SOLVANG CELEBRATES JULEFEST THIS DECEMBER

Solvang, named one of Time Magazine’s “Most Christmassy Towns in America” will sparkle again during the 2016 annual Julefest (pronounced Yule-Fest) from December 1, 2016 through January 6, 2017 at various locations in downtown Solvang.



This year’s theme is “Celebrate Together” and will feature Free Visits with Santa in Solvang Park; Shop, Mingle & Jingle Weekends; Holiday Wine & Beer Walk; the traditional Community Tree-lighting Ceremony, Julefest Parade and free Nativity Pageant.



According to Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Tracy Farhad, “We have received early notice from the North Pole that Santa Claus will be in Solvang for free visits and photos ops for the whole family!

We’re thrilled to welcome Julemanden (The Christmas Man in Danish) to Solvang Park at the corner of Mission Drive & First Street.” First come, first seated with the jolly old elf. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the moments during these days/times:

• Friday, December 2, 2016, from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 3, 2016, from 12:30-4:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 4, 2016, from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.  
• Saturday, December 10, 2016, from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 
• Sunday, December 11, 2016, from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.    

2016 Solvang Julefest Schedule of Events:

Community Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Friday, December 2, 2016 5:00-6:30 p.m.  
Where: in Solvang Park (Mission Drive & First Street)



Enjoy free live entertainment with area bands, choirs and caroling culminating in ballerinas from Fossemale Dance Studio performing around the “new” 22-foot tall drought-tolerant LED tree.

  

Julefest Parade @ Saturday, December 3, 2016 11:00 a.m.
Where: The parade originates at Solvang Veterans Hall (1745 Mission Drive) travels west on Mission Drive, turns left on Fourth Place, turns left on Copenhagen Drive, and ends on Alisal Road near the village Post Office.

Featuring 300+ participants including dancers, musical groups, vintage vehicles, horses, carriages and animals.  Be on the lookout for Santa . . .  as well as the soon-to-be-named 2016 Grand Marshal. Following the parade, enjoy the free performance of The True Meaning of Christmas—Through the Eyes of a Donkey and Mouse in the Solvang Park Gazebo with area children presenting an original play written and directed by local artist Larry Skahill.  



Nativity Pageant also known as the “Christmas Story” @ Saturday, December 10, 2016 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. 
Where: In at the outdoor Solvang Festival Theater (420 Second Street).

 Enjoy performances by Eduardo Villa, former Metropolitan Opera lead tenor; Julie Meyer, Dove Award- winning Christian recording artist; Maurice Sklar, Concert Master Violinist; a choir, actors in traditional costumes, and live animals on stage. There are two FREE performances with seating on a first come, first entertained basis. (In the unlikely event of rain, performances will be held at an alternate location to be announced). 

 Christmas Lights & Sights Trolley Tour @  Tuesday, December 13, 2016  6:00-7:15 p.m. and 7:30-8:45 p.m.  

• Only two trips offered, each departing from Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall, 1760 Mission Drive. 
• Tickets are $13 per person in advance (sell out expected). 
• To reserve, call 805-688-7529.  

Features the best of holiday décor throughout Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley. Seasonal music and hot chocolate will be served on board by Solvang Parks & Recreation Department elves.  



 Solvang's Annual Christmas Tree Burn@ Friday, January 6, 2017 5:00 -7:00 p.m.
In the fields of Old Mission Santa Inés (1760 Mission Drive);



This event is is supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department as one of the largest fire safety demonstrations and community gatherings on California's Central Coast and coordinated by the Solvang Parks & Recreation Department. Live entertainment and refreshments for purchase will be available. Area residents are invited to bring their tree (stands & ornaments must be removed) to the burn pile between January 2-6, 2017 and then join together to see this powerful spectacle ignite the New   Year and herald the end of Solvang's Julefest.

For more information on this one-of-its-kind event  For more information visit  www.solvangusa.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest