Solvang, California Announces Preliminary Plans for Annual Solvang Julefest: Danish Village Holiday Celebration to Run November 24, 2023 through January 5, 2024
SOLVANG, Calif. (PRWEB) August 03, 2023 -- Solvang, California has announced preliminary plans and dates for this year’s Solvang Julefest (http://www.SolvangUSA.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest; pronounced 'Yule-Fest'), the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town’s annual celebration of all things "holidays." The 2023 event stretch will begin Black Friday, November 24, 2023, and run through Friday, January 5, 2024. Solvang Julefest 2023 will include multiple holiday-themed happenings all located within the walkable California Central Coast travel destination, named by Oprah Daily as one of the "Most Magical Christmas Towns and Villages Across the World."
As one of the nation's most Christmassy towns, also bearing the title of "The Danish Capital of America," Solvang presents an ideal getaway opportunity for travelers looking for a European-style holiday atmosphere without the transatlantic travel.
"Solvang Julefest is an annual event that visitors and locals alike look forward to, all year. This holiday season, we invite those who would have otherwise traveled abroad, to instead see what Solvang has in store," said Solvang City Manager, Randy Murphy.
Plans are in place for the return of the Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony, set for Friday, December 1, 2023, at 5:00 PM in Solvang Park (corner of Mission Drive and First Street). The Tree Lighting Ceremony is slated to include ballerinas encircling the Solvang Christmas tree, live entertainment, caroling and of course, the season-opening tree lighting. The return of the Solvang Julefest Parade is also in the works, scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2023 (parade time and route TBA).
During Solvang Julefest, the village will once again host its now-annual Nisse Adventure, where participants join in a city-wide hunt for the mysterious Solvang Nisse (Christmas elves) which will have hidden themselves throughout downtown Solvang.
Saturdays through the Julefest calendar, town-wide Solvang Food Tours will be led by the foodie – and photo – experts at Eat This, Shoot That!, and the popular evening Candlelight Tours will return for select nights (dates TBA). Either tour option offers a unique, educational, and entertaining way to explore the history-filled village on foot during the most festive of Solvang’s seasons.
Murphy continued, "Solvang’s beloved line-up of Julefest offerings and extra serving of celebratory cheer heighten this city’s organically 'hygge' holiday ambiance. Julefest is an opportune time for tourists and area residents to immerse themselves in Solvang’s Danish heritage, and to sample a bit of old Denmark in Southern California."
Certain Solvang Julefest 2023 components are still taking shape, such as this year’s Santa’s Village in Solvang Park, where the season’s main character will greet guests on particular Saturdays during Julefest (December 2, 9, 16, 23).
Venturing just outside of Solvang’s downtown core, the annual 'Lights and Sights' tour will take locals and visitors through the Santa Ynez Valley to view the many houses and businesses that display a twinkly Christmas spirit. Traditionally held midweek, Lights and Sights dates will soon be announced.
Closing out the Julefest festivities is the annual Solvang Christmas Tree Burn. Usually held in early January as a wrap-up of the month-long Solvang Julefest celebration, Solvang’s Tree Burn is considered to be one of the largest fire safety demonstrations along the California Central Coast. The 2024 Tree Burn is currently scheduled for Friday, January 5 (weather permitting).
Solvang, known for its Danish-American vibe, architecture and design details, pastries and bakeries, and array of wine tasting options, also boasts dozens of unique boutiques, restaurants and gourmet food purveyors. Carefully-curated indie booksellers and high-end home goods suppliers mingle with fairy tale-like children’s stores and museum gift shops. Solvang’s foodie destinations offer up everything from elevated street cuisine – like locally-sourced fish tacos on hand-made tortillas, and comforting ramen noodles – to European-style pretzels and sausages, to Italian standbys or iconic Danish dishes, to elevated new-Californian fare in the form of Michelin-honored menus. Solvang visitors sip small-batch, locally-roasted coffee, shop for exotic, hand-bottled spice blends, or enjoy Tiki cocktails and craft beer, all part of an indulgent and one-of-a-kind holiday shopping and playing escape.
Dog-friendly and ideal for kids, Solvang Julefest promotes family fun and adventure through traditional holiday-favorite activities with the addition of more-adult, wine country entertainment.
Further event announcements about Julefest 2023 and updates to the Julefest schedule will be made over the course of the next few months.
Solvang Julefest 2023 is produced by the City of Solvang (http://www.CityofSolvang.com). All Solvang Julefest events are open to the public with either free or paid admission. More information and event updates will soon be available at http://www.SolvangUSA.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest.
About the City of Solvang:
Referred to as "The Danish Capital of America," the City of Solvang is located in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, California. Founded by a group of Danish-Americans in 1911 and incorporated in 1985, Solvang offers a taste of Denmark in Southern California. Danish design and Old World charm fill Solvang’s numerous interior courtyards, cozy communal spaces, and open-air venues, where vacation itineraries for all unfold. The walkable town features plentiful free parking options for locals and day-trippers, and more than 20 lodging options for staycation-ers, weekenders and midweek travelers, at all vacation budget levels. The Solvang Visitor Center, located at 1639 Copenhagen Drive, is open daily, 9:30 AM-5:30 PM (closed briefly for lunch). For more information, including travel itinerary ideas and inspiration for things to do, where to eat and drink, and places to stay, follow our adventures on Instagram and Facebook: @SolvangUSA and facebook.com/VisitSolvangUSA.
Please Note: Always check status of events and all event updates prior to making travel plans.
To reference the article on OprahDaily.com titled "30 Most Magical Christmas Towns and Villages Across the World," see: http://www.oprahdaily.com/life/g28616974/best-christmas-towns-villages
Anna Ferguson, City of Solvang, https://www.solvangusa.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest/, 1 8773272656, [email protected]
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