In-person

Julefest: A Nordic Holiday Celebration

November 22-24, 2024

Members & Children: Free

General Admission: $5.00 - $20.00

2655 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107

206.789.5707

21+ Friday Night Market Tickets

Saturday & Sunday Tickets

Kick off the Seattle holiday season at the National Nordic Museum!

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.

Friday Night Market

New this year, 21+ Julefest Night Market
includes full weekend access!

Hours
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Tickets
General Admission: $20.00
Members: $15.00

Friday Night Market Tickets
Saturday & Sunday

Hours
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tickets
General Admission: $10.00
Youth: $5.00 (children under 12 enter for free)
Members: Free

Saturday & Sunday Tickets

Introducing the Julefest Night Market (21+)

This year, don’t miss our newest addition to Julefest, the 21+ Night Market. Join us on Friday evening where you can enjoy festive drinks in our cozy Valhalla Beer Hall at happy hour pricing and be first in line for this year's Julefest vendors.

It’s the perfect opportunity to mingle, shop, and celebrate in a lively, adult-friendly atmosphere. Plus, Night Market tickets grant full access to the entire Julefest weekend!

Friday Night Market Tickets

_{Note: Friday's Night Market will not include æbleskiver or Goodies2Go.}

Celebrating 47 Years of Julefest!

A beloved Seattle tradition, Julefest at the National Nordic Museum is the city's "official" start to the holiday season. For nearly five decades, this celebration has brought the warmth, joy, and magic of the Nordic holidays to the heart of Ballard. Modeled after the festive outdoor Christmas markets found across the Nordic countries, Julefest captures the essence of Scandinavian holiday traditions while adding a unique Pacific Northwest twist.

Vendors

Aebleskiver

Nordic Eats
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Aebleskiver

Nordic Eats

A long-standing tradition at Julefest, æbleskiver (or ebelskivers) are fluffy Danish "pancake" balls, typically served as a traditional dessert during the Christmas season. Our æbleskiver are made fresh in-house by National Nordic Museum staff and volunteers, served with lingonberry sauce, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. These delicious little spheres are among our most popular Nordic treats at Julefest, so arrive early and look for the big red æbleskiver sign!
Aegis Living

Other
About

Aegis Living

Other

Assisted living and memory care with locations throughout the West Coast.

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Ballard Alliance

Other
About

Ballard Alliance

Other

Ballard is an eclectic and independent urban village. The Ballard Alliance works to ensure our neighborhood remains a unique and economically vital community for its visitors, residents, businesses and property owners. Through year-round programs to enhance and beautify our urban landscape, seasonal events that engage locals and visitors, and relentless advocacy on the issues that matter most, we are dedicated to making the Ballard a thriving community.

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Best Coast Canvas

Jewelry & Apparel
About

Best Coast Canvas

Jewelry & Apparel

Scandinavian-inspired high-quality waxed canvas and wool aprons, verksted aprons, and tool bags made in the USA.

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Bjoerntmlarsen

Art
About

Bjoerntmlarsen

Art

Bjoern T. M. Larsen is a Danish-born artist now based in the U.S., with a lifelong passion for painting that started in childhood. Influenced by time spent in both Denmark and Italy, Larsen's work reflects a blend of Nordic and Italian classical styles, inspired by cultural diversity from travels across Europe and the U.S. His art is about connecting with the viewer’s personal interpretation. Prints are available in eco-friendly materials.

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Elentari Handverk

Jewelry & Apparel
About

Elentari Handverk

Jewelry & Apparel

Debra Carus, the artist behind Elentari Handverk, creates modern, chic jewelry inspired by her Norwegian roots and Viking folklore. With a background in corporate management and education, she blends Scandinavian myths with her passion for metalsmithing. Debra teaches private and small-group metalsmithing workshops, covering techniques like stone setting, enameling, and Norwegian filigree. She showcases her work at art festivals and galleries across the U.S., particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

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Elizabeth Person Art & Design

Art
About

Elizabeth Person Art & Design

Art

Celebrate the places where you're from, you've been and you're headed with map art decor.

Elizabeth Person creates illustrated maps and information art. These educational and beautiful watercolor maps are available in prints of all sizes, cards and stickers.

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Fern and Fjord Vintage

Handcrafted Goods
About

Fern and Fjord Vintage

Handcrafted Goods

Fern and Fjord is a curated shop specializing in Scandinavian and Nordic vintage home decor. The collection features unique, one-of-a-kind items spanning eras from mid-century to modern, including crystal glass, textiles, ceramics, art, and more. Curator Courtnee Riise Averskog travels to Scandinavia annually to hand-pick pieces, ensuring each item has a story to tell. The shop is designed to inspire collectors and home decorators to infuse their spaces with classic Nordic design.

