If you are anxious to mark the holidays this year with a Danish touch, but Copenhagen seems a bit far away, you may find the answer in Solvang. An answer that includes gnomes and a troll.
That city, founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants, celebrates its Julefest, winter vacations, with emphasis on old world -friendly traditions with visitors. This year's calendar includes a series of events and activities from November 28 to January 4: Roaming Carols, nightly European style markets, tours of candles and stores transformed into Micro Winter Wonderlands.
If you are planning a winter road trip, here are some things you should know.
The most picturesque hotels in the city are small, so reserve early
Solvang, about 130 miles northwest of Los Angeles, has about 20 hotels and most are small and independent. The largest is the Corque Hotel (122 rooms), affiliated with Marriott but owned by the Chumash Indian band of Santa Ynez.
The most intimate and affordable hotels, often in a vintage motel way, include the Atterdag Inn (8 rooms), New Haven Inn (10 rooms), Hamlet Inn (13 rooms), Mirabelle Inn (13 rooms), Viking Inn (13 rooms) and Winston (14 rooms).
The most luxurious is Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, whose 73 rooms and cabins are routinely rented for $ 1,500 nights or more (the property includes a lake and two golf courses).
A tree will rise, in the midst of carols, craft markets and more
Solvang Christmas celebrations include trees lighting, as is in 2023.
(Solvangusa)
The lighting of the trees will occur at 5:30 pm on Friday, December 5, in Solvang Park, followed by a Julefest parade the next morning at 11 am
The carol is scheduled on several Saturdays on November 29, December 6, 13 and 20 from 5 to 8 pm in Solvang Park (if the weather allows). Art and craft markets will materialize on December 3, 10 and 17 from 3 to 7 pm
There will be European style markets to examine.
(Solvangusa)
Solvang Park will offer light and music shows of 5 to 10 pm from November 28 to January 4. There are also cart walks in the afternoon through the San Ynez Valley and the opportunities of meetings and much with Santa (in Solvang Park) are scheduled for noon until 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, November 29 and 30, then 6, 7, 13,14, 20 and 21.
On December 31, attention changes to Copenhagen's countdown to Solvang Park, playing in the New Year Danish at 3 pm, standard Pacific time. This event, from 2 to 4 pm, will have live music from a tribute band to the 80s known as the Molly Ringwald project.
Gnomes and a troll are expected
Seasonal offers also include tours in candlelight (with candle and hosts of disguise), Christmas visits and daily hunting for Nisser (Gnomes) throughout the center of Solvang.
The troll, nicknamed Lulu Hygelig, is not really a seasonal addition. It is (or she, if you prefer) is a permanent resident of the Museum of Natural Art of California of the city, added in February. Lulu, made of recycled pallets and wine barrels, is one of the many trolls created worldwide by the Danish artist and recycling activist Thomas Dambo and his team of veterans builders and volunteers.
Christmas trees will burn, and that is part of the celebration
Solvang's Julefest season often ends with a burned Christmas tree. This happened in 2023.
(Randy of Penalty/Solvangusa)
The season ends with a Christmas tree burning, announced as a security demonstration, supervised by the Fire Department of Santa Barbara County and scheduled for 5 PM on Friday, January 9, allowing the weather.
