With Thanksgiving a week away

..and First of Advent following that weekend, there's no doubt about it; the Holidays are here. Find a celebration near you in 'Swedish Christmas in America 2013' 

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  • and First of Advent (Första Advent - not familiar with the tradition? See 'Advent' in Sweden - waiting for Arrival) following that weekend, there's no doubt about it; the Holidays are here. Find a celebration near you (and, if we missed anything in your area, please don't hesitate to let us know, through editorATnordstjernan.com or by using our submissions online: Submit an Event (Free listings)

  • 'Kyrkbyn' - the old church town in Luleå, a site on the World Heritage List, home to annual market days held even in the dead of winter in olden days. Photo: Pär Domeij / Nordic Reach Magazine.

  • Swedish Christmas around America 2013


    Arizona
    Phoenix
    23 Nov 2013 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    The SWEA Arizona Swedish Christmas Market. Lucia pageant, jultomte, Swedish crafts and gifts, Café Swae with Swedish delicacies. and activities for children. For more info www.swea.org email: Arizona@swea.org or call: 469-438-4358

  • The Swedish Santa, Jultomten, here in one of illustrator Jenny Nyström's (1854-1946) depictions.

  • California
    Kingsburg
    7 Dec 2013 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
    Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce Santa Lucia Celebration. Festival of lights Parade on Draper St at 5:30 PM. For more info www.kingsburg-chamber-of-commerce.org or call 559-897-1111

  • Roaming the streets of Södermalm, Stockholm, our travel writer/photographer Bo Zaunders ran into a bevy of Santas a few blocks east of Medborgarplatsen, all full of the Christmas spirit and happy to pose for his camera. From all of them, and all of us ...

  • Los Angeles/San Pedro
    22 Nov 2013 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    23 Nov 2013 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    24 Nov 2013 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Norwegian church & Swedish Church Christmas Fair. Christmas decorations, candles, clothing, food and a Café For more info www.svenskakyrkan.se or call 310-8326800

  • 'Kyrkbyn' - the old church town in Luleå, a site on the World Heritage List, home to annual market days held even in the dead of winter in olden days. Photo: Pär Domeij / Nordic Reach Magazine.

  • Huntington Beach
    24 Nov 2013 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    SWEA OC Swedish Christmas Fair. Swedish handicrafts, Lucia pageant, jultomte, Swedish food, glögg bar. For more info www.swea.org/orangecounty or email: orangecounty@swea.org

  • San Francisco/ Norwegian Seamen’s church
    22 Nov 2013 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    23 Nov 2013 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Norwegian Christmas Bazaar. Christmas decorations, Norwegian food, gifts and crafts. For more info www.sjomannskirken.no/san-francisco/ email: sanfrancisco@sjomannskirken.no or call 415-775- 6566

  • San Francisco
    7 Dec 2013 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    SWEA San Francisco Swedish Christmas Fair. Lucia procession, foods, crafts, gifts, Scandinavian delicacies. and activities for children. For more info www.swea.org email: julmarknad@sweasanfrancisco.org

  • San Francisco - Swedish American Hall
    8 Dec 2013 4:30 PM
    The Young Scandinavians Club hosts Santa Lucia celebration. Lucia procession, lussekatter, glögg, and Scandinavian treats. For more info www.ysc.org email: info@ysc.org or call 415.346.7450

  • Los Angeles
    15 Dec 2013 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
    SWEA LA's 34th Annual Swedish Christmas Fair. Lucia pageant, folk dancers, home baked goods, fine art, books, jewelry, toys, Christmas collectibles. Swedish lunch or "fika" More info www.swea.org/losangeles, Email SweaLAChristmasFair@gmail.com or call 562-425-5465

  • Petaluma
    8 Dec 2013 4:00 PM - 7 PM
    Linnea Lodge #504s Lucia Festival. More info: www.linnealodge.com linneak@pacbell.net.

  • Riverside
    7 Dec 2013 1:00 PM
    Baltic Lodge #689s Lucia Fest and Christmas Party. More info: www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cablvasa/ or email: balticlodge@skandland.com.

  • San Diego
    8 Dec 2013 1:00 PM
    Scandinavian Lodge #667s Annual Christmas Dinner and 51st Anniversary party. More info: www.scandinavianlodge.org or email: eashog@cox.net.

