CORRECTION (11:55 a.m.) - The Santa Barbara Veterans Foundation is offering a free service to wrap gifts people have purchased for their friends and families, Hollon says.
She added the foundation is also accepting donations, which will be used to help veterans in need across Santa Barbara County this holiday season.
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ORIGINAL STORY (4:18 p.m.) - Get ready for a month packed with lights, celebration, and holiday cheer happening this season in Solvang.
The Solvang Julefest celebrates Christmas the Danish way, kicking off the holiday season Saturday and running until January 3, 2020.
The annual celebration of all things holidays will feature crowd favorites like the the interactive Nisse Adventure experience, evening Candlelight Tours and free visits with Santa in Solvang Park.
The annual Tree Lighting event, Skål Wine and Stein Stroll, and Julefest Parade will also be featured at later dates this year.
While there will be familiar sights and sounds, there will also be a number of new components like the celebration of Saint Lucia Day on December 13, a Christmas Drone Show on December 21, and a daytime countdown to the Danish New Year on December 31.
The Santa Barbara Veterans Foundation will also be at Julefest every weekend in December to wrap donated presents for Veterans in need across Santa Barbara County.
"A lot of the veterans that are out on the streets, they don't have family to go home to, and it's awfully cold so we'd like to reach out to all of them and try to get them to a warming area if they need that, get them whatever services that they need," said Breann Hollon, a Santa Barbara Veterans Foundation representative.
Next weekend, Julefest attendees can bring their furry friends for a free mobile spa and nail trim with Milton's Mutts of Santa Ynez.
This family-fun and dog-friendly event heightens the holiday experience while supporting local businesses.
Holiday boutiques and restaurants will plan to stay open later this year so more visitors can enjoy the Danish-American architecture, design, food, wine and crafts.
For a look at all the activities featured at the Solvang Julefest, click here.
