Holiday Events in the Santa Ynez Valley
Experience the magic of the season with festive SYV Holiday Events in the Santa Ynez Valley, where charming towns come alive with lights, music, artisan markets, and family-friendly celebrations.
Where to Eat and Where to Play on Thanksgiving
Open Houses and Festive Seasons Holidays
The Book Loft – Annual Holiday Open House
Date: November 23, 2024
Time: 10 AM – 7 PM
Location: The Book Loft, 1680 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
The Book Loft’s Annual Holiday Open House was a perfect holiday escape. Friends and families gathered on November 23, 2024, ready to kick off the festivities. Enjoy cozy Story Time, where little ones listened intently to holiday tales in a magical corner of the bookstore. Join puzzle lovers deep into the Ravensburger Puzzle Contest, racing the clock for prizes. Play a spirited game of Book Bingo. Shoppers enjoyed exclusive holiday discounts, finding gifts and treasures for everyone. It was a day of pure holiday joy!
A Cowboy Christmas
Date: November 29 – December 21, 2024
Time: Fridays and Saturdays 3:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: River View Park, Sycamore Road, Buellton, CA 93427
Get ready for A Cowboy Christmas! Join us every Friday and Saturday from November 29 to December 21 at River View Park in Buellton. This magical event combines holiday cheer with a cowboy twist. Families can enjoy pony rides, holiday crafts, and interactive challenges. Don’t miss a special Santa meet-and-greet under dazzling lights!
Holiday Marketplace-California Nature Art Museum
Date: December 1, 2024
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Location: California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
Celebrate the season at the California Nature Art Museum’s 13th Annual Holiday Marketplace! Join us in Solvang on Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Enjoy free admission, one-of-a-kind nature-inspired gifts by local artisans, delicious holiday treats, and a special family-friendly papercraft activity from 10 AM to 12 PM. Plus, CalNAM members get exclusive discounts!
Dreamcôte Wreath Making Workshop
Date: December 1, 2024
Time: 11 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Dreamcôte Wine Co., 2933 San Marcos Ave., #107, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Join us at Dreamcôte’s cozy tasting room for a festive Wreath Making Workshop! Starting at 11 AM, this event offers all materials and guidance to create a beautiful custom wreath, along with light bites and a complimentary glass of Dreamcôte wine or Prickly Pear Hard Cider. Tickets are $45, with a $10 reservation fee (remaining balance due at the event). Please note, no pets or children allowed, and ticket reservations are non-refundable.
Solvang Julefest Makers Market
Date: December 4, 11, 18, 2024
Time: Wednesdays; 3 – 7 PM
Location: Solvang Park, Mission Drive (HWY 246) & First Street, Solvang, CA 93463
Step into the magic of the Solvang Julefest Makers Market! Join us on Wednesdays, December 4, 11, and 18, from 3 PM to 7 PM at Solvang Park. Wander under twinkling lights, discover unique gifts from local artisans, and savor seasonal treats. It’s a cozy, European-style Christmas market filled with holiday cheer, perfect for shopping and celebration!
SYV Holiday Lights Festival
Date: December 6-7, 13-15, and 20-22, 2024
Time: 5:30-8:30 PM
Location: River View Park, 151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton, CA 93427
Feel the holiday magic at the 3rd Annual SYV Holiday Lights Festival! Join us at the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden in Buellton on THREE WEEKENDS, December 6-22, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Stroll through dazzling light displays, browse a festive holiday market, snap a photo with Santa, enjoy “snow,” and savor seasonal treats. Fun for all ages awaits!
Lucas & Lewellen
Christmas Open House
Date: December 6, 2024
Time: Friday; 4 – 6 PM
Location: Lucas & Lewellen, 1645 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, CA 93463
Enjoy the festive season with Lucas & Lewellen and Toccata in Solvang! Join us for a festive Christmas Open House on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 4–6 PM. Sip on Christmas wine tastings, enjoy holiday cheese and chocolate pairings, and savor seasonal treats. Delight in holiday music, a hot chocolate bar, and exclusive holiday pricing—all in the heart of Solvang’s JuleFest magic!
Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date: December 6, 2024
Time: Friday; 5 – 6:30 PM
Location: Solvang Park, Mission Drive (HWY 246) & First Street, Solvang, CA 93463
Kick off the holiday season at the Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony! Join us on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM in Solvang Park. Enjoy live entertainment, caroling, and a magical tree lighting at 6:30 PM. It’s the perfect way to share holiday cheer with family and friends!
