Norwegian Christmas Celebration

Kick off the holiday season with the annual Norwegian Christmas celebration at Vesterheim!

The Museum Building will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with free admission for youth under age 18. Vesterheim Commons and the Museum Store will be open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy Norwegian holiday traditions like a Juletrefest (Norwegian Christmas tree party of singing around a decorated tree) with a visit from the Julenisse and Julebukker, costumed folk who roam the museum complex scaring away evil spirits.

Throughout the day in the outdoor setting of Vesterheim Heritage Park, stop by to see the goats from the Lost Pine Farm in Decorah, Iowa, from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., and take a picture by the giant wooden nisse anytime.

Warm up with hot drinks and Scandinavian s’mores around a fire or bites of traditional Norwegian lefse treats – all free – located on the patio behind Vesterheim Commons.

There will be plenty of live music, hands-on crafts, folk art demonstrations, and Norwegian treats! Don’t forget about holiday shopping!

This event is supported by a generous gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from Bill and Kathi Wild.

Free admission for children is supported by Dr. James Bullard.
Music at Norwegian Christmas is supported by Muriel Stone.