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.
Open Houses and Festive Seasons Holidays
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 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!
A Cowboy Christmas
Date: Now – 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!
A Nostalgic Christmas: The Village of Joy at ZFolio
Date: Now through December 31, 2024
Days & Time: Wednesday – Monday: 9:30 am – 6 pm; Tuesday: 11 am – 5 pm
Location: ZFolio GAllery, 1685 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, CA 93463
This winter, ZFolio invites you to step into the magic of Christmas. See the unveiling of “A Nostalgic Christmas: The Village of Joy,” at ZFolio Gallery. This enchanting exhibit blends timeless holiday traditions with a heartfelt story of love and creativity.
Twelve Days of Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Date: Now – January 5, 2025
Location: Santa Ynez, California
Uncover Christmas Clues in Santa Ynez Country Christmas’s Twelve Days of Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Get ready to deck the halls and hit the streets! The charming township of Santa Ynez is inviting families, friends and holiday lovers alike to join in a spirited “12 Days of Christmas” Scavenger Hunt, part of this year’s Santa Ynez Country Christmas festivities.
This free event promises fun for all ages and will launch on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, and continue through Jan. 5, 2025.
Solvang Julefest Makers Market
Date: December 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 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!
Holiday Carolers Solvang Julefest
Date: December 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!
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!
Solvang Nativity Pageant
Date: December 15, 2024
Time: Sunday; 4 – 7 PM
Location: Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, 1825 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA 93463
Celebrate the enchantment of the season at the Solvang Nativity Pageant on Sunday, December 15, 2024. This cherished tradition is perfect for the whole family. Visit [syvpc.org/solvangnativitypageant](http://www.syvpc.org/solvangnativitypageant) for details and join us for an unforgettable evening filled with joy and wonder.
Shop Like a Member at Elverhøj Museum
Date: December 19, 2024
Time: 5 PM – 8 PM,
Location: 1624 Elverhoy Way Solvang, CA 93463
Shop, Save, and Celebrate at Elverhøj! Join us for “Shop Like a Member” evenings on Thursday, December 12 & 19, from 5 – 8 p.m. Enjoy 10% off unique merchandise—just like our members! After shopping, explore the Museum decorated for the holidays and hunt for our hidden “Nisser”. Free admission, festive vibes, and fun shopping!
Gingerbread House Dreams & Marketplace
Date: December 21, 2024
Time: 2 – 3 PM
Location: 2350 Railway Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Celebrate the holidays at Mattei’s Tavern! Decorate gingerbread houses in Santa’s Workshop (Dec 21, 2–3 PM, $50 per kit for up to 6). Then, explore the free Holiday Marketplace (2–5:30 PM) featuring unique local gifts. Enjoy festive cheer, delicious treats, and beverages for purchase. Bring your family and friends for a magical day of creativity and holiday spirit!
Julefest Photos with Santa Paws
Date: December 21, 2024
Time: 11 AM – 5 PM
Location: 1644 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA 93463
Ho, Ho, Woof! Julefest Photos with Santa Paws
Join theTherapy Dogs of Santa Barbara on Saturday, December 21st, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Solvang Park for festive photos with adorable therapy dogs. Snap pics with a cheerful holiday backdrop and fun props using your own phone or camera. Meet the pups, spread holiday cheer, and learn about their amazing work. Free and fun for all!
Dec. 25th: Christmas at The Tavern
Date: December 25, 2024
Time: 5 – 9 PM
Location: 2350 Railway Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Celebrate Christmas Day with a bountiful dinner buffet crafted by Chef Joseph! Savor seasonal flavors and holiday classics, all designed to bring warmth and joy to your table. From hearty favorites to inspired winter dishes, it’s a festive feast perfect for sharing with loved ones.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Mattei’s Tavern
Date: December 31, 2024
Time: 5 PM
Location: 2350 Railway Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Ring in the new year with a luxurious five-course dinner at Mattei’s Tavern! Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the finest seasonal ingredients and the vibrant flavors of the Central Coast. Celebrate in style with exquisite cuisine and a warm, inviting ambiance perfect for the occasion.
Ring in the New Year at The Good Life Cellars!
Date: December 31, 2024
Time: 6 – 9:30 PM
Location: 1644 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA 93463
Celebrate East Coast style by the fire with friends, festive vibes, and cheer! Enjoy party favors and a sparkling toast at 9 p.m. Savor local wines, California craft beers, and tasty small bites (available for purchase). No cover charge—just a 2-drink minimum. Space is limited, so arrive early! Let’s welcome the New Year together!
Ring in 2025 at the Marriott Santa Ynez Valley!
Date: December 31, 2024
Time: 8 PM – 1 AM, January 1, 2025
Location: Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 555 McMurray Rd, Buellton, CA 93427
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.
Countdown to 2025 at Norman!
Date: December 31, 2024
Time: 8 PM – 12:30 AM, January 1, 2025
Location: Skyview, 9150 US-101, Los Alamos, CA 93440
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with a dazzling poolside party at Norman! Enjoy a night of festive vibes, live music, and mouthwatering pa 9ssed appetizers, perfectly paired with our signature drinks. Gather your favorite people under the starry Los Alamos sky as we count down to 2025 together. Don’t miss the midnight champagne toast—it’s the perfect way to welcome the new year!
Solvang Julefest Tree Burn
Date: January 3, 2025
Time: Friday; 5 – 7 pm
Location: Old Santa Ines Mission Parking Lot, 1760 Mission Drive, 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!