Most of California may not have snow but we have one of the best places to visit during the holidays and that’s Solvang. It’s a Danish Village just north of Santa Barbara. During the holidays it’s all dressed up with Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments and you feel like you’re in another world.
Watch Christmas time in Solvang on Instagram
Find more places to stay and things to do in Solvang here.
You’ll see ugly Christmas sweaters everywhere even on dogs.
We made sure to bring our ugly sweaters along and wore them out to dinner. If you’re ever looking for one, make sure to check out Kohls’s.
The town of Solvang is where you’ll find yummy Danish pastries, including its famous Aebelskivers, wine, and olive tasting rooms, as well as cheery little shops.
While we were there, we even saw a Grinch walking around.
Wine tasting rooms are everywhere
Solvang has added many wine-tasting rooms over the years in the main part of town as well as a few bars. We sat down at a whiskey bar that served Japanese whiskey. It got me tipsy.
Where to stay
Many charming inns are within the borders of Solvang We had two dogs with us so we stayed at the Wine Valley Inn and Cottages, which is dog friendly. It has loft rooms. The rooms aren’t fancy but the lobby and breakfast room are quite cozy.
My son stayed at the Marriott in Buellton, just outside of Solvang because he had points. Buellton is the home of the famous Anderson’s Split Pea Soup Restaurant which many people stop at when they are driving up the coast. Ostrichland USA is right off the main road before you reach the town.
Where to eat
Our first dinner was in Los Olivos, not far from Solvang, which is famous for its wineries and tasting rooms. We had an insanely delicious seafood meal at Bar Le Cote.
The next day, we ate Italian-style sandwiches at Panino Sandwich Shop in Los Olivos that were equally as yummy.
We also had breakfast in town at the famous Paula’s Pancake House and later had a steak dinner at Coast Range. Both restaurants hit the mark.
Just about all of the restaurants in Solvang and Los Olivos are fabulous. If you are craving authentic Danish food, you will certainly find it in Solvang.
Another interesting restaurant is the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos. It was once a former stagecoach stop over 130 years ago. It has changed hands over time but several years ago we ate Thanksgiving dinner there. The dining area felt like we were in someone’s living room.
Wine Tasting
We visited a couple of tasting rooms, but our favorite was Stolpman Vineyards which has a tasting room called Fresh Garage. It features organic “Love You Bunches” wine which was divine!
Hiking near Solvang
There are several hiking trails in the area. We stopped off at Nojoqui Falls Park because it is an easy 10-minute hike to a lovely waterfall. There was a fence blocking the falls because it was a little slippery, but we jumped over it to take a photo. Don’t tell anyone.
There were also signs warning of mountain lions, so you need to keep an eye on your kids and little dogs. Despite that, the trail is green and almost magical.
Plan to stay until Christmas
Most of the businesses in Solvang are closed on Christmas Day except for a coffee house or two so plan to eat at your hotel or go home in the morning as we did. There is almost no traffic early in the day which made for a beautiful drive.
About Solvang
Solvang was established in 1911 by three Danish immigrants who purchase 10,000 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley. The architecture is traditionally Danish including its Lutheran Church.
Mission Santa Ines is in the middle of town and was founded in 1804. Vandenburg Air Force Base is also nearby so you may witness objects being shot in the air or hear an occasional sonic boom.
The town features a Hans Christian Anderson Museum as well as a park named after the well-loved Children’s book writer. A bust of him stands prominently in the park.
If you saw the film Sideways, much of it was filmed in and around Solvang including the restaurant Hitching Post 2.
Solvang is fun to visit any time of year in temperate California, but during the holiday season, it is extra special.
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