Beckmen Vineyards Holiday Market
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
Location: Beckmen Vineyards, 2670 Ontiveros Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Celebrate the season at Beckmen Vineyards in Los Olivos! Our tasting room decks will sparkle with a holiday market featuring California’s finest artisan treasures. Stroll, sip, and shop for pottery, fine art, jewelry, and irresistible treats like artisanal chocolates, olive oils, teas, and more!
Olde Fashioned Christmas in Los Olivos
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: 2 – 7 PM
Location: Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Step into the charm of an Olde Fashioned Christmas in Los Olivos! Join us on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 2–7 PM for festive open houses, a holiday market, gingerbread displays, kids’ activities, and live music. Enjoy holiday treats, snowfall, and a sparkling tree lighting at 6 PM—all in the heart of the charming Santa Barbara Wine Country!
Solvang Julefest Parade
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: 11 AM
Location: Downtown Solvang, Alisal Road & Copenhagen Drive
Come celebrate at the Solvang Julefest Parade on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM in downtown Solvang! Enjoy a joyful parade with dancers, holiday-themed floats, and marching bands, capturing festive cheer and cozy Danish “hygge” for all ages!
Holiday Market at Sunstone Winery
Date: December 7 – 8, 2024
Time: 11 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Sunstone Winery, 125 Refugio Road, Santa Ynez,CA 93460
Celebrate the season at Sunstone Winery’s second annual Holiday Market in Santa Ynez! Join us on December 7th and 8th for festive local vendors, delicious holiday treats, and photos with Santa. Explore our charming European-inspired marketplace, contribute to a toy drive for the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, and savor Sunstone’s exclusive wines in a stunning French-style vineyard setting. Don’t miss the holiday fun!
Holiday Carolers Solvang Julefest
Date: December 7, 14, 21, 2024
Time: Saturdays; 4 – 7 PM
Location: Downtown Solvang
Join us for the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers at Solvang Julefest! Come on Saturdays, December 7, 14, and 21, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Enjoy the festive charm of carolers strolling through downtown Solvang. They’ll be singing classic holiday tunes and spreading seasonal joy for everyone!
Buellton Winterfest
Date: December 8, 2024
Time: Sunday; 9 AM – 7 PM
Location: Avenue of Flags, Buellton, CA 93427
Celebrate the holiday season at Buellton Winterfest on Sunday, December 8, 2024! Start your day with a delightful Breakfast with Santa from 9-11 AM at the Rec Center. Then, head to River View Park from 4-7 PM for real snow, holiday shopping, live music, and a dazzling Christmas Tree Lighting. It’s the perfect way to enjoy festive family fun!
SYV Holiday Lights Festival
Date: December 13-15, and 20-22, 2024
Time: 5:30-8:30 PM
Location: River View Park, 151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton, CA 93427
Feel the holiday magic at the 3rd Annual SYV Holiday Lights Festival! Join us at the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden in Buellton on weekends, December 6-22, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Stroll through dazzling light displays, browse a festive holiday market, snap a photo with Santa, enjoy “snow,” and savor seasonal treats. Fun for all ages awaits!
Annual Maker’s Faire : Holiday Edition
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 11 AM – 3 PM
Location: Zaca Mesa Winery, 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Join us at Zaca Mesa Winery for the Annual Maker’s Faire: Holiday Edition on Saturday, December 14th, from 11 AM to 3 PM! Browse unique creations from local artisans and discover the perfect holiday gifts. Enjoy the festive atmosphere in the heart of wine country!
Ring in 2025 at the Marriott Santa Ynez Valley!
Get ready for the ultimate New Year’s Eve bash on December 31, 2024, from 8 PM to 1 AM! We’re throwing it back to the 80s with DJ Pete Ruiz spinning all the throwback hits to keep you grooving into the new year.
Dress to dazzle, enjoy a midnight champagne toast, and indulge in delicious bites and your favorite cocktails from our cash bar. Early bird tickets are only $40 until November 30—don’t miss out!
Head to 555 McMurray Rd, Buellton, CA, for the party everyone will be talking about. Let’s make it a night to remember!
Date: December 31, 2024
Time: 8 PM – 1 AM, January 1, 2025
Location: Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 555 McMurray Rd, Buellton, CA 93427
Solvang Julefest Tree Burn
Date: January 3, 2025
Time: Friday; 5 – 7 pm
Location: Old Santa Ines Mission Parking Lot, 1760 Mission Dr.ive, Solvang, CA 93463
Wrap up the holiday season with a cherished tradition at the **Solvang Julefest Tree Burn**! Join us on Friday, January 3, 2025, 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!