Julefest & Kultur: Solvang Museum Crawl

New to this year’s Solvang Julefest is a Saturday, December 12, “Julefest & Kultur ~ Solvang Museum Crawl,” a first for Solvang. Four of the city’s unique museums will be offering holiday extras and distinctive experiences for guests who make their way to each of the museums.

Items such as food or beverages may be available for purchase.

Visitors to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum during the December 12 Museum Crawl may meet Elsa from Disney’s Frozen; Elsa will be at the museum for a meet and greet from 11:00 AM-12:00 Noon, with story time at 11:15 AM. Located above The Book Loft, Solvang’s Hans Christian Andersen Museum is dedicated to Denmark’s most famous literary figure, having written more than 150 beloved fairy tales that continue to be told around the world. The museum holds exhibits about Andersen’s life, loves, travel, art, and legacy. Solvang’s Elverhøj Museum of History and Art will also participate in the Julefest & Kultur Crawl with family-friendly activities and activations such as three different scavenger hunts, child-friendly axe throwing, Danish corn hole, a Viking Rune activity, and a Viking Selfie Station. Traditional Danish Christmas crafts will be offered for all ages, Jul treats will be available, and guests are welcome to bring a picnic and relax on the Museum’s verdant rear lawn. Open 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, visitors may also explore Solvang’s history and discover the whimsical art of beloved Danish artist Bjørn Wiinblad, including some of his Julefest works on exhibit in the gallery.

California Nature Art Museum (“CalNAM”), also home to the Thomas Dambo troll, Lulu Hyggelig, will host hands-on crafts alongside its gallery exhibits that inspire a love of nature through art and education. During the “Crawl,” the Museum will also feature The S’mores Cart with treats for purchase (3:00 PM-5:00 PM), and tunes by Santa Barbara’s DJ Darla Bea (1:00 PM-4:00 PM). The Solvang Viking Museum will educate with history of the Viking Yulefest, in addition to its exhibits about the Viking discovery of America, Norse mythology, runestones, Viking ship building, and much more. Children ages 8-12 who visit during the Julefest & Kultur Crawl will receive a Thor’s Hammer Necklace when they participate in a special kids’ Viking “quiz.”