Popular Solvang Tree Burn canceled due to recent rains

SOLVANG, Calif. - The annual Solvang Tree Burn, the popular event where old Christmas trees are lit on fire in front of crowds of people, was canceled for 2023 due to the recent rain.

Solvang's Parks and Recreation Department posted on social media Thursday saying the event, which was set for Friday, was canceled because of poor conditions.

"The rain has been a wonderful and long overdue necessity, but the heavy rains do come with consequences. One of them, unfortunately is the cancellation of this year's Tree Burn event," the post said.

The city said the area where the trees are currently piled at Mission Santa Ines was inundated with water during the storm.

The city said even though some of the saturated trees might still be able to burn, the area is now full of puddles, mud, and ruts from cars driving through to drop off trees.

The city said even though weather was expected to be clear on Friday, the conditions still wouldn't work.

The city said it was working with Waste Management to take the tree pile and turn the trees into mulch.

The community can still use the site to drop off trees through January 13, but people are asked to walk their trees to the pile from the parking lot rather than driving through the muddy field area and causing more damage.

"We look forward to this community event returning next year with the right conditions," the post said.