In the Santa Ynez Valley
Sip, Shop, & Celebrate the Season
Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving
Experience the joy and delight of the holidays in the Santa Ynez Valley, where every town sparkles with festive cheer! From twinkling lights in Solvang and Santa Ynez to cozy celebrations in Los Olivos, Los Alamos, and Buellton, the season comes alive with joyful music, artisan markets, and family-friendly fun. Stroll through charming streets, sip local wine, shop for handcrafted treasures, and make unforgettable memories. Celebrate the holidays, California wine country style—warm hearts, bright lights, and community spirit in every corner.
Events Calendar
Highline Adventures
Open 7 Days a Week! Thanksgiving to New Years. Saturday November 22 – Sunday January 11, 2026.
Open Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Years!
Experience the thrill of adventure at Highline Adventures in beautiful Buellton, California. Soar through the sky on the biggest and fastest ziplines in the state, or explore the stunning oak canopy in the Adventure Park. Stroll among colorful protea blooms and take in panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Valley. Whether you crave excitement or serenity, Highline Adventures offers unforgettable experiences for all ages. Discover breathtaking sights, connect with nature, and awaken your inner explorer. Adventure is calling—are you ready to fly?
Highline Adventures
700 E Hwy 246, Buellton, CA
(805) 556-4049
[email protected]
Black Friday Weekend at Sunstone Winery
November 28 – December 1
Highlights:
- Tasting Room Deals (Friday–Sunday)
- Online Sales through Cyber Monday
- Barrel Tasting
- Library Sale
- Merchandise Sale
- Villa & Cottage Suite Specials
- Mystery Wine Cases
Celebrate the season with great wines, festive vibes, and the best deals of the year!
Sunstone Winery is an organic vineyard, winery, and villa retreat located just 35 minutes north of Santa Barbara in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.
Sunstone Winery
125 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-9463
Santa Ynez Celebrates Small Business
Santa Ynez will celebrate Small Business Saturday with horse drawn carriage rides (weather permitting) on Saturday, November 29.
Santa Ynez tree lighting will be on Thursday, December 4th from 4-6pm and we will again have horse drawn carriage rides if the weather permits.
- Holiday Music
- Dancers
- Holiday Treats
- Crafts for Kids
- Visit with Santa
- Shop Local
See santaynezchamber.org for details or @sychamber on Instagram
Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers 2025
Saturdays: November 29th, December 6th, 13th & 20th | 5 – 8 PM
Downtown Solvang
Feel the joy of the season in the heart of Solvang as the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers return to spread festive cheer!
Each Saturday evening leading up to Christmas, these talented singers will wander through downtown Solvang, filling the air with beloved holiday classics and heartwarming harmonies. Dressed in traditional Victorian attire, the carolers bring timeless charm to the streets, creating a picture-perfect holiday atmosphere.
Stroll beneath the twinkling lights, sip a warm drink, and enjoy the melodies that make the season bright.
Performances take place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM — weather permitting.
Experience the sounds, smiles, and spirit of Christmas in beautiful Solvang, California!
Ranch-Style Holiday
Alisal Ranch – December 2025
Celebrate the holidays at Alisal Ranch this December with festive activities, cozy moments, and the rustic charm of winter in the Santa Ynez Valley. Crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and evenings by the fire set the perfect backdrop for your seasonal escape.
Throughout the month, the ranch comes alive with family-friendly holiday events. Kids can enjoy horseback rides with Mrs. Claus, while guests gather for s’mores and hot chocolate by the campfire. Join candle-making classes with local artisan Tara Rose, savor a special Hanukkah dinner with guest chef Suzanne Tracht and Covenant wines, experience nightly menorah lightings, and delight in gingerbread houses from Solvang Bakery for Christmas stays.
Just minutes away, Solvang transforms into a glowing holiday village with twinkling lights, boutique shopping, a nightly light show, and the beloved Julefest parade. Complimentary shuttles make exploring the festivities easy. Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, or simply seeking seasonal joy, December at Alisal Ranch offers relaxation, luxury, and unforgettable holiday experiences.
1054 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463
(800) 425-4725
4th Annual SYV Holiday Lights Festival
Enchanting Winter Magic Returns to Santa Barbara County
Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden
The Santa Ynez Valley Holiday Lights Festival is back for its 4th dazzling year! From December 5–21, the garden transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland filled with thousands of twinkling lights, glowing trails, and festive cheer.
Stroll through breathtaking displays, enjoy live music, sip local wine or cocoa, and shop handcrafted gifts at the Artisan Marketplace. Meet Santa in his cozy garden nook, take a ride on the Polar Express, or roast marshmallows under a blanket of snow—it’s holiday magic for all ages!
