A small town in the heart of Santa Barbara County continues to be recognized as a must-visit destination for Christmas lovers.
Solvang, located in Santa Ynez Valley wine country off of Highway 246, was named by Newsweek as the second-best Christmas town in the nation and the No. 1 choice in all of California.
Newsweek describes Christmas in the Danish Capital of America as “a unique take on the festive season.”
Beginning in late November through early January, Solvang goes all in on the winter holiday festivities with its annual Julefest (pronounced ‘yool-fest’) celebrations.
Danish desserts, Christmas decorations and lights, parades and performances abound during Julefest, which kicks off with a Christmas tree lighting in early December and ends with a massive Christmas tree burn in the New Year.
The town also hosts nightly events, including scavenger hunts, candlelight tours and a popular light show in its central park.
For more about Solvang and its annual Julefest celebration, click here.
Located about two hours north of Los Angeles, Solvang is a popular day-trip destination for Angelenos seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax with a glass of wine in a town that feels like a true European getaway.
The town is also known for its boutiques that sell traditional Danish items, including clogs and other knickknacks, as well as its world-famous aebleskivers—a traditional holiday dessert that falls somewhere between donut hole and pancake ball. Unlike in Denmark, where they are reserved strictly for the holidays, aebleskivers can be found year-round in Solvang.
It’s not the first time Solvang has been recognized by national publications for its Christmas spirit. In 2022, the town was named the “Best Small Town” to visit for Christmas in the state of California.
Solvang landed No. 2 on the Newsweek list, edged out by Grapevine, Texas and just ahead of fellow California town, Healdsburg, located in Sonoma County.
For the complete list, click here.