas in the Country, a drive-thru holiday light experience at the Elks Rodeo Grounds Event Center in Santa Maria.

Valley kid and Santa Maria Elks Junior Barrelman Caleb Moon and his cousin Kayden Sorenson, who was crowned Miss Mini Rodeo, are “Stuffing the Stocking” for pediatric cancer.
Photo contributed

Caleb said he is hoping to match his contribution from last year, as Caleb raised more than $2,500 making custom blankets for the children going through cancer treatments. The blankets and donations were presented to 20 children from Golden Circle of Champions at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas last December. The blankets were red, white and blue to match the patriotic theme of his Junior Barrelman face paint and rodeo outfit.

Through donations and fundraising efforts, support is provided directly to the families to fulfill their most urgent needs: paying bills, buying medicine and caring for their families.
Golden Circle is a nonprofit founded in 2016 that partners with the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo. Golden Circle provides funds to help local children battling pediatric cancer and after the first year they were contacted by the NFR to expand their program.

The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo holds a special place in Caleb’s family. His grandmother, Mindi Jaeger Christian, competed in the 1972 queen contest and his mother Robyn Christian Moon was the 2001 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen. This year his cousin Kayden Sorensen is the Miss Mini Rodeo, which makes the event even more special to his family.

“As special as that is for Kayden to be Miss Mini Rodeo, it was even more special that I got to be the one who placed the coveted Montana Silversmiths crown on her head 19 years after I received mine for 2001 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen,” Moon said.

To learn more about Golden Circle and this year’s events at the NFR, visit their Facebook page.

For information on the Christmas in the Country which will go to Jan. 3, every Wednesday through Sunday, visit www.elksrec.com. Tickets are $40 and no vehicles taller than 11.5 feet are permitted, as are no buses or motorhomes.

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The City of Buellton in partnership with the Buellton Rec and the Buellton Visitors Bureau & Chamber of Commerce are gearing up for a Christmas Farmer’s Market and Poker Run, being held on the weekend of Dec. 5 and 6. 

The Poker Run will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. In this fun, family event that can be done socially distanced and at your own pace, participants drive around to the various stops in town (to be announced closer to the event). 

At each stop, contestants will select a card and record it on a game sheet they will receive at check-in. After completing five stops, they will then have a complete poker hand. The final stop will be at the Chamber & Visitors Bureau office where all hands are then collected. Winners will be announced following the event and prizes will be given. 

It is $20 to participate in the Poker Run and extra hands may be purchased for $5. Prizes will be given for the most spirited team as well, so dressing up for the holidays and decorating your car is encouraged. 

The Buellton Christmas Farmer’s Market will take place Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Village Park from 2 to 6 p.m. with Santa & Mrs. Claus making an appearance from 3 to 5 p.m.  

The Christmas Farmer’s Market will feature local farmers selling their produce, a Cal Taco food truck, arts & crafts kits for the kids to take home, a photo op with Santa and Mrs. Claus (in a socially distanced way), music by the Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band and a beautiful light display at 6 p.m. 

Children are encouraged to bring their letters for Santa Claus and drop them in his mailbox, as sitting on Santa’s lap will not be allowed this year. Guests are asked to bring their phones to take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be under the Gazebo from 3 to 5 p.m.

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The Santa Maria Fairpark and Santa Maria Fairpark Foundation will host the inaugural Festival of Lights Holiday Event and second annual Jingle Mingle Holiday Market, Dec. 4-6 at the fairpark. The event will include fair-themed food trucks, Santa and Mrs. Claus and thousands of lights.

The Festival of Lights, taking place from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4-6, will be a drive-thru event along the paths and roadways of the fairgrounds, with local businesses and organizations turning the fairgrounds into a winter wonderland.

Each ticket holder will receive an activity book with a variety of activities, along with sponsor ads and food menus for the food trucks that will be in the parking lot at the end of the Festival of Lights drive.

The Jingle Mingle Holiday Market craft fair showcases local artists and crafters. Paired this year with the Santa Maria Fairpark Festival of Lights event, the market is expected to bring in hundreds of shoppers. Holiday Market hours will be 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 and 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.

For more information, visit http://www.santamariafairpark.com/p/getinvolved/festival-of-lights.