Presented by the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden Foundation, this beloved event supports local education and conservation efforts.
Visit syvholidaylights.com for tickets and event details.
December 5–21, 2025 three weekends
Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden
River View Park, 151 Sycamore Dr, Buellton, CA 93427
(805) 245-5603
Open House ~ Lucas & Lewellen and Toccata Tasting Rooms
Open House – Friday, December 5, 4 – 6 pm
- The Lucas & Lewellen Tasting Room is pouring a hyper local flight of 3 Solvang grown wines for $15 and featuring our local Port for the holidays with chocolate.
- The Toccata Tasting Room is pouring mulled wine by the glass with holiday biscotti for $15 throughout the season.
The Lucas & Lewellen and Toccata Tasting Rooms are open 10 am to 4:30 pm, 7 days a week.
We have a Christmas Open House at both tasting rooms on Friday December 5th from 4-6 pm. Holiday Open House
- Closed at 3 pm on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve,
- Clased all day on Christmas Day.
- Open all day on New Years Day
Lucas & Lewellen
1645 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 686-9336
Toccata Tasting Room
1650 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 686-5506
Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony 2025
Friday, December 5th | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Solvang Park, Solvang, CA
Kick off the holiday season in true Danish village style at the Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony, the sparkling opening event of Solvang Julefest. Gather with family and friends in Solvang Park on Friday, December 5, 2025, as the town transforms into a winter wonderland of lights, music, and community cheer.
The evening begins with a festive performance by the Santa Ynez Valley Wind Ensemble from 5:00 to 5:30 PM, followed by enchanting ballet dancers twirling around the towering Solvang Christmas tree. Enjoy live entertainment, caroling, and a joyful countdown to the grand lighting moment.
As the tree illuminates the park, a spectacular light show will fill the night sky—creating a magical celebration you won’t want to miss.
Experience the wonder, tradition, and community spirit of Solvang’s holiday season!
Solvang Julefest Parade 2025
Saturday, December 6th | 11:00 AM
Downtown Solvang, CA
Experience the joy and Danish-style cheer of the Solvang Julefest Parade, one of the most beloved holiday traditions in the Santa Ynez Valley! On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the streets of downtown Solvang will come alive with more than 400 participants and 50 festive contingents.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of marching bands, horse-drawn carriages, classic cars, local performers, and whimsical floats, all spreading holiday spirit through the heart of the village. Families line the streets each year to celebrate this colorful procession and share in the warmth of the season.
After the parade, don’t miss your chance to meet Mr. Claus and capture a festive photo!
Bring your friends, bundle up, and embrace the hygge—Solvang’s cozy Danish spirit that makes the holidays shine.
Solvang Julefest Maker’s Market 2025
Wednesdays, December 3rd, 10th & 17th | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Solvang Park
Discover the charm of the season at the Solvang Julefest Maker’s Market, a magical open-air holiday marketplace inspired by Europe’s beloved night markets.
Stroll beneath twinkling lights and explore handcrafted gifts, artisan creations, festive décor, and delicious seasonal treats—all made by local makers and crafters. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, you’ll find unique treasures that capture the warmth and creativity of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Set in Solvang Park, this cozy evening market offers a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit with family and friends.
Rain or shine, the Maker’s Market is the perfect place to sip, shop, and celebrate under the stars.
Olde-Fashioned Christmas in Los Olivos
The heart of Los Olivos is more than just our iconic flagpole—it’s the warm, welcoming community that gathers around it. Join us Saturday, December 6, for our annual Olde Fashioned Christmas and Tree Lighting, a cherished tradition that brings neighbors, friends, and visitors together to celebrate the holiday season.
Experience the joy and sparkle of the holidays in the heart of our charming town! From 2–7 PM, enjoy festive open houses, live music, and holiday cheer all around Los Olivos. Visit Los Olivos—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Fess Parker Winery & Epiphany Wine Tasting Room
Library Sale at Fess Parker Winery December 6th from 11am-3pm
Epiphany holiday lights decor
Tis the seasoned – Library tastings at Fess Parker
Ornament decorating in the Oak Grove at Fess Parker Winery
- December 6&7
- December 13&14
- December 20&21
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day
Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
6200 Foxen Canyon Road
Los Olivos, CA, 93441
(800) 841-1104 | (805) 688-1545
Epiphany Tasting Room:
2974 Grand Avenue
Los Olivos, CA, 93441
(866) 354-9463 (805) 686-2424
Sunstone Winery Holiday Market
December 13 – 14
Experience the magic of the season at our third annual Holiday Market, a two-day European-inspired celebration of lights and delights!