  • Connecticut
    Fairfield
    7 Dec 2013 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Scandinavian Club Christmas Fair and Bake Sale. Nordic gifts, handmade crafts, knitted items, homemade baked goods, Scandinavian food & other vendors. Swedish meatball lunch. More info www.thescandinavianclub.com or bgranskog@aol.com or 203-938-9677

  • Washington
    14 Dec 2013 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
    St. Lucia's Day Swedish Fairytale at the Gunn Memorial Museum. Carol Skog, will read from and sign copies of her new book. Miniature procession of “Sankta Lucia” and Swedish refreshments. More info www.gunnlibrary.org.com or gunnmuseum@sbcglobal.net or 860-868-7756

  • DC
    House of Sweden Washington
    7 Dec 2013 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    The SWEA Washington DC Holiday Bazaar. Lucia procession, foods, crafts, gifts, Swedish café with Swedish delicacies. and activities for children. For more info www.swea.org/washingtondc email: sweapr@gmail.com or call 202-546-7266

  • Florida
    Boca Raton
    15 Dec 2013 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Svenska kyrkan in Florida’s Julkonsert/Julbord. For more info www. svenskakyrkan.se/florida email: florida@svenskakyrkan.se or Call 954-604-0605

  • Miami
    7 Dec 2013 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Lucia Celebration by Svenska kyrkan in Florida. For more info www. svenskakyrkan.se/florida email: florida@svenskakyrkan.se or Call 954-374-9303

  • Sarasota
    8 Dec 2013 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    Lucia Celebration by The Swedish Club of Sarasota. Lucia pageant, coffee, glögg and baked goods . For more info www.swedishclubsarasota.org, email: gimshaug@mac.com or Call 941-388-1234

  • Georgia
    Atlanta
    14 Dec 2013
    SWEA Atlanta Svensk Julmarknad. Crafts, gifts, Swedish delicacies and activities for children. For more info www.swea.org/atlanta/ email: thereze.almstrom@gmail.com

  • Atlanta - The Biltmore
    14 Dec 2013 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM
    SACC Georgia 28th Lucia Gala 2013. Swedish Christmas smorgasbord, Lucia procession, dancing and singing, snaps. RSVP 770-670-2480, or info@sacc-georgia.org. More info www.sacc-georgia.org or Email: info@sacc-georgia.org

  • Illinois
    Andersonville (Chicago)
    7 Dec 2013 - 8 Dec 2013
    Julmarknad handicrafts fair with traditional Swedish food and entertainment. Info: www.andersonville.org/events/

  • Andersonville (Chicago)
    13 Dec 2013
    St. Lucia Festival of lights. A candlelit, carol-filled procession down the sidewalks of Clark Street, followed by singing and treats at the Museum. Info: www.andersonville.org/events/

  • Bishop Hill
    29 Nov 2013 10:00 AM – 1 Dec 2013 5:00 PM
    Christmas Market – Julmarknad. Music, handmade items, antiques, folk art, and other gift items. Chocolate Walk. Info www.bishophill.com or Call 309-927-3311

  • Bishop Hill
    7 Dec 2013 10:00 AM – 8 Dec 2013 5:00 PM
    Christmas Market – Julmarknad. Music, handmade items, antiques, folk art, and other gift items. Christmas cookie walk. Info www.bishophill.com or Call 309-927-3311

  • Bishop Hill
    13 Dec 2013 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Lucia Nights - Festival of Lights. Coffee and sweet items are served in shops and museums by young girls dressed as St. Lucia. Musical entertainment. Info www.bishophill.com or Call 309-927-3311

  • Chicago
    22 Nov 2013 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Got Glögg? Tasting and competition at the Swedish American Museum; Glögg,. Competition to see who really has the best glögg in Chicago. Info www.swedishamericanmuseum.org email: info@samac.org or Call 773-728-8111

  • Chicago
    North Park University
    7 Dec 2013 4:00 PM
    NPU Center for Scandinavian Studies Sankta Lucia Celebration. More Info www.northpark.edu/centers/center-for-scandinavian-studies/sankta-lucia email: kmandersson@northpark.edu or call 773.244.5295.

  • Chicago
    14 Dec 2013 9:00 AM
    15 Dec 2013 9:00 AM
    Breakfast with Tomten. Swedish pancake breakfast with traditional crafts, dancing around the Christmas tree and a special visit from Tomten (Santa). Info www.swedishamericanmuseum.org

  • Chicago
    Daley Plaza
    13 Dec 2013 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    Swedish American Museum and Andersonville,
    13 Dec 2013 4:45 PM
    Ebenezer Lutheran Church
    13 Dec 2013 7:00 PM
    Lucia Celebration. Lucia celebration with holiday songs, readings, and Lucia procession. Info www.swedishamericanmuseum.org

  • Chicago
    7 Dec 2013 10:00 AM –5:00 PM
    8 Dec 2013 10:00 AM –4:00 PM
    Swedish Americn Museum’s annual Julmarknad. Scandinavian handicrafts and kaffestuga. Visit the Children’s crafts, games and a visit from Santa. Lucia processions and folk dancers. Info www.swedishamericanmuseum.org. Call 773-728-8111 for reservation.