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publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

Kicking off the holiday season, the Santa Ynez Chamber hosted the first tree lighting event in the Santa Ynez Valley on Sunday, Dec. 1.  They also hosted a free holiday party in the courtyard at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum. 

Photo by Raiza Giorgi

Traditional holiday music was played by Steve Ochoa and Christina Barnes as attendees enjoyed fresh popcorn, Christmas cookies and hot apple cider. 

Parents were encouraged to bring their children to visit with Santa, who heard special “wish lists” for Christmas. 

In addition to Santa, food, music and fun, a special appearance by the Fossemalle Studio dancers delighted all with their beautifully choreographed holiday dances. 

The big finale was the lighting of the large cedar tree next to Panino’s that has been dubbed the town’s official Christmas tree since the first Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce tree lighting event in 2014.  

Sponsors of the Small Town Christmas were the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce, O’Connor Pest Control, The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and Visit SYV.  For more information visit www.santaynezchamber.org.

There are many more fun holiday celebrations taking place this week from the Julefest tree lighting in Solvang Friday evening from 5 – 7:30 p.m., Julefest Parade on Saturday at 11 a.m.. Other fun family events on Saturday include Los Olivos Old Fashioned Christmas from 12 – 7 p.m., Solvang Nativity Pageant at 5 p.m. at Solvang Festival Theater. 

On Sunday enjoy a full day at Buellton Winterfest starting with Breakfast with Santa at 9 a.m., the Christmas Tea from 2 – 4 p.m. at Old Mission Santa Ines; SYV Presbyterian Christmas Concert at 3 p.m., and the Marshmallow Roast and Holiday Crafts at the SYV Botanic Garden. 

Check our Calendar of Events for so much more! 

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4

Women’s Club Holiday Luncheon – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at SY Historical Museum – Featuring the culinary talents of Tracy Fleming, as well as the bazaar with gifts, decor, jewelry and more. Price is $45 for members, $50 for non-members rsvp to shannon@treasuredestates.com. 

The Mythology of Christmas – 5:30 -7 p.m. at Solvang Library – Mythologist, cultural historian, author, and blogger (mythologymatters.wordpress.com) Arthur George will discuss the ancient and medieval mythology underlying the Christmas story and our Christmas holiday customs in this free illustrated lecture. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-4214

Public Engagement Workshop – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Solvang City Hall 1644 Oak St. Discuss the impact of tourism on the community along with recommendations in moving forward with tourism marketing and events, rebranding and business. Visit www.cityofsolvang.com Communication page for surveys and more information. 

5 – 7

The ghost of Banquo haunts Macbeth: Jake Gildred as Macbeth, Kiasra Costarelli as Lady Macbeth, and Lauren Thorburn as Banquo.

Macbeth – 7 – 9:30 p.m. at SYHS Little Theatre – Come see the SYHS theater students perform this classic Shakespeare tale. Tickets, available at the door, are $10 for adults and $5 for students. This production may not be appropriate for younger children.

6

Solvang Tree Lighting – 5 – 7:30 p.m. at Solvang Park – Enjoy this festive event that celebrates Julefest in Solvang with dancers, live music and more. 

98 Degrees – 8 p.m. at the Chumash Casino – A special evening with 90’s pop and R&B band 98 Degrees. Tickets are available at www.chumashcasino.com. 

7

Julefest Parade – 11 a.m. in downtown Solvang – Keep the Julefest spirit going by enjoying the holiday parade that will go down Mission Drive back up Copenhagen Drive. To register to be in the parade visit. www.solvangjulefest.org. 

Free Nutrition and Diabetes Education – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at SYV Cottage Hospital – Making Sense of the Mediterranean Diet – Contact  Stacey Bailey directly at 805-694-2351. 

Santa’s Village – 12 – 4 p.m. at Solvang Park. Visit Santa and Mrs. Clause and enjoy face painting and gift wrapping. For more info visit www.solvangjulefest.org. 

Family School students made several gingerbread houses for the auction during Los Olivos’ Olde Fashioned Christmas.

Los Olivos Old Fashioned Christmas – 12 – 7 p.m. – Created for the entire family, there will be a variety of attractions for the kids and an abundance of Christmas shopping (and Christmas Cheer!) for the adults. The town tree lighting is in the middle of town at 6pm! Visit www.losolivosca.com for details. 

