Celebrate a Scandinavian Christmas

The 16th annual Julmarknad (that's "Christmas Fair" in Swedish) is this Saturday at the State Fairgrounds.

Posted 8:24 p.m. Nov 27, 2012 — Updated 8:24 p.m. Nov 27, 2012

Caitlin Zanga

The 16th annual Julmarknad (that's "Christmas Fair" in Swedish) is this Saturday at the State Fairgrounds. Come experience traditional Scandinavian dress, Christmas customs and cuisine!

The Scandinavian Christmas Fair features authentic performances, crafts and gifts from the Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. Pick up some unique gifts, sample traditional spiced wine (glögg) and visit Tomten, the Scandinavian Santa.

One of the event highlights is the Lucia Procession, which starts at 3:30 p.m. The Feast of Saint Lucia is celebrated on Dec. 13 in Scandinavia and marks not only the return of daylight to those countries in the far north, but also the start of the Christmas season. The procession will feature women in the traditional dress of a white gown, red sash and crown of candles performing traditional songs.

The highly acclaimed "Vasa Drängar," the Swedish Men's Choir of Atlanta, will perform several Scandinavian Christmas songs.

The Christmas Fair is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holshouser Building. Tickets are $7 for adults and are purchased at the door. Children 12 and under get in free.

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