This weekend

Time for a variety of November events around the country … and gearing up for the holidays. 

  • Nordstjernan offers features, columns and reports from current and future events of Sweden in the United States (Sweden or, of relevance to Swedish Americans and Swedes in the U.S.) <a href="http://www.nordstjernan.com/subscribe" target="_blank">Subscribe to Nordstjernan</a> and Make Life Sweder! Above: View of Stockholm's Old Town (Gamla Stan) and the Royal Palace... Photo: Christer Lundin/Sockholm Visitors Board.
  • FRIDAY, NOV 10
    - in Wilmington, DE: 2-3 p.m.
    Who Wore What When: Historical fashion shows off pre-colonial, colonial and later military and civilian garb up through World War I. Portrayal of the clothing of our forbears through the ages with live models and an historical narrative express how our ancestors protected themselves from the vagaries of climate, identified themselves, and how they worked and survived. Admission is free, but there is a pre-event VIP reception for a nominal fee. The New Sweden Centre celebrates its 30th anniversary with this special event at the Hagley Soda House, 610.363.6871/ www.colonialnewsweden.org

  • Swedish glassblower Micke Johansson presents live, narrated demonstrations in the Amphitheater Hot Shop at the Corning Museum of Glass from Nov. 8 through 15. Photo: Kate Reed
  • - in Rock Island, IL: 5:30-7:30 PM
    Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner: It’s time for everyone’s favorite fish! Lutfisk (Swedish) or Lutefisk (Norwegian) or Ludfisk (Danish) is a traditional dish of the Nordic countries and you can enjoy it (as well as meatballs and assorted traditional side dishes) and dessert at this year’s dinner in the Thomas Tredway Library of the Gerber Center. Refreshments begin at 5:30 p.m., and dinner is at 6 p.m. 309.762.8303 / loryanneis@att.net

  • Lindsborg (AKA Little Sweden USA) has a one-of-kind character that shines at Christmas (and all year 'round) — with Tomte, Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus. Photo www.facebook.com/christmasinlindsborg
  • SATURDAY, NOV 11
    - in Lindsborg, KS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Holiday Open House: Valkommen to Christmas in Lindsborg! Come join us as we kick off the holiday season in Little Sweden with a scavenger hunt and several other shopping games available all day. Find all the Tomtes as you scramble to complete the puzzle and win prizes! Several locations have snacks available as you shop and make your way to each of our unique shops. Come and experience the holiday magic of Lindsborg! 785.227.8687 / www.facebook.com/christmasinlindsborg

  • If you're in the Portland, OR area, it's that time again - for the Lutefisk/Lutfisk Dinner at Norse Hall. Photo www.themidwestival.com
  • - in West Newton, MA: 1-2:30 p.m.
    Fika Sound Series: Pajunen/Brynnel Duo ― With deep roots in the Swedish and Finnish folk music traditions, this new duo performs traditional music from the two countries as well as their original music. Singing in Finnish, Swedish and English, the duo brings to the stage their musical backgrounds and passions. $15; free for SCC members. Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914 / www.scandicenter.org

  • - in Rockville, MD: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Annual Danish Christmas Bazaar: Sponsored by the Royal Danish Embassy and the Danish Club of Washington, DC, the bazaar includes lunch at the Danish Café - serving open-faced sandwiches and traditional Danish desserts. Enjoy a day of holiday shopping for crafts, embroidery & knitwear, delicatessen, authentic Danish pastry and baked goods, Christmas decorations and candles, amber and silver jewelry. Other activities include Æbleskiver cooking demonstration, play table for kids, and a raffle. Free, free parking at Saint Elizabeth's Church,
    917 Montrose Rd. danishclubdc@yahoo.com /www.danishclubdc.org

  • - in Chicago, IL: 1-2:45 p.m.
    Scandinavian Jam: Wake up your ears, exercise your fingers and play along with us! Join in an afternoon of traditional roots music starting with instruction at 1 p.m. The afternoon continues with a brief snack, and the jam session kicks off at 2 p.m. Build a repertoire with the unique tones and unusual rhythms of Scandinavia. Bring your instruments, request your favorites, share a tune and play along on what you can, sit back and listen when you want a break. At the Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / Scandi.Fiddler@yahoo.com / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org

  • SATURDAY, NOV 11 & SUNDAY, NOV 12
    - in Geneva, IL: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days
    Cottages in the Woods: Geneva's Good Templar Park is open to the public with a special family event for two days - bring the whole family to enjoy Scandinavian folk art and folklore in the little cottages decorated for the holidays. Rosemaling, wood carving, crafts and gifts, bakery and coffee house, and the Friends of the Viking Ship will offer tours for $5. $5/entrance, free/under 12. 630.232.4208 / www.goodtemplarpark.org

  • SUNDAY, NOV 12
    - In Minneapolis, MN: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
    Merry Mansion - Nordic Holidays Fest! The American Swedish Institute’s 2017-18 exhibition of Nordic Holiday Rooms is on exhibit through Jan. 8 but kicks off on Nov 12. Explore the unique and interactive displays of customs and traditions from the five Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland, all set under one elaborately decorated historic Turnblad Mansion. A special highlight is Skål! Scandinavian Spirits, a travelling exhibition that explores the ‘spirited’ cultural traditions shared by Denmark, Norway and Sweden, produced by the Museum of Danish America. 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org

  • SUNDAY, NOV 12 – WEDNESDAY, NOV 15
    - in Corning, NY: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
    Swedish glassblower and designer Micke Johansson will present live, narrated demonstrations in the Amphitheater Hot Shop. Corning Museum of Glass, 607.937.5371 / www.cmog.org/programs/guest-artists


  • As always, check our online calendar for other events around Swedish America, and you can even add your own — it's easy, just follow the prompt anywhere on this website where you see the orange "submit event" button.