Experience the joy of the holidays in Santa Paula! Our guide highlights all the special festive events and activities. From Santa Paula residents to holiday guests, our guide highlights the season's top events and activities.
One beloved highlight of the season is the Solvang Julefest, featuring charming holiday markets and traditional Scandinavian celebrations that bring the community together. The Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony is an enchanting event where the town square sparkles with lights, creating a magical atmosphere. And don't forget, the Solvang Julefest Parade showcases festive floats and cheerful performances that embody the spirit of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Santa Paula Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Santa Paula
- Solvang Julefest (Solvang)
- Solvang Julefest Parade (Solvang)
- Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony (Solvang)
- Winter Village (Santa Ana)
- Holiday Road (Calabasas)
- Maker’s Market (Solvang)
- Winter Lights (Santa Ana)
- Photos with Santa / Santa’s Village (Solvang)
- Nisser Adventure (Solvang)
- Light & Music Show (Solvang)
See these and even more events listed below!
Santa Paula Holiday Light Displays
Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Holiday tree lighting with dancers and ballerinas.
Description:
The Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony is a special event where the City of Solvang lights its city tree, featuring holiday dancers, ballerinas, and music performances. This ceremony marks the beginning of the holiday season in Solvang Park.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony
Light & Music Show
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and music show with two holiday music variations.
Description:
Every evening during Solvang Julefest, Solvang Park transforms into a vibrant spectacle with a 10-minute light and music display on the hour. The show features two variations: traditional holiday music at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM, and a more modern holiday soundtrack at 6 PM and 8 PM.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Light & Music Show
Solvang Trolley Christmas Light Tour
What to Expect:
Holiday light tour with hot chocolate.
Description:
Explore the enchanting Christmas lights of the Santa Ynez Valley on a festive trolley tour, featuring fresh hot chocolate and a delightful experience.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Solvang Trolley Christmas Light Tour
Holiday Road
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with interactive installations and festive activities.
Description:
Holiday Road is a premier holiday event in Los Angeles featuring larger-than-life holiday installations, thousands of Christmas lights, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves, and countless candy canes. The immersive experience includes a mile-long walking trail, interactive photo moments, a festive souvenir shop, premium holiday bars, and top food trucks.
Where: Calabasas | More Info: Holiday Road
Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Colorful Candyland-themed boat parade with fireworks.
Description:
The 48th Annual Parade of Lights at Ventura Harbor features a colorful Candyland-themed boat parade, kids' carnival rides, faux snowfall, and pop performances along the promenade. The event culminates with a fireworks display.
Where: Ventura | More Info: Parade of Lights
Wild Lights and Ocean Nights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Explore the Moorpark College Teaching Zoo transformed into a vibrant display of light and color. Stroll through the Illuminated Jungle and Glow in the Dark Garden, visit Santa's Workshop with its giant 12-foot tree, and spot Ira the Lion under his expanded Canopy of Lights. Enjoy immersive experiences perfect for all ages.
Where: Moorpark | More Info: Wild Lights and Ocean Nights
Santa Paula Holiday Markets and Shopping
Solvang Julefest
What to Expect:
Traditional European-style holiday market with local artisans.
Description:
Solvang Julefest is a month-long celebration in Solvang, California, featuring holiday decorations, festive music, and unique shopping opportunities. The event includes a tree lighting ceremony, a holiday parade, and a makers market with local artisans. Visitors can also participate in a city-wide hunt for the mischievous Solvang Nisser and enjoy candlelight tours with Christmas carols.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Solvang Julefest
Maker’s Market
What to Expect:
Traditional European-style holiday shopping under the stars.
Description:
The Solvang Julefest Maker’s Market is an open-air Christmas market in Solvang Park, featuring local artisans offering unique holiday gift ideas and seasonal treats.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Maker’s Market
Winter Wonderland & Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa, carolers, and local artisans.
Description:
Visit Ventura Harbor Village for a holiday celebration featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, live carolers, holiday characters, and a Pop-Up Village Marketplace with local artisans and crafts.
Where: Ventura | More Info: Winter Wonderland & Holiday Market
Santa Paula Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Solvang Julefest Parade
What to Expect:
Family-friendly parade with marching bands and horses.
Description:
The Solvang Julefest Parade features marching bands, horses, and floats traveling along Solvang's main streets, offering a lively and festive atmosphere.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Solvang Julefest Parade
Santa Claus' Party
What to Expect:
Festively decorated train with live carolers and Santa visits.
Description:
Step aboard Metrolink's Holiday Express Train for a family-friendly holiday experience featuring festively decorated trains, live carolers, and special visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy pre-event activities like children's craft stations and live music before embarking on a 75-minute round-trip journey filled with holiday characters and cheer.
Where: Simi Valley | More Info: Santa Claus' Party
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
What to Expect:
Vibrant mariachi and Mexican dance celebrating cherished traditions.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico, featuring Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande. This vibrant show weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a heartwarming story of the season, capturing the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas.
Where: Rancho Cucamonga | More Info: Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Stargazer’s Presents Tibbies’ Holiday Follies
What to Expect:
Nostalgic holiday variety show with tap dancing and vocal arrangements.
