Beyond Bend: A Christmas Day Trip to Solvang

I first discovered Solvang the way many people probably do — watching a Hallmark movie around the holidays. Picture-perfect streets, twinkling lights, half-timbered buildings, and the kind of small-town magic that feels almost too charming to be real. So when I realized Solvang was an actual place nestled in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, I knew I had to experience it for myself — especially at Christmastime.

Solvang was founded in 1911 by a group of Danish-Americans looking to preserve their heritage. The result? A village that feels like a European storybook town — complete with windmills, traditional Danish bakeries, and festive decor that turns up a notch during the holidays. Each December, Solvang transforms into Julefest — a month-long celebration filled with Christmas lights, carolers, and Scandinavian traditions.

We arrived just in time to catch the town dressed in its holiday best. Garland-trimmed rooftops, light poles wrapped like candy canes, and shop windows glowing with ornaments and wooden toys set the mood instantly. The first thing we did? Pastries. Obviously.

You can’t visit Solvang without stopping at one of its famous Danish bakeries — we grabbed a few flaky kringles and æbleskivers (round pancake-like treats) dusted with powdered sugar. Sweet, warm, and just the thing to eat while strolling through the cool December air.

Every hour, the melodic chime of the clock tower echoed over the village — a sound that somehow made the day feel even more like a fairytale. We paused in the square to take it in, the tones ringing out over cobblestone sidewalks and couples bundled up with cocoa in hand.

We wandered in and out of gift shops, each one packed with unique finds — from Scandinavian ornaments and handcrafted candles to gnome decor and puppets (yes, we bought a couple). The mix of cozy and quirky made shopping actually enjoyable — and that’s saying something.

All in all, a day in Solvang was the perfect amount of time. We explored, ate, shopped, and soaked up the festive spirit without feeling rushed. It’s a wonderful one-day escape if you're already in Southern California — especially in December, when it feels like Christmas lives there full time.