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In-person

Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration

Date

November 19-20, 2022

10am-5pm

Admission

Members: Free

Non-Members: $10

Youth (12-18): $5

Children (Under 12): Free*
*When accompanied by a ticketed adult

The National Nordic Museum's Julefest takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving on the Museum grounds. Modeled on a traditional outdoor Christmas market, expect all the goodies associated with the Nordic holidays with some Northwest twists! This event takes place on Saturday, November 19, and Sunday, November 20. 

All tickets include admission to Museum as well as Julefest.

Please note that all vendors are located outside the Museum in the parking lot and in the closed section of 28th. There is no parking at the Museum during Julefest. The Museum Store and Freya will be open inside the Museum.

Julefest at the Museum

On November 19-20, 2022, the National Nordic Museum will host its 45th annual Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration. This cultural community event transforms the Museum grounds into a traditional outdoor Nordic market similar to those widely attended throughout the Nordic region.

During Julefest, visitors are immersed in a variety of Nordic holiday traditions. Guests can expect to discover a modern spin on a traditional market as they can shop from over 30+ local artists, taste traditional holiday fare, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the grounds. 

Click here for a full list of Julefest vendors and entertainers!

Julefest For Kids - SOLD OUT: waitlist will first come, first serve.

  • Activity Books—pick one up at our Visitor Services desk for free! 
  • Tomte Hat Drop-in Craft (with adult)—stop by Classroom 2 (map to come!) for this fun and festive activity
  • Santa—come grab a photo with Santa Claus! He'll be in the Cultural Resource Center all day, both days. Shutterspark Studios is back and will be onsite for all your Santa photo ordering.
  • Visit a Viking Ship in the East Garden!
  • Nordic Music for Kids!
    • Where? Classroom 1
    • Who? Perfect for Ages 3-13 with an adult
    • When? Pick a slot from the following: Saturday, 1:30 & 2:30 or Sunday, 12:30 & 2:30
    • About: Calling all kids! Here's your chance to get up close and personal with Nordic musicians as they introduce the instruments and music that have been part of the Nordic traditions for generations. Join local musicians as they show you what makes Nordic traditional instruments so special and unique, and listen as they play just for you. When the presentation is over, take a scavenger hunt through the Museum galleries to see wonderful items from the Collection that speaks to the tradition of music in our community. Learn more about our instructors here!

Julefest After Dark hosted by Skål Beer Hall

Saturday, November 19, 5-11pm
5429 Ballard Ave NW

Julefest at the National Nordic Museum closes at 5pm, but that doesn’t mean the party ends there!

Head up the street to our friends at Skål Beer Hall (5429 Ballard Avenue) and keep your Nordic beer hall party going for the official Julefest After Dark! Show staff your Julefest ticket or sticker for special discounts on food, drink, and swag—or if you're feeling brave, check out some of the rare/holiday aquavits and beers on hand. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.skalballard.com.

View our official Julefest map below, or click here for a downloadable version.

Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors, donors, and many volunteers for making Julefest an affordable and accessible multi-cultural event that draws diverse audiences and educates visitors about Nordic culture and traditions.

Level Two Sponsors

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