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Reserve Your Tickets to Julefest, Ballard's Favorite Holiday Tradition ❄️
November 21-23, 2025
Throughout the weekend, bring the whole family and step into a winter wonderland for an authentic Nordic holiday experience with live music, unique treats, and community spirit! Wander through rows of stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, traditional foods, and cozy Scandinavian apparel.
This isn't just another holiday market—Julefest is one of Seattle's favorite traditions. It's where the city comes together to celebrate the season, and it’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
Spotlights
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Friday Night Market
✨ 21+ Julefest Night Market
includes full weekend access! ✨Hours
5:00 pm - 9:00 pmTickets
Adult: $20 ($25 onsite)
Members: $15 ($20 onsite) -
Saturday & Sunday
Hours
10:00 am - 5:00 pmTickets
Adult: $12.50 ($16 onsite)
Youth: $5.00 (children under 12 enter for free)
Members: Free
🌒 Julefest After Dark: The party continues at Skål Beer Hall! All Julefest attendees will receive a free basket of fries with a $15+ purchase all weekend long, Friday through Sunday — just show your Julefest ticket to redeem! Learn more ➔
*One basket of fries per table.
What You'll Find At Julefest
Beer Garden & Live Performances
Our 21+ Beer Garden is open all day for glögg, mead, beer, and holiday cheer 🍻 Throughout the day, Valhalla Beer Hall is filled with the sound of music from local Nordic performers from across the state!
Looking for more ways to raise your glass? Check out Julefest 21+ Night Market and the limited edition 2026 Valhalla Mug!
Spotlights
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Valhalla Mug Club
Join the ClubWe invite all Julefest guests 21+ to snag their chance to be a part of our Valhalla Mug Club!
Each ticket comes with:
🍺 one(1) 20 oz. limited edition Valhalla Mug
🍻 your first two (2) beers on us
🔥 eternal glory! -
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Æbleskiver
A long-standing tradition at Julefest, æbleskiver (or ebelskivers) are fluffy Danish "pancake" balls, typically served as a traditional dessert during the Christmas season. These delicious little spheres, served with lingonberry sauce, powdered sugar, and whipped cream, are among our most popular Nordic treats at Julefest!
*Saturday and Sunday only
Spotlights
Outdoor Nordic Christmas Market
Each year, over 40 local vendors gather under the cozy lights in our outdoor market!
Spotlights
Homemade Christmas Cookies
Each year, dozens of volunteer bakers spend weeks beating together untold amounts of butter and sugar and anxiously peeking into ovens to make thousands of favorite holiday baked goods like krumkake, rosettes, and princess gems. Highly anticipated by Julefest attendees, the Goodies2Go selection regularly sells out by mid-afternoon each day of the fest.
*Saturday and Sunday only
Spotlights
Add to Your Experience
Spotlights
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Explore New Nordic: Cuisine, Aesthetics and Place
Explore the ExhibitNew Nordic: Cuisine, Aesthetics and Place is now on view at the National Nordic Museum. Entry to the gallery is free for members all weekend and just $5 for everyone else on Saturday and Sunday! Entry is included in a Night Market ticket for all guests.
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Make Magical Family Memories
🎅 Santa photos: Santa’s making his way from the North Pole to Ballard for Julefest! Photos are available from 10:00 am-4:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
🎄 DIY Ornaments: Families are invited to create their own holiday ornament in our Youth & Family Activities area.
🔎 Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Five Christmas tomtes are hidden throughout the Museum! Pick up a scavenger hunt worksheet at the Membership & Information Desk and find where these little house elves are hiding.
*Saturday & Sunday only. -
Pre-Order a Bottle of Glögg
Set Aside a BottleAttention, glögg lovers! If you've attended Julefest in the past, you already know that glögg (Swedish mulled wine) goes fast. Luckily, our friends at Sjoeblom Winery have you covered! Pre-order a bottle now and pick it up when you’re here. Just choose pick-up at the National Nordic Museum during check-out to save your bottle.
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Julefest After Dark
Check Out the MenuHead up the street to our Ballard friends at Skål Beer Hall (5429 Ballard Avenue) and keep your Nordic beer hall party going after Julefest. The fireplace will be roaring and gløgg will be flowing! Check out some of their aquavits, meads, and beers, or if you're feeling brave, challenge their shot sword! For more information or to make a reservation for anytime during Julefest weekend, visit www.skalballard.com.
Attendees of Julefest will receive a free basket of fries at the beer hall with a $15+ purchase all weekend. Show your Julefest ticket or for the discount. One basket of fries per table.
Reserve Your Tickets Today!
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Friday Night Market
✨ 21+ Julefest Night Market
includes full weekend access! ✨Hours
5:00 pm - 9:00 pmTickets
Night Market Tickets
Adult: $20 ($25 onsite)
Members: $15 ($20 onsite) -
Saturday & Sunday
Hours
10:00 am - 5:00 pmTickets
Julefest Tickets
Adult: $12.50 ($16 onsite)
Youth: $5.00 (children under 12 enter for free)
Members: Free
Sponsors
Level One Sponsors
Level Two Sponsors
Level Three Sponsors
More Events
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May 9, 2026
Northern Lights Auction
Save the date — May 9th, 2026 — for the biggest party of the year!
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In-person
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In-person
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In-person
