December 3
Farmers Market + Julefest Maker’s Market
Visit the Solvang Farmers Market (2:30–6 PM) featuring fresh local produce and artisanal goods, then visit the Julefest Maker’s Market at Solvang Park (3–7 PM) where crafters, one-of-a-kind gifts, and seasonal treats await.
December 4
Santa Ynez Tree Lighting
From 4–6 PM in downtown Santa Ynez, enjoy live music, dancers, Santa’s visit, and seasonal fun for kids—all set around the glowing lights beneath the evening sky. Best of all, it’s completely free and open to all.
December 5
Solvang Tree Lighting
The Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony marks the start of Solvang’s holiday season at 5 PM in Solvang Park. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature the SYV Wind Ensemble from 5–5:30 PM, accompanied by ballerinas around the Christmas tree and other live entertainment, culminating at approximately 6:30 PM, followed by a park-wide light show.
Holiday Lights Festival at the SYV Botanical Garden
Wander through a half-acre of illuminated beauty, meet Santa, enjoy local food, wine, and music, and embrace the season’s magic beneath the stars at River View Park. Tickets are available for select dates and times between 5:30 and 8:30 PM.
December 6
Solvang Julefest Parade
Celebrate this year’s Julefest as parade floats and entries travel along the village streets on this Saturday morning, beginning at 11 AM. Marching bands, horses, and more! Catch 400+ participants as they stroll down Solvang’s main avenues.
Photos with Santa at Santa’s Village
Open 12-4 PM in Solvang Park. Come on out & meet Mr. Claus with your Christmas list ready! *Event is rain or shine.
Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas
Celebrate in downtown Los Olivos starting around 4 PM, where the village will sparkle with holiday lights, live music, roasted walnuts, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, and free photos with Santa. The evening peaks with a joyful tree‐lighting around 7 PM at the center of town—a festive tradition that brings joy to all ages.
Holiday Carolers
Downtown Solvang on Saturdays leading up to Christmas with performances by the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers! Performance times 5–8 PM. *Weather permitting.
Future Perfect Holiday Sip & Shop
Pop by 3–5 PM at the tasting room for a mini-market and wine specials—perfect pre-tree-lighting shopping.
Holiday Lights Festival at the SYV Botanical Garden
Tickets available for select dates and times between 5:30 and 8:30 PM.
December 7
Breakfast with Santa at Buellton Rec
2 options available for this event; reservations are required. The first seating is from 9-10 AM, and the second is from 10:30-11:30 AM. Tickets are available through the Buellton Rec website.
Photos with Santa at Santa’s Village
Open 12-4 PM in Solvang Park. *Event is rain or shine.
Holiday Village at River View Park
Enjoy 20 tons of snow, vendors, music, beer & wine, and the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 5:30 PM. This is a free event!
Elverhoj Christmas Party
Celebrate the season Danish-style at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art. This annual gathering invites museum members and friends to enjoy festive refreshments, holiday cheer, and community spirit surrounded by Solvang’s rich cultural heritage.
Holiday Lights Festival at the SYV Botanical Garden
Tickets available for select dates and times between 5:30 and 8:30 PM.
December 10
Julefest Maker’s Market + Solvang Farmer’s Market
Visit the Solvang Farmers Market (2:30–6 PM), then visit the Julefest Maker’s Market at Solvang Park (3–7 PM) where crafters, one-of-a-kind gifts, seasonal treats await.
December 12
Holiday Lights Festival at the SYV Botanical Garden
Tickets available for select dates and times between 5:30 and 8:30 PM.
December 13
Photos with Santa at Santa’s Village
Open 12-4 PM in Solvang Park. *Event is rain or shine.
Holiday Lights Festival at the SYV Botanical Garden
Tickets available for select dates and times between 5:30 and 8:30 PM.
Holiday Carolers
Performance times 5–8 PM. *Weather permitting.
Solvang Holiday Market
Shop artisan goods, festive treats, and handcrafted gifts from 10–5 PM at 1693 Mission Drive.
December 14
Photos with Santa at Santa’s Village
Open 12-4 PM in Solvang Park. *Event is rain or shine.
Holiday Lights Festival at the SYV Botanical Garden
Tickets are available for select dates and times between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM.
December 17
Farmers Market + Julefest Maker’s Market
Visit the Solvang Farmers Market (2:30–6 PM), then visit the Julefest Maker’s Market at Solvang Park (3–7 PM) where crafters, one-of-a-kind gifts, seasonal treats await.
December 19
Holiday Lights Festival at the SYV Botanical Garden
Tickets available for select dates and times between 5:30 and 8:30 PM.
December 20
Photos with Santa at Santa’s Village
Open 12-4 PM in Solvang Park. *Event is rain or shine.
Holiday Lights Festival at the SYV Botanical Garden
Tickets available for select dates and times between 5:30 and 8:30 PM.
Holiday Carolers
Performance times 5–8 PM. *Weather permitting.
Solvang Holiday Market
Shop artisan goods, festive treats, and handcrafted gifts from 10–5 PM at 1693 Mission Drive.
December 21
Photos with Santa at Santa’s Village
Open 12-4 PM in Solvang Park. *Event is rain or shine.
Holiday Lights Festival at the SYV Botanical Garden
Tickets available for select dates and times between 5:30 and 8:30 PM.
December 31
Copenhagen Countdown
A festive celebration featuring the Molly Ringwald Project, performing from 2-4 PM in Solvang Park. Ring in the New Year alongside Denmark at 3 PM with this European-style countdown. Enjoy delicious festive foods along with a beer, wine, and spirits garden. This is a family-friendly event. *Weather permitting.