The holidays are the Perfect Santa Ynez Valley Holiday Getaway. Time to explore somewhere new and swap the bustle for cozy charm and lasting memories. The Santa Ynez Valley is the ideal choice, where twinkle lights, boutique shops, and small-town magic await every visitor.
Small-Town Charm
The Santa Ynez Valley sits snugly on the Central Coast, a peaceful escape from busy holiday destinations. It is a place to slow down and enjoy a sense of calm in every direction.
Gentle hills and open landscapes create a soothing backdrop for a winter getaway. In each town, glowing windows and festive displays invite you to wander and enjoy the season’s warmth.
Solvang’s Holiday Specials
Solvang remains a favorite holiday destination for visitors seeking cheerful winter magic. Starting November 28, Solvang transforms into a wonderland of lights, festive events, and family-friendly magic. Its Julesfest celebration is a month-long holiday commemoration with Danish flair. Pop-ups like book signings, tree lighting, and the Julefest parade put Solvang on the holiday map. Solvang offers a holiday atmosphere that feels close to the North Pole in spirit and style.
A Whirlwind of Whimsical Events
The holidays in the Santa Ynez Valley are merry and bright. There’s no shortage of festivities for travelers looking to get in the holiday spirit.
The Holiday Lights Festival returns Dec. 5–7, 12–14, and 19–21 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy glowing gardens, food trucks, marshmallows, mini Polar Express rides, and live music. We’d highly recommend donning your favorite Christmas sweaters and Santa hats.
The Julefest Parade rolls through Solvang on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m., featuring dancers, festive floats, and more than 400 holiday participants.
Olde Fashioned Christmas in Los Olivos happens Saturday, Dec. 6 from 4 to 7 p.m., with music, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, roasted walnuts, and a tree lighting.
Buellton Winterfest is Sunday, Dec. 7, beginning with breakfast with Santa at 9 and 10:30 a.m., followed by a holiday village, 20 tons of snow, music, and a tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.
Shopping around the Santa Ynez Valley
Solvang’s Makers Market encapsulates traditional European night markets, with crafted goods and festive bites throughout the outdoor space. Vendors offer up their best winter goodies, including special edition sweets and gifts. The Solvang Farmers Market sits next door, with fresh produce, flowers, and more. Brave & Maiden Estate’s Holiday Market highlights regional artisans with candles, soups, and hand-crafted textiles. The CalNAM Holiday Marketplace is hosting its 14th annual event. You’ll find gifts centered on nature, wildlife, and the outdoors, plus a craft activity from 10 a.m. to noon.
Get to Planning
Your Santa Ynez Valley Holiday Getaway
Six charming towns within the Santa Ynez Valley make planning easy.
Take your pick from a list of cozy cottage stays or welcoming hotels, all centrally located. Whether you start in Solvang, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, or Ballard, the charm will follow you.
View the Visitor Guide, for family friendly excursions, food recommendations, and must-do spots. For more information, visit https://www.visitsyv.com/plan-your-trip/.
