Julefest in Solvang, California, is the perfect destination for families looking to immerse themselves in holiday cheer and create unforgettable memories together.
Highlights
- Enchanting Holiday Spirit: Families can stroll through the beautifully decorated streets, enjoying the festive lights and colorful displays that transform the town into a winter wonderland.
- Engaging Activities for All Ages: From the lively Julefest parade to the whimsical Fairy Tale Candlelight Tour, there are plenty of fun, family-friendly events that capture the magic of the season and foster togetherness.
- Delicious Treats for Everyone: Enjoy a taste of Denmark with delectable Danish pastries from local bakeries, satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth while indulging in the festive spirit.
The writer was hosted.
As a Christmas enthusiast, I love to visit small towns that go big for the holidays and when I heard about Solvang Julefest I knew I had to check it out. Julefest is without a doubt the best time to visit Solvang with its festive decorations, carolers, holiday light tours and delicious treats. Solvang is the perfect weekend getaway for families looking to get into the holiday spirit and here are ten must-dos for your next holiday trip to the Danish capital of America and one of the most Christmassy towns in the world.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
1. Visit the Christmas Tree in Solvang Park
For starters, you’ll want to head over to Solvang Park to check out the Christmas tree. The tall tree is decorated from top to bottom with colorful lights and ornaments and is perfect for those holiday photos. If you love Christmas music and snow, then you’ll want to stick around for the Julefest Light & Music Show that takes place on the hour from 5pm to 9pm each night. Kids will love playing in the “snoap” that falls from the sky at night during the end of the show.
2. Watch the Solvang Julefest Parade
If you’re in town for the start of festivities, then you don’t want to miss the Solvang Julefest parade. This one-hour-long parade goes throughout the town and features different floats from small businesses and organizations. There are people on foot throwing candy to the little children as music and holiday cheer fill the streets. Plus, you’ll even see Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus make a special appearance at the end of the parade.
3. Listen to the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers
There’s nothing like Christmas carolers to get you into the holiday spirit. On select nights throughout Julefest in Solvang, the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers can be found wandering the streets dressed up in their Dickens-inspired outfits singing classic tunes such as “Frosty the Snowman” and “Jingle Bells.” They draw quite a crowd so you’ll want to make sure you get a good spot in the front so you can see the performance.
4. Go on the Fairy Tale Candlelight Tour
If you’re looking for a fun activity to do during Solvang’s Julefest, then you’ll want to get a ticket to the Fairy Tale Candlelight Tour. This two-hour guided walking tour goes around downtown Solvang and you’re given a detailed history the town through the lens of Hans Christian Andersen’s popular fairytales. Participants receive an LED candle to hold while on the tour and the opportunity to meet and take a photo with the Snow Queen.
5. Eat Danish Pastries
A trip to Solvang isn’t complete without a visit to the popular Danish bakeries including Solvang Bakery, Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe, Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery, Danish Mill Bakery and Brod & Kage Danish Bakery. Get your hands on traditional Danish butter cookies and kringle as you stroll around town.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Lines for the bakeries can get long in the morning so make sure you get there early so you’re not waiting upwards of a half hour, especially on the weekends during Julefest.
6. Go on the Solvang Julefest “Nisser Adventure”
If you have kids who love scavenger hunts, then you’ll want to have the family participate in the “Nisser Adventure.” All you have to do is pick up a map from the visitor center and find the 10 gnomes hidden throughout the town. Once you’ve found all 10, you can return to the visitor center to receive a special festive prize.
7. Enjoy Festive Cocktails
While the kiddos are busy doing the scavenger hunt, you can head over to High Roller Tiki Lounge. For the holidays, you’ll find festive cocktails such as the Christmas Castaway and Naughty or Nisse that can be ordered in a fun holiday mug. On the weekends, you’ll find live music at the High Roller Tiki Lounge, making it a great after-dinner activity for the adults when the kids are asleep with the grandparents.
8. Eat a Meal with the Family
After a long day exploring Solvang and looking at the holiday lights, you’ll want to have a scrumptious meal. There’s no shortage of quality restaurants in this Danish town and some popular options include The Gathering Table, Craft House at Corque, Kanok Thai and peasants FEAST. You’ll want to make a reservation for most of these places ahead of time as Solvang is quite busy during this time of year.
9. Browse the Holiday Decorations
As you walk around Solvang, you’ll see buildings, homes, businesses and windmills decorated with colorful holiday lights and other vibrant festive decor including inflatables, statues and garlands. These lights stay up from December to early January and it’s worth it to visit Solvang Julefest for the decorations alone. Make sure to bring your camera to snap some photos of the decorations to show your friends because they are breathtaking.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Be sure to stop by the Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor not only for delicious ice cream but also to see a bunch of holiday decorations outside the front.
10. Take Pictures with Santa Claus
If your family has yet to meet Santa Claus this holiday season, then you’ll want to head over to Solvang Park. On select days throughout December, Santa will be in the park in Santa’s Village to take photos with families. It’s free; however, donations are welcome, which go towards funding the Julefest activities in the town.
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