Our annual fundraising event held on Valentine's Day offers an evening of festivities highlighted by a variety of award-winning local wines that are available for tasting, along with a sumptuous cheese board with fruit and chocolates. Adding to the ambience are live music, candlelight, and the popular and abundant raffle prizes. Admission is free and the public is welcome, but of course purchase of raffle tickets is both allowed and encouraged. Typical prizes include fine wine collections, gift baskets, restaurant gift certificates, jewelry, chocolate, gifts, and more. This event can draw upwards of 200 people.
LIVING HISTORY FESTIVAL 3rd Weekend in September (Danish Days)
The Museum has special extended hours from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday for this popular 2-day event, held in conjunction with the annual Danish Days celebration throughout Solvang. Featured are museum docents and volunteers, clad in colorful Danish costumes, demonstrating Old World crafts such as bobbin lace making, Viking spinning and weaving, Christmas crafts, and the fascinating art of Danish papercutting. There is no charge for admission. This event usually draws over 800 visitors.
QUEEN OF ARTS SHOW & SALE Held annually in early November
No charge for admission
Guests can enjoy wine and appetizers while shopping and meeting California artists and crafts people showing their original, handmade work during this annual event (Friday opening reception and sale, Saturday show and sale). From unique folk crafts to fine art, there is always a great variety of imaginative arts and a wide range of prices. Glass work, tiles, collage, mixed media work, and paintings will be available. Jewelry artists use vintage and contemporary beads, resin, feathers, semi-precious stones, crystal and more in their beautiful creations. Pit-fired, hand-built, or thrown pottery work will be for sale, as well as original garden art handcrafted from steel, stone, wood and repurposed materials. Fiber artists offer striking fashion and home decor accessories. Incorporating hand-painted fabric, hand spun fibers, and/or felted fabric, these pieces are a delight to the eye and touch. Choose from a wonderful selection of handmade holiday ornaments and decorations, perfect for holiday gift-giving or to brighten your home. For more information, phone the Museum: (805) 686-1211.
CHRISTMAS AT ELVERHØJ Thanksgiving thru December
Christmas Party - 1st Sunday in December
A twelve-foot tree decorated with hand-made Danish ornaments is the focal point of Christmas festivities throughout the month at Elverhøj. Special holiday activities include demonstrations of Danish Christmas craft, bobbin lace making, and more. The annual Members & Friends Christmas Party celebrates the holiday in traditional Danish style with Danish open-face sandwiches, homemade Danish Christmas cookies and chocolates, and Christmas cheer. Santa usually stops by with treats for the kids. Highlights of the evening are live music and the Danish Christmas tradition of dancing around the tree. For more information, phone the Museum: (805) 686-1211.
