Solvang Christmas 2024-2025 in California

For those who love the cozy warmth of hygge, Solvang Christmas—also known as Julefest—offers the perfect celebration. This Danish-inspired, month-long festival transforms Solvang, dubbed “The Danish Capital of America” or “Most Christmassy Towns in America,” into a magical holiday destination. It is filled with fun events and offers everyone to enjoy a true hygge Christmas in California.

Celebration Highlights

Usually, the celebration lasts from late November to early January and turns the city into a winter paradise full of twinkling lights. One of the main Julefest events is the Tree Lighting Ceremony, held at Solvang Park. This year, it will take place on December 6. The ceremony includes live entertainment, ballet, and caroling. The beginning is at 5:30 pm.

Solvang Julefest Parade

The Julefest Parade is another highly anticipated event, winding through Alisal Road, Copenhagen Drive, and nearby streets with over 400 participants. On December 7, starting at 11 am, join the celebration as parade floats, marching bands, horses, and more make their way through the village streets.

Activities

Among others, don’t miss one more ongoing event, which is called Nisser Adventure—the city-wide hunt for the mischievous Solvang Nisser (Danish for “gnome”). You have to participate in it while visiting Solvang Christmas to enjoy this event to the fullest. Plus, you can try Candlelight Tours and travel up and down the streets of Solvang while singing carols and learning Danish traditions. And, of course, Julefest has a market called Maker’s Market. There, you can find handcrafted gifts and goods made by talented artisans. This open-air Christmas market operates in Solvang Park from 3 pm to 7 pm on December 4, 11, and 18. Santa’s Village will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm leading up to Christmas Day.

Christmas Tree Burn

The Solvang Tree Burn is a dramatic fire safety demonstration marking the close of the Solvang Julefest celebration and the start of the New Year. Supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, it stands as one of the largest fire safety demonstrations on the Central Coast of California. The 2025 Tree Burn is set for January 10 at 5 pm, weather permitting.