Enjoy:
- Local artisan and gift vendors
- Festive food and beverage offerings
- Santa Claus visits
- Seasonal music and holiday décor
It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family at Sunstone!
Event Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Sunstone Winery
Sunstone Winery
125 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-9463
Rock 12 Days of Christmas
Join us for the Rock 12 Days of Christmas! An exclusive Christmas Pop-Up Event starting December 12th!
- Special Christmas Cocktails
- Holiday Decor and Lights
- Christmas Tunes
- Tasty Bites each night!
Come in a Christmas/Holiday outfit/costume/sweater/goofy hat . . . sky’s the limit! And receive a complimentary Rock 12 Distillery Shot Glass.
Tickets are $15/person. That includes your first cocktail and entrance into the fun. Food available for purchase.
Spread a little cheer! Bring your friends. We’re here to get you and yours into the holiday spirit(s)!
Available Dates: 12/12, 12/13, 12/14, ,12/19, 12/20, 12/21, 12/26, 12/27, 12/28
Holiday at the Estates 2025
Firestone Vineyard’s annual Holiday at the Estate – Saturday, December 6, 12 -4 PM
Celebrate the magic of the season at Firestone Vineyard’s annual Holiday at the Estate! Join us on Saturday, December 6, from 12 to 4 PM for an afternoon of festive cheer, fine wine, and cozy holiday fun in the heart of wine country.
- Live music & festive atmosphere
- Mulled wine, sweet treats, and seasonal bites
- Creative holiday painting station
- Exclusive wine tastings & holiday shopping
- Cozy, family-friendly fun in a stunning vineyard setting
Reservations Required. Please RSVP Here for your preferred time slot. The event runs from 12 PM to 4 PM, and guests are welcome to arrive anytime during that window.
Members: 2 complimentary tickets + $25 reservation fee (credited with purchase)
Non-Members: $40 per person + $25 reservation fee (credited with purchase)
Space is limited, so reserve your spot early for this beloved Firestone tradition. Come celebrate the season with Firestone Winery — where great wine, good company, and holiday joy meet under the Santa Ynez Valley sun.
Firestone Winery
5017 Zaca Station Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441
firestonewine.com
Ornament Workshop at Community Clayworks
Celebrate the holiday season with creativity and cheer with an Ornament Workshop at Community Clayworks in Buellton! Join us for a festive Ornament Workshop at 2–4 PM:
- Saturday, December 6th
- or Sunday, December 7th
Create four personalized keepsake ornaments, perfect for your tree or as heartfelt gifts. You’ll glaze and finish your pieces, ready to take home once fired. Bring friends, sip, and get crafty in the holiday spirit!
$55 per person | Additional ornaments just $10 each
Reserve your spot at www.communityclayworks.com.
Community Clayworks
37 Industrial Way Suite 111, Buellton, CA 93427
(805) 686-5416
Future Perfect Wines
Holiday Sip & Shop at Future Perfect Wines – December 6, 3- 5 PM
Celebrate the season in style at Future Perfect Wines in the heart of Los Olivos, California! Our bright and spacious tasting room—complete with a cozy porch—is the perfect spot to unwind and shop for holiday gifts.
We are open 7 days a week 11am-5pm through the holidays!
Reservations encouraged: [email protected]
Thanksgiving, we close at 3pm.
OPEN daily: 11am-5pm including the following holidays.
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- New Years Eve
- New Years Day
Future Perfect Wines
2933 San Marcos Avenue, Suite 101, Los Olivos, CA 93441
California Nature Art Museum
Dec. 14th – Holiday Block Print Cards Workshop
Join the California Nature Art Museum and Block Print Artist Angelina LaPointe of Sidecar Press for a printmaking workshop on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, from 12:30PM-4:30 PM. She will guide you through planning, carving, and hand-printing a linoleum block print card, while sharing tips and tricks from her 15+ years of printmaking experience. Leave with a small batch of holiday cards to add a personal touch to your winter holiday celebrations.
California Nature Art Museum
1511-B Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-1082
Brick Barn Estate Harvest Open House
Sunday, Dec 14th Holiday Shopping Day
30% off our gift shop items
Brick Barn Wine Estate
795 W Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427
(805) 686-1208
Hanukkah Dinner
with Chef Suzanne Tracht
Alisal Ranch – December 17-19
This Hanukkah, Alisal Ranch welcomes guests for a one-of-a-kind holiday dinner on December 17th hosted by Chef Suzanne Tracht. Known for her soulful, modern takes on Jewish comfort food,
Chef Tracht brings warmth, tradition, and a touch of culinary magic to the Santa Ynez countryside. Nicknamed “The Queen of Meat,” Tracht is a trailblazer among female chefs in a traditionally male-dominated field.
