Credit: Visit Solvang.
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There’s a special kind of magic in this little town on the Central Coast that unfolds as winter kicks in… Under twinkling lights and holiday decorations, the streets feel like a storybook you can walk right into making this village the perfect place to spend Christmas, at least according to the prestigious travel website Travel + Leisure.
Christmas cheer in Solvang 
Slocoastpix / SolvangUSA.com
Located in Santa Barbara County and just about two hours from L.A., Solvang’s charm really shines during its month-long Julefest, a festive holiday celebration full of lights, music, markets, and traditional Danish-inspired Christmas traditions. This year, from November 28 to January 4, the town transforms into a cozy winter wonderland, earning its nickname as “the Danish capital of America.”
During Julefest, Solvang comes alive with festive markets, candlelit tours, and twinkling light shows. Visitors can hunt for hidden “Nisser” (Danish elves) around downtown, enjoy traditional treats like kringle and aebleskivers, and listen to carolers roaming the streets. The Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Julefest Parade bring the community together, with music, dancers, floats, and even horses adding to the cheerful atmosphere.
Slocoastpix / SolvangUSA.com
The celebrations don’t stop there, as families can join the Copenhagen Countdown on New Year’s Eve for a European-style welcome to the new year, and the festival concludes with the dramatic Christmas Tree Burn in early January, a symbolic bonfire marking the end of the season.
For other activities beyond the holiday festivities, Travel + Leisure suggests enjoying a drink at the High Roller Tiki Lounge or trying a meal at one of Solvang’s Michelin-recognized restaurants, Peasants Feast or Coast Range. For a quieter visit, midweek is ideal, when crowds are smaller and hotel rates are more reasonable compared with busy weekends.