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.

Ballard is serviced by Metro buses 17, 18, 29 40, 44, and the D Line. 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.

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!

See our Julefest map for more information.

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 either card or cash, however we highly recommend you purchase your tickets online ahead of the event for express entry. 

Payment methods for vendors may vary. Most take cash/card/check, but a few may only accept cash or check. There will be an ATM onsite (located outside the entrance to Valhalla Beer Hall), as well as banks throughout Ballard.

Same day re-entry is not permitted at Julefest. Please be sure you've gotten your æbleskiver, glögg, and Valhalla mug before before you leave for the day.

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 Café on the first floor of the Museum.

Yes! The quiet room is located on the first floor of the Museum next to the entrance to the Barbro Osher Gallery. This room is open to anyone who needs a break from the hustle and bustle of Julefest. See the the event map for more information.

Julefest brings together more than 40 merchants offering local art, handcrafted goods, delicious food, and more. Explore our 2024 vendors here. 

The galleries—including our new special exhibition, Fischersund: Faux Flora—will be open for visitors to explore during all three days of Julefest. Members and Night Market attendees receive free entry into the galleries. On Saturday and Sunday, general admission to the special exhibition will be $5 for non-Members.

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 on Sunday, don't panic! We reserve half of the cookies for the second day of Julefest so everyone has a chance to enjoy them.

Membership tote bags are available to pick up at the Visitor Services 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. Find them at the Visitor Services Desk!

Julefest is a family affair! Santa will be on-site for photos from 10:00am - 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. We also encourage children to write a letter to Santa before or during Julefest. We also have a holiday-themed Tomte Scavenger hunt that will guide you through our collections!

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!

Additionally, all Julefest ticket holders are eligible to receive 15% off their total bill at Skål Beer Hall all weekend long!

New this year, the Julefest Night Market is a 21+ event where you can enjoy festive drinks at happy hour pricing in Valhalla Beer Hall, 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 the new immersive multimedia exhibition, Fischersund: Faux Flora.

Please note that a few popular booths will not be available during the Night Market. These include:

1. Goodies2Go
2. Æbleskiver
3. Nordic Eats (food trucks)
4. Photos with Santa

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.

The Museum's on-site café, Freya, will be open all three days of Julefest. Enjoy Nordic-inspired pastries, espresso, sandwiches, and handcrafted cocktails courtesy of Lovely Night.

There will also be popcorn available outside from our friends at Pop's Popcorn, as well as chips available in Valhalla Beer Hall.

Looking for dinner?
While Freya Café will be open all three days of Julefest, we expect it to be busy! If you are looking for a full sit-down meal while you’re here for the Night Market, we recommend checking out this list of local restaurants from our friends at Visit Ballard.

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!