Festive Events, Christmas Markets, And Dazzling Décor Make This Small California Town A European-style Holiday Getaway

Solvang is a charming village situated in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley that makes you feel like you're in Europe without having to take a long-haul flight. It has Danish-style buildings, wineries, and postcard-perfect scenery. During the holiday season, it is especially popular because of the beautiful decorations, the holiday events, and the holiday markets. Also, you're sure to get some delicious glogg (or Scanvidnan mulled wine).
This sunny gem in Southern California shows that you don't need much snow or snowflakes to feel happy and bright. Also, the nice weather makes walking around the cute downtown more fun, looking at the buildings with lights on their thatched roofs, taking pictures of the famous windmill, and eating smorrebrod at the outdoor restaurants. You wouldn't stop wearing a cute Christmas sweater, either. Here's how to plan the best trip to Solvang, California, for the holidays.

Things to Do in Solvang

Solvang is a great place to make holiday memories this time of year. Every year, from late November to the beginning of January, the village has Julefest, which is a big holiday party. During the month-long party, people can enjoy the magic of blinking lights, old-fashioned family fun, music, markets, food, and drinks. Things really get going at the annual tree-lighting ceremony in Solvang Park, which also has dancing ballerinas, live music, and carolers.
Julefest has a long list of events, but the whole downtown area also gets into the holiday spirit. On the main street are tasting rooms decorated with garlands and souvenir shops where you can buy gifts for your friends and family back home, though we're guessing your suitcase is already full of crafts and trinkets from the nighttime artisan market. Between going to holiday events and shopping, you can stop by the Elverhj Museum of History and Art to learn about Denmark's long history and hop on a trolley to see the rest of the city.

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Places to Stay in Solvang to enjoy staying

The Danish capital of America has a number of charming places to stay that are sure to make holiday travellers happy. The Landsby is the most Instagrammable place to stay in the area. It brings modern Scandinavian style and hygge vibes to the city centre. This stylish 51-room boutique hotel is decorated for the holidays in the same cosy way every year. The newly renovated Corque Hotel is another great choice that is right in the middle of everything. It has a warm atmosphere, large rooms, and elegant decor. When there are holiday decorations in the lobby, it looks especially nice. The Winston has rooms that look like little jewel boxes. They have needlepoint headboards, textured wallpaper, and comfortable beds where you can sleep after a day of fun.
Just outside of town, on 10,500 undulating acres, is Alisal Ranch, a luxury dude ranch where guests may play cowboy. The rooms will have a Western motif, and there will be horseback riding and rodeos. a full-service spa, Tennis courts, two golf courses, and gourmet dining are just a few of the resort's many upscale amenities. The hotel also puts on holiday entertainment that guests enjoy. Family-friendly holiday activities include a large-scale custom gingerbread house display created in conjunction with The Solvang Bakery, carolling, showings of holiday movies, and a visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, in addition to an adults-only workshop with interior designer Nathan Turner that includes wreath-making demos and holiday cocktails.

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Solvang’s Best Places to Eat and Drink

Solvang is in the Santa Ynez Valley, which puts it close to many great vineyards, like Larner Vineyard & Winery and Coquelicot Estate Vineyard. There are also some great tasting rooms in the village where people can try the local wine. Some of the best places to get a glass are Royal Oaks Winery, Dana V. Wines, and Feliz Noche Cellars. More in the mood for a craft cocktail that is based on the season? Head to Vaquero Bar.
The food in Solvang is hearty and real, which is a good way to describe it. The best way to get enough food for a full day of holiday fun? At Paula's Pancake House, they serve breakfast. Order the pandekager, which are Danish pancakes that look like crepes, or stick with the buttermilk short stacks. The number and quality of bakeries in Europe are very impressive. Birkholm's Bakery & Cafe promises some of the best cherry Danish and buttery, flaky apple boats on this side of the Atlantic. Yes, it's open on Christmas Eve if you need to grab a tub of butter cookies for Santa at the last minute. Stop by Olsen's Danish Village Bakery for a marzipan log made by a Danish master baker whose family has been in the business for three generations. Aebleskiver, which are puffy Danish pancake balls from Red Viking Restaurant, is the perfect sweet pick-me-up between caroling and talking to Santa and Mrs. Claus. On the savory side, Copenhagen Sausage Garden serves traditional pork medisterplse as well as vegan options at picnic tables in an outdoor setting.

Of course, not all of it is Danish food. The food that comes straight from the farm is delicious. The prestigious Michelin Plate award went to First & Oak because the food was carefully chosen and made. At Mad & Vin, the star is also seasonal food from the Central Coast of California. People can't get enough of the duck-fat fries. Even the Christmas decorations shine. Traditional American dishes, like grilled pork chops, are served at Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn along with local wines and delicious desserts. Spiced cheesecake with cranberry meringue and a gingerbread cookie is added to the sweets that are available all year long.