Hotel Ynez for the Holidays
A COZY CHRISTMAS GETAWAY IN SOLVANG
There's something special about Christmas in Solvang. Come December, our charming Danish village takes on a little extra magic. Storybook storefronts glow with twinkling lights, the scent of fresh pastries from bakeries on every block fills the air, and Julefest brings a calendar full of beloved holiday traditions to the community.
Just minutes from the heart of it all, Hotel Ynez is your cozy home for the holidays. With thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, inviting fireside gathering spaces, and a few festive touches of our own, it's the perfect place to settle in, stay a while, and make the most of this wonderful time of year. Here's how we're celebrating the season.
Comforts & Joy
Every year, we deck the halls and add a few extra comforts for the season. Twinkling lights, warm cups of spiced gløgg, and plenty of cozy corners to settle into. It's the little things that make the holidays at Hotel Ynez feel like home.
Lights All Aglow
The holidays look good on Hotel Ynez. A towering live cypress Christmas tree takes center stage in our guest lounge, while twinkling lights throughout the grounds lend a little extra magic to winter evenings.
The Gingerbread House
The Solvang Bakery's elaborate gingerbread houses have earned quite the reputation. Their handcrafted creations have found their way into some pretty famous homes, and this year, they're making one just for us. Find it on display in the guest lounge.
Sugar & Spice
There's always something good brewing in the guest lounge. Help yourself to complimentary Rustic Bakery cookies and seasonal teas from Rishi's Holiday Collection, available daily. And on Friday & Saturday evenings, there's a little extra holiday cheer to sip on: traditional Scandinavian gløgg (warm, spiced mulled wine), served complimentary to hotel guests.
SOLVANG BAKERY
HOLIDAY COOKIE WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2-4 PM
A sweet addition to your Julefest weekend plans. We're welcoming the iconic Solvang Bakery to Hotel Ynez for a festive afternoon of cookie decorating. Famous for their elaborate gingerbread houses, the bakery's talented team will share their decorating expertise as guests customize their own collection of shortbread cookies.
Open to all ages. Space is limited. $55 per person. Tickets include:
Six holiday-shaped shortbread cookies
All icing, candy, and decorating supplies
Welcome drink: wine (21+ only) or sparkling cider
Your Guide to Solvang Julefest 2026
Holiday Events & Julefest Traditions
There's a reason Solvang consistently ranks among America's best Christmas towns. Our little Danish village was named the #1 Best Christmas Town in the U.S. in The Zoe Report's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards and earned the #3 spot on Oprah Daily's list of the world's most magical Christmas towns and villages. And once you've experienced Julefest, it's easy to see why.
Every winter, Solvang goes all out for its annual celebration of Danish holiday traditions, festive gatherings, and plenty of hygge. From the Christmas tree lighting and Julefest Parade to European-inspired holiday markets, strolling carolers, and twinkling lights throughout town, there's no shortage of ways to get into the spirit.
Here are a few of the local happenings worth marking your calendar for.
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Friday, December 4 · 5:30 PM · Solvang Park
Gather in the heart of town for one of Solvang's most beloved holiday traditions. Enjoy live music, caroling, and festive ballet performances before the village Christmas tree is illuminated for the season.
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Saturday, December 5 · 11 AM–1:30 PM · Downtown Solvang
A holiday tradition for all ages. More than 400 participants bring the village streets to life with marching bands, horses, dancers, classic cars, and festive floats. Keep an eye out for Santa, too.
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Saturday, December 12 · 10 AM–12 PM · Solvang Park
Four-legged friends are invited to join the holiday festivities, too. Stop by the Santa Paws photo booth hosted by Therapy Dogs of America for a festive photo with your own pup or one of their friendly therapy dogs. Free and open to all. Book your dog-friendly stay at Hotel Ynez!
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Wednesdays, December 2, 9, 16 & 23 · 3–7 PM · Solvang Park
Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, this open-air gathering brings together local artisans, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal treats beneath the twinkling lights. The weekly Solvang Farmers Market takes place right next door.
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Saturdays, November 28 & December 5, 12, 19 · 5–8 PM · Downtown Solvang
Enjoy a little old-fashioned Christmas cheer as strolling carolers in Victorian attire fill the streets of Solvang with familiar holiday melodies. A lovely accompaniment to an evening of shopping and exploring the village.
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Nightly, November 27 – January 3 · 5–9 PM · Solvang Park
Solvang Park shines a little brighter after dark. Catch a 10-minute light and music show on the hour each evening, with a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday soundtracks.
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Thursday, December 31 · 2–4 PM · Solvang Park
Why wait until midnight? Ring in the New Year alongside Denmark with Solvang's annual Copenhagen Countdown. Enjoy live music from '80s tribute band The Molly Ringwald Project before counting down to midnight in Copenhagen at 3 PM Pacific.
Happy Holidays from Hotel Ynez!
