Marking its 46th event, the Vikings of Solvang hosted its Kids’ Christmas Party on Monday, attracting its largest crowd of special-needs students, their teachers and their aides.
Busloads of students from schools in the Santa Maria, Lompoc and Santa Ynez valleys arrived at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott hotel in Buellton for the event.
After seeing attendance drop following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vikings said before Monday that they expected a record crowd for the 2024 party. About 860 students and adults attended the event, the Vikings said afterward.
Throughout the event, traditionally held the first Monday in December, members of the Vikings and their guests sported big smiles.
Upon arrival, holiday characters such as Frosty, Rudolph and the Grinch greeted the special guests, delighting most of them.
Along with lunch, the guests were treated to music before getting a chance to meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
In addition, they didn’t leave empty-handed. Youths received with a tub of cookies from Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery. Teachers received gift cards to supplement their classroom supplies.
“Today’s Christmas party was a testament to the incredible spirit of generosity and community we experience during the holiday season,” Viking Chief Larry Humburger said after the party.
Along with donning costumes for the characters, members of the Vikings, sporting holiday hats, fulfilled various roles, including as escorts, waiters and more. Others directed the steady of stream of buses and helped unload and load students.
Marriott’s employees also historically have played a key role in the party’s success.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Marriott employees and my fellow Vikings of Solvang for going above and beyond to create a magical day for these wonderful children and their caregivers,” Humburger said. “Their hard work and kindness brought so much joy, laughter and holiday cheer. It’s moments like these that truly make the season bright.”
The Kids’ Christmas Party began with 25 guests in 1976 and has grown to host several hundred students and adults.
The organization suspended the party, a popular event for members, for two years during the pandemic before resuming in 2022.
The Vikings of Solvang, a men’s philanthropic organization, provides financial assistance for those with medically related needs. Through the years, they’ve often supplied vital medical equipment for people dealing with various conditions.
Recipients of past donations have included qualified individuals and health care organizations in the Santa Ynez Valley and throughout Santa Barbara County.
More recently, the organization added an annual car show to its list of activities, providing another fundraiser for its primary mission.
Earlier this year, the Vikings announced the largest donation in its 50-year history with a $1.67 million gift from a longtime Santa Ynez Valley resident who died in 2023.
To support the Kids’ Christmas Party or contribute to the Vikings endowment fund, visit the organization’s website at vikingsofsolvang.org.