  • Chicago
    22 Dec 2013 5:00 PM –7:00 PM
    Swedish American Museum’s Julmiddag-Old Fashioned Swedish Family Christmas Dinner. Traditional Swedish Smörgåsbord with entertainment. Lucia procession and Santa gives julklappar to all children. Info www.swedishamericanmuseum.org. Call 773.728.8111 for reservation.

  • Chicago - Ebenezer Lutheran Church
    22 Dec 2013 4:00 PM –5:00 PM
    Svensk Julgudstjänst (Swedish Christmas Service). Info www.swedishamericanmuseum.org.

  • Geneva
    6 Dec 2013 6:00 PM
    The Annual Christmas Walk. Santa Lucia and her attendants arrive by horse-drawn carriage to offer Swedish cookies to visitors. More info: Ph 630-232-6060 or www.genevachamber.com

  • Rockford
    6 Dec 2013 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Swedish Historical Society's Lucia. A choir of children singing both Swedish and English traditional songs will warm your heart and start off the Christmas season with joy. More info 815-963-5559, email: bkhammar@comcast.net or www.swedishhistorical.org

  • Rockford
    7 Dec 2013 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Swedish Historical Society's annual Jul Marknad. Swedish foods, vendors. meatball luncheon, Kaffee Stuga and dancing around the Christmas Tree with Lucia and Tomte. More info www.swedishhistorical.org, email: museum@swedishhistorical.org or 815.966.1218

  • Iowa
    Iowa City
    8 Dec 2013 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    Iowa City Swedish Club Lucia Fest - Lucia pageant, Smörgåsbord and music. More info: www.iowacityswedishclub.com or jswan52246@aol.com 319-338-9129 or jsmadsen@mchsi.com 319-351-2595

  • Swedesburg
    9 Dec 2013 7:00 PM
    Swedish Heritage Society Lucia festival. Potluck dinner at 6:00. More info www.swedishheritagesociety.org, email: swedish@iowatelecom.net or call 319-254-2317

  • Stratford
    14 Dec 2013 2:00 PM
    The Swedish Immigrant Museum’s Swedish Festivity of light with traditional Lucia pageant.
    More info email: SwedeBndIA@aol.com or call 515.838.2440

  • Kansas
    Bethany Lutheran Church, Lindsborg
    14 Dec 2013 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
    Lucia Fest. Music and festivities, Lucia processions and traditional folk dances. More info www.visitlindsborg.com, email: cvbdir@lindsborgcity.org or call 888.227.2227

  • Massachussetts
    Boston
    7 Dec 2013 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Swedish Yuletide – The SWEA Boston Fair and Holiday celebration. Foods, crafts, gifts, Swedish cafés, musical entertainment, Lucia pageant and activities for children.. More info www.sweaboston.org or swedishyuletide@sweaboston.org

  • Michigan
    Bloomfield Hills
    23 Nov 2013 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
    SWEA Michigan Christmas Fair. Lucia pageant. Craft and goods from Sweden, Swedish food, children's activities, entertainment.. For info www.sweamichigan.org or julbasar@sweamichigan.org or president@sweamichigan.org call 734-883-7930

  • Dearborn
    7 Dec 2013 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
    The Jenny Lind Club of MI Annual Lucia Dinner Dance – Lucia Procession, dinner and dancing. For info call 734-420-0172 or 734-420-2203

  • Grand Rapids
    7 Dec 2013 10:00 AM
    SAHS/WM Seventeenth Annual Lucia Celebration - Music and candlelight in a beautiful setting. Saffron buns, cardamom bread, pepparkakor and coffee served and craft. For info call 616-458-0420 or www.sahswm.org or info@sahswm.org

  • Novi
    14 Dec 2013 2:30 PM
    The Arpi Swedish Male and The Scandia Women’s Chorus of MI Christmas Concert with Lucia. For more info www.swedishclub.net email: christinagrennan@yahoo.com or call: 248-673-2243.