She honors her Jewish heritage by adapting recipes for holidays—most memorably, the latkes she made with her father Sam, a story shared in the Los Angeles Times and on PBS SoCal. Tracht has been a defining presence in Los Angeles dining since opening JAR (Just Another Restaurant) in 2002.
She was named a Food & Wine Best New Chef and has been celebrated by Jonathan Gold, the Food Network, and most recently inducted into the L.A. Times Restaurant Hall of Fame.
1054 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463
(800) 425-4725
Mad & Vin at the Landsby
- Christmas Eve: Limited Menu + Christmas Dinner Specials
- Breakfast: 7:30AM-11:00AM
- Bar: 4pm – 9:00pm;
- Dinner: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Christmas Day: Limited Menu + Christmas Dinner Specials
- Brunch: 7:30am – 2 pm;
Bar: 11 am – 9 pm; Dinner: 5 – 9 pm
- Brunch: 7:30am – 2 pm;
- 12/26 – 12/30 Extended Bar Hours:
- Bar: 11:00am – 10:00pm
- New Year’s Eve: Limited Menu + Christmas Dinner Specials
- Breakfast: 7:30AM-11:00AM
- Bar: 11 AM- 9 PM; Dinner: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- New Year’s Day: Limited Menu + Christmas Dinner Specials
- Brunch: 7:30am – 2:00pm; Dinner: 5:00pm – 9:00pm; Bar: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Mad & Vin at the Landsby
1576 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 697-7048
The Good Life, a craft beer & wine cellar
Open Christmas Eve 12pm – 4pm
CLOSED Christmas Day
12/26 Open 3pm — 11pm
New Years Eve – 12pm – 9pm with an East Coast New Year Celebration
The Good Life, a craft beer & wine cellar
1672 Mission Dr. Solvang, CA 93463
805-688-7111
The Victor
Discover The Victor, a chef-driven restaurant at The Genevieve in Santa Ynez, celebrating the flavors of California’s coast. Enjoy live-fire dishes from a Josper charcoal oven imported from Barcelona, featuring inspired creations from land and sea. Join us for weekend brunch or dinner, where great food, fine wine, and handcrafted cocktails await. Come as you are—boots, buckles, and big hats welcome! Reservations are highly recommended for this unforgettable dining experience.
- Christmas Eve: Regular Menu + Specials; Dinner + Bar: 3pm – 7pm (last seating at 7pm)
- Christmas Day: CLOSED
- New Year’s Eve: Regular Menu + Specials; Dinner + Bar: 4:30pm – 9pm (normal hours)
- New Year’s Day: CLOSED
The Victor
3631 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 695-2999
Norman at Skyview Los Alamos
Norman at Skyview Los Alamos
9150 US-101, Los Alamos, CA 93440
(805) 344-0080
Craft House at Corque
Craft House at the Corque is also doing a Christmas pop up bar called Miracle, stay tuned for details.
Craft House at the Corque
420 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA
(805) 688-8000
Coast Range Restaurant Solvang
We will open at noon on the following holidays. Reservations
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- NYE
- New Years Day
Coast Range Restaurant
1635 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 624-5420
Na Na Thai Holiday Hours
- December 24 – (XMAS EVE) – OPEN!!!
- Dec 25 – closed for XMAS
- Dec 31 – NYE Omakase Dinner a coursed prix fixe and party!
- Jan. 1 closed
Na Na Thai
225 McMurray Rd, Suite E, Buellton, CA 93427
Copenhagen Countdown 2025
Wednesday, December 31st | 2 – 4 PM
Solvang Park
Ring in the New Year—Danish style!
Join us in Solvang Park for the Copenhagen Countdown, a lively New Year’s Eve celebration inspired by the charm of Denmark. Enjoy an afternoon of music, food, and fun as The Molly Ringwald Project, California’s premier 80’s tribute band, takes the stage from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Celebrate with the crowd as we count down to midnight in Denmark at 3:00 PM local time, complete with festive energy and European flair. Savor delicious holiday bites and sip from the beer, wine, and spirits garden while soaking in the joyous atmosphere.
This family-friendly event is the perfect way to welcome the new year a little early—before the California midnight!
Weather permitting.
Solvang Julefest Tree Burn
Friday, January 2, 2026, 5 – 7 PM
Wrap up the holiday season with a cherished tradition at the Solvang Julefest Tree Burn! Join us on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM in the Mission Parking Lot (1760 Mission Dr.). Watch as the Christmas trees light up the night sky, creating a warm and dazzling glow. It’s the perfect way to bring the community together for one final festive celebration!
