Buellton Sparkles With Holiday Magic
While our beautiful corner of California’s Central Coast makes every time a great time to be in Buellton, the holiday season is a truly magical time to experience the best that the Santa Ynez Valley has to offer. Like Hallmark movies come to life, each of our neighboring small towns offer up their own unique take on small town celebrations overflowing with family fun.
Our businesses get in the spirit too, helping with everything from picking the perfect gift to getting some much needed me-time between family commitments. Here are some of the ways we’re looking forward to celebrating over the next few weeks!
Thanksgiving Dinner
Turkey didn’t defrost, and in need of a last minute pivot? Here are two great options for a no-stress holiday:
Vega Vineyard & Farm’s Thanksgiving Feast
Thursday, November 27th – Reservations Required
Reservations are required for this bountiful family-style feast where you’ll enjoy all of the traditional fixings – with Vega’s signature farm-fresh flare – including roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry relish, and more. Explore the full menu and check availability for reservations online here!
Please Note: This event has limited seatings and sells out each year, so be sure to check availability before making this part of your plans.
Chumash Casino Resort’s Willows Pre Fixe Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 27th – Call or Reserve Online
Located a short drive away in Santa Ynez is the Chumash Casino Resort, home to AAA Four-Diamond Rated Willows Restaurant and Bar. While the resort is open 24/7 for pre- and post-Thanksgiving fun, Willows offers Thanksgiving reservations from 2:00pm-8:00pm for an exclusive three-course dinner featuring your choice of delectable starters, mains and desserts. View the menu here, and make reservations online or by calling 800-CHUMASH.
Winter Fun in Buellton
Once the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared, Santa Ynez Valley heads straight into festive celebrations in all five towns! In the first section we’ll share a few of our favorite Buellton events and activities coming in December, and in the following section you’ll find details and links to other town-wide celebrations taking place this winter!
Community Clayworks Ornament Making Workshops
December 6th & 7th – Reservations Required
Create four original keepsake ornaments that you can personalize with names and dates! Choose from a variety of project patterns including: a chilly penguin, jolly Santa, an octopus menorah, festive llamas, wreaths, sugar plum fairies, or design your own! This workshop includes glazing and participants will produce “finished” ornaments that, once fired, will be ready to adorn your tree or house. Check availability for the workshop on December 6th here, and December 7th here.
Please Note: This activity has limited availability and may already be sold out. Please check availability online or call Community Clayworks at (805) 686-5416 before making this part of your plans.
Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden’s Holiday Lights Festival
December 5th-7th, 12th-14th, and 19th-21st
Santa Ynez Valley’s favorite holiday light display is back and better than ever! Spend an enchanting evening strolling through the botanic garden among dazzling displays of lights; plus a cozy festival filled with festive treats, unique finds from local vendors, falling snow, live performances, Santa and his reindeer and fun rides for the whole family.
Buellton Winter Fest
Sunday, December 7th with events throughout the day
This one-of-a-kind experience is fun for the whole family and a perfect way to kick off the winter holidays! Start the day at Breakfast with Santa in the Buellton Rec Center. There are 2 sittings for this special ticketed event, and reservations are required. Tickets can be purchased online here!
The afternoon brings the Holiday Village at River View Park, 151 Sycamore Drive. This is a FREE event! Come enjoy 20 Tons of Snow, vendors, music, beer & wine, and the lighting of the Christmas Tree.
Rock 12 Distillery’s Rock 12 Days of Christmas
Pop-Up Events From December 12th-28th
This exclusive two week Christmas Pop-Up Event features special Christmas cocktails, holiday decor and lights, favorite Christmas tunes and tasty bites! Plus, anyone who comes dressed in their holiday best (ugly Christmas sweaters encouraged!) will get a free Rock 12 shot glass. View the schedule of planned events and get the details here.
Buellton Rec’s Winter Holiday Craft & Create for Kids
Saturday, December 13th for Ages 5-12
Miss Allison of Buellton Rec, our city’s incredible recreation department, invites youth ages 5-12 for winter crafts, making presents for family, playing games, and making a yummy holiday-themed snack in one busy workshop! Learn more and register your littles online here.
Brick Barn Wine Estate’s Holiday Shopping Day
Sunday, December 14th from 11:00am-7:00pm
Join our friends at Brick Barn for a day of holiday cheer and curated indulgence! The tasting room will be aglow with the spirit of the season as you sip warm mulled wine and explore our beautifully stocked gift shop — 30% off all items, one day only.
From artisan home décor and local goods to wine lover essentials, you’ll find thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list — all in one stop. We’ll also be featuring exclusive one-day wine specials to make holiday entertaining and gifting effortless. Take a moment to linger by the fire, share a toast with friends, and let the season unfold at its most joyful. Get the details and learn more about Brick Barn here.
Neighboring Celebrations Throughout The Santa Ynez Valley:
Solvang Julefest
Activities from November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Held in one of the “Most Magical Christmas Towns and Villages Across the World” (according to Oprah Daily and many others!), Solvang Julefest is a weeks-long celebration of lights, celebratory events, and holiday cheer, running November 28, 2025 through January 4, 2026.
With too many unique events and experiences to list, be sure to save the date for the Julefest Tree Lighting Weekend, December 5th-7th, and check out the full list of activities ahead at SolvangUSA.com!
Santa Ynez Country Christmas
Thursday, December 4th
The township of Santa Ynez invites you to save the date for Santa Ynez Country Christmas! This popular celebration features horse-drawn carriage rides around town, a special tree lighting, and special holiday performances by the Alan Satchwell Trio, Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band, and the Fossemalle Studio Dancers.
This family-friendly tradition is free to attend and open to all, taking place on Thursday, December 4th from 4:00pm-6:00pm. It’s a perfect way to kick off the holiday season with loved ones in a welcoming, festive atmosphere! This celebration is organized by the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce.
Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas
Select Dates From December 4th-18th
The Los Olivos community invites you to their beloved annual Olde Fashioned Christmas celebration — a magical afternoon and evening where our community comes together to celebrate the season. Stroll through town as twinkling lights glow, sip hot cocoa, enjoy festive music, shop local, and delight in holiday traditions for all ages. From ornament decorating and photos with Santa to the lighting of our town tree, it’s a celebration filled with warmth, nostalgia, and pure Christmas cheer.
The main celebration takes place Saturday, December 6th from 2:00pm-6:00pm. Other “can’t miss” events include the Merry Market Night on Thursday, December 11th and Sip, Shop & Sounds on Thursday, December 18th. For all the details about these festive happenings be sure to visit the event organizers at Los Olivos Chamber of Commerce.
Los Alamos Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 6th
Located just a short drive up Highway 101 from Buellton is the idyllic town of Los Alamos, and they are hosting their popular Community Christmas Celebration followed by the annual Holiday Stroll.
The Community-Wide Christmas Party takes place at the Men’s Club on Saturday, December 6th from 11:00am-1:00pm. There is plenty of time to enjoy the shops, restaurants and tasting rooms on Bell Street before gathering for the tree lighting at 5:30pm at Ferini Park, and embarking on the Holiday Stroll surrounded by carolers and good cheer immediately following. For all the details about these festive happenings be sure to visit the event organizers at Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club.
