If you think Solvang, a.k.a. “The Danish Capital of America,” is already Christmassy most of the year, then just wait until you see it during Julefest. The 2024 Solvang Christmas celebration is a month-long winter escape where the quaint hamlet is filled with twinkling lights, traditional ornaments, seasonal treats, and other holiday delights.
And we’re not the only ones who think Solvang is a Christmas paradise — Solvang was recently named the second best Christmas town in the entire United States, according to this new study from Newsweek. Lucky for us, it’ll be open in a few short weeks.
Julefest kicks off on Nov. 29, 2024, and you can enjoy the Christmas festivities through the Jan. 5, 2025. It’s worth planning a trip soon so you can take full advantage of the Solvang Christmas light tours, light and music shows, Nisser adventure, and more.
Solvang Julefest 2024 event dates
- Dec. 6, 2024 (5:30pm) – Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring ballerinas, caroling, and a park-wide light show.
- Dec. 7, 2024 (11am) – Solvang Julefest Parade with 50+ contingents including a marching band, horses, and Santa himself.
- Dec. 4, 11, and 18, 2024 (3-7pm) – Maker’s Market with open-air booths by local artisans.
- Dec. 7, 14, and 21, 2024 (4-7pm) – Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers will roam downtown Solvang and give delightful performances.
- Dec. 31, 2024 (2-4pm) – Copenhagen Countdown where you’ll countdown to 2025 with live music and entertainment in a European-style celebration.
- Jan 10, 2024 (5pm) – Solvang Christmas Tree Burn, a fire safety demonstration by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
At Solvang Julefest, visitors will enjoy a number of delightful activities and spectacles in an alluring Scandinavian setting. Hop on the Solvang Trolley for an entertaining Christmas light tour, or snag a spot on the coveted Candlelight tours led by costumed guides. Santa’s Village will also be kicking through Christmas so can get some pictures with the big man himself.
Head to Solvang Park for a synchronized light and music show every day at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm. The 10-minute show alternates between two different variations and is an essential stop on your visit.
Finally, Julefest is hosting the family-friendly Nisser Adventure daily. Join a city-wide hunt for Solvang’s mischievous Nisser (Danish for “gnome”), who have hidden themselves throughout the downtown area. Once you’ve found them, head to the Visitor Center for a special prize to take home.
After all this merriment you may find yourself a little peckish, and you’ll be drawn to the array of cheeses, cured meats, and pastries throughout Solvang. You’ll basically eat your way through the town, stopping at the most iconic places like Cailloux Cheese Shop, Bit O Denmark, Crawford Family Wines, and Olsen’s Bakery for bites and sips all through the new year.
Don’t stress if you can’t make it to Julefest before Christmas, because some activities will last a little while longer. Get in touch with Solvang’s paranormal side on The Haunt’s Solvang Christmas Ghost Tour, or visit on a Wednesday to check out the weekly farmers market.
After a day of Danish holiday cheer, most will agree that you can’t do much better than a Solvang Christmas. So grab your loved ones, have fun, and glædelig Julfest!
Written by Ashlyn Davis and Jamie Ferrell