Christmas in Swedish America 2019

Christmas events are already in full swing - or at the very least you can get them on your calendar now so you don't miss a thing.

The 2018 Lindsborg Lucia Morgan Bowles. Photo: Jim Turner
Find a Swedish celebration near you through our comprehensive guide, covering all of Sweden in America. If you don't see something from your area, check our free online Nordstjernan events calendar and submit any new events you may want to share here.
How much do you spend on Christmas gifts? The average Swede spends $332, and of that $268 are spent on gifts for the children in the household.
California
Huntington Beach
11.24, 11 AM - 5 PM
Swedish Christmas Fair: Decorated exhibits, food, arts and crafts, traditional music, dancing, kids’ activities and visits from St. Lucia and the Swedish Santa Claus. At Euro Market, 949.200.7687 / www.orangecounty.swea.org
What’s a Swedish Christmas? Perhaps in our minds something like the cover of Elsa Beskow’s “Petters och Lottas jul” from 1947?
Kingsburg
12.07, 11 AM - 7 PM
Santa Lucia Celebration, 559.897.1111 / www.kingsburgchamber.com
In Sweden they say "pepparkakor" (gingersnaps) make you kind. ("Av pepparkakor blir man snäll.") It's soon Thanksgiving and any time is a good time to be kind.
Los Angeles - San Pedro
11.22 - 11.24
Norwegian Christmas Fair. Christmas decorations, hand-made goods and fresh homemade food and Café. Norwegian & Swedish Church, 310.832.6800 / www.sjomannskirken.no/los-angeles-san-pedro

12.01, 11 AM
1 Adventmässa. Svenska Kyrkan LA. www.svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles
The Swedish Santa, Jultomten, here in one of illustrator Jenny Nyström's (1854-1946) depictions.
Los Angeles
12.08, 10 AM - 5 PM
41st annual Christmas Fair: Swedish crafts, culture, baked goods, Lucia pageant and Santa’s Workshop, music to set the mood and hot glögg. At Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 626.710.2371 / www.losangeles.swea.org
Nordstjernan Christmas issue 2018. Julbordet, the traditional Christmas table / A Christmas ‘Julhög’’ for every family member / We encounter salmon, löjrom, Sámi specialties such as gahkku or suovas but also Kiruna grown shiitake mushrooms as we visit Lapland / Three months after the election: Time for Löfvén, C and L to form a new Swedish government?
Petaluma
12.15, 1-4 PM
Lucia Pageant: Enjoy a traditional Lucia Pageant and fika, singing and dancing around the tree and a visit from Santa! linnealodge@gmail.com / www.linnealodge.org
Many families in Sweden will create a staggering amount of dishes for the Christmas smörgåsbord table, the julbord.
San Diego - Balboa Park
12.13, 5-8 PM
Christmas Dinner and Lucia: Procession, Swedish food and drinks. RSVP www.houseofsweden.us/christmas-dinner
Swedes drink a lot of glögg, especially around Christmas. There are as many kinds of glögg — with alcohol and without — as there are people making it, sometimes with red wine or vodka, cloves or cinnamon, almonds or raisins ... mmmm
San Francisco
11.16 - 11.17, 12-4 PM
Norwegian Christmas Bazaar. Christmas decorations, food, gifts and clothes at Norwegian Seamen’s church, sanfrancisco@sjomannskirken.no / www.sjomannskirken.no/san-francisco
Another Swedish classic: The julmust (jul is Christmas in Swedish, and must is a kind of juice or drink). Julmust is 100 years old, and still going strong with a recipe as secret as that of Coca-Cola.
San Francisco - Berkeley
11.29 - 12.01, 9:30 AM - 5 PM
Open House with Scandinavian Christmas Carols at Nordic House, 800.854.6435 / www.nordichouse.com
The Christmas moose are sure to be back - one of the most photographed Christmas animals in Stockholm take over the central square Nybroplan.
