Embrace the cozy warmth of the holiday season with this roundup of Nordic holiday events! Whether you are looking to explore festive Scandinavian Christmas markets in Southern California — or maybe there are some closer to your home — or join immersive virtual workshops from the comfort of home, there is something for everyone to enjoy. What will you be adding to your holiday calendar?
~ Streaming Reminders ~
Netflix’s Home for Christmas, Seasons 1-3
Home for Christmas is a fun, cozy rom-com set in a picture-perfect Norwegian winter wonderland. It’s about Johanne (played by Ida Elise Broch), a 30-something nurse, navigating the pressures of being single during the holidays. Each season centers on Johanna’s love life and family dynamics during a 24-day countdown to Christmas Eve.
(For more holiday viewing ideas, see my post Cheers to a holiday full of Norwegian Christmas streaming! with shows that are still available.)
~ Southern California Christmas Events ~
🇳🇴 Norwegian Julebasar — November 13-22, San Pedro
The Norwegian Church in San Pedro will be filled with Christmas cheer and Norwegian goods from Friday, November 13, through Sunday, November 22 (open weekdays 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Saturdays until 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 12:00-4:00 p.m.). Enjoy sandwiches and hot Norwegian food Friday through Sunday (Friday risgrøt, Saturday fiskesuppe, and Sunday rømmegrøt), and of course, there will be raffle tickets for sale with fabulous prizes.
🎄Solvang Julefest — November 27-January 3
Visit Solvang from November 27 through January 3 for their annual monthlong Danish-style holiday celebration of lights, celebratory events, and holiday cheer. Join special events such as the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Julefest Parade, Maker’s Markets, and New Year’s Eve Copenhagen Countdown as well as ongoing events and tours.
🇩🇰 Danish Julemarked — November 28, Yorba Linda
The Danish Lutheran Church and Cultural Center of Southern California will host its annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 28, 9:00-3:00 p.m. Browse crafts, décor, ornaments, and gifts from Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian vendors while sampling Danish favorites like æbleskiver, gløgg, and smørrebrød. Danish pastries and selected meat products will also be available for purchase.
🇸🇪 SWEA Los Angeles Christmas Bazaar and Lucia Celebration — December 5, Santa Monica
Celebrate Swedish heritage and food at the SWEA Los Angeles Christmas Fair and Lucia Celebration at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Santa Monica. Indulge in Swedish favorites like pancakes, baked goods, glögg, and hot dogs while exploring a range of artisan vendors. Highlights include visits from Santa Claus and Saint Lucia celebrations. Buy tickets in advance; limited availability at the door.
~ Virtual Events ~
Online Nordic Book Club Meetings
Join Nordic book clubs from around the country that meet virtually to discuss contemporary and historical fiction, crime novels, memoirs, short stories, and more. See the full list of upcoming titles here: Nordic Book Club Meetings. Anything catch your eye?
December Family Book Adventure: The Christmas Sweater by Jan Brett (Registration deadline 11/10)
Register by November 10 to join Vesterheim for this family-fun reading adventure which begins December 1. Decorah School librarian Shannon Horton will get you reading, thinking, creating, and even up and moving – indoors and out! The registration covers the cost of a kit including a copy of the book, materials you’ll need for the fun hands-on activities, a special treat from Vesterheim, and directions for downloading and using the Goosechase app.
ASI Food Programs: Lingonberries in the Nordic Kitchen with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 11/12)
You might have tasted it alongside a plate of Swedish meatballs-but have you really dug into the many other uses of the lingonberry? Join Kristi Bissell as she demonstrates a number of Nordic-inspired recipes from her blog True North Kitchen featuring one of the Nordic countries’ most important culinary exports. Kristi will discuss possible sources for different lingonberry products available outside of the Nordic countries as well as ways to put these various products to use, from condiments to beverages to desserts.
Cozy Cabin Cocktails with Emily Vikre (Friday, 11/13)
Emily Vikre of Vikre Distillery will give tips and tricks to help make the perfect cocktail to enjoy your time away at the cabin. Be prepared to concoct delicious cocktails that will make you never want to go back home. This class is currently sold out, but you can request to be added to the waitlist.
