Julefest: Plan Your Visit

Ballard is a busy neighborhood, especially during Julefest! If you are driving, please note that parking is very limited. We recommend looking for street parking in the residential streets north of the Museum, in the parking lot next to the Ballard Locks, or checking out the parking map from the Visit Ballard.

Please note the Museum parking lot will be closed during Julefest. We recommend carpooling, using public transportation, or a rideshare service to get to Julefest.

Metro bus routes 17 and 44 have stops immediately adjacent to the Museum, at NW Market St & 28th Ave NW. Ballard is also serviced by Metro bus 40 and the D Line. Route 40 will be running increased frequency and ADA service during Julefest weekend, from 9:30am — 5:30pm.  Plan your route →

Unfortunately, there is no drop-off spot at Julefest. We recommend looking for a one-hour parking spot along NW Market Street or a place to pull over in the residential streets to the north of the Museum.

Metro bus route 40 will be running increased frequency and ADA service during Julefest weekend, from 9:30am — 5:30pm.

The entrance to Julefest is on the corner of 28th Avenue NW and NW Market Street, next to the Museum’s monolith sign. The exit is located through the “Nordic Eats” section (the food trucks lining 28th Ave NW). This will pop you right out on NW Market Street!

Service animals are welcome at Julefest; all other pets (including emotional support animals) must remain at home.

As in the Nordic countries, the weather in Seattle can be unpredictable! Julefest takes place both indoors and outdoors, so we recommend wearing layers to stay comfortable during your entire visit. Many guests choose to wear festive sweaters, traditional bunads, or other accessories that show your holiday spirit!

Admission to Julefest can be paid with card only. We highly recommend you purchase your tickets online ahead of the event for express entry. 

Payment methods for vendors may vary. Some may accept cash, but a few may only accept card payments, including Æbleskiver, Goodies2Go, and Valhalla Beer Hall. Please note there is no ATM at Julefest.

Yes, same day re-entry is permitted. Before you leave, please get your hand stamped at the Information Desk.

Note: Night Market ticket holders are granted access to all three days of Julefest. All other ticket holders are only eligible for entry on the date they purchased tickets for.

Yes! There is a gender-neutral restroom located in Freya Cafe on the first floor of the Museum.

Yes! The quiet room is located on the first floor of the Museum just past the Information Desk and first-floor bathrooms. This room is open to anyone who needs a break from the hustle and bustle of Julefest.

Julefest brings together more than 45 merchants offering local art, handcrafted goods, delicious food, and more. Explore our 2026 vendors here.

Throughout the weekend, Julefest is filled with the sound of music from Nordic performers from across the state! This year, the stage is moving from Valhalla Beer Hall to the Fishermen's Sun Terrace for a family-friendly atmosphere.

Stay tuned for the performance schedule, announced soon!

The galleries — including our new special exhibition, A Ballard Story: Pacific Fishermen — will be open for visitors to explore during all three days of Julefest.

Goodies2Go is one of the Museum's longest-standing traditions and is always a fan favorite at Julefest! These traditional Nordic baked goods sell out every year, so we recommend coming early if you want to get your hands on these yummy treats. 

If you're coming later in the weekend, don't panic! We reserve cookies for every day of Julefest so everyone has a chance to enjoy them. We're excited to announce that Goodies2Go will be available at the 21+ Friday Night Market in 2026.

Membership tote bags are available to pick up at the Membership & Information Desk during Julefest. Join or renew your Membership today to receive a limited-edition Julefest tote bag. 

Our Membership Department will be available for questions or assistance during Julefest.

Julefest is a family affair, with activities for all ages! 

• Santa will be on-site for photos from 10:00am - 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. We encourage children to write a letter to Santa before or during Julefest. 🎅
• Families will have a chance to create their own holiday ornaments in the Youth and Family Activities area on the second floor. 🎄
• While you're here, explore the Museum with a holiday-themed Tomte Scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts are available at the Information Desk on the first floor of the Museum. 🔍
  

Ballard is home to a wide range of popular restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops. Check out Visit Ballard's list of places to eat in the neighborhood for some recommendations!

All Julefest attendees will receive a free basket of fries at Skål Beer Hall with a $20+ purchase all weekend, Friday through Sunday. Show your ticket for the discount. One basket of fries per table.

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

Head up the street to our Ballard friends at Skål Beer Hall (5429 Ballard Avenue NW) and keep your Nordic beer hall party going at the official Julefest After Dark! 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 skalballard.com. 

Julefest attendees will receive a free basket of fries with a $20+ purchase all weekend, Friday through Sunday. Show your ticket for the discount. One basket of fries per table.

The Julefest Night Market is a 21+ event where you can enjoy festive drinks, enjoy live music, and have the first opportunity to shop from our incredible lineup of artisan vendors. You will also have free access to explore our galleries, including our new special exhibition, A Ballard Story: Pacific Fishermen. There will also be photo opportunities throughout the Festival and a DIY wrapping paper activity.

Please note that two booths will not be available during the Night Market. These are:

1. Æbleskiver (fluffy, Danish "pancake" balls)
2. Photos with Santa and other youth activities

Please be sure to return on Saturday or Sunday to enjoy these beloved Julefest attractions! Your Night Market ticket includes access to all three days of Julefest.

We have a delicious line-up of food trucks that will be on-site all weekend long! Additionally, the Museum's on-site café, Freya Cafe, will be open all three days of Julefest. Enjoy Nordic-inspired pastries, espresso, sandwiches, and handcrafted cocktails courtesy of Lovely Night.

The Night Market is an event for adults 21 and older only. But, your Night Market ticket grants access to the entire Julefest weekend, so you can return with the whole family!

Your Night Market ticket includes return admission to Julefest on Saturday and Sunday. Just scan your QR code at the admissions tent and head in for a full weekend of festivities!