Solvang Danish Days Celebration

Solvang Danish Days

California’s Premier Danish Heritage Festival, Danish Days,  September 15 – 17, 2023

Join the Annual Celebration of Solvang Danish Days of all things Danish here in the Santa Ynez Valley. 

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Ballard | Buellton | Los Alamos | Los Olivos | Santa Ynez | Solvang

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Danish Days honors the 1911 establishment of Solvang by Danish-Americans. The celebration melds modern Danish practices with traditional ways, yet still symbolizes everything Danish. The weekend’s numerous offerings range from fan-favorite food events surrounding Æbleskiver, the iconic Danish pastry rounds, to a Danish-style Viking Beer and Wine Garden serving the famous Danish import, Carlsberg Beer, alongside local brews and wines. Kids will get a kick out of the Viking encampment in Solvang Park, or take them to an interactive history lesson at the Elverhoj Museum. There will also be plenty of free rock concerts, three parades, Danish folk dancers, chainsaw wood-carving demonstrations and an Old World artisanal crafts marketplace.

There is so much to do during Danish Days that you will definitely want to plan a weekend getaway in Santa Ynez Valley just to be sure you don’t miss out on anything.

While overall admission is free, some individual events require tickets so be sure to check their official Danish Days website and get in on the best activities now!

What’s an Æbleskive?

These are traditional Danish pancakes in a distinctive shape of a sphere. Somewhat similar in texture to American pancakes crossed with a popover, Æbleskiver are solid like a pancake but light and fluffy like a popover. They are mouth-watering, especially when topped with powdered sugar and raspberry jam.

Solvang Restaurants

If you just can’t get your fill of delicious Danish food, participating restaurants in Solvang will also be “cooking up” something special just for Danish Days weekend, so be sure to come hungry! They might be serving Medisterpølse, a Danish specialty food consisting of a thick, spicy sausage made of minced pork, stuffed into casings. The word “Medisterpølse” was first used in a Swedish housekeeping book from the early 16th century. It is made in one long piece and then cut up into sections before serving. In contrast to many other types of sausage, it is cooked or fried for the first time during the final preparation. The spices generally used are allspice, cloves, salt and pepper.

Tons of Danish Fun in the Santa Ynez Valley 2023

Here are just of the few the usual events of the Danish Days activities you and your family can enjoy during your September visit to Santa Ynez Valley:

Please, check the Solvang Danish Days Foundation for more up-to-date information.

Friday, September 15:

• 4:00pm: Free Concert in Solvang Park featuring great bands.
• 5:00-10:00pm: Viking Beer & Wine Garden
• 7:30pm: Torchlight Parade
• 8:00pm: Opening Ceremonies introducing the 2023 Danish Maid

Saturday, September 16:

• 8:30am-12:30pm: Æbleskiver Breakfast – We recommend that you get your tickets in advance!
• 9:00am: Old World Artisans Marketplace
• 10:00am-6:00pm: First Street Solvang Merchant Walk
• 10:00am-4:00pm: Kid’s Korner
• 10:00am-4:00pm: Viking Encampment
• 10:00am-5:00pm: Living History Festival at the Elverhoj Museum of History & Art featuring artisans, craftspeople, storytellers and interactive activities for all ages. Free.
• 10:30am & 1:00pm: Randel McGee as Hans Christian Andersen
• 11:00am-10:30pm: Viking Beer & Wine Garden
• 11:30am: Æbleskiver Eating Contest
• 1:00pm: Danish Days Organ Concert featuring world-renowned concert organist, James Welch
• 2:30pm: Famous Danish Days Parade
• 5:00-10:00pm: Free concerts with live bands on the Midgaard Pavilion Stage, adjacent to the Danish Days Viking Beer & Wine Garden. All ages welcome at the concerts, but attendees must be 21 years or older to enter Viking Beer & Wine Garden. The Rincons play from 7-10pm.

Sunday, September 17:

• 8:30am-12:30pm: Æbleskiver Breakfast – if you missed it Saturday, this is your last chance!
• 9:00am: Old World Artisans Marketplace
• 10:00am-3:00pm: First Street Solvang Merchant Walk
• 10:00am-4:00pm: Kid’s Korner
• 10:00am-4:00pm: Viking Encampment
• 10:00am-4:00pm: Living History Festival at the Elverhoj Museum of History & Art featuring artisans, craftspeople, storytellers and interactive activities for all ages. Free.
• 11:00am & 12:30pm: Randel McGee as Hans Christian Andersen
• 11:30am: Free Æbleskiver Eating Contest
• 2:00pm: Children’s Parade
• 2:45pm: Danish Days Closing Ceremony and Free Concert in Solvang Park, featuring Matt Cermanski and Joey Sykes of HONEY RIVER

“Dane For A Day” VIP Package

Check the Solvang Danish Days Foundation for official up-to-date information.

The information below is from previous years “Dane for a Day” VIP package

Make sure you live like Vikings and take it all in with this fun-filled package that includes:

• Two (2) Æbleskiver Breakfast tickets (good for either Saturday or Sunday)
• Two (2) Beer or Soda tickets, to be used at the Viking Beer Garden (good for Friday evening and Saturday day only). Must be 21 years of age or older to use tickets for alcoholic beverages.
• Two (2) Viking Burger tickets, to be used at the Viking Beer Garden (good for Friday evening and Saturday day only)
• One (1) Book (10 tickets) for the “Win a Trip to Denmark” raffle. Try for your chance to win a trip for two to Denmark! Tickets may also be purchased separately for $1 each. Proceeds benefit the Solvang Danish Days Foundation.
• Two (2) Official Solvang Danish Days  buttons
• One (1) Solvang Danish Days Foundation Magazine

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Why not stay a whole week in the Santa Ynez Valley? Stop by VisitSYV.com first for complete travel planning information, and get to know our little piece of Danish heaven!

Come Visit Santa Ynez Valley in September – Velkommen!  

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