The many ways to celebrate Solvang’s Julefest

By Zachary Rosen

Everywhere you go during Julefest, you’re sure to spot Christmas trees!

Solvang’s selection of Danish-themed stores and culture brings in throngs of tourists throughout the year. However, it’s during the holidays that this town really shines. The city’s annual Julefest (pronounced “yule-fest”) is a month-long holiday celebration where the downtown area and distinctive shops dress up in twinkling lights and Christmas décor. Festive events are held throughout the city, bringing even more charm to this already adorable town.

In response to the pandemic last year, Julefest was hosted virtually along with a range of safe public events for those visiting in person. As public events are becoming more common, hopefully the city will be able to bring the event back in full. With visitors having varying levels of safety concerns, this upcoming Julefest will feature a variety of events that will cater to different comfort levels of public interaction. While this year’s activities are still being finalized, the 2021 Julefest will be a combination of their traditional events like a holiday parade and Santa’s Village, and those that are more socially-distanced such as themed photo-op spots dotted throughout town. Visitors last year even caught a glimpse of the Danish gnome, Nisse (appropriately named for the word ‘gnome’ in Danish).

The Taste of Solvang holiday gift box introduced in 2020 is filled with goodies, local wines, and artisan wares from Solvang’s characteristic stores. It is perfect for those who would like to enjoy the spirit of Solvang from the comfort and safety of home, or are looking to give a unique gift this holiday season.

Up for a visit? The Jule House brings the holiday spirit throughout the year with their collection of Old European Christmas ornaments, nutcrackers, collectibles, and elaborate holiday decor. The Spice Merchant, located in downtown Solvang, features an extensive selection of premium, exotic spices from around the world. The Copenhagen House is one of the few stores in the state that sells exclusively Danish imports. The

Photo by Central Coast Pictures / SolvangUSA.com

Photo by Central Coast Pictures / SolvangUSA.com

Elaborate light displays perfect a festive walk through downtown.

Cuter than a gingerbread house? You decide!

Photo by Central Coast Pictures / SolvangUSA.com

stylish shop offers Danish designs with a modern flare, covering everything from furniture and housewares to jewelry and clothing. During the celebration, the area’s local wineries such as Casa Cassara, Lions Peak Vineyard, and Dana V. Wines are festive spots for an evening toast. Cafe Dolce provides some more family friendly beverages, or just a caffeine boost if you’re in need of a holiday shopping pick-me-up.

A Christmas celebration wouldn’t be complete without a parade, and Julefest is a chance for the whole city to celebrate with holiday floats and merriment. Tourists and townsfolk alike line the downtown promenade to join the revelry and enjoy the sights. One of the signature events is the Candlelight Tour, where guests are guided throughout the illuminated town by a docent, ending with a visit to Santa’s Village for cookies and hot cocoa. This festive space hosts the man himself as well as other activities like gift wrapping stations and photo opportunities.

In 2019, organizers introduced a synchronized drone lightshow that has since become one of their most popular events. The nighttime show features more than 100 autonomous illuminated drones forming Christmas motifs and themes set to choreographed music. There are areas around town where the show is visible for free. However, there is a ticketed grandstand area to see and hear it from the ideal vantage point, and a VIP experience available with a still better view and a visit with the drone pilots. Families can come out with hot cocoa in hand and enjoy this concerted display of dazzling lights.

Whether it is a visit with Santa, enjoying one of the holiday gift boxes, or just strolling the decorated streets at night, there are many ways to celebrate Julefest and experience the Danish heritage and culture of Solvang.

Photos by Liz Dodder, CaliCoastWineCountry.com.

LOS OLIVOS FALL FAMILY FUN THIS OCTOBER 2021

Experience a Day in the Country in Los Olivos on October 16, 2021 from 10am - 5pm. Join us in this fun Los Olivos tradition of celebrating our quaint country town. We’ll celebrate with an early morning 5k & Fun Run, small town parade (with square dancers!), 100 vendor booths, beer garden, live music, food trucks and Wine Roundup throughout town at our award-winning wineries. Also on October 16 is the NatureTrack Film Festival: Igniting Passion for Nature Through Film! This all-nature related fi lm festival is ready for everyone to enjoy in a hybrid way: in-person on October 16 at St. Mark’s-inthe-Valley church, and continues online for two weeks to view the award-winning fi lms from the fi rst three years combined with new, carefully curated, documentaries. This special day is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy country living the way it used to be in simpler times. Day in the Country Schedule: 7am - NatureTrack 5K & Fun Run

10am - Small town parade 10am - Vintage Tractors & Cars 10am - 100 Vendor Booths

11am - Beer Garden at the park 11am - Wine Roundup throughout town 11am - Live Music & Food Trucks! And don’t miss our Scarecrow Festival October 1-31!

Walk around town to see all the scarecrows, and vote for your favorite. You’ll see scary ones, humorous ones, all-natural plus scarecrows that depict our businesses.

For more information visit

Experience today’s west in the Township west in the Township of Santa Ynez.

Photo by Lauren Maeve Photography

Find everything from a cup of coffee to a custom-made western hat in this small western inspired township. Boutiques, fine dining, supply stores and the Santa Ynez Historical Museum with authentic stagecoaches and more to inspire your weekend visit Follow us on Facebook Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce or Instagram #sychamber52 Fall 2021 california101guide.com

A rustic, modern coff ee house in the center of Santa Ynez. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Coff ee with an Italian fl air. Breakfast and lunch plus novel specials daily.

Pony Espresso 3558 Sagunto St., A Santa Ynez, California 93460 805-691-9187 pony-espresso-106136.square.site

Forever Posh is that sweet little boutique you discover off the beaten path while on vacation. Forever Posh carries fabulous & fun apparel lines such as Lisa Todd, Label & Thread, Drew Clothing as well as the popular “luxe & lounge-wear PJ Salvage. Also sparkling throughout the boutique is the pretty one-of-a-kind jewelry by Ian Renee Jewelry, a local designer here in Santa Ynez. So pop on over to this little treasure of a boutique located in the quaint town of Santa Ynez. Parking on Madera Street. 3583 Numancia St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460 (805) 688-1444