Vesterheim Cooking Class: Nordic Morning Bakes with Kristi Bissell (Saturday, 11/14)
Start your day the Scandinavian way with a collection of cozy breakfast bakes. In this cook-along class, Kristi will prepare three Nordic-inspired recipes that showcase the warm flavors and wholesome ingredients of the North: Cardamom Banana Bread, Swedish Apple Muffins, and Lingonberry Baked Oatmeal. This class is currently sold out, but you can request to be added to the waitlist.
Vesterheim Cooking Class: Norwegian Milk Cakes with Stewed Apples, Puffed Barley, and Cream with Nevada Berg (Saturday, 11/21)
Join celebrated cook and author Nevada Berg in making traditional milk cakes, mjølekaker. These delicate, paper-thin cakes have been a baking staple for centuries, cherished as both an everyday treat and a celebratory indulgence. In this class, we’ll pair them with vanilla bean eplegrøt (stewed apples) and puffed barley – two new recipes from her upcoming cookbook, set for release in early 2027. Come ready to learn, eat, and have fun! This class is currently sold out, but you can request to be added to the waitlist – or add her upcoming cookbook, My Norwegian Table: Where Meals Become Stories, to your wishlist.
Vesterheim Cultural Connections: Decorative Wall Paintings of Sweden (Sunday, 11/22)
Curious if Swedish Dalmålning, Bonadsmålning, and Norwegian Rosemaling are art cousins? You’re in luck! Join vibrant folk artist Pieper Fleck Bloomquist on a journey into the enchanting world of Swedish Wall Painting. Step back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when lively wall hangings brightened Swedish farmhouses, capturing the playful spirit of their creators. With a treasure trove of photos from her Swedish adventures, Pieper unveils the secrets of historical painters—captivating designs, stories, and the materials that brought these masterpieces to life. Spaces available at time of publication.
ASI Nordic Table Demo: Glögg Party with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 12/10)
Celebrate the season Swedish style with a glöggmingle or Mulled Wine Party! Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen will share some of her favorite seasonal recipes, including her take on Swedish mulled wine or glögg, a trio of mini open-faced sandwiches, and a Pear Cardamom Cake. Whether you are inspired to host a feast or incorporate these recipes into other seasonal meals, you’ll be set with great options for savory and sweet nibbles throughout the holidays.
How to Host a Gløgg Party with Kristi Bissell (Saturday, 12/12)
Celebrate the season Scandinavian-style with a festive collection of recipes perfect for holiday entertaining. In this online cook-along class, Kristi will prepare two traditional Nordic holiday beverages, a classic Red Gløgg and a festive White Gløgg, along with elegant Blue Cheese and Pear Smørrebrød Appetizers and crisp Pepparkakor Cut-out Cookies. This class is currently sold out, but you can request to be added to the waitlist.
Rosemaling Holiday Birds on Ornaments (Sunday, 12/13)
Learn the basics of traditional Norwegian rosemaling in this beginner-friendly online class. You will paint a beautiful wooden bird ornament while learning simple brush strokes, flowers, and decorative details. No previous painting or rosemaling experience is needed. A complete kit of supplies including paints, brushes, ornaments, and a special treat from Vesterheim (a $50 value) is included in the cost of enrollment and will be mailed to you. This class is currently sold out, but you can request to be added to the waitlist.
Vesterheim Cooking Class: Rye Three Ways (Or Maybe Four!) with Patrice Johnson (Saturday, 12/19)
Got jul? Our Rye Three Ways (Maybe More!) class will get your ready to celebrate the holidays – Rye Style. We’ll cover all of the bases and basics for a rye themed jul party with appetizers, main courses, dessert, and of course specialty cocktails and mocktails. Spaces available at time of publication.
Sweden and Swedish for Travelers with Gregg White (Mondays, 1/4-1/25)
This class meets weekly on Mondays from January 4–25, 2027. Traveling to Sweden soon or just thinking about it? Want to know the essential phrases to use with your friends and relatives? Have some questions about what to see and where to go once you get there? This language and travel course taught by Gregg White will get the traveler to Sweden off on the right foot.
Nordic Table Demo: Beyond Bread – Cooking and Baking with Rye with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 1/21)
Rye is a staple ingredient in the Nordic kitchen, most often on the table as dense, hearty rye bread or thin, versatile crispbread. But Kristi Bissell of the blog True North Kitchen is ready to stretch our imaginations beyond just bread! Sourcing and using rye berries and flour deserve a little extra attention, and Kristi will discuss her tips and tricks for using rye while walking students through recipes for a cookie, a cake, and a savory dish in this hour-long demo.
