WINDMILLS AND WHIMSY: Solvang, that charming burg known for its wine tasting tours, clog-packed shop windows, and atmospheric ghost tours, is a town for all seasons and holidays, including, of course, Christmas. But when the middle of September dances into the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley spot, so do the spirited happenings that pay tribute to the Solvang's origins. The name of these festivities tells the history-filled tale, and the foods, sips, songs, and sights add to the story. It's Solvang Danish Days we're ballyhooing about, the weekend-long food-and-history party returning to Solvang from Sept. 18 through 20, 2026.
A CERTAIN CELEBRATED FOODSTUFF... is the sweet star of the celebration, and if you just confidently shouted out "æbleskiver," you have Solvang smarts to spare. The puffy, decadent, jam-topped pastry is both the centerpiece of the oh-so-very-popular Æbleskiver Breakfasts and the Æbleskiver Eating Contests, but visitors will also find the famous goodie for sale at bakeries around town. Beyond the bites, there are beverages aplenty: If you're 21 or older and in search of some suds with Danish cred, look to the Viking Beer & Wine Garden; purchases will help the Danish Days foundation. And other foodie/sippie diversions are on the tempting schedule, including a tour that takes a closer peek at the town's "culinary culture" and caboodle of cuisine choices.
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WATCH HEREAURA-LADEN EVENING OUTINGS... include the Torchlight Parade to kick off the weekend and the Solvang Ghost Tour, which is materializing each night. But if you're daytiming it, and it is Saturday, you'll likely be in town for the star event, the Danish Days Parade, which features street dancing, fanciful floats, and live tunes. Other satellite happenings including an Old World Artisans Marketplace, axe throwing sessions, an organ concert, and storytime fun at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art.