12.06, 12- 3 PM
Christmas Luncheon: Classic Swedish Lucia procession, glögg, herring and gingersnaps plus socializing and Christmas spirit. Silent auction and Secret Santa gifts. At the historical House of Filoli and gardens, 415. 942.4722 / sofia.hallberg@sacc-sf.org / www.sacc-sf.org
Looking for a special gift? A gift that will last for a long time? Look at our website under <a href="http://www.nordstjernan.com/subscribe">SUBSCRIBE</a> It will last for as long as you'd like...
12.07, 9 AM-4PM
SWEA San Francisco Christmas Fair: Lucia at 9.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m., traditional crafts, imported gifts and delicacies from Scandinavia. Swedish folk music and dancing. At St Mary’s Cathedral, 650.291.4191 / www.sanfrancisco.swea.org/christmas-fair
Image from the set up for SWEA San Francisco Lucia. Photo: Jessica Armstrong
12.08, 11 AM-12 PM
Swedish Advent Service: 2nd Advent service with coffee afterward. Swedish Church San Francisco, 925.357.7145 / www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco
Image from the set up for SWEA San Francisco Christmas Fair. Photo: Helena Karlsson
12.15, 4:30 PM
Santa Lucia Celebration: Lucia procession, lussekatter, glögg, and Scandinavian treats at Swedish American Hall. The Young Scandinavians Club, lucia@ysc.org / www.ysc.org
Christmas is a magic time for all...
12.15, 3-4 PM
Lucia Celebration: Lucia procession, choir, coffee, gingerbread cookies and saffron buns served afterward. Swedish Church San Francisco, 925.357.7145 / www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco
12.21, 3-5 PM
Swedish Advent Service: 3rd Advent service with coffee afterward. Swedish Church San Francisco, 925.357.7145 / www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco
In Sweden, Christmas is by law a time of civil peace. Photography: Pär Domeij
12.24, 11 AM- 12 PM
Christmas Prayer/Julkrubba Christmas prayer (“julkrubba”) on Christmas Eve. Children welcome to participate. Swedish Church San Francisco, 925.357.7145 / www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco
Swedes buy an average of six Christmas gifts each and spend an average of $45 per gift.
Santa Cruz
12.07, 4PM
Lucia: Lucia, the Zaida Singers, Jultomten, cookies, crafts and dancing around the Christmas tree. At Peace United Church of Christ, 831.425.9725 / www.scc-santacruz.org
Colorado
Denver
12.07, 10:30 AM - 3 PM
Swedish Christmas Market: Traditional Swedish food and bake sale, glögg, Lucia and Santa. At Calvary Baptist Church, denver@swea.org / www.denver.swea.org
12.14, 5:30 -9 PM
Lucia Festival: Celebration with dinner and Lucia procession. Swedish Club of Denver, 303.933.1819 / www.swedishclubofdenver.org
Longmont
12.08, 6 PM
Swedish Candlelight Service: Lucia procession at the historic Ryssby Church (limited seating), 303.960.7309 / bstrook@hotmail.com
Connecticut
Fairfield
12.07, 10 AM -3 PM
Scandinavian Club Holiday Fair: Artisan vendors, Nordic gifts and food, baked goods, raffle prizes, entertainment, Santa and more. Free. Holiday smorgåsbord: seatings @ 12 and 1 p.m. RSVP to scanclub@outlook.com / 203.259.3817, Scandinavian Club, Inc. www.thescandinavianclub.com
Westport
12.14, 5:15 PM
Lucia Celebration: Lucia procession, glögg and Swedish delicacies served afterward,
at Christ & Holy Trinity Church. Swedish School of Connecticut, seaclucia@gmail.com / www.svenskaskolanct.com
Delaware
Wilmington
12.08, 1:30 & 3 PM
Santa Lucia Celebration: The Delaware Swedish Colonial Society and Old Swedes Historic Site at Old Swedes Church. programs@oldswedes.org / www.oldswedes.org
Florida
Boca Raton
11.23, 11-3 PM
Christmas Bazaar: Shop for Christmas decorations and Swedish food and pastries, a raffle, dancing around the Christmas tree, Tomten (Santa) and Lucia. $10/adults, free/under age 12. At First United Methodist Church, 954.309.4764 / sweasouthflorida.president@gmail.com / www.southflorida.swea.org
Davie
12.01, 4 PM
Adventsgudstjänst. Svenska kyrkan in Florida, florida@svenskakyrkan.se / www. svenskakyrkan.se/florida
Lake Worth
12.08, 2-4 PM
Nordic Club’s Christmas Party: Glögg, open-faced sandwiches, desserts, music and many raffle baskets, $10. Nordic Heritage Club, carolrune@aol.com.
