It’s the most wonderful time of year on the Central Coast—and the festive charm is everywhere. Holiday cheer fills our neighboring towns, all just a quick and scenic drive away. From Christmassy villages and coastal light displays to parades, Julefest traditions, tree lightings, and cozy downtown celebrations, Rice Ranch is right in the heart of it all.
There are visits with Santa, drive-through light shows, candlelight tours, Danish elves (because of course), gingerbread wonderlands, snow play by the sea, boutique shopping, wine tasting, and so much more. Living in the Santa Maria Valley means you can experience every bit of it… and at Valley View Estates at Rice Ranch in Orcutt, it’s easy to do the holidays right—with plenty of Christmas cheer and small-town sparkle.
Below is your guide to the biggest holiday events lighting up Santa Barbara County in 2025:
Parade of Lights in Santa Maria
Saturday, December 6, 2025 — 5:20 PM (Rain or Shine)
The holiday magic is back—lighting up the evening with glowing floats, festive music, local organizations, families, and joyful surprises around every turn. Hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Santa Maria and Nipomo, the Parade of Lights is a cherished holiday tradition celebrating the winter season and the spirit of giving.
Expect plenty of sparkle, community pride, and family fun… no matter the weather.
Old Town Orcutt Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 13, 2025 — 12:00 PM Weather Permitting
A beloved favorite since 1961, the Old Town Orcutt Christmas Parade brings all the nostalgic, small-town magic you could dream of. Originally started by the volunteer fire department so school bands could practice for holiday performances, the parade has continued for decades thanks to dedicated community groups like ROTOP and the Orcutt Lions Community Foundation.
Kids, dogs, horses, floats, classic cars, dancers, marching bands, and a visit from Santa himself fill the streets at high noon. It’s the perfect celebration of Orcutt’s history—and its heart.
Arroyo Grande Holiday Parade
Sunday, December 7, 2025 — 5:00–7:00 PM
Arroyo Grande ushers in the season with its annual Holiday Parade through the Village. Starting on East Branch Street near City Hall, the festive procession winds along Traffic Way and Branch Street, bringing music, lights, and tons of local charm.
Community organizations and businesses are invited to join this cherished tradition—and the Village glow at dusk is pure holiday magic.
Pismo Beach Holiday Harmony & Tree Lighting
Friday, December 5, 2025 — 5:30–7:30 PM
Pismo transforms into a seaside snow globe for one special night. Holiday Harmony returns with snow play, bounce houses, cookie decorating, live entertainment, photos with Santa, and a cozy night of family fun—ending with the annual Tree Lighting at the end of the pier.
Whether you show up in your comfiest sweater or your sparkliest holiday attire, it’s one of the sweetest traditions on the Central Coast.
Solvang Julefest
Julehygge: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Solvang’s Danish-style month-long celebration returns—bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever. Named one of the “Most Magical Christmas Towns in the World,” Julefest fills the entire village with Scandinavian charm, holiday markets, music, wine & beer tastings, shopping, treats, and family-friendly festivities.
Tree Lighting Ceremony – Friday, December 5th, 2025 begins 5:00 PM
Kick off the holiday season with the annual Tree Lighting Friday night. The Lighting takes place at Solvang Park (First Street and Mission Drive), in the heart of Downtown Solvang. It includes ballerinas, live entertainment, caroling, and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus for visits and photos.
Julefest Parade – Saturday, December 6, 2025 — 11:00 AM–1:30 PM
More than 400 participants and 50+ contingents fill the streets with dancers, horses, vintage cars, marching bands, festive floats, and plenty of Nordic spirit. This year’s theme—“Nordic Noël”—celebrates the warmth of Scandinavian holiday traditions.
More Holiday Happenings
- Maker’s Market – Wednesday’s, December 3rd, 10th, and 17th from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers – Saturday’s on December 6th, 13th, and 20th from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Copenhagen Countdown – Tuesday, December 31st, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Solvang Christmas Tree Burn – Friday, January 9th, 2025
Ongoing Julefest Events
• Nightly 10-minute Light & Music Show at Solvang Park
• Candlelight Tours through downtown with caroling and storytelling
• Nisser Adventure scavenger hunt (find the mischievous Danish gnomes!)
• Visits with Mr. & Mrs. Claus throughout the season
• Holiday shopping, mulled wine (Skål!), and Danish treats galore
Get more info on the entire schedule of Solvang Julefest events here.
Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Los Olivos turns into a winter postcard with cookie decorating, ornament crafting, Santa photos, live jazz, choir performances, snow flurries, gingerbread displays, open-house shopping, and the lighting of their beautiful 35-foot Christmas tree.
Festivities for this Olde Fashioned Christmas begin in the afternoon and roll into the evening with cocoa, wine, holiday treats, and town-wide merriment. It’s one of the most charming evenings in wine country.
Holiday Living at Rice Ranch in Orcutt
There’s something unforgettable about the holiday season in wine country—and at Rice Ranch and Valley View Estates, you’re surrounded by the lights, traditions, and small-town celebrations that make this time of year feel truly magical.
Nestled against 580 acres of open space and hiking trails, Rice Ranch offers serene natural beauty wrapped in the warmth of the community. And with private access to the Summit Club’s resort-style amenities, plus spacious floor plans and flex spaces designed for modern living, it’s the perfect home base for the holidays—and every season.
Explore Valley View Estates at Rice Ranch and discover holiday living at its finest.
