2013 Solvang Julefest Celebration Highlights

Time Magazine’s “Most Christmas-y Town in America” will sparkle with more festivities of the delicious variety during Solvang’s annual Julefest (Yule-Fest). The beloved event will feature two new events— an Ice Skating Rink in the Town Center from December 6th through 8th and the Inaugural SmoresFest on December 14th; in addition there will be the popular Tree-Lighting Ceremony in Solvang Park, Solvang Christmas Parade, Nativity Pageant, Holiday Wine Walk, open houses at local retailers, special concerts and more taking place throughout the season. Downtown Solvang will twinkle with thousands of sparkling white lights, creating a gorgeous scene that earned the beloved town its title. Most events are open to the public with free admission, with the exception of Solvang on Ice, S’moresFest, and the Holiday Wine Walks.

Highlights of the 2013 Julefest include:

Sunday, December 1 to Saturday, December 31, 2013

City-Wide Christmas Tree Display creates a kaleidoscope of decorated foliage at 100 businesses throughout town.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Practice your triple axels and join us in Solvang Park daily from December 6th-8th and experience Solvang on Ice under the gorgeous lights of the Julefest celebration! Tickets will be available for sale on October 1st, and all sessions will be reserved via ticketing. The rink will operate daily with the first session at 9 am, and last session at 9pm. Tickets are priced at $9 for children 12 and under, and $12 for children 13 and up. Ticket includes skate time, and ice skates.

Solvang sparkles with the annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony of the city’s 50 foot evergreen in Solvang Park (Mission Drive & First Street). Starting at 5pm, enjoy free live entertainment with dancers, bands, caroling and the arrival of Santa Claus!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

The annual Julefest Parade begins at 11am. Entries include Danish dancers, musical groups, vintage vehicles, horses, carriages and animals. The parade originates at Old Mission Santa Ines (1760 Mission Drive), travels west on Mission Drive (Highway 246), turns left on Fourth Place, turns left on Copenhagen Drive, and ends on Alisal Road at the Post Office. Santa Claus will be available for visits and photos in Solvang Park post-parade.

Saturday, December 14, 2011

The “Christmas Story” comes to life in the Nativity Pageant at the outdoor Solvang Festival Theater (420 Second Street). Enjoy a choir, actors in traditional costumes, and live animals on stage. There are two FREE performances at 5pm and 7pm, with seating on a first come, first entertained basis. (In the unlikely event of rain, performances will be held at an alternate location).

S’moresFest is brand new to the Julefest line-up, and promises a sweet time! Solvang Park in Downtown Solvang will transfer into a veritable candy land; as attendees will be able to roast their own marshmallows, and create their own tasty customized S’more from a selection of locally produced candy and baked goods. An Abelskiver S’more? That may just happen! Attendees will be treated to hot chocolate, and rockin’ holiday music; Tickets are available for sale beginning October 1st, and are priced at $10 prior to event day, and $15 at the door. Ticket includes 2 S’mores, hot chocolate, and entertainment.

Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th

Solvang Holiday Wine About features 13 wine tasting rooms hosting a wine tasting walk throughout the village from 11am-4pm each day. Tickets available for $40 per person for the 2-day pass include a souvenir wine glass.

Friday, January 10, 2014 PLEASE NOTE CORRECTED DATE

Solvang’s Annual Christmas Tree Burn, starting at 6pm in the fields of Old Mission Santa Inés, 1760 Mission Drive; is supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department as one of the largest fire safety demonstrations and community gatherings on California’s Central Coast. All area residents are invited to bring their tree (stands & ornaments must be removed) to the burn pile between January 6-10, 2014; and then join together to see this powerful spectacle ignite the New Year and herald the end of Solvang’s Julefest Celebration.