Georgia
Atlanta
11.17, 11 AM - 3:30 PM
Swedish Christmas Market: Get the Christmas spirit with a Lucia procession, enjoy a meal at our Swedish Cafe, purchase Swedish crafts, baked goods and much more. At Dorothy Benson Center, sweaatlanta@gmail.com / www.atlanta.swea.org
12.07, 6:30 - 11:30 PM
Lucia Gala 2019: Swedish Christmas smorgasbord, Lucia procession, cocktails, dancing and singing. At Druid Hills Golf Club. david.hultgren@sacc-georgia.org / www.sacc-georgia.org
Illinois
Bishop Hill
11.29 - 12.01
Julmarknad (Christmas Market): Folk characters cause mischief in the village, music, food, handmade items, antiques, folk art and other gift items in the shops. Help the Vasa National Archives make paper mache snowmen for a community art project. 309.927.3899 / bhha@mymctc.net / www.bishophillheritage.org
12.13 - 12.14
Lucia Nights (Festival of Lights): Coffee and sweets are served in shops and museums by young girls dressed as St. Lucia, musical entertainment fills the air. Exhibit reception at the Vasa National Archives, 309.927.3898 / www.bishophillheritage.org
12.25, 6-7:30 AM
Julotta: Non-denominational church service in Swedish and English. Coffee and rusks served afterward. At the Colony Church, 309.927.3345 / www.bishophillheritage.org
Chicago
12.06, 11:15 AM - 3 PM
Annual Lucia Luncheon: The 37th Annual Lucia Luncheon at Drake Hotel with candlelight and an unforgettable ambiance, 312.257.3002 / gunn@sacc-chicago.org / www.sacc-chicago.org
12.07, 4 PM
Sankta Lucia Celebration with NPU Center for Scandinavian Studies. Smörgåsbord follows the pageant. North Park University’s Anderson Chapel, 773.244.5615 / www.northpark.edu
12.07-12.08
Julmarknad: Annual Christmas Bazaar with traditional Scandinavian and modern handicrafts for purchase. Visit the Children’s Museum for crafts, games and a special visit from Santa. Kaffestuga, Lucia processions and folk dancers. Swedish American Museum, 917.495.8396 / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
12.13, 12-8 PM
St. Lucia Day: Start at the Chicago Cultural Center with the crowning of Lucia. Then process from the Swedish American Museum to Chicago Waldorf School for a program at 5 p.m., then at 7 p.m. is the celebration at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 917.495.8396 / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
12.14-12.15, 9 AM- 12 PM
Breakfast with Tomten: Swedish pancake breakfast with traditional crafts, a special visit from Tomten, and more. Prepaid RSVP required. Swedish American Museum, 917.495.8396 / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
12.21, 4-5 PM
Julgudstjänst: Traditional Swedish Christmas church service led (in Swedish) by a priest from the Swedish Church in New York. At Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 917.495.8396 / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
Geneva
12.06, 6-10 PM
Geneva’s Christmas Walk: Lucia arrives and Santa opens his Geneva house. Carolers, Christmas tree lighting, Swedish cookies, candy cane pull and holiday shopping. 630.232.6060 / lrush@genevachamber.com / www.genevachamber.com
Rockford
12.06, 6-8:30 PM
Lucia: Traditional Lucia concert at First Lutheran Church. Swedish Historical Society, 815.963.5559 / www.swedishhistorical.org/lucia--julmarknad.html
12.07, 9 AM- 1 PM
