A Southern California tourist trap has once again been named as a must-visit destination for lovers of Christmastime.
Solvang, the Danish-inspired community located in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley wine country, has been named the top town for Christmas aficionados in two separate reader’s choice contests by major publications.
Newsweek readers named Solvang the No. 5 best Christmas Town in the nation, the highest ranking among all California towns, in its annual Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards.
One of Solvang’s iconic windmills is seen lit up in blue during the town’s annual Julefest celebration in 2022. (Mike Laan/City of Solvang)
It’s the second time in as many years that Solvang was named the top Christmas Town in California, after finishing No. 2 in the nation just last year after being edged out by Grapevine, Texas—which again claimed the top spot in the country.
Solvang’s annual Maker’s Market, which takes place during the monthlong winter Julefest celebration, also landed on a Newsweek best-of list, claiming the No. 6 spot in its Best Christmas Market list.
“Julefest lights up Danish windmills, bakeries and half-timbered storefronts with parades, a tree lighting and visits with Santa. The Julefest Maker’s Market fills Solvang Park with crafters and local artisans, bringing European-style shopping outdoors under Central Coast skies,” Newsweek wrote. “This storybook town wraps heritage and hospitality into one festive, walkable celebration.”
Visitors gather around for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Solvang as part of its 2023 Julefest kickoff. (SolvangUSA.com)
Gingerbread decorations at a bakery in Solvang as part of its 2023 Julefest kickoff. (SolvangUSA.com)
Visitors to Solvang ride in a horse-drawn trolley during the town’s 2023 Julefest kickoff. (SolvangUSA.com)
Another reader’s choice awards from a different publication is also celebrating the Danish Capital of America.
The Zoe Report, a lifestyle website geared towards women consumers, held its own reader’s choice awards with a category dedicated to Best Christmas Town.
This time Solvang claimed the top prize, beating out Aspen, Colorado (2nd) and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (3rd), as well as its de facto rival in Grapevine (7th).
Readers of the Zoe Report gushed about the European decor, small-town charm and smell of baked goods in the air, as well as its horse-drawn trolleys and Christmas shops open year-round. They also highlighted the ability to immerse oneself in the Christmas spirit without having to worry about freezing their tails off.
Those curious about seeing Solvang themselves during the holiday season are in luck.
Solvang’s annual Julefest (pronounced ‘yool-fest’) takes place from late-November into early January. The event features Danish desserts, Christmas decorations and lights, parades and performances, which all take place after the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting in early December.
Firefighters set a pile of Christmas trees ablaze at the conclusion of the Julefest Celebration in Solvang on Jan. 3, 2019. (Credit: Santa Barbara County Fire Department)
Julefest ends every year, weather permitting, with a massive Christmas tree burn in January that celebrates the beginning of a new year, provides a means of disposing dried trees that have fulfilled their holiday purpose, and serves as a fire safety demonstration from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
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.
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