by Noella Noelophile®
Solvang is like an Advent calendar come to life.
This Danish American town, 33 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, celebrates “Julefest” (pronounced Yule-fest) annually. Every day in December seems like Christmas with a uniquely Danish flavor, with candlelight tours, the Solvang Nativity Pageant, the tree lighting ceremony, the Julefest Parade, Santa’s Village…
While the pandemic forced Solvang to modify its 2020 festivities, the beloved celebration is back–and in the midst of delivering Christmastime fun! For Christmas season 2021, Solvang Julefest returns as a modified, pandemic-safer set of events and festive happenings.
“Solvang’s Julefest festivities are making a triumphant return this year,” said Scott Shuemake, President of Julefest planners and organizers IDK Events, in a recent press release.
“…We will still have some slight modifications this year to accommodate the ongoing pandemic,” he continued, “but we will also be introducing some new Julefest elementsd for the enjoyment of our locals and visitors.”
Elves, or Nisse, are currently hiding out in downtown Solvang. They’re waiting to be found, in Solvang’s popular “Nisse Adventure”. Visitors can log onto this website for animated video clues. Then, once you find an elusive elf, you scan in a QR code to continue the adventure. Find all the hidden Nisse, and you earn a prize!
COVID protocols permitting, the jolly old elf, himself, will be on hand to greet guests, every Saturday leading up to Christmas, in Solvang Park. And rumor has it he’ll also be putting in an appearance for a VIP Santa meet-and-greet, during Julefest Candlelight Tours on select Saturday evenings: December 4th, 11th and 18th.
And Santa should feel right at home. The new elements at this year’s Julefest include a new “Nordpolen” scene in Solvang Park.
But first of all, there’s the tree.
For quick-glance purposes (and also because I love the idea of an Advent calendar come to life!), here are some dates to keep in mind.
Friday, December 3rd, 5 pm – Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Solvang Park, corner of Mission Drive and First Street.
Ballerinas are scheduled to encircle the tree, and live entertainment and Christmas caroling are on the program. And a certain gentleman in a red suit is scheduled to arrive, to mark the official start of the celebration.
Saturday, December 4th, 11 am – Solvang Julefest Parade.
According to Julefest’s website, the parade of 50+ contingents will make its way down Mission Drive, Copenhagen Drive and surrounding streets.
Saturdays, December 4th, 11th and 18th – Solvang Holiday Food Tour.
A definite gift to give any “foodie”–including you! This is a four-hour tour of Solvang with a professional guide, with stops for traditional and artisan cuisine and tips on how to take your food-photography skills to the next level!
While many of the other activities listed here are either free or low-cost, here is a link for pricing information, if you’re shopping for a special experience.
QUICK NOTE: The earliest my screen showed availability for this was the final Saturday–December 18th. While I’m checking to verify whether the other dates are sold out, you may want to make reservations sooner, rather than later, for the 18th.
Saturdays, December 4th, 11th and 18th, 11 am – Elverhoj Makers Market.
Elverhoj Museum of History and Art
Each pre-Christmas Saturday in December, Solvang’s Elverhoj Museum of History and Art hosts their “Makers Market”, featuring a curated group of gifted local artisans offering their work for sale. Admission is free, and you’re very likely to find something special for Christmas 2021.
Saturday, December 4th, and Friday and Saturday, December 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th, 5:30 pm – Candlelight Tours.
These one-hour tours of Solvang, with a costumed guide, begin with participants receiving an LED candle at the Solvang Visitors’ Center, which is the tour’s starting point. You’ll experience the sights and sounds of Christmastime in Solvang, including carols and a behind-the-scenes look at the town’s history. Saturday tours (but not Fridays) conclude with a private meet-and-greet with Santa. Here’s the link for reservations and pricing information.
AND, heads-up–this final one is free, but “sells out” quickly:
Saturday, December 11th, 6:30 pm – Solvang Nativity Pageant.
Solvang Park, 1630 Mission Drive.
The 38th annual Solvang Nativity Pageant features live animals, actors and music in the sharing of the “Christmas Story”. All seating is open lawn, at the park, so bring your own chairs and blankets and plan on dressing in layers,, and even bringing an umbrella. A look at one ten-day weather forecast shows evening temperatures in the 30s and a ten-percent chance of rain.
While there’s also a 5:00 pm performance, I purposely haven’t included it–as of today, December first, it’s showing “sold out”!
One final note: Please follow all COVID protocols, and share the spirit of “peace on earth” and goodwill. If you are out and about and attending events, my personal opinion (not that of the Solvang Visitors’ Bureau) is to err on the side of caution: wear a mask, even if you are fully vaccinated, social distance, keep the hand sanitizer close by and stay home if you or someone else in your party may have been exposed to the virus or are not feeling well.
Enjoy, be safe, and Glaedelig Jul!