Julmarknad: Shop the market and enjoy Breakfast with Tomte at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 10 a.m. Lucia children help serve breakfast and perform at 10:30 a.m. Sing Swedish songs, enjoy festive music and dance around the Christmas tree! RSVP by Dec. 5, 815.963.5559 / museum@swedishhistorical.org / www.swedishhistorical.org/lucia--julmarknad.html
12.11, 5:30 -7:30 PM
Glögg & Pepparkakor Party: Celebrate the season with glögg, saft, appetizers, and Christmas music! In the newly renovated Nordic Cultural Center, Swedish Historical Society, 815.963.5559 / www.swedishhistorical.org/gloumlgg--pepparkakor.html
Rock Island
12.03, 5-7:30 PM
Julbord Dinner: Come and go as you are able to the traditional Swedish-American Christmas smörgåsbord. At Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center, 309.794.7204 / www.augustana.edu/about-us/news/swenson-center-julbord-dinner
Wheeling
12.08, 3 PM
Swedish Glee Club’s Annual Christmas Dinner and Concert: Julbord and concert, cash bar. At Chevy Chase Country Club, RSVP, swedishgleeclub@gmail.com / www.swedishgleeclub.org/yule/dinner
Iowa
Elk Horn
11.29 - 11.30
Julefest 2019: Celebrate the arrival of the Christmas Season in the Danish Villages. 800.451.7960, www.danishvillages.com
Iowa City
12.08, 5 - 9 PM
Swedish Club Lucia Celebration with Lucia pageant and potluck. RSVP to jsmadsen@mchsi.com / www.iowacityswedishclub.com

Swedesburg
12.09, 6 PM
Lucia Festival: Singing, music, cookies and a potluck. Swedish Heritage Society, 319.254.2317 / swedish@iowatelecom.net
Kansas
Lindsborg
12.06, 4-6 PM
Jultide at Bethany: The Bethany College Choir and Handbell Ensemble perform in Bethany College’s Presser Hall, 785.227.3380 / www.bethanylb.edu
12.14, 10 AM-5 PM
Saint Lucia Festival: Live holiday music, folk dancers, and a Lucia procession leading the crowd to Bethany Lutheran Church to honor St. Lucia. Stay for ginger cookies served by Lucia. 785.227.8687 / www.visitlindsborg.com/christmas-in-lindsborg
12.25, 6 AM
Julotta Service: Traditional Swedish Lutheran Christmas service at Bethany Lutheran Church, 785.227.2167 / travelinfo@lindsborgcity.org
12.26, 10 AM
Annandag Jul: "Another day of Christmas" service in Swedish at Bethany Lutheran Church, 785-785.227.2167 / travelinfo@lindsborgcity.org
Massachusetts
Boston
12.07, 10 AM – 4 PM
Swedish Yuletide. Food, crafts, gifts, Swedish café, musical entertainment,
Lucia and activities for kids. swedishyuletide@sweaboston.org / www.sweaboston.org

East Longmeadow
12.15, 3-5 PM
Lucia Fest: Singing, folk dancing and refreshments. Brage-Iduna Lodge #9, radners122@gmail.com
Shrewsbury
12.08, 12-4 PM
Traditional St. Lucia Fest: Music, shopping, baked goods, kids’ crafts, glögg and Swedish meatball luncheon. At SAC Park, 508.320.9198 / www.facebook.com/SwedishNationalFederationOfWorcester
Michigan
Farmington Hills
11.23, 9:30 AM - 2 PM
Swedish Christmas Fair. Lucia pageant, home-baked goods, waffles and folk music. At Finnish Culture Center, www.michigan.swea.org
Grand Rapids
12.07, 10:30 AM-12 PM
23rd Annual Swedish Lucia Celebration, followed by coffee hour with saffron buns, cardamom bread and pepparkakor. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 616-458-0420 / info@sahswm.org / www.sahswm.org
Minnesota
Minneapolis
12.07-12.08, 10 AM-4 PM
Julmarknad: Handmade artisan items for sale, Nordic-inspired items, special performances by Nordic music and dance groups, family art activities, festival food and cardamom bread, cookies and other treats. American Swedish Institute, 612.871. 4907 / www.asimn.org
