As part of our Road Trippin’ series, we thought we would turn our thoughts toward the approaching holidays.  You know they will be here before you know it.  So, it wouldn’t hurt to start thinking of some places to visit that will help bring on the holiday cheer...starting in the Santa Inez valley. 

 

It’s probably a safe bet that nearly everyone in Seven Oaks has visited Solvang – the Danish Capital of America – a time or two, me included.  I’ve been going there since I was very young (and no, I’m not doing the math for you). 

 

We’ve all strolled down Copenhagen Drive and the many side streets, seemingly tasting our way through this cute little town, munching on Aebleskivers, Danish pastries, and tasting regional wines, and even craft beers at the breweries in the area.   You can literally drink, dine, and explore their boutique shops like a Dane without ever leaving the California sunshine.  

 

Since my daughter and her husband live nearby in Ventura, Solvang makes for a great location to escape the heat of Bakersfield and meet up for some wine tasting and relaxation.   

 

If you are adventurous enough, there’s plenty of reason to explore outside the actual city of Solvang. One of my good friends, Hassan, has encouraged me to trek over to the Lompoc area and try out a few of his favorite wineries, like Sea Smoke Cellars, The Hilt, and Domaine de la Cote.  I know, Lompoc?!  Who knew? But these are definitely next up on my bucket list to stop and try in the area. 

 

Closer to Solvang are plenty of wineries in the Santa Inez Valley, including in charming, little Los Olivos, once a stagecoach stop in the 1800s, but now a favorite destination for visitors and known for its laid-back elegance, historic architecture, and world-class wine tasting rooms.  We’ve even met at Saarloos and Sons Winery for a unique and interesting wine and cupcake pairing, where I discovered that Rosé wines have come a long way. 

 

Anywho...back to Solvang, the actual subject of this story.  During the holiday season, Solvang gets all dressed up for Julefest, a month-long holiday celebration, Danish Style.  This year, the festival begins on November 28th and runs through January 4th in the new year. 

 

 

On Friday, December 5th, festivities will kick off with a magical Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by nightly light-and-music shows in Solvang Park.  I stumbled upon this part of the festivities last year, where every evening at 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 pm, the tree and village come alive with synchronized lights and seasonal music—a perfect backdrop for a warm cup of cocoa and lots of holiday cheer. 

Celebrate this year’s Julefest Parade on Saturday, December 6th, as parade floats and entries like marching bands, horses, and more travel along the village streets beginning at 11:00am. You’ll experience 400+ participants and 50+ contingents as they stroll and cruise down Solvang’s main avenues.  

 

Weekends bring a cozy Maker’s Market in the park—think handcrafted Danish goodies and festive gifts. “Christmas Matters” carolers serenade the crowd, lending an air of old-world charm, while local artisans, food stalls, and wine bars add to that Central Coast flair.  This is a mid-week event, but if you’re in the area on several Wednesdays in December (3rd, 10th, & 17th), you’re in luck. 

 

There’s even more caroling on November 29th, December 6th, 13th, & 20th (all Saturdays), where you can stoke up your Christmas spirit to the delightful performances of the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers as these talented singers fill the air with holiday tunes while roaming the quaint Danish downtown.  

 

And, of course, no trip to Solvang would be complete without wandering through the many stores & boutique shops along the Christmas tree-lined sidewalks of this town. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with plenty of unique gift-giving options.  The one exception is Jule Hus, the unofficial “Christmas store” of Solvang.  It was wall-to-wall full of tourists buying seemingly everything in sight.  Must be hard being this store. 

 

Solvang’s Julefest blends cherished community traditions, Danish-inspired whimsy, and California’s laid-back hospitality. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine amid carolers, hunting for artisan gifts, or warming up by flames lighting up the winter night, every moment feels like a story waiting to be told. Yours.  Make plans to visit this holiday season.