Intro to Swedish with Liz Stopka (Thursday, 1/21)
Are you curious about the Swedish language but not yet ready to commit to a multi-date class? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Sweden? This two-hour introductory workshop, taught by Liz Stopka, is the perfect way to get a feel for Swedish—pick up a bit of grammar and learn how to pronounce some words for basic conversation. No materials required.
Intro to Northern Sámi with Áila O’Loughlin (Sunday, 1/31)
Are you curious about the Sámi language and culture? Are you looking for a quick, low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to northern Finland, Sweden, or Norway? This two-hour introductory workshop, taught by Áila O’Loughlin, is the perfect way to learn about the history of the nine living dialects of Sápmi, get a feel for North Sámi, pick up a bit of grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic greetings. Families welcome!
Which events or experiences look interesting to you?
In mid-September, I caught Emily St. John Mandel on her US tour for Exit Party when she was in conversation with Rachel Khong, another author on my TBR list. It was an intimate setting with a chance to meet her during the signing afterwards. I’m toying with the idea of becoming a completist for Emily St. John Mandel since I really enjoyed both Station Eleven (
Then at the beginning of October, I attended a large and packed event for Min Jin Lee and her latest novel American Hagwon. She was in conversation with director Lee Isaac Chung, moderated by actress Jamie Chung, and they had an animated and interesting discussion about immigration, family, sacrifice, education, and more. I really enjoyed Pachinko. It opened my eyes to world history and prejudices that were unfamiliar to me (
Whether you’re planning a trip to the stunning fjords, the vibrant cityscapes of Oslo, or the charming coastal towns, learning Norwegian will enhance your experience and help you connect with the locals in a more meaningful way. Join Dr. Maren Anderson Johnson and learn Norwegian words and phrases. A kit of materials including a workbook that supports the video instruction and a sweet treat from Vesterheim is included in the cost of registration. On-demand class content is available for 90 days from the time of purchase.
Ever wonder why sølje pins have those shiny dangles with silver disc drops? These discs are called “spoons” or “shells” in Norwegian. Silver has long been a protective element against evil and abduction by the hulder folk in Scandinavia. Legend has it that if you run into the devil wearing your sparkling sølje, he would see his own reflection and run away! Don’t run away from a chance to create your own silver- and gold-washed earrings in this short class designed to introduce you to the beauty of Scandinavian silverwork. A kit including the materials you need to create two pairs of earrings in a variety of combinations, and you’ll receive information about how to access the online course materials (content is available for 90 days from the time of purchase). The level of instruction is beginner friendly.
This course, taught by Gregg White, introduces the history of Sweden. In six weeks, this class will cover the geography (the country), the history (the nation), and the political system (the state) of Sweden. The class will learn how these three important factors shaped what we know as “Swedishness”, from the melting of the ice-age glaciers to the development of the “third way” of social democracy. Materials provided by the instructor; students will be given links to handouts they can print before each class. Advanced registration required.
Join San Francisco-based chef and author Nichole Accettola for an introduction to her newest cookbook, 
If there was ever a fruit that defined summer in the Nordic kitchen, it would be the strawberry. In honor of this spectacular fruit’s seasonal arrival, join Kristi Bissell as she demonstrates a trio of Nordic-inspired recipes from her blog 
Have you heard the myth that Finnish is an impossibly difficult language? Curious to find out more about its structure and vocabulary? During this three-session course taught by Daniel Haataja, we’ll look at Finnish from a linguistic perspective and discuss what makes it different, but not necessarily difficult. We’ll also explore how the language has changed over time and continues to evolve today. No knowledge of Finnish is required, but you may leave the course with a strong desire to start learning the language.
What do mashed potatoes, shrimp salad, and curry remoulade sauce have in common? All are common hot dog toppings across Scandinavia! Whether for a quick weeknight supper or a fun summer entertaining spread, Scandinavia provides plenty of fun twists on the average hot dog. Join Kristi Bissell from the blog 
Across North America, many Norwegian-American families are rediscovering forgotten or hidden elements of their ancestral past. Among these histories are connections to the Sámi. Yet for generations, Sámi identity was often silenced or obscured due to assimilation policies, social stigma, and pressures to conform to dominant national identities. This webinar explores the historical roots of that silence and the contemporary journeys of rediscovery now taking place among descendants in the diaspora.