12.14, 10 AM & 1 PM
Lucia Celebration Concert: This special Swedish concert featuring the youthful voices of the 2019 ASI Lucia Choir, who performs traditional music in this magical one-hour concert in Larson Hall. American Swedish Institute, 612.871. 4907 / www.asimn.org
12.21, 6:30 PM & 12.22, 1 PM
Julbord: A full selection of traditional dishes, such as meatballs, herring and delectable desserts prepared by the talented FIKA chefs as part of ASI’s Slate & Stone Catering. Cash bar available. RSVP by Dec. 13, American Swedish Institute, 612.871. 4907 / www.asimn.org
Moorhead
12.15, 4-7 PM
Sankta Lucia: Children of all ages participate, with delicious treats afterward. Swedish Cultural Heritage Society at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 701.306.6554 / valleyinc@msn.com
Scandia
11.21, 12-6 PM
Lutfisk & Swedish Meatball Dinner. Traditional holiday Swedish Smörgåsbord. RSVP Gammelgården Museum, 651.433.5054 / www.gammelgardenmuseum.org
12.08, 6 AM-12 PM
Lucia: Follow the candlelit pathway for a brief Swedish prayer service. Then cross the street for a full Lucia Julfest Breakfast with special musical guests. The museum’s Lucia artifacts are on display all month. Breakfast $5-$15/tickets at the door. Gammelgarden Museum, 651.383.7351 / www.gammelgardenmuseum.org
New Jersey
Budd Lake - Vasa Park
11.30, 5 PM
Juldans - Dancing around the Christmas tree with traditional music. Scandinavian specialties, glögg, Sankta Lucia pageant, 973.691.8637 / www.juldans.org
New Providence
11.23, 10 AM - 3 PM
Scandinavian Import & Gift Sale: Holiday products and food for sale. Lodge Linne#429 VOA , 908.665.1292
Upper Montclair
11.24, 10 AM - 4 PM
Swedish Christmas Fair: Swedish handicrafts, food, glögg, café and Lucia pageant. 815.861.2760 / www.swea.org/newjersey
New York
Huntington
12.15, 2 PM
Julfest Long Island: Scandinavian family celebration with glögg, Lucia, dancing, Smörgåsbandet live music, dinner and open bar, 718.415.0602 / dragspel@aol.com / www.VasaNewYork.com
Jamestown
12.07, 9AM - 1PM
Julmarknad at Jamestown Community College. 716.665.0883 / www.scandinavianjamestown.org
New York
11.22 -11.24, 11 AM
The Swedish Church Julbasar. Crafts, music, Swedish food, glögg, etc. newyork@svenskakyrkan.se / www.svenskakyrkan.se/newyork
12.06, 6 -11:45 PM
Annual Scandinavian Christmas Ball: A festive evening at the Metropolitan Club with open bar, hors d’oeuvres and 3-course dinner, Lucia procession and songs, and dancing until midnight. American Scandinavian Society, 212.751.0714 / www.americanscandinavian.org/event/ball2019
12.08, 3:30-6:30 PM
Lucia & Folkdancing Program: Music by Smörgåsbandet, raffles, glögg and gifts available for purchase. Barnklubben Elsa Rix #1, 516.565.2091 / Elainedance@aol.com
12.24, 1 PM
Scandinavian Christmas Service: In Norwegian/English with a coffee hour, cakes and raffle afterward. Norwegian Seamen’s Church, 212.319.0370 / www.sjomannskirken.no/new-york
St James
11.16, 10 AM - 4 PM
Scandinavian Bazaar. Lunch and items from all Scandinavian countries for sale. Sons of Norway. At St. James Lutheran Church, 631.862.8017 / razmataz57@gmail.com
West Hempstead
12.08, 3:30-6:30 PM
Lucia & Folk dancing Program: Music by Smorgasbandet, raffles, glogg and gifts available for purchase. Barnklubben Elsa Rix #1 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 516.565.2091 / Elainedance@aol.com
North Carolina
Raleigh
12.07, 10 AM-5 PM