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FinnPeaks

Handcrafted Goods
About

FinnPeaks

Handcrafted Goods

Looking for Nordic design? FinnPeaks offers simple, beautiful, unique and sustainable home decor and lifestyle products for everybody.

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Freddy's Real Leaf Gifts

Handcrafted Goods
About

Freddy's Real Leaf Gifts

Handcrafted Goods

Real leaves dipped in gold, copper, and silver and formed into Christmas ornaments and jewelry.
Goodies2Go

Nordic Eats
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Goodies2Go

Nordic Eats

One of the Museum’s longest-standing traditions may also be its most delicious: Goodies to Go! Volunteer-run and led since its inception, this beloved Julefest institution is a massive bake sale celebrating the very best of Nordic baking traditions. From lefse to krumkakke to every kind of Nordic Christmas cookie imaginable, our dedicated volunteer bakers craft hundreds of homemade Nordic treats, all made with care and authenticity.

Available exclusively during Julefest on Saturday and Sunday (but not at the Night Market), these freshly baked goodies are a highlight of the event and a perfect way to take home a taste of the holiday season. With limited quantities, be sure to arrive early to get your hands on these delightful confections—because once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Grenljus

Handcrafted Goods
About

Grenljus

Handcrafted Goods

Artisan candle maker. Born and raised in Sweden, living in Portland, Oregon. Organic/biodegradable/recycled materials.

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Hovden Wear

Jewelry & Apparel
About

Hovden Wear

Jewelry & Apparel

Hovden Wear creates clothing for today's lifestyle inspired by traditional Scandinavian work clothes.

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Hygge Chocolates

Handcrafted Goods
About

Hygge Chocolates

Handcrafted Goods

Scandinavian-inspired artisan chocolates and confections inspired by comfort and coziness.

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Judy's Painted Treasures

Handcrafted Goods
About

Judy's Painted Treasures

Handcrafted Goods

Hand-painted woodenware featuring Norwegian rosemaling and Christmas items.

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Kos Candles

Handcrafted Goods
About

Kos Candles

Handcrafted Goods

Eco-friendly and vegan candles inspired by Kos, the Norwegian word for "anything that brings you love, joy, and cozy living."

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Larson Craft Co.

Handcrafted Goods
About

Larson Craft Co.

Handcrafted Goods

Handsewn flag pennants and market bags; hand-painted signs with Viking and God Jul décor; Scandinavian ornaments with Dala horses and gnomes.
Maddy's Crafts

Handcrafted Goods
About

Maddy's Crafts

Handcrafted Goods

Handmade gnomes, paintings, cards, and other small items. Everything is made and sold by Madelyn, 14 years old.
Michael Holberg Glass

Art
About

Michael Holberg Glass

Art

Hand-blown and sculpted glass. Gnomes, Nordic trees, Viking heads, snowmen, Christmas ornaments, and polar bears.

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Mormor Crafts

Jewelry & Apparel
About

Mormor Crafts

Jewelry & Apparel

Wool, hand-knit byams, ski caps, and mittens with Norwegian motifs, hand-knit by a Norsk-American grandmother (mormor), MaryAnn Namtvedt.

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National Nordic Museum Store

Other
About

National Nordic Museum Store

Other

The National Nordic Museum Store features a curated selection of products inspired by "Nordic Living" design trends that have taken root in America. Featured Brands: Marimekko, iittala, Royal Copenhagen, and Georg Jensen.

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Natural By Design Woodart

Handcrafted Goods
About

Natural By Design Woodart

Handcrafted Goods

Hand-turned wood art; bowls, vessels, Christmas trees, and more.
Norden Aquavit

Alcohol
About

Norden Aquavit

Alcohol

Award winning Aquavit from Michigan. Exceptionally crafted from 100% organic grain and thoughtfully selected botanicals - Enjoy neat or in your favorite cocktails.

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Norskwear

Jewelry & Apparel
About

Norskwear

Jewelry & Apparel

Family-owned business near Seattle specializing in high-quality wool and cotton garments since 1979. The company values sustainability by using natural materials with low environmental impact and focuses on creating products that bring joy and warmth to their customers. Norskwear's mission is to provide clothing that feels like a "warm hug," while emphasizing the importance of fun and happiness in life.

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Norwegian Rosemaling

Handcrafted Goods
About

Norwegian Rosemaling

Handcrafted Goods

Hand-painted woodenware in the Norwegian Rosemaling style.
pirkko.

Jewelry & Apparel
About

pirkko.

Jewelry & Apparel

Our collection of Scandinavian apparel is simple yet sophisticated, that’s because, beyond its beauty, each piece has a purpose.