Wildling Holiday Family Day – 1 – 4 p.m. at the Wildling Museum – Beginning at 1 p.m., families are invited to stop by for a special meet and greet photo opportunity with the Wildling Snow Queen, courtesy of Parties and Paint by Kate, along with a polar bear. At 1:30 p.m. the Snow Queen will lead a winter-themed story time in the second floor Valley Oak gallery. Visit www.wildlingmuseum.org for more. 

Solvang Nativity Pageant – 5 – 8:30 p.m. at Solvang Festival Theater – also known as the “Christmas Story” comes to life in at the outdoor Solvang Festival Theater at 420 Second Street. Enjoy a choir, actors in traditional costumes, and live animals on stage. Visit www.solvangnativitypageant.com for tickets and more. 

7 & 8 

Fairy and Frog Open House – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 1607 Mission Dr. #109-110. Come for refreshments and enter the holiday raffle. Call 805-697-7869 for details. 

8

Buellton Winterfest – All day – This fun family experience starts with Breakfast with Santa from 9 – 11 a.m. at Buellton Rec Center; then visit the Holiday Village from 4 – 7 p.m. on Avenue of Flags for the vendor showcase an 20 tons of snow with the Tree Lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Visit www.buellton.org for more details. 

Photo contributed
Cookie and Peppermint will live temporarily near the Santa Barbara Zoo’s hilltop this holiday season until Jan. 1.

Snow Leopard Festival/Sledding at the Zoo – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the SB Zoo – A rare blizzard hits the Zoo with 80 tons of snow for sledding and snow play for this frosty fun family festival. Animals play in the snow while Santa poses for holiday photos. Visit www.sbzoo.org for details!

Christmas Tea – 2 – 4 p.m. at Old Mission Santa Ines. A traditional English afternoon tea to celebrate with old and new friends with a Christmas Boutique. Tickets are $45 adults, $40 for children 5+. Proceeds benefit the Mission projects. 

SYHS Baseball BBQ Dinner – 2 – 3:30 p.m. at the baseball field. With a $45 donation the dinner feeds 4 with tri-tip, salad, beans and bread to benefit the baseball program. For orders contact any player or coach or June at 805-448-2275. 

SYV Presbyterian Christmas Concert – 3 p.m. – The Blue Angels choir, accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra, will present a variety of favorite Christmas carols and anthems, with the SYHS Concert Choir as special guests. There will be the lighting of the Advent Candle and special Advent readings by the Morrow family,  and meet Mary and Joseph, see live animals, enjoy cookie decorating and crafts, plus a cakewalk. For more information contact the church at 805-688-6323.

Marshmallow Roast and Holiday Crafts – SYV Botanic Garden – weather permitting. Contact www.santaynezvalleybotanicgarden.org for details. 

11

Coffee with a Cop – 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Pony Espresso in Santa Ynez. 

Traditional Folk Songs – 4 – 5 p.m. at Solvang Library – Folksinger and autoharp virtuoso Miller is also a master of the art of storytelling, skillfully interweaving folksongs and the stories behind them. Free to attend. 

SYHS Music Concert – 7 – 9 p.m. at SYHS Little Theater – All are invited to listen to the SYHS Band and Choir Concert. 

12

Julefeast – 6 – 9 p.m. – Join this fun communal dining experience served under the stars and among the twinkle lights. Meals provided be Root 246, Ramen Kotori, First and Oak. Visit www.solvangjulefest.org for details and tickets. 

13

Saint Lucia Day – 6:30 p.m. – Join “Saint Lucia” dressed in all white with a red sash and crown of candles leading a procession of women to honor the third century martyr known for bringing food and aid. 

14

Free Nutrition and Diabetes Education – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at SYV Cottage Hospital – How to Read “Nutrition Facts” Labels – Contact  Stacey Bailey directly at 805-694-2351.

Winter Wreath Making – All day – SYV Botanic Garden – Make a beautiful holiday wreath – visit www.santaynezvalleybotanicgarden.org for details. 

Home Tours – All day – benefits the SYV Senior Citizens Foundation – tickets and information visit www.buelltonseniorcenter.org or call 805-708-4211. 

Santa’s Village – 12 – 4 p.m. at Solvang Park. Visit Santa and Mrs. Clause and enjoy face painting and gift wrapping. For more info visit www.solvangjulefest.org. 

