Julefest: A Nordic Holiday Celebration

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Main Page  |  Julefest Map  |  Plan Your Visit & FAQs 

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.

Plan Your Visit

1. Friday Night Market
   (SOLD OUT)

   
   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
   

   
   

   SOLD OUT

2. 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
   

   Julefest 2024 has come and gone! We hope to see you in 2025.

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.

Explore Julefest

1. 

   40+ Artisan Vendors

   Inspired by the charming markets of Northern Europe, Julefest brings together 40+ merchants offering local art, handcrafted goods, delicious food, and more. Grab a friend, a hot drink, and explore unique gifts for everyone on your list!

   Meet Our Vendors
2. 

   Valhalla Beer Hall

   Skål! During Julefest, Osberg Great Hall transforms into a cozy, 21+ Viking haven. Enjoy glögg, mead, festive food, live music, and warm vibes by the “fire.” Raise your horn and embrace the magic of Julefest!

   Join Odin's Inner Circle

1. 

   Meet Santa Claus!

   Santa’s making his way from the North Pole to Ballard for Julefest! He’ll be available for photos from 10:00 am-4:30 pm both Saturday and Sunday. Stop by, say “hej” to Santa, and make magical memories!
   
   *Saturday & Sunday only.

   Write to Santa
2. 

   Live Music 

   From local musicians to special performances, our festive Nordic-inspired tunes set the perfect mood for your visit, filling the air with holiday cheer and adding to the magic of the season.

   Preview the Performances

1. 
2. Reserve Your Tickets

   Saturday &  Sunday
   10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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

   
   

   Julefest 2024 has come and gone! We hope to see you in 2025.

   
   

Eat Your Way Through Julefest!

From Scandinavian sweets to local PNW favorites, there's something delicious for everyone at Julefest. Indulge in a taste of Nordic cheer as you explore the marketplace!

1. 

   Goodies2Go

   Goodies2Go, one of the Museum’s longest-standing traditions, is back for its 47th year at Julefest! Run by volunteers since its inception, this beloved holiday treat program returns with iconic goodies from this year’s bakers. These goodies are one of our most popular items at Julefest—arrive early Saturday and Sunday to ensure you snag some.
   
   *Saturday & Sunday only.

   Plan Your Cookie Haul
2. 

   Æbleskiver

   A Julefest favorite, Æbleskiver are fluffy Danish pancake balls served with powdered sugar and jam. Made fresh by our dedicated staff and volunteers, these delicious treats are always a festival hit. Arrive early to grab a plate at the 47th Annual Julefest!
   
   *Saturday & Sunday only.

   Make Your Own Æbleskiver

1. 

   Freya Cafe

   Freya is open during Julefest! Enjoy Nordic-inspired pastries, espresso, lunch offerings, and handcrafted cocktails courtesy of Lovely Night, all three days of Julefest. Whether you're craving a bite to eat after wandering our the marketplace, or simply looking for a cozy spot for fika after a long day of festive cheer, Freya is the the spot to be!

   Check Out Freya's Fall Menu
2. 

   Nordic Eats

   Fuel your Julefest adventure with a visit to our diverse lineup of food trucks, located at the entrance/exit to Julefest! Offering everything from fresh seafood to Swedish meatballs, make sure to swing by for a delicious bite.
   
   *Saturday & Sunday only.

   Explore the Food Trucks

Add to Your Experience

1. 

   Odin's Inner Circle

   Welcome to Valhalla! We invite all Julefest guests 21+ to snag their chance to be a part of Odin’s Inner Circle! Each ticket comes with:

   1. One (1) 19.5 oz. limited edition Valhalla Mug

   1. Two (2) Valhalla beer tokens

   1. Two (2) free admission passes to the National Nordic Museum

   1. Eternal glory!

   Purchasers can pick up their exclusive mugs in Valhalla (Osberg Great Hall) during the weekend of Julefest (Nov. 22, 23, or 24). All proceeds support the National Nordic Museum.
   _{Odin’s Inner Circle does not include admission to Julefest.}
   
   Join the Inner Circle
2. 

   Julefest After Dark

   
   

   Skål Beer Hall
   Saturday, November 23, 5-10pm
   5429 Ballard Ave NW
   

   Julefest at the National Nordic Museum closes at 5:00 pm on Saturday, but that doesn’t mean the party ends there! Head up the street to our friends at Skål Beer Hall and keep your Nordic beer hall party going. The fireplace will be roaring and gløgg will be flowing! And if you're feeling brave, check out some of the rare/holiday aquavits, meads, and beers on hand. For more information or to make a reservation for anytime during Julefest weekend, visit www.skalballard.com.
   
   Plus, show your Julefest entry sticker/ticket and receive 15% off your full bill at the beer hall all weekend!
   
   Discover Ballard's Favorite Viking Bar

1. 

   Pre-order Glögg

   Attention, glögg lovers! If you've attended Julefest in the past, you already know that glögg goes fast. Luckily, our friends at Sjoeblom Winery have you covered. Pre-order a bottle now and pick it up when you attend Julefest—make sure to select "Seattle" as the pick-up location at checkout!
   

   Set Aside a Bottle of Glögg
2. 

   Enter the Julefest Raffle

   Start the holiday cheer early with the 2024 Julefest Raffle! This year, four winners will be selected for a range of prizes, including a week-long getaway in the Deschutes River Valley. Raffle tickets will be available onsite at Julefest all weekend long—find a raffle roamer and enter for your chance to win.

1. 

   Discover Sylvsmidja

   Discover the artistry of Norwegian jewelry with Sylvsmidja! On Friday, Nov. 22, join experts from this historic company for a presentation on the cultural significance of the Norwegian Bunad. Plus, bring your own Bunad silver on Nov. 21-22 for a free evaluation and cleaning by Sylvsmidja’s skilled goldsmith. Sylvsmidja will also be onsite as a featured vendor throughout Julefest weekend!
   

   Get to Know Norway's Leading Jewelers
2. 

   Immerse Yourself in Faux Flora

   Experience the first-ever museum exhibition from Icelandic art collective Fischersund—a multisensory journey through scent, sound, and imagery 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.

   Spark Your Senses

1. 
2. Reserve Your Tickets

   Saturday &  Sunday
   10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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

   Julefest 2024 has come and gone! We hope to see you in 2025.

Introducing the Julefest Night Market (21+)

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!

Julefest 2024 has come and gone! We hope to see you in 2025.