  • Minnesota
    Minneapolis
    4 Dec 2013 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    Annual Julfest College Christmas Party at American Swedish Institute - Party with students from local schools including the University of Minnesota and Gustavus Adolphus College. For more info: www.asimn.org or Call 612-871-4907.

  • Minneapolis
    7 Dec 2013 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Julmarknad: ASI Christmas Market at American Swedish Institute - Outdoor Handcraft Fair, with wares for sale by more than 15 local artisans, as well as musical performances, family activities and plenty of holiday cheer.. For more info: www.asimn.org or Call 612-871-4907.

  • Minneapolis
    13 Dec 2013 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    ASI Lucia Celebration at American Swedish Institute for ASI members. Lucia concert featuring a seasonal choir of 75 children. Fika with Lucia Buns and coffee. For more info: www.asimn.org or www.asilucia.eventbrite.com or Call 612-871-4907.

  • Minneapolis
    14 Dec 2013 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
    ASI Lucia Celebration at American Swedish Institute. Lucia concert featuring a seasonal choir of 75 children. For more info: www.asimn.org or www.asilucia.eventbrite.com or Call 612-871-4907.

  • Minneapolis
    15 Dec 2013 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    22 Dec 2013 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    ASI’s annual Julbord at American Swedish Institute. Enjoy a traditional Swedish Christmas smorgasbord with dopp i grytan, prinskorv, Jansson’s Temptation, Swedish meatballs, Swedish potato sausages, etc. For more info: www.asimn.org or Call 612-871-4907

  • Rush City
    13 Dec 2013 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Santa Lucia celebration by We R Able. Lucia parade, hot chocolate and pepparkakor and learn to make a julgranskaramel. More info www.scred.k12.mn.us/community_programs/we_r_able email varrowsmith@scred.k12.mn.us or call 320.358.1210

  • Scandia
    8 Dec 2013 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
    Gammelgården Museum’s Lucia Celebration. Swedish Prayer service, Lucia Fest Breakfast. Info www.gammelgardenmuseum.org, email: museum@gammelgardenmuseum.org or 651-433-5053

  • New Jersey
    Budd Lake
    30 Nov 2013 5:00 PM
    Dancing around the Christmas tree with music by Jeanne Widman Anderson and Smorgasbandet with Walter Eriksson, Jr., on Nyckelharpa. traditional Scandinavian specialties, glögg, Candle-lit ceremony and pageant of Sankta Lucia. More Info: www.Juldans.org or Call 973-691-8637

  • New Providence
    23 Nov 2013 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
    Lodge Linne's 35th Scandinavian Import & Gift Sale – Scandinavian Christmas holiday products and food for sale, folk dance performance. More Info: Call 908-665-1292 or 973-479-7873.

  • Montclair
    24 Nov 2013 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    SWEA New Jersey’s Swedish Christmas Fair – Swedish handicrafts, delicacies, glögg and café with home baked goods. Lucia pageant at 11 am and 2 pm. More Info: madeleine.hershberger@gmail.com or call 908.229.4148.

  • New York
    Svenska Kyrkan, New York
    21 Nov 2013 11:00 AM – 20:00 PM
    22 Nov 2013 11:00 AM – 20:00 PM
    23 Nov 2013 11:00 AM – 17:00 PM
    The Swedish Church Julbasar. Swedish crafts, Christmas music, Swedish food, Glögg, etc. More info www.svenskakyrkan.se email: newyork@swedishchurch.net or Call 212-832-8443

  • West Hempstead - St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church
    1 Dec 2013 3:30 PM
    Manhasset,- Church of Our Savior Lutheran
    7 Dec 2013 6:00 PM
    Barnklubben Elsa Rix#1 Celebrates 93rd Annual Lucia Festivals - Lucia pageant, folk dancing, Swedish cakes & crafts. For more Info: Elsarix1@aol.com or Call 917-363-9885

  • Scandinavia House, New York
    7 Dec 2013 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    Swedish Christmas Children’s Workshop. - Children (ages 5-10) will experience how Swedes prepare for Christmas and learn to make traditional holiday crafts in this julpysseldag (Christmas craft day). More info www.scandinaviahouse.org or Call 212-779-3587

  • SWEA New York
    Julfest & 30th Anniversary. SWEA New York traditional Swedish Christmas dinner on Dec. 9 at Battery Gardens Restaurant, NYC. Find out more, at www.swea.org/newyork

  • Svenska Kyrkan, New York
    14 Dec 2013 4:00 PM – 20:00 PM
    The Swedish Church Lucia Celebration. Lucia procession and choirs. More info www.svenskakyrkan.se email: newyork@swedishchurch.net or Call 212-832-8443

