Heavy rains have forced the cancellation of the Solvang Christmas Tree Burn. 

“Although some of the saturated trees may still be able to burn, the tree pile site at the Mission Santa Ines field has been inundated with water resulting in very large puddles, excessive mud, terrible footing and giant ruts from various vehicles driving directly to the pile to drop off trees causing unsafe terrain,” Recreation Supervisor Jenny McClurg said in a message sent Thursday afternoon. 

The annual tree burn had been planned for 5-7 p.m. Friday to mark the end of the city of Solvang Julefest celebration. 

“We realize that Friday’s weather is projected to be clear but the poor field conditions remain. We are all disappointed that this annual event will not take place this year,” she added. 

City staff will work with Waste Management to instead recycle the pile of trees into mulch. 

Trees can still be dropped off until Jan. 13. Due to excessive mud, people should not drive to the pile, but carefully walk it in from the parking lot.