Scandinavian Christmas Fair: Crafts for sale, live Nordic entertainment, homemade Scandinavian food, pastries and candy, Santa’s workshop, Lucia procession @ 4 p.m. At state fairgrounds, 919.824.2335 / www.scanfair.org
North Dakota
Bismarck
12.08, 1 PM
Three Crowns Lucia Festival: An afternoon of music, mischievous tomtes, dancing around the Christmas tree, Lucia procession, kids’ crafts and Swedish treats and coffee. Free. At Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 701.663.4023 / 3crownsSwedish@gmail.com
Ohio
Cincinnati
12.15, 4 - 7 PM
Annual Lucia Fest. Tickets: Scandinavian Society of Cincinnati, www.scandinaviansoc.org
Cleveland Heights
12.14, 4:30- 5:30 PM
Lucia Program: Swedish concert by the Vasa Voices mixed choir, Lucia Program and smörgåsbord at 6 p.m. At Peace Lutheran Church, RSVP to 216.371.5141 / marty.bergman@sbcglobal.net
Oregon
Portland
12.07-12.08
Scanfair: The annual two-day Nordic Christmas market is at the Veteren’s Memorial Colliseum, 503.977.0275 / www.nordicnorthwest.org
12.14, 3-5PM
Lucia Fest: Traditional Lucia pageant and music of the season, dancing around the Christmas tree, Tomten, glögg and baked goods. At First Presbyterian Church, 503.807.9808 / www.newsweden.org
12.14, 6:30 PM
Julbord: 4th annual Julbord Dinner with Broder Söder is inspired by Nordic traditions, music and delicious holiday food. Nordia House. RSVP, 503.977.0275 / www.nordicnorthwest.org
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
12.06, 6-10 PM
Julbord: An authentic Christmas smorgasbord for the whole family is followed by the Lucia procession. The Christmas Market is open all evening. RSVP by Dec.1. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish.org
12.06, 6-8 PM
12.07-12.08, 2-5 PM
Sankta Lucia and St. Eric’s Fair. Celebrating the 82nd year and Christmas bazaar with Scandinavian imports. At Gloria Dei Old Swedes Church, info@old-swedes.org / www.old-swedes.com
12.07, 11 AM-4 PM
Lucia Fest and Christmas Market: Family-friendly event with Lucia processions at 1 & 3:15 p.m. Favorite holiday deli items, Christmas decorations, baked goods and gifts. Advance tickets recommended. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish.org
12.14, 6-10 PM
Annual Winter Holiday Party: A night with Scandinavian Christmas food, akvavit and snapsvisor (drinking songs) and that Christmas feeling at Gloria Dei, Old Swedish Church. SACC and NACC Philadelphia, 267.726.0695 / www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-party-tickets-77575585665
Rhode Island
Cranston
11.17, 9:30 AM - 1 PM
Swedish Holiday Brunch: Swedish pancakes, baked goods and holiday items. Santa visit. RSVP Vasa Star Lodge #56, 401.739.3530 / marlenehaglundhatch@gmail.com
East Greenwich
12.07, 4-6 PM
Lucia: Live candles and songs in Swedish, gingerbread and Tomte skits performed by the kids, reception with Swedish refreshments. With RISHA at St. Luke’s Church, 401.450.9688 / astrid.m.drew@gmail.com
South Dakota
Dalesburg
12.15, 2-5 PM
42nd celebration of St. Lucia in Dalesburg: Välkommen! Dalesburg Scandinavian Association, 605.253.2575 / ron@dalesburg.org / www.dalesburg.org
Texas
Plano
11.23, 2:30 PM
Lucia Procession with children, glogg and cookies. Wooden Spoon, twonordic@aol.com / www.woodenspoonplano.com
Dallas
12.07, 10 AM – 2 PM
JulBasar and Lucia Celebration: dallas@swea.org / www.dallas.swea.org
Houston
12.08, 5 PM
Lucia Celebration. sweahouston@hotmail.com / www.houston.swea.org
Utah
Salt Lake City
