This year’s Julefest on December 2, 2016. It’s theme, “Celebrating Together”, was co-hosted by Tracy Farhang, executive director of the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau and Alan Satchwell, worship leader at the Santa Inez Valley Presbyterian Church. They welcomed hundreds of visitors and residents to the iconic Hans Christian Anderson Park for a night of hot chocolate, pictures with Santa and performances by local musicians and dancers who entertained as they waited for the tree to be lit in the center of the park.
The Grand marshals for this year’s festivities were the Neilson Family, a familiar whose heritage goes back 105 years as being one of the founding settlers in the Danish Village.
the annual yulefest in Solvang, CA.
The stage was set as music filled the Hans Christian Anderson Park beginning at 5 p.m on Dec. 3 for a holiday tradition.
The Valley Ensemble directed by Stephanie Douglas played classic holiday tunes for a full 30 minute set.
Christmas lights illuminated the main street through the villiage.
the stage also was decked out with lights for the occasion.
At 6:50 the tree was lit up with ballerinas dancing around it gracefully.
Music Performance included ballet and tap dancing courtesy of the Fossmall dancers, musical performances by the Santa Ines Valley Jazz Band as well as the Valley Wind Ensemble and an extra special performance by World renown Violinist Maurice Skahill and resident pianist, Leta Wright. Watch the video for a sample of the performances below.
And the fun didn’t stop because Santa’s village was open all weekend Dec 2-4 and is open select weekends up to Christmas free of charge, as well as the annual Winterfest Parade which commenced Saturday Dec 3, 2016 around the edge of the Danish Village of Solvang.
The Winterfest parade commenced at 11 am down Mission Drive in Solvang, CA and went around the outer edges of the danish village.
Floats including this viking ship reminded crowds of the heretage of the village.
And the Solvang trolley allowed people and up close look while being pulled down the road in a horse drawn trolley.
Solvang, as one of the oldest danish areas is also very much dog friendly as one of the dog boarding places marched its four legged friends proudly in the parade.
one of the local bands, carried tunes down the parade route.
The annual Christmas Nativity Pageant shared the message while letting people know about the upcoming free performances next Saturday in the outdoor theater.
This year’s theme for the parade and yulefest is “Celebrating together”.
Local radio stations, were also decked out for the holiday season.
Motorcycles carried the message and brought in the big guy.
This year’s Danish Maid Natylia Neilson and the Neilson Family who recieved the ultimate honor of grand marshall rode in style in the Winterfest parade.
And of course Santa Claus himself welcomed the holiday season officially culminating the end of the parade.
Solvang is known worldwide as the third most popular Christmas destination.
