Last updated: November 11, 2024
You've found the perfect holiday guide for Goleta! Let us help you discover the best festive activities and events. Whether you're deeply connected to Goleta or just making connections, our guide enhances your festive adventure.
Popular Events: Experience the charm of the Solvang Julefest, a celebration filled with twinkling lights, carolers, and a Scandinavian flair that truly embodies the spirit of the season. The Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony, with its warm community atmosphere and stunning display, marks the official start of the holiday festivities. And the Solvang Julefest Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring festive floats and a lively procession. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Synchronized light and music display in Solvang Park.
Solvang Julefest is a month-long holiday celebration featuring daily light and music shows, a city-wide Nisser Adventure scavenger hunt, and traditional European-style Makers Markets. Enjoy family fun, seasonal music, holiday shopping, and culinary delights in this charming Danish village.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Solvang Julefest
Holiday tree lighting with dancers and ballerinas.
The Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony is a festive event where the City of Solvang lights its city tree, accompanied by holiday dancers, ballerinas, and music performances. This special ceremony takes place in Solvang Park, illuminating the Solvang Christmas Tree closer to 6:30 PM.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony
Synchronized light and sound show with two musical variations.
Every evening during Solvang Julefest, Solvang Park comes alive with a 10-minute light and music display, alternating between two different variations. The show features traditional holiday music at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM, and a more modern holiday soundtrack at 6 PM and 8 PM.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Light & Music Show
Guided tour with LED candles and educational insights into Danish traditions.
Join a guided candlelight tour through downtown Solvang, learning about Danish traditions and Solvang history while strolling with an LED candle.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Candlelight Tours
Guided trolley tour with hot chocolate.
Explore Solvang's festive holiday lights through a guided trolley tour, featuring fresh hot chocolate and a delightful experience.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Solvang Trolley Christmas Light Tour
Traditional European-style holiday shopping under the stars.
The Solvang Julefest Maker’s Market is an open-air Christmas market in Solvang Park, featuring local artisans offering unique holiday gifts and seasonal treats, inspired by traditional European night markets.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Maker’s Market
Hands-on felt ornament crafting for all ages.
At Santa’s Workshop at Paseo Nuevo, kids can create delightful felt ornaments in shapes like gingerbread men, snowmen, and Santa. Teens and adults can also craft intricate felt wreath ornaments, adding a personal touch to the holiday season.
Where: Santa Barbara | More Info: Santa’s Workshop at Paseo Nuevo: Felt Ornaments
Free gift wrapping service for holiday purchases.
At Paseo Nuevo, enjoy complimentary gift wrapping for your holiday items, beautifully wrapped with no additional cost.
Where: Santa Barbara | More Info: Complimentary Gift Wrapping at Paseo Nuevo
Traditional Danish parade with marching bands and horses.
The Solvang Julefest Parade features marching bands, horses, and over 400 participants in festive floats, bringing Danish coziness to the holiday season.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Solvang Julefest Parade
Meet Buddy the Elf, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch in a festive holiday setting.
Snap photos with Buddy the Elf, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch at the Peppermint Parlor in Paseo Nuevo, featuring iconic holiday characters.
Where: Santa Barbara | More Info: Photos with Buddy the Elf, Mrs. Claus & the Grinch
Upbeat holiday music and dancing at a festive holiday event.
Join DJ Darla Bea at the Peppermint Parlor for an upbeat holiday party featuring upbeat holiday hits to kick off Christmas weekend.
Where: Santa Barbara | More Info: Party at the Peppermint Parlor with DJ Darla Bea
Sip local wine while exploring historic Mission Santa Barbara.
Join Old Mission Santa Barbara for the Holiday Sip & Stroll, where guests can sip local wine and beer while strolling through the museum, chatting with Franciscan Friars, and basking in the beauty of the Mission set aglow by candlelight and Christmas décor.
Where: Santa Barbara | More Info: Holiday Sip & Stroll at Old Mission Santa Barbara
Family-friendly Christmas concert with Ozark roots music.
The Petersens bring American roots music to the Lobero Theatre with a concert featuring Christmas classics and warm family moments.
Where: Santa Barbara | More Info: Christmas with the Petersons at Lobero Theatre
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
The Nutcracker at Granada Theatre features State Street Ballet's lavishly staged production, including talents from Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra and State Street Ballet Academy. This holiday ballet is brimming with artistry, comedy, and glittering sets and costumes, making it a perfect way to welcome Christmas with your family.
Where: Santa Barbara | More Info: The Nutcracker at Granada Theatre
Large-scale fire safety demonstration with community participation.
The Solvang Christmas Tree Burn is a significant fire safety demonstration supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, featuring live entertainment, food trucks, and refreshments. Residents bring their Christmas trees to be burned in a controlled environment, highlighting the dangers of dry trees in homes.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Solvang Christmas Tree Burn
City-wide hunt for hidden Danish gnomes.
Join the city-wide hunt for the mischievous Solvang Nisser, hidden throughout Downtown Solvang. Find one or find them all as you enjoy all that Downtown Solvang has to offer.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Nisser Adventure
Free Santa meet-and-greets with photo opportunities.
Meet Mr. Claus at Santa's Village in Solvang Park, where you can take free photos with Santa and get your Christmas lists ready. The event is held every Saturday leading up to Christmas Day.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Photos with Santa / Santa’s Village
Free snowfall event with festive atmosphere.
Witness the glittering "snowfall" at Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center, where you can feel the holiday magic without bundling up.
Where: Santa Barbara | More Info: Holiday Snowfall at Paseo Nuevo
Electric boat providing a quiet and peaceful harbor experience.
Embark on a delightful journey through Santa Barbara's harbor aboard the Lil' Toot, offering stunning views of the coastline and sea life.
Where: Santa Barbara | More Info: Holiday Harbor Cruise Aboard Lil’ Toot
Hands-on holiday craft-making with local artisans.
The California Crafts Holiday Workshop offers a variety of hands-on activities and workshops where participants can create unique holiday crafts and decorations using traditional and modern techniques.
Where: Santa Barbara | More Info: California Crafts Holiday Workshop
Fresh Christmas trees and farm activities.
Lane Farms Christmas Patch offers fresh Noble Fir, Nordman, and Douglas Fir trees, farm animals, tractors, farm equipment, and a corn maze. It is open daily from 10am to 8pm starting November 29, 2024, and trees are available through December 23, 2024. Located at 308 S. Walnut Lane, Santa Barbara, with entrance and parking at the Lane Farms Produce Stand.
Where: Santa Barbara | More Info: Christmas Patch at Lane Farms
Large model train collection in a winter-themed setting.
The Holiday Festival of Trains at Goleta Valley Library features a large model train collection chugging around a winter-themed display in the Community Room, welcoming all ages.
Where: Goleta | More Info: Holiday Festival of Trains
Festive train rides with holiday lights and decorations.
The South Coast Railroad Museum's Holiday Express features festive rides on the Goleta Short Line, decorated with holiday lights and decorations, offering a fun and family-friendly experience.
Where: Goleta | More Info: South Coast Railroad Museum Holiday Express