SYV Chorale Christmas Around the World – 7:30 -9:30 p.m. at Solvang Veteran’s Hall – Purposely eclectic, the concert celebrates Christmas with beloved and familiar carols, forgotten classics and new, hauntingly beautiful fare. Tickets may be purchased at The Book Loft and El Rancho Market, from Chorale members, online at www.syvchorale.org or at the door.

14 & 15

Skal Wine and Stein Stroll – A two day wine and beer tasting throughout downtown Solvang with the annual Glogg competition. All attendees must be 21 and over, ID’s will be checked. Visit www.solvangjulefest.org for tickets and details. 

The Nutcracker at the Arlington – Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Arlington will take you on the magical adventure of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they journey through the stars to the Kingdom of Sweets. Visit thearlingtontheatre.com/schedule/eventdetail/640/-/santa-barbara-festival-ballet-presents-nutcracker-at-the-arlington for details. 

Continuing Events

Mondays

Yoga, 9 a.m.; Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; Arts and Crafts every third Monday; Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Preschool Storytime – 11 a.m. – Buellton Library – Bring your preschooler to story time to help get them ready to read!

Divorce Care Recovery Seminar and Support Group – 6:30-8:30 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy Library, 891 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; Louise Kolbert at 805-688-5171.

Tuesdays

Computer class, 9 a.m., Knitting, 9:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 11 a.m.; bridge and poker, 12:45 p.m.; Mah Jongg 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Preschool Story Time – 10:30 a.m. at Solvang Library. Bring your preschooler to story time to help get them ready to read!

Two-Step Dance Lessons – 6:30 p.m.; 8 p.m. – Industry Night and Karaoke Party. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.themavsaloon.com.

Pickle Ball – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec. $3 per drop in or passes available. Multiple courts, players of all skills welcome. 

Wednesdays

SYV We Support the Troops – 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers pack care packages on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. 805-245-4951.

Art Class, 9 a.m.; Book Club, 10 a.m. (call first); Bingo, 1 p.m.: Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Wiggly Storytime – 10:30 a.m. – Solvang Library – Short stories, songs, rhymes and activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. 

Knit and Crochet – 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Healing Hearts Support Group – 2-4 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, 1825 Alamo Pintado Road. Free. To R.S.V.P. call 805-693-0244.

Solvang Farmers Market – 2:30-6:30 p.m., First Street between Mission Drive and Copenhagen Drive, Solvang.

Crafternoons – 3:45-5:45 p.m. Arts Outreach, 2948 Nojoqui Ave. Suite 9, Los Olivos. $10/child; 805-688-9533.

Lindy Hop Lessons – 7:10 p.m. for Beginner, low impact and 8 p.m. for Intermediate level. Classes are taught by Hannah Rasby at the Solvang Vets Hall. Cost is $5 per class. 

Thursdays

Sideways Inn Local’s Night Specials – 5 p.m.- 8 p.m., 114 East Highway 246, Buellton; 805-691-8088.

Chair Exercises – 10 a.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; Mah Jongg, Noon; Basic Cartooning, 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793. 

Reading with Dogs – 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Solvang Library – Tail Waggin Tutors help young readers practice reading skills. 

Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley – Noon-2 p.m., Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center offers a support group for brain injury survivors and caregivers; www.jodihouse.org.

Pickle Ball – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec. $3 per drop in or passes available. Multiple courts, players of all skills welcome.

Fridays

Nutrition Classes – 11 a.m. – SYV Cottage Hospital Conference Room – Instruction Stacey Bailey is a dietician and offers weekly courses in various topics. For more information call 805-694-2351. Bring your lunch and talk nutrition. 

Tai Chi, 9:15 a.m.; Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.; Pilates – 10:15 a.m.; Ukulele 11:15 a.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Bingo – 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Saturdays

Cachuma Lake Nature Walk – 10-11:30 a.m.; 805-688-4515 or www.sbparks.org.

Junior Rangers Program – 12:30-1:30 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154. Children 3 and up; under 10 years must be accompanied by an adult. $3/person. Nature Center admission is free. Visit www.clnaturecenter.org.

World Folk Dance – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec – Ages 8 – adults, learn dances from Scandinavia, England, Scotland, Italy and more. Family fun and free. 

