If you find yourself in Central California around Christmas time, then you need to make a trip to spend the day or weekend in Solvang.
The town of Solvang is a small town about an 35 miles northeast of the coastal city of Santa Barbara, and is about a 2.5 hour drive from Los Angeles (pending traffic, because we all know how that goes) and is located on Highway 246 in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Solvang is an adorable and charming getaway year-round with nearly perfect weather every day, countless wineries nearby, delicious foods to eat, and quaint places to lay your head to rest at night.
But the town turns into a warm-weathered winter wonderland during Christmas time.
Aside from the Christmas spirit, another reason this is one of our favorite California destinations, is it’s very dog friendly! Chances are, if there’s a patio, they welcome dogs with open arms!
Whether you’re here for just a day trip or decide to make a weekend out of your time in Solvang, here’s some ideas to help you plan your Christmas getaway.
Where to Stay
The Hadsten Solvang
If you’re looking for a charming hotel with a cozy vibe, then the Hadsten Solvang is where you need to stay.
Located just as you enter town on Mission Dr., this hotel is close enough to all of the restaurants and shops but just far enough away from the center of it all to enjoy a quiet night of rest.
The hotel is not pet-friendly, but what it lacks in furry companionship, it makes up for in some special amenities like a fireplace in your room, spacious bathrooms, and an indoor pool.
And yes my friends, it is a Hilton owned hotel, so feel free to use those points.
The Vinland Hotel & Lounge
If you’re feeling something a bit more modern, check out the Vinland Hotel.
What we loved most about this hotel is that they’re pet friendly and our room had a MASSIVE patio where we enjoyed a bottle of wine while soaking in the views.
Located just across the street from the Hadsten, this hotel offers a great location to all that Solvang has to offer.
The Vinland has its own lounge, called the V Lounge, which offers some amazing cocktails and a cool atmosphere.
Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground
If you’re camping in an RV or tent, but want to stay somewhere that’s a bit more boujee, then the place to stay is Flying Flags .
Who would’ve guessed that my newly retired parents would take their new motorhome on its maiden voyage to this cool spot before their world-traveling daughter would get the chance to. Let me tell you, Flying Flags set the new standard in glamping for them.
What we loved most about this RV resort is its proximity to the town of Solvang, but it’s just far away enough to enjoy a little R&R after a busy day of walking the festive streets.
There’s plenty to do at this RV resort including relaxing by the pool. playing cornhole, bocce ball and more!
No RV or tent? No problem, Flying Flags also offers tiny house and cabin rentals so you can enjoy the feeling of a campground but no aching back in the morning.
Located just across Highway 101 in the neighboring town of Buellton, this campground is just a short drive or e-bike ride into town!
Lake Cachuma Campground
So maybe after a day spent in a bustling town, you’re looking for a bit of nature to escape to. Don’t worry just up the road from Solvang is Lake Cachuma.
Cachuma Lake is a domestic water supply, so as refreshing as it looks, unfortunately water activities such as swimming, water-skiing, windsurfing, or any other body contact with the water is prohibited.
But Cachuma Lake Campground has lake-view and inland sites with over 100 full hookup sites (W/E/S) and over 30 partial hookups (W/E only).
This is a popular campground amongst the locals, so be sure to book quickly!
Where to Eat
If you’ve been with us for a minute, you know one of our favorite things to do is eat.
It’s the best way to experience a local culture. But Solvang ups that experience by mixing Central California cuisine and Danish cuisine into one convenient foodie paradise.
So pack your stretchy pants friends, here we go.
Paula’s Pancake house
Before you read any further, my biggest tip for you when visiting Paula’s Pancake House is GET HERE EARLY. This place is popular for a reason, but that delicious food means a long wait, especially on the weekends.
Still, I promise you, it’s worth the wait.
What do you get here? The pancakes of course. But not just any pancakes, Danish pancakes.
They’re huge. They’re thin. They’re served with homemade whipped cream.
They’re delicious. If you get just one thing here, get the Paula’s Special and you’ll be fueled up for a day of exploring.
Solvang Brewing co.
Can I be honest with you? The best schnitzel I’ve had outside of Switzerland is right here at Solvang Brewing.
Other favorites include the soft pretzels and of course, if you’re in Central California, you have to try the tri-trip sandwich.
The beer is always good, and if you fall in love with a beer you like, chances are you can bring some home with you in a convenient six pack.
On a pleasant day enjoy the large dog friendly patio located conveniently on Mission Dr. just a few steps away from Paula’s Pancake House.
Copenhagen Sausage Garden
Oh yes friends, no trip to Solvang is complete without a sausage. There’s nothing better than the snap of a good sausage followed by the swig of a cool and refreshing beer.
The only thing that could make this better is having your sausage dog with you, which luckily yes, the Copenhagen Sausage Garden is dog friendly.
In fact, it’s so pet friendly, you might get a chance to get some love from their garden kitty.
Pea Soup Andersens (Closed as of 2024 – with local hopes of re-reopening someday!)
On your drive to Solvang, chances are you saw a quirky roadside sign or two advertising Pea Soup Andersens.
This local treasure has been serving travelers for nearly one hundred years with its gift shop and delicious food.
Located in the neighboring town of Buellton, if you’ve never tried split-pea soup, this is where you need to try it.
Now it’s an indoor only dining establishment, so the fur kids will have to sit this one out. But trust me the soup, the chicken pot pie, and the Monte Cristo sandwich are worth it!
The Red Viking restaurant
Two words for you: Danish Smorgasbord.
If you’re looking for a delicious Danish lunch or dinner, then you have to try the Red Viking. Aside from the usual fare of sausage, sandwiches, and schnitzel, you’ll find the Smorgasbord. A buffet style dining option that serves hot and cold traditional Danish food. It’s such a fun and unique dining experience right in the hear of Solvang.
