Solvang celebrated the return of Julefest with its annual Christmas parade on Saturday, featuring plenty of holiday spirit and nods to the town’s Danish history.
The parade marched down Mission Street and featured 46 attractions in its “Nordic Noel” lineup. The event is part of the town’s month-long Julefest, which began on Friday with a tree lighting in Solvang Park.
Marchers in the parade included representatives from local businesses, schools and elected officials dressed in holiday apparel, costumes and Santa hats. Some float participants also threw candy and small gifts to children in the crowd.
The floats included the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Honor Guard from the American Legion Post 160, the Boy Scouts – Solvang City Banner, and more. The Nimbus Motorcycle Club rode reconstructed Nimbus Motorcycles, the only Danish motorcycle ever produced.
The event drew hundreds of people to the main street in Solvang, including visitors from out of town.
Lisa Nolan was visiting with her family, including her 84-year-old mother. This was Nolan’s first time seeing the parade.
“My brother took my mom last year, and he loved the town. So, he suggested we come back this year,” Nolan said.
Nolan traveled from Windsor, Colorado, and her brother made the trip from the Santa Clarita Valley. She said that she found Solvang to be cute and was looking forward to exploring all the Christmas shops.
Others attending the parade for the first time included Christy Hunter and her friend Kim Dixson. The pair were celebrating a birthday and had arranged a group to come during the holidays.
“I was here in the summer a couple of years ago, but it was way different than today,” Hunter said. “Absolutely festive. (It) got us in the Christmas spirit.”
Dixson said she enjoyed the local feel of the parade and the fact that the floats were driven by people who live in Solvang and represent the area.
“I liked all the depictions of the Nativity scene and just the spirit of all the kids. That it was all local people,” Dixson said. “The cheerleaders, younger kids doing football and basketball. You really got to see the spirit of the town. I think that really came through.”
The 2025 Julefest will run throughout the month of December and end on Jan. 4. For a full schedule of the festival and events, visit solvangusa.com
