It’s the most wonderful time of the year on the Central Coast! Holiday cheer and charm are alive in abundance in our neighboring towns, and they’re just a quick drive away. With Christmassy towns, holiday parades, and a multitude of light displays, Rice Ranch is right in the middle of it all. There are plenty of visits with Santa, tree lightings, drive-thru light shows, holiday parades, Julefest traditions, tons of gift shopping and more. (And by more, we mean candlelight tours and Danish elves.)
Living in the Santa Maria Valley means you can visit them all! You can also grab dinner and a drink, and check out local wineries and breweries at the same time. At Valley View Estates at Rice Ranch in Orcutt, it’s easy to do the holidays right…with plenty of Christmas cheer.
Below are Christmas & Holiday Events near us!
Christmas In The Country in Santa Maria
Friday & Saturdays from November 29 – December 24, 2024
The holiday magic is about to light up the night in the most enchanting way—without ever leaving the comfort of your car! Join us for a festive journey at Christmas in the Country through a winter wonderland of sparkling lights, twinkling displays, and joyful surprises around every corner.
Bring your loved ones, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy the spirit of the season as you drive through miles of dazzling lights and festive scenes. Whether you’re in your favorite holiday sweater or cozy in your pajamas, this is one event you won’t want to miss!
There will also be Santa’s Mailbox, where children can drop their letters to Santa for delivery. Then, keep watching your own mailbox for a letter back from Santa Claus.
Elks Rodeo Grounds are located at 4040 Highway 101 in Santa Maria (hours vary, so check website for details).
Parade of Lights in Santa Maria
December 7, 2024 at 5:20pm
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. Community organizations and local businesses are encouraged to join in this joyful tradition. Fun for the whole family!
Old Town Orcutt Christmas Parade
December 14, 2024, 12 pm Weather Permitting
The Old Town Orcutt Christmas Parade has been a beloved holiday tradition since 1961. Originally started by the volunteer fire department, it continues as a charming small-town afternoon event. Organized by a dedicated team from the Orcutt Community Parade and supported by the Orcutt Lions Club, the parade comes to life with the help of countless community members on the big day. Expect to see kids, dogs, floats, animals, cars, bands, and a special appearance by Santa himself!
Arroyo Grande Holiday Parade
December 1, 2024 at 5pm
Arroyo Grande kicks off the holiday season with its annual Holiday Parade in the Village, held on the first Sunday of December. Starting at 5 p.m., the parade begins on East Branch Street near City Hall and continues along Traffic Way and Branch Street. Local businesses and community organizations are invited to participate in this festive tradition.
Pismo Beach Tree Lighting Holiday Harmony
December 6, 2024 at 5:30pm
Celebrate the holiday season with the City of Pismo Beach Recreation at Pismo’s annual tree lighting ceremony at the end of the pier! Enjoy family-friendly activities, including visits with Santa, snow play, cookie decorating, and bounce houses. Gather your loved ones for a festive evening by the sea!
Solvang’s Julefest Holiday Celebration, Danish Style
November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Solvang’s Danish-style month-long Holiday Celebration offers tons of family fun, music, shopping, culinary delights, wine & beer, and more Skål! (That’s Danish-style mulled wine.) The big weekend of events will be December 3 – 5 with a tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, a town-wide holiday parade, and other fun holiday experiences for the whole family
Tree Lighting Ceremony – December 6, 5-6:30pm
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 – December 7, 11am
Watch parade floats along the village streets Saturday morning, with marching bands, horses, antique cars, dancers and more. There are more than 400 parade participants! After the parade, there’s another free opportunity to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
More Holiday Happenings
- Maker’s Market – Wednesday’s, December 4th, 11th, 18th, 2024
- Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers – Saturday’s 7th, 14th, 21st, 2024
- Copenhagen Countdown – Tuesday, December 31st, 2024
- Solvang Christmas Tree Burn – Friday, January 10th, 2025
Ongoing Julefest Events
Light & Music Show – Every evening during Solvang Julefest, Solvang Park will come alive with all that sparkles and shines! Enjoy a 10-minute light and music display on the hour each night, right in the center of all of Solvang’s holiday magic.
Nisser Adventure – This is a city-wide holiday scavenger hunt for the whole family finding the mischievous Solvang Nisse (Danish for “gnome”). This group of Nisser have hidden themselves throughout Downtown Solvang and you’ll get a prize for tracking them down. Find one or find them all as you enjoy one of the “Most Christmassy Towns in America” (Time Magazine).
Candlelight Tours – Travel up and down the streets of Solvang, singing carols and learning popular Danish traditions on a holiday candlelight tour. This is a guided tour where you’ll hold an LED candle and walk the downtown, learning about Solvang, listening to Christmas carols, and experiencing the sights and sounds of Christmas.
Also, Photos with Santa / Santa’s Village, Solvang Jul Daylight Tours, Solvang Trolley Christmas Light Tour!
Get more info on the entire schedule of Solvang Julefest events here.
Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas
Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 2-7PM
Olde Fashioned Christmas celebration in downtown Los Olivos has a little magic for everyone! Cookie decorating, ornament designing, pictures with Santa Claus, write a letter to Santa, lighting our beautiful NEW 35′ Christmas Tree, gingerbread wonderland, festive snow, special performances by our local jazz band and St Marks Choir, and so much more! Come gather with us as we light up our special town and kick off the holiday season!
Gather your friends and family to experience the magic of our town as we kick off the Holiday Season!
2:00PM The Festivities Begin:
• Ornament & Cookie Decorating in the Park
• Photos with Santa at Fig Mountain Brewery
• Hot Cocoa and Cookies with Los Olivos Rotary at the Grange
• Epiphany Winter Wonderland
• Burgers & Wine at Refugio Ranch
• Write a Letter to Santa at E11even Wines
• Town Open Houses ’Til 7PM, including free holiday cookies with your shopping, and a Winter Wonderland at Epiphany Cellars
- 4:00PM Gingerbread Wonderland
- 5:00PM Santa Ynez Jazz Band
- 5:30PM St. Mark’s of the Valley Choir
- 6:00PM Tree Lighting at the Flagpole
- 7:00PM Hot Chocolate and Toddies at Mattei’s Tavern
Holiday Living at Rice Ranch in Orcutt
Set in Santa Barbara wine country, nestled against 580 acres of open space and hiking trails, it also offers private access to the Summit Club, along with loads of amenities for your active lifestyle. Most of our homes also have office or flex spaces, making it the smart move for you and your family. It’s the perfect location with the lifestyle you crave.