Aebleskiver
A what now? An Aebleskiver (or Ebelskiver) are puffy Danish pancake balls and a traditional Danish dessert that is most often served during the Christmas season.
This sweet bite is the perfect way to end your culinary adventure around Solvang. You can find them at several Danish bakeries around town, but our go-to’s are usually the Red Viking or Solvang Restaurant.
Hungry yet? Me too.
What to Do
You mean other than eat? Sure. There’s plenty do in Solvang and the surrounding towns of Santa Ynez Valley.
Shopping
Solvang has a ton of adorable shops to browse while you stroll down Mission Dr., Copenhagen Dr., and more.
The best part is, unlike many other tourist towns, you won’t see a lot of the big bulk souvenirs here. You know what I’m talking about right? By the time you hit the third store you’ve seen the same t-shirt and magnet every time.
While you may see the occasional repeat, you’ll find high quality leather stores, fun sock shops, a Thomas Kinkade art gallery, imported Danish treasures and much more.
But it is Christmas after all, and no visit to Solvang is complete without a stop to the year-round Christmas store, Jule Hus.
Here you’ll find unique ornaments, beautiful nutcrackers, and other Christmas decorations to bring some of that Solvang spirt home with you.
Hans Christian Anderson Museum
Hans Christian Anderson is a famous Danish author, and above the Book Loft is a small museum showcasing his work and life story.
This stop is a must for any HCA fan.
Enjoy sweets & baked goods
Oh you thought you were done eating. No my friends. We’re just getting started.
While enjoying your stroll around town, you’ll notice the sweet smells of fudge, pretzels, and other baked goods on just about every corner.
Too full? Don’t worry, these baked goods are the perfect to-go snacks for the drive home or late-night cravings.
I dare you not to peek your head into one of these bakeries and not walk out with some European cookies or pastries.
Our favorites are the Old Danish Fudge Kitchen for its fudge, Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery for their cookies, and Mortensons Danish Bakery for their pastries.
Wine Tasting
It’s no secret, we love the vino.
Solvang and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley is a wine-tasting paradise and is moving up in the ranks as being a well-known wine region, giving that pricey Napa Valley a run for its money.
There are several tasting rooms all within walking distance of each other in the heart of Solvang, so there’s no need to risk it with drinking and driving.
Our favorite wine tasting rooms in town have to be:
Dascomb Cellars – offers little nibbles as pairings with their wine tasting flights.
Caravintas Winery – we love that a portion of their proceeds of wine sales goes to local animal shelters and organizations.
Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard – a fun tasting room where the locals come to sip and socialize. The “Sam” is one of our favorite red wines we’ve ever tasted.
The best part? ALL of these tasting rooms are dog-friendly INSIDE. Yes friend, so even if you find yourself here on a rare and rainy winter day, you can still smell the tanins and sip in merriment while not getting drenched on some patio.
Have a designated driver and are looking to get out of town for an afternoon?
Our favorite wineries nearby are:
Beckmen Vineyards – fun fact, this was the first wine club we were ever part of! Why? Because this place is just that special. It’s Santa Barbara’s first biodynamic vineyard. To explain it as best as I can, that’s a step above organic. It’s pretty much treating the property as a living organism, which means no use of herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, or nitrogen based fertilizer.
And their wine shows it.
Koehler Winery – the grounds here are absolutely beautiful. You can enjoy the bustling patio or find a quiet space to sip and enjoy a sunset. Just be sure to say hello to their resident emu!
Explore nearby Los Olivos & Buellton
If you’re in Solvang for a weekend, be sure to explore the neighboring towns of Los Olivos and Buellton on your way in or out.
Buellton is a slightly larger town then both Solvang and Los Olivos and has more fast food and quick bite options, but is also home to Firestone Walker Brewing Co. which brews one of our favorite local-turned-national beers, 805.
Los Olivos is a tiny town with a lot to offer for food, shopping, and you guessed it more wine tasting. Make sure to try the sandwiches at Panino and the Lemonade from Los Olivos Lemonade!
Ostrichland USA
Wait what?! Ostriches?! Yep! A fun way to start your day is by feeding ostriches at OstrichLand USA. The farm opens at 9 AM daily, so it’s a great early morning adventure before hitting up the shops or wineries.
It costs $7 a person and feed is just a few dollars extra. There is a gift shop on site that also sells emu and ostrich eggs when they’re in season. Imagine the omelet you could make with an egg that size!
Chumash Casino Resort
Hit the card tables or the slots at the nearby Chumash Casino.
This is a family favorite casino, and some of my favorite memories of my Nana is watching her talk to the machines for a little luck.
Not only do they have over 2,000 slot machines, this resort has a AAA Four-Diamond rated hotel that is supposed to be pretty snazzy!
In the mood for some music? Keep an eye on their entertainment schedule. You never know who you’ll see.
Fun fact: I once saw Florida Georgia Line here before they got BIG!
Carriage Ride
The grand finale to your day or weekend in Solvang should be a nighttime carriage ride through town.
Now, I’m not a princess girly by a long shot, but a girl can’t help but get a little twinkle in her eye as she’s parading around a Christmas village in a horse drawn carriage that would make Cinderella proud.
When you think of California, you don’t think of a winter wonderland.
While Solvang can be very warm in the day, those temperatures tend to drop in the evening making it for the perfect weather for a good jacket and a stroll with a cup of cocoa.
So before the holiday season ends, take a trip to Solvang and enjoy the sights!
Happy and safe travels,
The Traveling Tiongsons
Traveling Tiongsons 