Description:
Celebrating its 31st Christmas season, Stargazer Productions presents Tibbies' Holiday Follies, featuring tap dancing "Toy Soldiers," breathtaking vocal arrangements, and high-energy dance numbers. This show is a nostalgic journey through favorite holiday moments, inspired by classic TV specials hosted by legendary celebrities.
Where: Rancho Cucamonga | More Info: Stargazer’s Presents Tibbies’ Holiday Follies
Winter Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive science exhibits and original holiday music.
Description:
Winter Lights is a holiday musical spectacle at Discovery Cube Orange County, featuring an original story, captivating music, and interactive science exhibits. The show blends hope, resilience, and magic, set against the backdrop of the Aurora Borealis. It includes unique characters like a science fairy and a lovable robot, making it a perfect addition to any family's holiday traditions.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Winter Lights
Santa Paula Other Holiday Activities
Nisser Adventure
What to Expect:
City-wide hunt for hidden Danish gnomes.
Description:
Join a city-wide hunt for the mischievous Solvang Nisser, hidden throughout downtown Solvang. Participants can find clues at the Solvang Visitor Center and receive a special keepsake upon finding each Nisse.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Nisser Adventure
Photos with Santa / Santa’s Village
What to Expect:
Free photos with Santa in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
Meet Mr. Claus at Santa's Village in Solvang Park every Saturday leading up to Christmas Day. Enjoy free photos with Santa and get your Christmas lists ready. This event is a great opportunity to capture special holiday memories with family and friends.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Photos with Santa / Santa’s Village
Candlelight Tours
What to Expect:
Costumed guides lead LED-lit tours through historic Solvang streets.
Description:
Join a guided candlelight tour through downtown Solvang, learning about Danish traditions and Solvang history while singing carols. Participants will receive an LED candle to hold during the tour.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Candlelight Tours
Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Colorful floats and holiday music.
Description:
The Christmas Parade in Santa Paula is a vibrant community event featuring festive floats, holiday music, and joyful participants.
Where: Santa Paula | More Info: Christmas Parade
Santa Christmas Kick Off
What to Expect:
Santa's arrival marks the beginning of holiday festivities in Santa Paula.
Description:
Join Santa Paula for a festive holiday kick-off event featuring Santa's arrival, holiday activities, and community celebrations.
Where: Santa Paula | More Info: Santa Christmas Kick Off
Come See Santa Pancake Breakfast
What to Expect:
Interactive breakfast with Santa.
Description:
Join Santa Paula for a delightful pancake breakfast featuring festive treats and holiday cheer.
Where: Santa Paula | More Info: Come See Santa Pancake Breakfast
Santa Gingerbread House
What to Expect:
Hands-on gingerbread house decorating activity.
Description:
The Santa Gingerbread House is an event where participants can create and decorate their own gingerbread houses. This activity is designed for families and individuals who enjoy baking and decorating. It is a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday season.
Where: Santa Paula | More Info: Santa Gingerbread House
Santa Tours
What to Expect:
Cultural and educational activities for seniors.
Description:
The Santa Paula Senior Center offers a variety of programs and services, including luncheons, museum trips, and volunteer days. Events include visits to the Santa Paula Art Museum and Agriculture Museum, as well as trips to Ventura Harbor and Solvang.
Where: Santa Paula | More Info: Santa Tours
Christmas Festivities
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday events with live entertainment and photo opportunities.
Description:
The Fontana Christmas Parade and Festival Winter offer a variety of activities for all ages, including a tree lighting ceremony, train rides, live entertainment, and photo opportunities with Santa. The parade features floats and community groups showcasing their holiday spirit, while the festival offers a chance to sled down fresh snow and enjoy various vendors.
Where: Fontana | More Info: Christmas Festivities
Festival of Winter
What to Expect:
Snow play and train rides in a festive community setting.
Description:
The Festival of Winter at Miller Park Amphitheater features train rides, rides and attractions, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. Visitors can also sled down over 40 tons of fresh snow and experience snow for the first time.
Where: Fontana | More Info: Festival of Winter
Winter Village
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long celebration featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and special events like a toy giveaway and breakfast with Santa. The event includes family-friendly activities and entertainment throughout its duration.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Winter Village
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Camarillo (10 miles)
- Moorpark (11 miles)
- Oxnard (13 miles)
- Ventura (14 miles)
- Port Hueneme (16 miles)
- Simi Valley (17 miles)
- Thousand Oaks (18 miles)
- Agoura Hills (22 miles)
- Agoura (23 miles)
- West Hills (26 miles)
- Valencia (26 miles)
- Chatsworth (27 miles)
- Calabasas (28 miles)
- Canoga Park (28 miles)
- Woodland Hills (29 miles)
- Santa Clarita (30 miles)
- Northridge (31 miles)
- North Hills (34 miles)
- Canyon Country (34 miles)
- Encino (35 miles)
- San Fernando (36 miles)
- Valley Glen (37 miles)
- Van Nuys (37 miles)
- Santa Barbara (37 miles)
- Sherman Oaks (38 miles)
- Santa Monica (40 miles)
- Studio City (40 miles)
- North Hollywood (41 miles)
- Beverly Hills (42 miles)
- Venice (42 miles)
- Universal City (43 miles)
- West Hollywood (44 miles)
- Goleta (44 miles)
- Culver City (44 miles)
- Burbank (44 miles)
- Tujunga (45 miles)