Solvang Julefest

Christmas is a magical time of year and Solvang Julefest is the perfect way to celebrate the season. You can join in the fun for a day or spend a few days in this wonderful Christmassy Danish Village in California.

Julefest (pronounced ‘yule-fest’) runs daily from December 1st to January 5th. Special events vary throughout the festival, but there is fun to be had each and every day.

I was there for the Julefest Wine and Beer Walk (Skal Stroll) this year, which was a lot of fun. Other special events include:

Shop, Mingle and Jingle entertainment and deals
Candlelight tours (free!)
Live music in the Park
Visit with Santa
Nativity Pagent
Holiday Lights Tour
Farmer’s Market
Christmas Tree Burn

One of my favorite activities is one that visitors can do any day at their own pace and it’s free to participate. Jule Nisse is a magical elf-like creature popular in Danish folklore. Nisse is said to bring good luck and prosperity and, also, Nisse likes to hide. There are a dozen lucky Nisse hidden throughout downtown Solvang.

Stop by the Solvang Visitors’ Center to pick up a map and list of clues, so that you can find all 12 hidden Nisse. Take a picture of each one with your phone and then return to the Center to show them your pictures. Then, they’ll give you a little prize. This is a fun way for adults and kids to explore the town.