Visit the Santa Ynez Valley (VisitSYV) hopes to bring a little more warmth and joy to the holiday season this year by lighting up the iconic windmill at 436 Alisal Road in Solvang.

Commissioned by Ray Paaske and completed in 1963, the windmill design was inspired by a mill on Zealand, near Copenhagen in Denmark, according to Elverhøj Museum of History and Art.

The Solvang windmill is now owned by local resident and business owner Max Handberg. VisitSYV approached Hanberg with the idea of decorating the windmill, which has been a visitor favorite for photo-ops.

“With traditional events not taking place this year, we wanted to find a safe way to add a little extra holiday magic to the Santa Ynez Valley,” said Shelby Sim, VisitSYV president/CEO. “Viewing the holiday lights is an activity that people can still enjoy while observing local mandates.”

VisitSYV hopes the decorated landmark will enhance the outdoor-focused festivities of Solvang Julefest, a monthlong tradition that has helped put Solvang on many national Best Christmas Towns lists.

For more about Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, go to VisitSYV.com.