Solvang’s annual Danish Days festival (September 19-21, 2025) features artisans who celebrate the town’s Danish heritage. All manners of Scandinavian-inspired crafts are on display. Located on First Street in the Old World Artisans Marketplace, next to Solvang Park and the Viking encampment, visitors will find an enchanting lineup of skilled artisans displaying memory-making goods ideal for Solvang stories.
Natalia Lavarini will be at Solvang Danish Days with her handmade, hand-painted nesting dolls in traditional Danish and Scandinavian styles, as well as other charming designs. Also onsite during the event weekend, accomplished, local artist Natalie Groves, who creates whimsical and intricate scenes for our imagination. Natalie is a watercolorist and designer, with beautiful details in all of her work.
Author Kirstie Marx will also be at Solvang Danish Days with The Blessing Nisser, her charming children’s book inspired by the magical folklore of Denmark and the beloved Jule Nisser – mischievous little helpers known for their love of fun and kindness. Rooted in Danish traditions of family, community, and cozy holiday spirit, this book offers more than just a story. Inside, you’ll find a heartwarming tale featuring Charlotte and the Nisser; a hands-on craft to bring the characters to life; and, simple, meaningful activities to help your family practice kindness year-round. Whether you’re starting a new holiday tradition or looking for a thoughtful gift, The Blessing Nisser is a delightful way to inspire empathy, generosity, and joy in children of all ages. Bring the warmth of a new Danish tradition into your home this holiday season.
The Solvang Danish Days Old World Artisans Marketplace also welcomes Ranch and Poppies, a curated collection of California ranch-themed clothing, collectibles, and other must-haves. The line carries artisan handmade soaps, salves, bath salts, jewelry, artwork, and more. Mike’s Pottery Barn will also be here, with unique, everyday ceramics created by hand on the potter’s wheel. Each piece is designed to become a part of your daily life. The clay is stoneware, fired to over 2,000 degrees with glaze surfaces that are food safe, lead free, and may be used in the dishwasher, microwave, and even the oven.
Say “hej!” to Cari Summer, with her SB Sea Glass Co. creations. Cari has been crafting and creating with fabric since she was very young. “It absolutely delights me to give and sell my hand-crafted items, and I never tire of continually coming up with new projects.” Cari finds her inspiration from textures, nature, and the artists around her.
Rosemaler, Beth Twogood, will also be on-hand, demonstrating her beguiling craft. Beth became interested in Rosemaling 25 years ago, through family friends of Norwegian descent. She enjoys demonstrating and sharing her handiwork at fairs and festivals as well as representing the California Rosemaling Association. She specializes in furniture and cedar chests, but also likes to rosemal useful, smaller pieces.
Geraldine Dworkis’s Knot Natural Creations will also be on display. Geraldine’s passion for macrame led to her creation of a variety of macrame plant hangers, wall art, hat hangers, wristlets and keychains, and beyond.
One of the most popular Solvang Danish Days artisans, Master Papercutter Rick James Marzullo (Solvang Papirklip) returns this year. Watch Rick draw with scissors as he creates hand cut works of art. “Papirklip,” or papercutting, is a thriving Danish art form as well as an ancient one. Rick will be at the Marketplace with original hand-cut designs, boxes, framed artwork, mugs, notecards, patterns for adults and children, ornaments and more. Rick began his Papirklip work in 1967, and is also is a skilled artist and rosemaler. He will be demonstrating during Danish Days on both Saturday and Sunday.
The Solvang Danish Days Old World Artisans Marketplace, including the ever-popular Danish Sisterhood Booth, runs Saturday and Sunday, September 20 & 21, from 9:00am until closing (approximately 5:00pm Saturday, and 4:00pm Sunday). Click here for Marketplace location and more information.
