Scandinavian Christmas Fairs in New York.

Christmas came early to New York, with all three Scandinavian churches opening their doors for Christmas fare during the same weekend.  

  • Church administrator Lena Fleischman opening the Swedish Christmas Fair. "It's a lot of work putting it all together, but it's also fun," Lena said.

  • It’s the time of the year again, time to stock up on Christmas items. What better place to do so than by visiting the Scandinavian Christmas fairs in New York City?

  • Volunteers Monica Oscarsson and Mona Johnsson sold Christmas linen. "I either spend Christmas in Sweden or in Florida under a palm tree," said Mona. "Christmas was more important when I was a child, and my father was Santa. But it's beautiful time and it's nice that people are happy!" Monica said food was Christmas' most important ingredient. "I don't believe in either 'tomtar eller troll'," she said.

  • The Norwegian Christmas Fair is open from November 18-20, the Swedish from November 19-21 and the Danish, in Brooklyn, from November 19-20.

  • Volunteer Agneta Eckemyr, in a dress of her own design, sold Swedish candy. "I was here last year too, but I ate too much then."

  • At each Christmas fair you can eat Christmas food, buy crafts and gifts, stack up on tomtar and enjoy glögg and a light meal. Nordstjernan visited the Swedish Christmas Fair.

  • Bert Alexandersson also volunteered selling candy. "I feel a lot of gratitude towards the Swedish church and especially Lena (Fleischmann). For me Christmas doesn't mean much. It just so happened that Christmas Eve is my birthday."

  • For more information:
    www.svenskakyrkan.se/default.aspx?id=546526
    www.dankirkeny.org
    www.sjomannskirken.no/newyork