Located only steps away from Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market, pirkko. carries iconic Nordic brands, as well as small, unique, and emerging brands from Nordic countries.

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Rainy Day Bees

Handcrafted Goods
About

Rainy Day Bees

Handcrafted Goods

Hyper-local honey from Seattle neighborhoods; handmade beeswax candles and candle holders.

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Reed Hammer & Needle

Handcrafted Goods
About

Reed Hammer & Needle

Handcrafted Goods

High-performance kitchen knives and very durable leather products including wallets and knife sheaths.

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Renewal by Andersen

Other
About

Renewal by Andersen

Other

Renewal by Andersen is the window replacement subsidiary of Andersen Corporation, a company that has revolutionized the window and door business for more than 110 years.

Drawing on the Andersen tradition of over 100 years of quality, innovation and craftsmanship, Renewal by Andersen was founded with the objective of creating a different and better window and door replacement experience for homeowners like you.

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Salt Blade

Handcrafted Goods
About

Salt Blade

Handcrafted Goods

Salt Blade is a Seattle-based artisan cured meat maker. We source local, sustainable ingredients to create small batch classics from around the world.

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Scandinavian Design Studio

Handcrafted Goods
About

Scandinavian Design Studio

Handcrafted Goods

Scandinavian tees, stickers, holiday ornaments, and gifts.

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Scandinavian Hearts

Handcrafted Goods
About

Scandinavian Hearts

Handcrafted Goods

Stickers, wood hearts, ornaments, earrings, and books with Scandinavian styles and symbols.

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SIGIL

Jewelry & Apparel
About

SIGIL

Jewelry & Apparel

Leather bags, accessories & raw mineral jewelry inspired by the windswept, rugged landscapes of Iceland. Designed from concept to finished product in Seattle, WA, USA by Anita M. Arora.

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Sjoeblom Winery

Alcohol
About

Sjoeblom Winery

Alcohol

In 2018, the SJÖBLOM GLÖGG was launched. As the first producer to create an authentic Swedish glögg in the United States, Sjoeblom Winery has created this gloggclub.com to provide with the most amazing glögg this country have ever tasted.

Sjoeblom Winery's philosophy of producing first class, quality wine, is based on old-world craftsmanship, time-honoured traditions and modern, scientific practices. Sjoeblom strives for a synthesis of classic European practices, experimentation, and up-to-the-minute winemaking science. Chauvignon Reserve has been the flagship of the winery ever since it was started, and is a sparkling Cabernet Sauvignon, Methode Champenoise from Napa Valley.

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Sky River Mead

Alcohol
About

Sky River Mead

Alcohol

Sky River Mead is an award-winning woman-owned winery. Proud to be one of the older wineries in Washington, it began in the rugged foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The winery was bonded in 1997, debuted its first bottle in 1999. In 2012, we moved to the Woodinville Winery District. Our tasting room has event space with artist gallery, a patio area, expansive picnic area, and evolving gardens. Come experience the Nectar of the Gods at Sky River Mead. Sláinte!

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Swede Hill

Alcohol
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Swede Hill

Alcohol

Yakima-based craft distillery producing whiskey, flavored vodka, and flavored moonshine.

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Swedish Dream

Art
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Swedish Dream

Art

Scandinavian-themed original artwork prints by artist Greta Lann.

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The Modern Dane

Handcrafted Goods
About

The Modern Dane

Handcrafted Goods

Organic European linen bedding that combines Scandinavian design with sustainable fabrics. Made with high-quality, eco-friendly materials, The Modern Dane products are designed to be durable and last a lifetime.

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The Seattle Times

Other
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The Seattle Times

Other

Daily newspaper based in Seattle, Washington that covers local, regional, and national news. Largest and longest-running newspaper in Washington state, known for its in-depth local coverage and award-winning journalism.

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Twiggypop Ranch

Handcrafted Goods
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Twiggypop Ranch

Handcrafted Goods

Handmade felted goods, hats, accessories, home goods.

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Two Birds in a Pod

Handcrafted Goods
About

Two Birds in a Pod

Handcrafted Goods

Handcrafted whimsical & functional birdhouses for birds nesting needs or to use as home decor.

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Valhalla Beer Hall

Alcohol
About

Valhalla Beer Hall

Alcohol

Skål! During Julefest, the iconic, hemlock-clad Osberg Great Hall transforms into a cozy, 21+ Viking haven. Relax and indulge in glögg, mead, beer and beyond at the bar, savor delicious festival food, enjoy live music, and soak up the yule atmosphere by the "fire". Raise your horn and immerse yourself in the magic of Julefest!