  • North Carolina
    Raleigh
    7 Dec 2013 4:00 AM
    The Scandinavian Christmas Fair sponsored by SWEA and Vasa, Scandinavia crafts and gifts, Lucia Procession folk dances, folk music glögg and Scandinavian food. For more info www.scanfair.org email: info@scanfair.org call 336- 541-5072 (SWEA) or 919- 824-2335 (Vasa)

  • Ohio
    Blendon Woods Park, Columbus
    7 Dec 2013 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Scandinavian Club of Columbus, Ohio Julefest. Lucia procession, Scandinavian Christmas food, and a personal visit from Jultomten. For more info www.scandiclub.com, email: ScandiClubInfo@gmail.com or scandiclubinfo@gmail.com

  • Oregon
    Portland
    7 Dec 2013 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    8 Dec 2013 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    29th Annual ScanFair By Scandinavian Heritage Foundation. Scandinavian arts and crafts , Scandinavian food, Lucia, Santa, pickled herring eating contest. For more info www.scanheritage.org, email: shf@mindspring.com, leif2845@comcast.net or call 503-977-0275.

  • Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia
    6 Dec 2013 6:00 PM –9:00 PM
    ASHM’s Julbord. Cocktails and an authentic Christmas smörgåsbord dinner are followed by the Lucia procession. Info: www.americanswedish.org, info@ americanswedish.org or 215-389-1776

  • Philadelphia
    7 Dec 2013 11:30 AM –4:30 PM
    ASHM’s Family-friendly Lucia Fest, with Lucia processions at 1 pm and 3 pm. Christmas Market with holiday deli items, decorations, and gifts, SWEA bakery tables and Swedish Christmas Café. Info: www.americanswedish.org, info@ americanswedish.org or 215-389-1776

  • Philadelphia
    14 Dec 2013 7:00 PM
    ASHM’s Swedish Museum Singers presents their holiday repertoire, which include Swedish classics, as well as a Swedish twist on a few American favorites. Glögg and refreshments. Info: www.americanswedish.org, info@ americanswedish.org or 215-389-1776

  • South Dakota
    Dalesburg
    14 Dec 2013 3:00 PM
    36th Annual Celebration of the St Lucia Tradition in Dalesburg. More info: www.dalesburg.org or call 605-253-2575, Email: rjohnson@bmtc.net

  • Texas
    Austin
    1 Dec 2013 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
    SWEA Austin’s Annual Lucia Procession. Bake sale, raffle, coffee, glögg, Lucia procession. For more info www.swea.org/austin/ email: austin@swea.org

  • Dallas
    7 Dec 2013 12:00 PM
    SWEA Dallas Yule Bazaar and Lucia Celebration. Swedish crafts, gift items, baked goods and sweets. Lucia procession. For more info www.swea.org/dallas/ email: sweadallas@swea.org

  • Virginia
    Virginia Beach
    7 Dec 2013 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Swedish Christmas Bazaar by SWEA Virginia Beach. Traditional decorations- Gifts and Crafts Swedish Crystal-Baked Goods- Café. For more info www.swea.org email: virginiabeach@swea.org

  • Washington
    Seattle
    23 Nov 2013 10:00 AM– 5:00 PM
    24 Nov 2013 10:00 AM– 5:00 PM
    Nordic Heritage Museum’s Yulefest. Nordic-inspired wares, Food in the Nordic Café, glögg, Kaffestuga, Scandinavian fiddlers, singers, and folk dancers
 www.nordicmuseum.org or call 206-789-5707

  • Wisconsin
    Folklore Village Dodgerville
    14 Dec 2013 6:30 PM
    St. Lucia Ceremony - Swedish songs, candlelight and aromatic saffron buns. Potluck and dancing.
    For more info http://folklorevillage.com/t1/ email: staff@folklorevillage.org or call 608-924-4000

  • Hales Corners - Whitnall Park Lutheran Church
    15 Dec 2013 4:00 PM– 6:00 PM
    Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin Swedish Lucia Celebration. Lucia procession, coffee and treats, dance around the Christmas tree. Info www.sahswi.org, email: swedishamericanhistoricalwisc@gmail.com or call 414-352-7890.

  • No Celebration listed close to you? For continuous info from all the U.S., see events at www.nordstjernan.com. Also, find your local SWEA chapter by going to www.swea.org - almost every SWEA organization will have Lucia and/or Christmas Fairs.