Annual Events
The Santa Ynez Valley
Annual Events by Month
December
Solvang Julefest, Solvang
(Yule-fest) Solvang’s light-filled holiday celebration features free visits with Santa, an interactive Nisse (Christmas Elf) hunt, candlelight tours, a nightly light and music show, open houses, the Annual Tree Lighting and the Saturday Parade. Enjoy extended hours at shops, tasting rooms and eateries, a maker’s market and more magical events.
Santa Ynez Small Town Christmas
Witness the lighting of the largest Christmas tree in the Valley, along with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, visits with Santa, live entertainment, cookies and cider.
805.350.8517 | santaynezchamber.org
Olde-Fashioned Christmas in Los Olivos, Los Olivos
Activities for the entire family, including various crafts for the kids and shopping for adults and a Gingerbread Wonderland fundraiser at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley.
Buellton WinterFest, Buellton
Breakfast with Santa, enjoy an afternoon holiday concert, and an evening of fun on the Avenue of Flags featuring 20 tons of snow, music, food, wine, beer, spirits, vendors, a light parade and tree lighting.
January
Annual Christmas Tree Burn & Safety Demonstration, Solvang
Community Christmas trees are piled high on a huge bonfire. Enjoy free live music, plus food and warm drinks for purchase. 5-7 pm. 1760 Mission Drive.
805.688.7529 | cityofsolvang.com
Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks
For two weeks in January, some of the area s top restaurants offer prix-fixe menus highlighting the Valley’s seasonal bounty. Savor three-course meals from award-winning chefs for $30, $40 and $50, as well as two-for-one tastings, special tasting flights and discounts from over two dozen participating wineries and tasting rooms
March
Buellton Wine and Chili Fest, Buellton
Sample wine, craft brews and spirits, try chili and salsa made by competing local chefs, plus live entertainment at Flying Flags RV Resort
805.688.7829 | buelltonwineandchilifestival.com
April
Annual Easter Eggstravaganza and Easter Egg Hunt, Buellton
The Valley’s largest egg hunt starts at 10:00 am sharp at River View Park in Buellton. Free fun with activities, group games, Easter crafts and more!
May
Buellton Brew Fest, Buellton
This annual festival features libations from 50+ breweries, wineries and distilleries and live entertainment. Enjoy a great assortment of food trucks, vendors, lawn games and mega-sized beer pong! River View Park
June
Pride Parade & Festival, Solvang
Celebrate at the region’s annual Pride Parade & Festival, which honors and supports the area’s LGBTQ+ community. Savor beer and wine, lively tunes and scrumptious fare as you toast to love and unity in celebration of Pride Month.
Los Olivos Jazz & Olive Festival, Los Olivos
Savor local wines paired with food prepared by over 30 chefs, plus olive product vendors and world-class live jazz. Lavinia Campbell Park.
Juneteenth
Celebrate a monumental moment in history with an evening of music, artsy delights, tasty food and cultural immersion in recognition of Juneteenth, the national federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of the last enslaved Black Americans.
July
Independence Day Parade, Festival & Fourth of July Fireworks, Solvang
The parade starts at 11:00, followed by a BBQ at Solvang Park, and afternoon activities and evening fireworks at 9:00 at Old Mission Santa Inés.
Buellton BBQ Bonanza, Buellton
Enjoy a barbeque, activities, and demonstrations and learn about local clubs and organizations. River View Park.
August
Wine and Fire
Winemaking members of the Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance showcase wines with an opening party Friday night, followed by a weekend of seminars, wine tasting and exclusive dinners.
September
Annual Solvang Danish Days, Solvang
Celebrate Solvang’s Danish heritage with authentic foods, live entertainment, dancing, parades (Torchlight on Friday night, Main Parade on Saturday and Children’s on Sunday), artisans, living history exhibits, bleskiver breakfasts, beer and wine gardens and more.
Los Alamos Valley Old Days, Los Alamos
Gather to celebrate the town’s authentic Western heritage with the Chili Kick-off and dance, tri-tip sandwiches and beer garden, Old Days Stampede 5-K Run, classic car show, artisan’s faire and Sunday morning parade.
Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Solvang
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of the region’s Hispanic culture, tradition and community in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, where you’ll find food trucks, musical performances, festive dancing, games, raffles and more. Solvang Park.
October
Taste of The Santa Ynez Valley
This annual signature event hosted by Visit the Santa Ynez Valley takes place every fall in the six wine country towns of Los Alamos, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Solvang, Ballard and Buellton. Guests are treated to four days of immersive experiences a town-wide progressive dinner, VIP wine tastings and seminars, cooking classes, winemaker dinners, live music and more all crafted to serve as an introductory course to the edible and imbibe-able bounty of this burgeoning food, wine and beer destination.
Santa Ynez Valley Scarecrow Fest
Enjoy more than 200 scarecrows around the Valley throughout the month, with the public invited to vote for their favorites.
Chumash Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow, Santa Ynez
Head to Live Oak Campground for a day of Native American music, dance contests, drum competitions, food, arts and crafts, pottery, jewelry and more.
41st Annual Santa Barbara Vintners Festival, Buellton
Saturday’s Festival Grand Tasting features new release wines from 70+ wineries, tastings from 30+ food purveyors, live music, wine and culinary demonstrations, local artisans and more. Get a Vintners Visa Wine Country Tasting Pass for complimentary offerings at up to 12 out of 40+ participating wineries and tasting rooms from Thursday through Monday.
Los Olivos Day in the Country, Los Olivos
Small-town charm and the friendly Los Olivos lifestyle are paired with great food, fun runs, a parade, vendor booths and live music. Grand Avenue.
Solvang Halloween Haunted House and Street Fest
6:00-9:30 pm. Family-friendly fun is at the Year-round & transformed Solvang Festival Theater, accompanied by food, Seasonal drinks, and games.
805.688.7529 | cityofsolvang.com
November
Buellton Holiday Bazaar, Buellton
Start your holiday shopping early and enjoy the area’s creative talent. Free admission. Buellton Rec Center – 301 2nd Street.
805.688.1086 | buelltonrec.com
Buellton Fall Festival, Buellton
Family fun abounds at this festival and carnival, including games and rides, 25+ bands on two stages, a street fair, food vendors and free admission.
Vaquero Show & Sale, Santa Ynez
Celebrate the lifestyle and renowned horsemanship of the California Vaquero, and enjoy food, demonstrations and live music at The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House.
Experience the Santa Ynez Valley
Plan Your Trip
The Santa Ynez Valley blends world-class wine, unforgettable culinary experiences, scenic outdoor adventure, and small-town charm across six unique communities. Whether you’re craving a slow morning in a sun-drenched vineyard, a horseback ride through golden hills, or a day of boutique hopping and wood-fired pizza, we’ve got you covered. Start planning with our resources.