JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 22, 2026
Making Communities Better Through Print.™
SANTA YNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM
The Solvang Nativity Pageant depicts the reason for the season Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church holds 42nd edition of the annual holiday event By Pamela Dozois pamela@santaynezvalleystar.com
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he 42nd annual Solvang Nativity Pageant was held on Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church to an overflowing crowd. This was the second year that the pageant was held at the church and organized by Autumn van der Linden. The event was also livestreamed for the overflow in Holy Grounds Coffee and Library, located on the property.
The event began at 4 p.m., when attendees could visit with live animals in a garden setting. There was also a Bethlehem crèche scene where guests could take family photos. The doors to the Sanctuary opened at 5 p.m. to traditional Christmas music provided by the Santa Barbara Strings. C.J. Jackson, the narrator, began CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
The Magi are shown bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus at the manger during the Solvang Nativity Pageant at Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church on Dec. 14. Photos by Devyn Marseilles
Another trip around the sun for the Santa Ynez Valley
INSIDE
Communities experienced transition while continuing traditions in 2025: Part One By Mike Chaldu michael@santaynezvalleystar.com
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he Santa Ynez Valley spent 2025 maintaining a lot of traditions, welcoming its usual crowds of tourists while trying to keep the things that make the area livable for its residents. Longtime annual events like Danish Days, the 4th of July fireworks show, and Julefest continued to roll along, while newer yearly staples like Buellton’s Fall Fest, the Holiday Lights Festival and the Viking Classic Car Show in Solvang solidified their footprints into the local culture. Cities also saw some transition as new City Council took over in Buellton and Solvang, and people looked to the future with projects taking shape and (hopefully) moving slowly but surely. Here’s a look at 2025 for the Santa Ynez Valley, from Month 1 through 6 (With the rest of the year coming next issue). January Solvang Senior Center Executive CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Community | Pg. 6 Holiday Lights Festival gives a winter glow to SYV Botanic Garden News Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 2 • ‘Project Pink’ campaign raises over $10K for Breast Imaging Center News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 3 • Buellton, Solvang mayors give their cities’ visions for 2026 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 5 • Lompoc mother pleads not guilty to murder charges in death of her daughter Community . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 7 • Solvang ushers in new year early with Copenhagen Countdown Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 8 • Government meetings and events