12.07, 4-8 PM
Lucia Celebration: Celebrate Lucia with live candles, music, Swedish foods, candy, decorations, linens and more for sale. RSVP for a traditional Christmas dinner at Swedishheritage2@aol.com. Swedish Heritage Society of Utah at First Baptist Church, 801.268.2898
Washington
Seattle
11.23 - 11.24, 10 AM - 6 PM
Julefest. Nordic treats, kids’ crafts and activities inside Santa’s workshop. Nordic National Museum, 206.789.5707 / www.nordicmuseum.org/julefest
12.08, 1-2:30 PM
Children’s Christmas in Scandinavia: Santa Lucia Pageant, Christmas crafts and a visit from Santa. Nordic National Museum, 206.789.5707 / www.nordicmuseum.org
12.12, 5:30-8 PM
Glögg & Meatballs Celebrate Christmas early at Skål Beer Hall in Ballard! Join fellow Scandinavians in celebrating Christmas properly - with meatballs, herring and salmon. info@sacc-seattle.org / www.sacc-seattle.org
Tacoma
12.06, 6-9 PM
Sankta Lucia Celebration: For more than 60 years, we’ve celebrated Sankta Lucia (PLU students can apply for the Lucia Scholarship). At Scandinavian Cultural Center of Pacific Lutheran University, 253.535.7322 / Marianne26435@gmail.com / www.plu.edu/scancenter/calendar-of-events
Washington, DC
12.07, 10 AM - 5 PM
Swedish Holiday Market: Nordic vendors and artists selling holiday ornaments, decorations, textiles, Swedish glass, books, glögg, candy and more! Lucia procession at 5 p.m. Silent auction, Jultomte and face painting. Tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/swedish-holiday-market-2019-house-of-sweden-tickets-74148069873?aff=ebdssbdestsearch / www.washingtondc.swea.org
Wisconsin
Avery
12.13, 5:30-7:30 PM
Jul fest: On Lucia Dagen itself. 715.222.0138, ristarbuck@centurytel.net / www.foreverswedish.net
Dodgeville
12.14, 3-8:30 PM
Sankta Lucia at Folklore Village: Make heart baskets, color Swedish Dalahorses, shape the saffron buns (served later!) and learn traditional songs for the evening Lucia ceremony. Potluck dinner at 5:30, followed by Lucia, saffron buns, tea and the family-friendly evening dance. Folklore Village, 608.924.4000 / www.folklorevillage.org
Madison
12.14, 4-8:30 PM
Julfest Christmas Party: An evening of Nordic Christmas traditions: a 3-course dinner buffet, St. Lucia procession, holiday crafts, raffle, dancing around the Christmas tree, and Santa. At St. Mark’s Church, matswjohansson0@gmail.com / www.facebook.com/groups/30941637875
Milwaukee
12.08, 5-7 PM
Lucia Celebration: Hear the story and beautiful music of the Swedish celebration of Lucia then dance around the Christmas tree, visit with Santa, enjoy coffee and treats. At Whitnall Park Lutheran Church in Hales Corners, 262.781.6113 / swedishamericanhistoricalwisc@gmail.com / www.sahswi.org
Sister Bay
12.06 & 12.07
Traditional Swedish Julbord: A multi-course Christmas smörgåsbord at Al Johnson’s. RSVP to 920.854.2626 / www.aljohnsons.com
Waukesha
12.15, 3-6 PM
Lucia: Svenska Skolans Luciafirande with Lucia, glögg, kaffe, lussekatter, pepparkakor och tomten at Retzer Nature Center. 414.915.9675 / tessiehawkins@gmail.com
IKEA
USA
12.13
Swedish Traditional Julbord Buffet hosted by IKEA Food at IKEA Restaurants with an all-you-can eat buffet! Contact your local IKEA store for tickets and more information.
For continuous info from all over the U.S., see events at www.nordstjernan.com/calendar. Find your local SWEA chapter by going to www.swea.org - almost every SWEA organization has Lucia and Christmas fairs.