Solvang Julefest
A Danish village lit up for Christmas, with a nightly light show, an elf hunt around town and fresh aebleskiver.
5 hrs drive · 2–3 days · Best for babies to big kids · Nov–Dec
Day 1: Drive & lights
- 9:00 Drive down; break up the trip in Paso Robles
- 5:00 Julefest Light & Music Show in Solvang Park (on the hour each evening, about 10 minutes)
Day 2: Julefest
- 10:00 Nisser hunt: find the hidden elves around town
- 12:00 Photos with Santa in Solvang Park (12–4 on Santa weekends)
- 2:00 Aebleskiver and a Danish bakery stop
- 6:00 Evening trolley light tour or the candlelight walking tour (check times)
Day 3: Home
- 10:00 Drive home via Highway 101
From parents who have been
- The Solvang Park light and music show starts on the hour each evening and lasts about 10 minutes. Stay to the end, because fake snow falls at the finish and kids play in it. She Buys Travel
- For the Nisser hunt, pick up the map at the visitor center and bring it back once all 10 gnomes are found to get a small prize. At the California Nature Art Museum, kids can also meet Lulu, a troll made from recycled wood. She Buys Travel
- Santa photos in Solvang Park are free, with donations going to Julefest. Bakery lines can run about 30 minutes on Julefest weekend mornings. Mortensen's has indoor seating, which helps on a cold morning. Fun With Kids in LA
- Olsen's Danish Village Bakery builds an oversized gingerbread house that kids like to see. Solvang Bakery sells small gingerbread house kits to take home. Parking is free, but leave extra time to find a spot and walk on event nights. TravelAwaits
Good to know
- Santa: Nov 28–29, Dec 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20, 12–4 pm
- Tree lighting Dec 4 and parade Dec 5 make it the biggest weekend
- Book rooms early for parade weekend
- Town is flat and stroller-friendly