Sundays

Brunch at The Landsby – 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. – They now accept reservations on Open Table app for the dining room and Mad & Vin patio starting at 7.30 a.m. For more info visit www.thelandsby.com. 

Fri – Sun 

Danish Christmas Market – from Dec. 3 through Dec. 26, trees and buildings along Copenhagen Drive between Atterdag and Alisal Road will be awash in more than 100 high-output LED lights ebbing and flowing, chasing and playing in a choreographed experience along the newly branded Danish Christmas Market. 

Coming Up

Log onto www.cityofsolvang.com, www.buelltonrec.com or www.visitsyv.com to see a full schedule of programs and events that range from adult and youth sports to teen dances, field trips, excursions and more.

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Solvang businessman Bent Olsen got the conversation going in January to plant a live Christmas tree in Solvang Park for this year’s Julefest celebration.

His fundraising challenge came to fruition when a 20-year-old spruce tree from Oregon was placed in Solvang Park in October.

“Bent was instrumental in making this happen, and we are so thankful to all the businesses and locals who stepped up and donated to make this happen,” said John Martino, a board member of the Solvang Chamber of Commerce.

Martino noted that Alan Needham and his Valley Gardner crew spent many hours getting the planter ready for the tree and then installed an irrigation system so it will be well cared for.

“We have a new lighting system going in as well for the tree and the gazebo, which will be wonderful,” Martino said.

The 2019 Solvang Julefest will begin Nov. 30 and run through Jan. 3, 2020. Once again it will feature many components, including the interactive Nisse Adventure search, evening Candlelight Tours – with a VIP-level option – and free visits with Santa in Solvang Park, as well as the annual tree-lighting ceremony, Skål Wine and Stein Stroll, and Julefest Parade.

“We are honored that the Solvang City Council has decided to place their faith in us to steward such a joyous event forward through 2019. We are working diligently to ensure the Danish culture, heritage, and traditions are maintained and cultivated, while elevating Julefest to new and exciting heights,” said Scott Shuemake, president of IDK Events, the new producers of Julefest.

New this year is the celebration of Saint Lucia Day on Dec. 13; a Christmas Drone Show on Dec. 21, the only Southern California holiday drone show of its kind; a daytime countdown to the Danish New Year, with a simulcast of the party happening in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, on Dec. 31; and additions to Santa visits in Solvang Park.

Accompanying the traditionally free photos with Santa will be a photo opportunity in the Solvang Park Gazebo, a photographic setting for capturing “holiday moments.” Also in Solvang Park will be a new play area in the form of “Santa’s Lade” (Santa’s Barn), a children’s winter wonderland featuring snow and live animals.

The 2019 Solvang Julefest is produced by the City of Solvang (www.CityofSolvang.com) in partnership with Northern California-based IDK Events (www.idkevents.com).

More information is available at www.SolvangJulefest.org, with direct links to ticketing for the paid portions of the holiday happenings. Event updates will also be posted to the Solvang Julefest Instagram and Facebook accounts: @SolvangJulefest and facebook.com/solvangjulefestival.

Solvang Julefest 2019-20

Tentative Schedule

Saturdays (Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21) 

Santa’s Village in Solvang Park – Free visits and Santa photos opportunities for the whole family, in Solvang Park. First come, first seated with the Mr. Claus. Noon to 7 p.m.

New this year is Santa’s Lade (Santa’s Barn), a paid-admission ($5) play area that includes snow and live animals.

Nov. 30 – Jan. 3

Nisse Adventure – Kids of all ages are invited to explore Solvang while trying to find 12 Danish Christmas elves known as Jule Nisse (pronounced ‘Yule Nee-suh’), each about 16 inches tall, during this festive scavenger hunt. Stop by the Solvang Visitor Center at 1639 Copenhagen Drive between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily to pick up a free “Nisse Adventure” map that provides clues to the elves’ whereabouts.

Take a picture of all 12 Jule Nisse on a smart phone or camera, then return to the Visitor Center to show the attendants your results and to receive a prize.

Sundays (Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) 

Candlelight Walking Tours – Free, 60-minute guided tours depart from the Solvang Park Gazebo, Mission Drive at First Street, at 5 p.m. A costumed tour guide will provide guests with a souvenir, battery-powered LED candle, and will then share Solvang’s history and fun facts while strolling and caroling along village sidewalks.

