December 18-31, 2018
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The valley celebrates Christmas in style Santa stays busy as towns provide tree lightings, performances and plenty of snow Staff Report
The elves in his workshop must work well without supervision, because Santa Claus was everywhere in the Santa Ynez Valley this month as Buellton, Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez held their annual Christmas 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. Los Olivos By Pamela Dozois Wind and cold rain threatened the 34th annual Los Olivos Old Fashioned Christmas and the 100th anniversary of its community flagpole but couldn’t stop throngs of residents and visitors from attending. More than 1,000 people attended the daylong festivities on Dec. 1, culminating in a tree lighting just after dark. “This is such a lovely local event, bringing family and friends together to welcome in the Christmas season,” said Rosalie and Allen Ramirez, long-time residents of Los Olivos. “We look forward to it every year.” The event opened with a Holiday Market in which more than 20 vendors and their booths withstood the gusty winds to display unique handcrafted goods. The aroma of hot popcorn and Hyndman’s roasted walnuts wafted through the air. The Los Olivos Rotary kept the chill at bay with free hot chocolate, hot cider and cookies. Arne’s Aebleskiver served
Danish delicacies while food trucks offered a variety of hot dogs by The Doggy Door and tacos by California Tacos and First & Oak Kitchen. Carolers led by Kate and Brooks Firestone strolled the streets singing traditional Christmas tunes. Businesses, dressed in holiday style with twinkling lights, held open houses. Children could take part in an elf hunt throughout town, with Christmas treats as prizes. Summerset Farm offered vintage train rides throughout the day and evening. For the sixth year, St. Mark’s In-the-Valley Episcopal Church hosted the Gingerbread Wonderland built by local artisans and school children. Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand in the parlor to greet the guests and hear the many Christmas wishes of the little children. A festively decorated Lavinia Campbell Park featured Elsa from “Frozen” along with one of Santa’s elves, which children gleefully enjoyed throughout the afternoon. As the hour for the Tree Lighting ceremony approached, crowds of people gathered near the flag pole to hear the Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band, under the direction of Kay Dominguez, perform traditional Christmas music. With all the lights in Los Olivos turned off, a countdown began. With the lighting of the Christmas tree, a thunderous cheer erupted. “I think this is the most lights I’ve ever seen on the tree,” one resident said. Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas is produced by the Los Olivos Chamber of Commerce, an all-volunteer organization, led by President Sandee Sanger and Executive Director Liz Dodder.
evening made their way to Santa Ynez on Dec. 1 for an evening of friends, music and treats at the town’s annual tree-lighting event. “We went to the Santa Ynez tree Lighting because we knew it would be an CHRISTMAS CONTINUES ON PAGE 7
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Santa Ynez By Victoria Martinez People looking for a small-town Christmas experience away from the larger crowds and light sprinkles of the
El Rancho Market
Happyys Holfriodma The Heart of the Santa Ynez Valley 2886 Mission Drive • Solvang • 805-688 4300 elranchomarket.com
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