by Noella Noelophile®
(Photo courtesy of SolvangUSA.com, and used with permission.)
Technically, Solvang’s “Julefest” is happening right now.
Mischievous nisser (gnomes) are hiding throughout downtown Solvang. “Santa’s Village”, with its gingerbread house, is welcoming visitors in Solvang Park. “Jul Daylight Tours” and Candlelight Tours are happening on select dates.
But this Friday, December 6th, the festivities really get going.
Recognized by Newsweek as the “Best Christmas Town” in California–and the second-best in the nation!–Solvang continues to live up to that reputation.
(Photo courtesy of SolvangUSA.com, and used with permission.)
On Friday evening at 5:30, the Tree Lighting Ceremony begins, in Solvang Park.
As guests arrive, the Santa Ynez Valley Wind Ensemble will be performing, from 5:00 to 5:30 pm. Caroling, additional live performances and ballerinas encircling the Christmas tree, will all be part of a short program of entertainment, which culminates at around 6:30 pm with the lighting of the tree, accompanied with a park-wide light show.
Then, on Saturday morning, December 7th, Solvang’s Julefest Parade happens.
(Photo courtesy of SolvangUSA.com, and used with permission.)
Starting at 11:00 am, more than 400 participants will add hygge, or Danish coziness, to the season as they march down Solvang’s main streets.. Floats, marching bands, horses, and more will be a part of the fun. And visitors may get a free opportunity to meet Santa, following the parade, and get a photo with him in Santa’s Village.
(Photo courtesy of SolvangUSA.com, and used with permission.)
Meanwhile, the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers will be adding the joy ofthe season–a cappella–as they stroll through downtown Solvang.
Speaking of which–downtown should be especially fun this year, due to the “Solvang Business Julefest Decorating Contest”, where local businesses are challenged to showcase their creativity. (Bring your camera!)
(Photo courtesy of SolvangUSA.com, and used with permission.)
And up until Christmas, more special events are in store.
(Photo courtesy of SolvangUSA.com, and used with permission.)
Solvang hosts a “Maker’s Market”, modeled after the European night markets, on Wednesday evenings, December 11th and 18th. From 3:00 pm till 7:00 pm on these dates, local artisans will be on-site in Solvang Park, in an open-air Christmas market showcasing seasonal treats and one-of-a-kind gifts.
The carolers will be in downtown Solvang every Saturday through December 21st, and Santa will be available for photos in Santa’s Village on weekend days, from noon to 4:00 pm, through Sunday, December 22nd.
(Photo courtesy of SolvangUSA.com, and used with permission.)
In addition, Solvang Trolley’s “Holiday Lights Tour” runs on select dates, from now up through Sunday, December 29th. And Eventbrite shows a few tickets still left for the “Solvang Candlelight Tour”, on select dates from Tuesday, December 17th up to Saturday, December 28th.
Once again, Glædelig jul! Have fun searching for those nisser.