Also planned, with the date to be announced, is a VIP version of the tour that will conclude with a private meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, hot cocoa and cookies at Hotel Corque. Tickets are $25 per person (children under the age of 2 are free), with a limit of 25 guests. Purchase tickets at www.SolvangJulefest.org.

Friday, Dec. 6 

5:00 PM-6:30 PM: Annual Tree Lighting in Solvang Park, 5 to 6:30 p.m., including entertainment by local bands, choirs and caroling culminating in a ballet routine by ballerinas from Fossemalle Dance Studio and the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Julefest Parade at 11 a.m. with more than 400 participants and more than 50 entries of floats dancers, musical groups, vintage vehicles, horses, carriages and other live animals, with Mr. and Mrs. Claus bringing up the rear of the holiday procession.

The parade originates at Solvang Veterans Hall (1745 Mission Drive), travels west on Mission Drive, turns left onto Fourth Place, turns east on Copenhagen Drive, and ends on Alisal Road near the Solvang Post Office.

To submit a free parade entry application, visit register.solvangjulefest.org.

Friday, Dec. 13

Saint Lucia Day – A new event, at 6:30 p.m., the celebration of Saint Lucia Day will include a lighted, evening children’s parade through town, led by the symbolic “Saint Lucia,” a young woman chosen to portray the special saint. Illuminated floats and parade entries will follow. To submit a free parade entry application, visit www.SolvangJulefest.org.

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 14-15

Skål Wine & Stein Stroll – A passport event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the stroll features tastings at more than a dozen wine and beer tasting rooms. Guests will also judge tasting venues as they uncork their respective takes on a traditional gløgg (mulled red wine) for the holidays.

Tickets are $45 per person for the two-day, adult-only passport or $25 per person for one day. Purchase tickets at www.SolvangJulefest.org.

Saturday, Dec. 21

Christmas Drone Show – A new event, a nighttime lights spectacular, the drone show will be viewable five miles in all directions from the fields of Old Mission Santa Inés. Limited VIP grandstand viewing will be available for purchase. (The rain date is Sunday, Dec. 22.)

Tuesday, Dec. 31

Countdown to Danish New Year in Solvang Park – Another new event, this is a family-friendly, daytime New Year’s Eve celebration from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. At 3 p.m. Pacific time, the crowd will count down to the Danish New Year while enjoying a simulcast of the New Year’s Eve events taking place in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens.

Friday, Jan. 3

Christmas Tree Burn and Fire Safety Demonstration –Held in the fields of Old Mission Santa Inés from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, the Tree Burn is one of the largest fire safety demonstrations and community gatherings on the Central Coast. Coordinated by Solvang Parks & Recreation, the Tree Burn will include free, live entertainment and refreshments for purchase.

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Local churches and the Rotary Club of the Santa Ynez Valley made sure the holiday season was celebrated festively at the Buellton Senior Center

On Nov. 21 and Dec. 19, the monthly “Mandate” Dinner was transformed into a luncheon enjoyed by a full house of appreciative people and served by enthusiastic church youth group members of all ages. Three local churches hosted these luncheons: Valley Christian Fellowship, the SYV Presbyterian Church, and St. Mark’s in the Valley.

At the end of the Dec. 19 luncheon Christmas carols were sung, which put everyone into a holiday mood. As attendees were leaving, they were presented with a beautiful bag full of sweet treats such as chocolate Santas, marshmallow snowmen, candy canes and hot chocolate mix plus holiday mugs, pot holders & kitchen towels.

In between the two Mandate Holiday lunches was the monthly Senior Dinner on Nov. 27, hosted by the Rotary Club of the Santa Ynez Valley. This club began 60 years ago and is the oldest Rotary Club in the valley. Their motto is “Service over Self,” and the club members at this dinner put that motto into action, as Jim Vreeland and Gary Schoen prepped a tasty dinner prepared by Ryan Morrell’s Catering.

Club members serving were Jackie Vreeland, Richard Barca, Greg and Jackie Pensa, Karen Brown, Kelly and Dave Hunziker, and Julia Schoen. Also helping with the event were center staffers Wanda Nelson, Linda Linton, Jim Nichols, Gracie Love and Executive Director Pam Gnekow, and board member Bernice Small.

The post Churches, Rotary help seniors celebrate holidays appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.