Nicknamed the “Danish capital of America”, the small town of Solvang is charming year-round. Set in the heart of California’s Santa Ynez Valley wine region, the town’s European-style architecture transports visitors straight to Denmark, albeit a warmer, sunnier version. But it’s at Christmastime that Solvang truly sparkles, when the annual Julefest brings a festive Danish flair to the season.
The town was founded in the early-20th-century by Danish immigrants, and showcases its history in its Danish medieval-style façades. The streets are lined with timber-clad buildings painted in cheerful colors, now housing cozy bakeries, tasting rooms, and independent boutiques. Several Scandinavian-style windmills dotted around town add to Solvang’s charm.
Solvang is an easy weekend escape for many Californians, just a 40-minute drive from beautiful Santa Barbara or two hours from Los Angeles. Though most visitors will arrive in Solvang by car, we recommend you park and explore town on-foot. Solvang is compact and walkable, making it feel even more European.
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Discovering Solvang at Christmas
Street scene with restaurant and Christmas tree in Solvang – HannaTor/Shutterstock
Solvang goes all out during the festive season. Along the main roads, trees are illuminated, and buildings glow with fairy lights. Many have their own gorgeously decorated trees outside, and simply wandering downtown will put you firmly in the Christmas mood. As you stroll, stop in at one of the many bakeries for a sweet treat. Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery and the easy-to-remember Solvang Bakery are particularly popular. While Danish pastries are always a safe and tasty bet, the almond kringles get especially enthusiastic shout-outs at both places.
Julefest is a don’t-miss event running throughout December, and there’s always something going on. Visit on or after the first weekend in December, when the tree-lighting ceremony takes place. That same weekend sees the Julefest parade, with over 50 floats (one of which carries Santa), and a Nordic Noel theme in 2025. Saturdays see carolers singing all around town, and you can join tours, morning and evening, with a guide dressed in traditional Danish clothing.
If you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs, the Makers Market takes place on Wednesdays in December, and conjures up the atmosphere of Europe’s Christmas markets. If you miss the market, don’t worry! Jule Hus is a dedicated Christmas store that’s open year-round. It’s packed full of beautiful ornaments, nutcrackers, nativity scenes, and more, all at reasonable prices.
More to do in Solvang
Green vineyard with hills behind – Ron And Patty Thomas/Getty Images
Many of Solvang’s best activities revolve around eating and drinking. The centrally located Solvang Restaurant serves hearty Danish-style cuisine, including meatballs, sausages, and Viking burgers, perfect for an evening meal. Tasting rooms also dot the town, giving visitors a chance to sample local wines. Check out McClain Cellars’ indulgent chocolate and wine pairings, where the incredibly passionate staff impresses visitors, or Alma Rosa, which looks out over peaceful hills.
If you plan to spend a couple of days in Solvang, the Santa Ynez Valley is full of small towns and rolling vineyard landscapes. Just up the road, Santa Ynez is an Old West town offering standout tasting rooms, historic inns, and a honkytonk bar or two.
A short drive away, you’ll also find Los Alamos, California’s most underrated wine destination, with authentic, boutique wineries and a pleasantly slow pace. You can easily pair Solvang’s festive charm with scenic drives and some of California’s best wine-tasting.
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Read the original article on Explore.