Hardangersøm is Norwegian drawn thread work. In this online class, you will learn basic Hardangersøm stitches as you make an ornament. Instructor Shan Rayray will take you step-by-step through each of the stitches. The class will consist of three sessions over three weeks. Each session will be accompanied by a video tutorial that you can refer to between class sessions as you complete each step.
Are you curious about the Icelandic language? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Iceland? This two-hour introductory workshop, taught by Daniel Haataja, is the perfect way to get a feel for Icelandic, pick up some grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words for basic conversation.
Join Vesterheim for an afternoon of meringues with a battle between the Norwegian kvæfjordkake and the Swedish pinocchio. Instructor Patrice Johnson will show you how to make both meringues and it will be up to you which one will come out victorious, even though the ones who get to eat the meringues will be the real winners.
Join Vesterheim instructor Laura Berlage in September for a family journey into the wonderful world of needle felting. Laura will guide you through the tips and tricks needed to walk away with your very own little fox. This program has been designed for families to experience on their own schedules. There is no live Zoom event and no scheduled class time – your family can participate anytime during the month when it works for your schedule! On the first of the month, you will receive an email with the links and information about how to access.
Anders Zorn, a world-famous artist from Dalarna, left us iconic paintings that immortalize the beauty of Swedish landscapes and traditions. Did you know he also noticed that folk music was losing popularity at the turn of the last century? He therefore took action, creating the Zorn Badge to reinvigorate Swedish folk music by recognizing and awarding accomplished folk musicians. In this lecture by instructor Ingela Haaland, participants will learn more about Anders Zorn, the artist, the person, and the innovative thinker, and explore his artistic work, his home province of Dalarna, and his impact upon the folk music traditions of Sweden that flourish to this day.
If you have already tackled one of the Introduction to Basic Strokes of Rosemaling classes or have similar experience, Vesterheim welcomes you back with fun sessions to continue your journey and learn basic stroke work with a new pattern and project! Develop your technique further and meet new friends. The class will include demonstrations and plenty of hands-on practice. The class will be taught using acrylic paint. Enrollment deadline July 30.
Norwegians in Southern California can celebrate in person on Sunday, May 17, at the Norwegian Church’s 
Ever wonder why sølje pins have those shiny dangles with silver disc drops? These discs are called “spoons” or “shells” in Norwegian. Silver has long been a protective element against evil and abduction by the hulder folk in Scandinavia. Legend has it that if you run into the devil wearing your sparkling sølje, he would see his own reflection and run away! Don’t run away from a chance to create your own silver- and gold-washed earrings in this short class designed to introduce you to the beauty of Scandinavian silverwork. You’ll receive a kit with the materials you need to create two pairs of earrings in a variety of combinations and instructions on how to access the online course materials. Content is available for 90 days from the time of purchase. Level of instruction is beginner friendly.
Whether you call it pulla, kardemummabröd, or coffee bread, a classic Nordic bread combines floral cardamom, a crunchy sugar topping, and a beautiful braided presentation into a show-stopping yeasted loaf. Finland and Sweden’s answer to a challa, Cardamom Bread is commonly enjoyed as part of a fika or coffee hour, but is equally at home on the breakfast table—it makes especially stellar french toast! Since it’s hard to find in bakeries, your best bet is to tackle it at home, and luckily Kristi Bissell of the blog 
Beginning June 1 and available all month, your family can participate anytime during the month when it works for your schedule! On the first of the month, you will receive an email with the links and information about how to access. The $35-per-family price covers the cost of a kit including a copy of the book, materials you’ll need for the fun hands-on activities, a fun craft, a scavenger-hunt-type adventure, and a special treat from Vesterheim.
Kristian Bugge and WB Reid’s live performance at Vesterheim will be livestreamed on Zoom for an online audience. The program will focus on tunes from the rich, Danish fiddle repertoire, spiced up with a few songs in Danish and English. Expect everything from wild polkas and groovy jigs to lyrical waltzes, fiery reels, and happy hopsas. Plus, they will play the exotic “Sønderhoning” dance tunes from the famous, Danish Island of Fanø.