Originally the event started as a Victorian-themed holiday open house by the members of the Los Olivos Business Organization (LOBO). The community dressed in vintage costumes and carolers strolled down the streets.
“It has always had a wonderful feeling, but more than ever, the event has become a favorite,” said Judith Hale, owner of Judith Hale Gallery.
Hale began coordinating Olde Fashioned Christmas in the early 1990s and began reaching out to a larger audience. That included having musical entertainment in the park, where children and families now gather to sing along to holiday songs.
This year, the Solvang Trolley drove up and down the streets of Los Olivos playing holiday tunes. Sharon Frowiss, the treasurer of LOBO, sold $2 tickets to visitors for each ride. “We keep the price low so that people can come and enjoy being together,” Frowiss said.
At about 6 p.m., the flagpole, located in the center of town, was illuminated with lights in the form of a Christmas tree. Each year, a “little angel” is chosen to light the tree, using a magic wand and wearing a costume that has been passed down through the years. This year, Tiffany Remingate lit the tree, with her parents and grandparents by her side.
The night was full of other child-friendly activities, including a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, fresh popcorn outside of Jedlickas and hot chocolate and cookies, provided by the Rotary Club of Los Olivos.
But one of the most popular parts of the night was the Hyndman’s Roasted Walnuts. Los Olivos residents Judy and Ken Hyndman serve roasted walnuts, a treat that visitors look forward to every year.
Los Olivos resident Lisa Peterson and her husband have been attending Olde Fashioned Christmas for the past three years and always look forward to the roasted walnuts. “It just has this old town feeling,” Peterson said, savoring the walnuts.